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Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Nutrition Guide

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Formula Feeding

Question

How can a baby be sensitive to formula?

Answer

Babies’ digestive systems are still developing during the first year of life, and some babies may become sensitized to large, whole proteins as they pass through the digestive tract. As a result, signs of intolerance may appear such as fussiness, crying, and gas. Milk proteins are the most common cause of intolerance, so using a milk-based formula with protein that’s already broken down into smaller pieces may help reduce the likelihood of protein intolerance or sensitivity.

There’s no clear way to predict which babies will develop symptoms of protein intolerance or sensitivity, so it’s important to choose a formula that’s designed to help avoid intolerance. Talk with your baby’s physician to decide what type is best for your baby.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

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Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

Our 4-month-old drinks about 32 fluid ounces of formula a day. Is that too much? Your baby’s healthy immune system The GOOD START^® Difference