Formula question?

Question

I've asked this before and haven't really gotten an answer that helps. My 3 month old drinks formula and I am always wondering if I am giving her the right amount of powder in her water. She's been constipated lately, she actually had a really big hard poop stuck coming out of her anus - the poor thing. By the way if that ever happens, jsut lift the baby's legs and push under the anus and the poop will slide out. Thank God I figured this out because when I called the doctor they told me to take her to the ER and then I just pushed right under the poop and it came out, she had had the poop stuck there for 5 whole minutes!

Anyway, they say not to give water alone to babies but I feel like maybe I am making the formula too concentrated. Because I see air pockets in the powder in the little scooper, I've been adding a tad extra to make up for those pockets but now I am thinking I shouldn't be doing that. How do you know if it is the right scoop and have you noticed the air pockets?

Answer 1

Well I see the "air pockets" in my scoop and I don't add a tad extra. The can says a level "unpacked" scoop so I assume it means that the air pockets are okay. My little one was constipated the first week we brought her home and when I called the doctors office they told me to just ad a little more water to the formula. Like if I was going to make her 2 oz just use one scoop but use 2 1/2 oz or 2 1/4 oz of water. That worked like a charm. Everyonce in awhile now if I notice she has had some hard poops I add just a little bit of water. She has had no problems since. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I quit using powdered formula all together because my baby did not gain any weight on goodstart while she was on it for one month. What I did to compensate for the air pockets when I did use it is pat the scoop down to settle the powder in the scoop. I would sometimes have to pat it down like three times to get the right amount in. It was a huge chore. Making the bottles was a chore...and so I switched to concentrate formula of enfamil with ara and dha and it is actually cheaper then powder about 100 times easier to make and my baby has gained weight steadly since switching back. I recommend chaning to concentrate (mix with water) or else standing at the counter patting down the scoop and killing time to make sure the right amount goes into the formula.

Also your child can get malnourished if you add more water then the can directs. If you want to risk that go ahead but it doesnt seem very bright to me. My baby did not get constipated from using the good start powder but had a bowel movement every two days. Now that she is on concetrate she goes a couple times a day.

Answer 3

Well, you should follow the directions on the formula. Make sure that you are mixing it well.
As for the constipation it could be from the iron in the formula it's normal. If it's too bad talk to the doctor about changing the formula. Or, if it only happens once in a while, try a little prune juice in some warm water.A little kayro syrup in the formula will do the trick, not so much though as a little goes a long way. At four months oyu should be incorporating some baby food in her diet. Cereal is a great start and then add some veggies and fruit.

Answer 4

I'm so glad you asked this question because I have been wondering the same thing!

The can says to make "level unpacked scoops," which is pretty impossible since it has the consistancy of wet sand. I've just been scooping it and gently rubbing it against the side of the can to make a level scoop. There always seems to be a little air pocket in there, but I don't add more to compensate for it. I used to add more, and that's when she was having really hard poops...so I completely understand what you're saying and I'm pretty sure that is the problem. Now that I just scoop it and level it, she's having normal poopies again.

Oh..and as for the water thing. I give my daughter some water whenever her little soft spot feels sunken in (per her doctor's orders), so there is really no problem in giving them straight water.

Best of luck in making those stupid level scoops! LOL

Answer 5

Typically it's one scoop per 2 ounces of water. Measure the water first then add the powder. Also, not all types of formula use the same size scoop so don't use a scoop from a different manufacturer. Babies also aren't are regular as we are in terms of bowel movements. One movement every 3-5 days could be normal for your child. Each child is different. Maybe you should call your pediatrician to see if they recommend any type of stool softener before you try anything.

And you are right, extra water is NOT recommended. It can flush the electrolytes and salt from an infant and cause them to be dehydrated.

Answer 6

You can always add a little more water to the formula, and yes I've noticed the little air pockets, I just hit the scoop on the side of the can to level it out. I would talk to the pediatrician about giving the baby straight water. I know how you feel about the constipation my son went through the same thing and had one stuck. I just ended up puting A&D ointment directly on his anus and it came out. But thanks for that tip in case it ever happens again hope not though. Our doctor had us give our baby juice diluted with water for his constipation and he was 3mo old. But would still talk with the doc about what you can give your baby.

Answer 7

On the formula that I've made for my son, (now 14 months) it says in the instructions to put 1 unleveled scoop for every 2 ozs. I have seen this sometimes when preparing my baby's formula, but never had a problem with it. Are you sure you are measuring 2 oz water for every scoop? It is the right scoop if it is the one that came with the formula. I don't see what the problem would be to add a tad extra. You might want to compensate by a little extra water.
They are right to say that babies under 6 months don't need extra water; they already are getting all the hydration they need.
Hope your dear darling is better.
I actually found out too if you put thier knees to the stomach, it helps them to be rid of gas too.

I hope I have been of help to you. Contact me if you have any questions. [e-mail]. Put in a subject line so I know it's not spam..

Answer 8

One tricky thing, always add the water to the bottle first. The powder takes up enough room that if you add it first, there won't be enough water. It will be short by nearly an ounce. You should always tap the scoop on the side of the can to settle it, and level with a knife (or your finger..I always washed my hands so I just use my finger)

Never try to add extra. You might also try a formula without iron for a while, and see if that helps. Iron stops up everyone, including adults. If you're worried about getting enough iron, you can always alternate bottles. You can add extra water, but I wouldn't because you can't verify the amount of nutrients she's getting.

Good luck...

Answer 9

Always use the scoop that comes with the formula. You should never pack the scoop full. That's why there is usually a little hole in the bottom of the scoop. If you are uncertain, fill the scoop and use a knife to level off the top.

I used Enfamil w/ lipil. It was always one scoop for every 2 ounces of water.

I hope this helps you and good luck.

Answer 10

Dont add more formula to the water. Just prepare the formula according to the directions. My second child was constipated and all it took was a change in brand of formula. She was on Similac and I switched her to Enfamil and she was much better. It can also be the powder... try concentrate... MUCH EASIER to prepare !!! ~I always used concentrated formula - same amount of water to liquid formula. She may be allergic ... maybe soy milk can help.
If I were you Id try concentrated for a couple of days ... if that dont help Id try to switch the brand...even if you have to try 2 different ones. If that dont work talk to your doctor about her being allergic to milk and suggest trying soy.
The smallest thing can make her not digest the formula right. Dont hesitate to try something a little different. That was very difficult for me and my 3rd child. I went trough 2 different formulas before finding out he was allergic to milk. Good Luck !