Parents everywhere can attest to the fact that diaper rash can be a huge pain. It’s not only uncomfortable for the baby, but it can also be frustrating trying to figure out what is causing it.
We explore the connection between formula and diaper rash.
Can a baby become allergic to formula?
Yes. Formula intolerance is a disorder that affects certain formula-fed newborns. Babies with this illness have trouble digesting particular chemicals in their formula, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diaper rash and other symptoms.
Allergy symptoms can appear from the first few weeks to the first two months, depending on how sensitive your babies are to the milk protein casein, which is usually the cause of an allergy to cow’s milk formula.
Does formula cause diaper rash?
Yes, switching formulas can result in diaper rash. If it’s a severe rash, I’d also look into if yeast might have gotten into the rash or some form of irritation. Almost all diaper rashes that have been present for two weeks have been exacerbated by a yeast infection and may not clear up until the yeast is treated.
The transition from one formula to another could result in a transient diaper rash, but nothing more serious is expected. A move from soy to cow’s milk formula, or vice versa, may be beneficial. Read our guide to signs that formula isn’t agreeing with baby to see if a new formula may help. It’s a good start to help you figure out if the formula is helping or making the rash worse.
Another consideration might be to move to a softer formula like organic or GMO free formula. Non-GMO baby formula is manufactured without the use of genetically modified substances. This indicates that the plants used to develop the recipe were not genetically modified in a laboratory to provide a certain attribute or trait.
How can you tell if baby is allergic to formula?
If you start giving your baby infant formula, you should be on the lookout for signs of an allergy, especially if allergies run in your or the baby’s father’s family. Cow’s milk or soy products are common constituents in infant formula. Cow’s milk protein is the most prevalent allergen in infant formula allergy.
Still, allergies to newborn formula are uncommon. Half of all newborns who are sensitive to cow’s milk protein also have a negative reaction to soy.
If your infant does have a dairy allergy, soy-based formula is not always the best option. Before switching to a hypoallergenic formula, consult with your baby’s doctor.
It may soothe you to know that your baby will often outgrow their sensitivity to newborn formula within a few years. Once they start onto solid foods then most of their nutrition will come from their food rather than milk.
Skin Issues
If your baby’s skin develops a rash, hives, or dry, flaky patches of the baby’s skin known as eczema consult with our doctor. A diaper-rash-like ring around the rectum of your baby that does not go away with diaper rash cream could be a sign of newborn formula sensitivity.
Using warm water instead of scented wipes also helps. Rash thrives in wet diapers so frequent diaper changes are recommended but scented wipes can cause a rash.
At each diaper change, rinse your baby’s bum with warm water and pat your child dry with a large towel. Use a diaper cream (one with zinc oxide helps to keep bum protected but any natural cream should work given enough time).
Vomiting and Reflux
Most babies spit up, especially in the first few months; this is natural and a result of their digestive tracts’ immaturity. However, if your baby vomits or spits up a lot of her formula on a regular basis (an indication of severe reflux), this may be cause for concern.
Stools That Aren’t Normal
If you are transitioning your kid from breast milk to infant formula, expect the stools to smell and look different as their diet is changing.
However, if the stools smell bad or are unusually hard or loose, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction to the newborn formula are at work. Acidic urine can also throw off the pH balance of the skin which could lead to irritation.
Discomfort in the Abdomen
Babies who have allergies to infant formula may become fussy during or after feedings, crying, squirming, or displaying other signs of stomach pain. Crying incessantly, as in colic, may indicate that your infant is gassy or has gastrointestinal pain.
These symptoms could be normal, or they could indicate sensitivity to infant formula. If you’re wondering whether your infant has lactose intolerance (which is not the same as an allergy), it’s exceedingly unusual in babies.
Gain or Loss of Weight
Regular stomach issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea, may keep your kid from growing as quickly as he should. Failure to thrive is not normal and should be reported to your child’s pediatrician.
Take Away
It might seem that your kids’ diaper rash is never-ending but don’t panic, just look for the causes and then treat it. We know it can be a struggle, but rest assured once they are potty trained it will soon go away! Diaper rash has been with us through the ages and whilst creams help, moms will tell you it’s a problem anyone who has ever been pregnant will face at some time or other!
