How to Choose a Formula for a Colicky Baby

Typically, infants do a fair amount of crying, particularly in an effort to communicate with their parents. An infant who is crying without being hungry, overheated, tired or in pain may have colic. Approximately 10 percent of babies suffer from colic during the first three months of their lives, according Sutter Health CPMC. The onset usually occurs within the second and fourth weeks of life. Colicky babies cry for two- to three-hour periods with no evident cause. This behavior may subside if you give your baby formula suited to her dietary needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Hypoallergenic formula
  • Formula containing probiotics

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid a soy-based formula for a colicky baby. Soy formulas can affect your baby's future physical and sexual development, according to NHS Choices. Talk to your pediatrician before switching your baby to any new type of formula.

    • 2

      Try a hypoallergenic formula if you suspect that your baby is one of the 5 to 15 percent of babies with an allergy to cow's milk, according to Parenting. A family history of milk allergies increases the likelihood that your child will have this issue. Symptoms of a intolerance to lactose include diarrhea, vomiting, eczema, wheezing, excess mucus, streaks of blood in stool or a scaly rash. Based on these signs, your pediatrician may prescribe a hypoallergenic formula. A baby's allergy to milk proteins is often short-lived.

    • 3

      Buy a formula containing probiotics if you believe that gas is causing your baby to be extra fussy. Probiotics have been shown to reduce crying time by 74 percent, according to "Parenting" magazine. These formulas decrease gas and increase bowel movement, which helps the baby feel more comfortable and may reduce crying.

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