Anyone think that Enfamil A.R really works?

Question

just curious if I should buy it for my son, he spits up all the time.

Answer 1

Thickened feeds have been shown not to help reflux. It just stops the spit up from coming out of the mouth, it still gets into the throat which can still cause pain. (Note not all reflux causes pain and reflux that does not cause pain or slow weight gain does not need treatment. All treatments have risks)

"What about thickened feeds?
Baby cereal, added to thicken breastmilk or formula, has been used as a treatment for GER for many years, but its use is controversial.

Does it work? Thickened feeds can reduce spitting up, but studies have not shown a decrease in reflux index scores (i.e., the “silent reflux” is still present). Per Donna Secker, MS, RD in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease , "The effect of thickened feedings may be more cosmetic (decreased regurgitation and increased postprandial sleeping) than beneficial." Thickened feeds have been associated with increased coughing after feedings, and may also decrease gastric emptying time and increase reflux episodes and aspiration. Note that rice cereal will not effectively thicken breastmilk due to the amylase (an enzyme that digests carbohydrates) naturally present in the breastmilk.

Is it healthy for baby? If you do thicken feeds, monitor baby’s intake since baby may take in less milk overall and thus decrease overall nutrient intake. There are a number of reasons to avoid introducing cereal and other solids early. There is evidence that the introduction of rice or gluten-containing cereals before 3 months of age increases baby's risk for type I diabetes. In addition, babies with GERD are more likely to need all their defenses against allergies, respiratory infections and ear infections – but studies show that early introduction of solids increases baby’s risk for all of these conditions.

The breastfeeding relationship: Early introduction of solids is associated with early weaning. Babies with reflux are already at greater risk for fussy nursing behavior, nursing strikes or premature weaning if baby associates reflux discomfort with breastfeeding.

Safety issues: Never add cereal to a bottle without medical supervision if your baby has a weak suck or uncoordinated sucking skills. "
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html

Answer 2

Make sure you check with his doctor before switching formulas. If you and your doctor do decide that the AR formula is right for your baby, then call the Enfamil company (their phone number's on the can) and tell them and ask for free samples. I did this when I switched to Gentlease and they sent me 2 of the 24 oz cans. It took about 3 weeks to get them but the finally came.

By the way my son also has reflux and is on medicine for it and is doing much much better.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

you should ask his doctor what they recommend formula changes should always be checked Thur a doctor. My son's doc changed him to soy milk for spit up. the soy milk has helped a lot.

Answer 4

hello i add a little bit of baby cereal in my babys bottle i got told that by a nurse that works at the childcare centre

Answer 5

Didn't really work for my son.