When baby has a cold-do I take her off formula?

Question

I have been told by a friend that I should take my 10 month old off her formula during her cold because she is quite congested. Has anyone else heard of this? I can't get her to drink anything else except corn syrup mixed with water. Is this sufficient for a few days till she gets over it?

Answer 1

It has long been commonly thought that ingesting milk products while having a cold would increase mucous production. In reality, there is no scientific evidence to support this so there is no need to take your daughter off formula if she is drinking it. It is important for her to keep hydrated and drinking her formula will help her. If she doesn't feel well, she will probably not be eating well right now, so her formula will give her some nutrients. If she goes off the formula herself than it will not hurt her to go without for a few days until her cold gets better. Water with a little corn syrup is fine as well as it will help ease the congestion and keep her hydrated. You don't have to stop the formula.

Answer 2

Corn syrup mixed with water may make your daughter have diarrhea. That is what is used to address constipation. You may want to consider getting pedialyte or another product like that which will ensure she has the proper balance of electrolytes, and still give her some calories. Also, you can add an extra ounce or two of water to her formula to thin it out. I would NEVER remove all food or liquid from a baby. Calories are important for healing, and she absolutely needs lots of fluid. Finally, you might call the doctor. She should be old enough to be given Pediacare or some other decongestant, which would really help the poor little baby out. I hope and pray your baby is better real soon! God bless.

Answer 3

Corn syrup with water are you serious??? You should not be giving that to your baby. Give her the bottle with formula. If you have to you can dilute the formula with extra water. A child that young should not be getting sugar like corn syrup. That can lead to starting bad habits early. If she wont drink the formula try 100% juice mixed with some water. Good Luck

Answer 4

i dont want you to panic but u can look it up it is dangerous to give a child corn syrup
i would actually call your doc n tell them u did this just to make sure ur child is ok
im sorry i dont want u to panic but i am being serious i think u can look it up online i know it is in a book i am reading bout the first year of a child life what to do and not to do and that is a major no no (corn syrup)
um i wouldnt take her off formula but u could give her maybe water before bed or before she lays down for a nap instead of formula
formula will just make the baby cough more so its ok if shes goin to be up but if she is goin to sleep prop the baby up and dont give formula b4 bed
hope i helped
good luck

Answer 5

My son has a cold at this time and my doctor has told me to watch and make sure he is drinking enough formula and other fluids to make sure he is not getting dehydrated. DO NOT listen to your friend. It is true that milk can make you more congested but as a baby when they drink formula as a meal you can not take that away from them. I know my son will not eat many solids when he is sick so taking the formula away from him would starve him.

Answer 6

My doctor has me do the same thing with my son, but what I would do is get unflavored Pedialyte and use that as the water for my son's formula then, if say he was taking 6 oz, I would do 6 oz of Pedialyte and 1 1/2 scoops of formula instead of 3 scoops, so it isn't as thick and he can swallow it easier. Instead of the corn syrup/water combo, I would give her Pedialyte or Gatorade.

Answer 7

Some docs and nurses may believe in the whole dairy product making secretions thicker. I never took my kids off their formula, though. They have to get their nutrients and vitamins. If she is throwing up and running a fever, you might want to try pedialyte, gatorade diluted with water or diluted seven up. Make sure you are sucking out her nose, prop up her head at night, use a cool mist humidifier, and anything to make her comfortable. I hope she feels better soon.

Answer 8

Ok- definitely take her off the corn syrup! Any type of honey, syrup, or liquid-type sugars could cause botulism in children under one. It's extremely dangerous.
Definitely do NOT take her off of formula- it's imperative for her nutrients to stay normal, and that's the only way she's going to get them. Why your friend would recommend you taking her off of it is beyond me, but that's her biggest source of iron, vitamins and minerals.
If she absolutely refuses formula (though keep trying to give it to her- she will take it sooner then later) trying half juice, half water, or half pedalyte, half water.
Again, I can't stress enough- take her off the corn syrup!
Hope that helps some.

Answer 9

I have never heard of that. My son has had a few minor colds and i have still given him formula. My doctor has said that a cold usually last between 7 - 10 days and that the medicine isn't really necessary. My son also has a hard time taking medicine. I have to force him to otherwise he'll spit it out. I wouldn't worry too much but if you don't see results after the ten days, I would recommend that you call your physician.

Answer 10

Dairy products do not thicken scretions unless your baby is allergic.

You can't take food away from a sick child. It makes no sense.

In fact, the sucking action of eating a bottle will help cause the ears and sinuses to drain.