Change formula?

[Mommy of 3]

Hi my son is a little over 6 months and has been quit constipated.  He usually goes about 3 days before having to poop and when he does he's constipated.  I'm currently feeding him Enfamil Lipil with Iron.  My husband thinks we should switch to Similac Advance because everyone he knows feeds their babies Similac and none of their babies are constipated. 

I was wondering if I could get feed back from anyone who uses those brands?

[GabrielleD]

I use Isomil, which is Similac's brand of soy based formula. No problems with constipation ever. Prior to that, I started DS on Similac about 3 weeks after he was born but switched to the soy based formula because he was extremely gassy and kept spitting up. No constipation though. HTH

[Noelle]

I used Enfamil w/iron with both of my kiddos with no constipation issues, but it doesn't hurt to try a different one    Each baby is different, and can react differently with the formulas. 

[Adoptivemom]

I agree - it doesn't hurt to try different formulas to see how the LO reacts. My daughter went through a few different formulas at first because she was a BIG spitter-upper! Finally ended up with Enfalac with iron. It seemed to be the best for her. However, my son is on the President's choice brand (no name grocery store brand) because he can handle anything! Never spits up. (both of my kids are adopted so it has nothing to do with genetics! Just the fact that every child out there is different!)

[colenliam]

Hi,
I use the similac advanced and haven't had any trobles since we started that, lo has always had troubles, hes been on every formula.  im really not sure if it is the formula but you could try to add 1/4tsp brown sugar or cornsyrup/4oz, that will help as well
hth

[Mommy of 3]

thanks everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciate it.  At first I was very skeptical about changing formula on him like that, but I think I might have to.  Although I haven't changed the formula just yet, my husband and I have decided to stick to Enfamil for now, but we're adding more juice and water to his diet (if he will have them).  I hate to see the poor boy screaming and crying everytime he has a bowel movement.  For the past few days he's been having bowel movements just about every 4 hours, but not a lot.  I think the poor boy is also holding it in as well, which does not help the situation either. 

I will keep everyone posted on our decisions.  Thanks once again for all the advice.  I don't feel so bad now if I need to change the formula.  THanks

[Colin Macs Mom]

We also had a hard time with gas and constipation in the early days... switched formula several times and ended up with Enfamil Gentlease. It's still iron fortified but is partially broken down so it's easier for them to digest. I would definitely recommend it if your problems continue.

[NKmommy]

I am sorry he is having problems with the formula.    I wanted to second what Jessica said.  Enfamil Lipil and Similar Advance are really the same thing - milk based formula.  If you switch to a milk-based formula that has broken down proteins (like GentleEase or Good Start), it might be easier on the tummy and help the poops.  HTH. 

[alex and danny]

Our Ped suggested we give our lo lots of water - 4-6 oz a day at least.... it really helps with constipation!  HTH