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Got Colic?

A Colic Primer for New Parents

By Laura Cone

For moms who choose not to breastfeed or can't, several formulas have been designed in recent years to ease symptoms of colic. Cow's milk protein consists of whey and casein, which experts say may prolong crying in colicky infants. Researchers say changing to a hydrolyzed protein formula such as Enfamil Nutramigen or Enfalac Pregestimil may decrease symptoms of colic in bottle-fed babies allergic to cow's milk protein. Pregestimil is a hypoallergenic formula for feeding babies from birth with fat malabsorption problems, while Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula for infants who are sensitive to intact protein found in milk-based and soy-based formulas.

Another alternative for babies sensitive to the protein in milk-based infant formulas is Alimentum Advance, a hypoallergenic formula recommended for infants with colic due to protein sensitivity. The protein in the formula is broken down into smaller parts to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

For infants who have trouble with casein hydrolysate formulas, it may be necessary to switch to amino acid-based formulas such as Neocate. Neocate is designed for infants who have multiple food protein intolerances.

Want to see more?

• Talk about it!
• Coping with Colic: How to Help Your Baby – and Yourself
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