Formula Feeding FAQs: Some Common Concerns

The major health organizations - including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) - agree that tooth decay (a serious dental condition) in older babies and toddlers.

Could my baby have an allergy?

Some babies are fluoride supplements during the first 6 months. From 6 months to 3 years, babies require fluoride supplements only if the water supply is severely deficient in fluoride. Well water and bottled water, for example, don't contain fluoride. Ask your child's doctor about your little one's needs.

My baby is really fussy, but it may just be gas. Is there anything I can do to help or prevent this?

Your baby's fussiness may or may not have anything to do with gas or the formula, nipple, or bottle you use. Some babies are simply colicky (continuously crying for long periods of time), especially during the first 2 to 4 months.

There are many possible causes of colic, but doctors now believe that colic is probably not caused by gas. Research suggests that more often than not, colicky babies develop gas by swallowing too much air while they're crying.

If your baby does seem to be passing gas or burping a lot, here are some things you can do that may help ease the gas pains and comfort your little one:

• Walk with your baby or sit in a rocking chair, trying various positions.
• Try
• Burp your little one every 3 to 5 minutes during feedings.
• Don't give your baby a bottle lying down.
• Keep your baby upright after feedings - putting him or her in an infant seat, stroller, or swing afterward.
• Don't jiggle, bounce, or actively play with your baby right after feedings.
• Make sure the nipple hole in your baby's bottle is the right size for your baby. For example, fast flows may cause babies to gag or may simply give them more than they can handle, whereas slower flows may be frustrating to some babies and may cause them to suck more vigorously and gulp too much air.
• Keep your baby's head above his or her feet while feeding (in other words, don't hold your baby in a dipped-down position when feeding).
• Raise the head of your baby's crib or bassinet. Roll up a few small hand towels or receiving blankets (or buy special blocks) to place under (not on top of) the mattress. But Barbara P. Homeier, MD
  Date reviewed: August 2005