Symptoms of a formula allergy are not always easy to recognize in your baby. As the baby's parent you may feel torn in two by the infant's crying, leg lifting, and her colicky behavior. Therefore you need to recognize the symptoms of a formula allergy so that you can do what is best for your newborn bundle of joy.

There are many signs of a formula allergy in your newborn infant. Some of the first signs are behavior changes. Even though it may be difficult to tell the behavior changes in a newborn baby, because she is "newborn" after all-these are the allergy symptoms to look for; The baby may be crying a lot after having her formula due to gas pain, and a general uncomfortable feeling. The baby may become very fussy. Your infant may pull her legs up as much as she can, due to her stomach hurting,. She may also become colicky. Although she may not really have colic she may stay awake all night crying due to the gas and allergic symptoms she is going through.

The next symptoms of a formula allergy are body and skin changes. The baby may develop these outward body signs that she is allergic to the formula such as developing a rash, or hives, developing eczema that is dry, flaky patches of skin. The infant may obtain a red ring around her rectum that doesn't go away with a zinc oxide preparation..

Stomach problems may arise such as the baby spitting up large amounts of formula after feedings. The infant may develop acid reflux problems, where she spits up formula and has formula wash back into the throat. Your newborn infant may according to Medicine Net.com develop loose, watery stools that are foul smelling, or become constipated.

Other problems that may arise due to an infant becoming allergic to formula can also be that the baby doesn't grow very well. The baby may sleep poorly at night. The baby may develop the throat closing due to being allergic to the proteins in the formula. Therefore it may be a good idea to keep an Epi -pen close at hand.

To help the baby in her first year of life, Medicine Net.com recommends that new mothers breast feed their babies exclusively for the first six months. Breast milk contains protein that is less foreign to the baby, therefore it is less allergenic than cow's mils or soy milk based formulas.

Talk to the pediatrician before changing the baby's formula, because the doctor can give you expert advice on what is the best formula for your gassy, allergic baby. There are three types of formula. Cow's milk formula being the most common, because most formulas are made with cow's milk. Soy based formula is an option for babies that can't tolerate cow's milk. But many infants are allergic to soy milk. Protein drolysate formulas are meant for babies whose families have a history of allergies to formula. This kind of formula is made to be digested easier for the baby.

Many times the baby will outgrow an allergy to formula, so it is best to talk to the doctor. The best alternative for the infant is to be given what nature intended and that is breast milk. Although with many new Moms working full time jobs, breast feeding isn't always the right option. You have to work out what is best for the baby and your lifestyle.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, and MedicineNet.com

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