hypoallergenic formulas

[nj teacher]

x-posted for traffic...

anyone using these? which do you prefer, nutramigen or alimentum? why?

thanks!

[traxster]

My son had to use a hypoallergenic formula. We chose Nutramigen, only because it was the made by Enfamil. I don't know if there is a difference between either one of them, really. I never tried Alimentum at all.

I guess I was no help! :)

[Cocomuffin]

my bear is on nutramigen. we tried the other and she didn't care for the taste. which is odd in retrospect, as she likes catfood, dirt, and bugs.....

[marion]

My daughter was on Alimentum. She used it for about 7 months. She was fine with it. No problems. The only thing was it was $7 a day and that was about 4 yrs ago. My girlfriends dd who will be 2 in Aug. used it as well and it was covered by their insurance.

[Liz-at-home]

My DS#1 was on Nutramigen and DS#2 was on Alimentum. My ped doesn't think there is a huge difference between the two (when used for milk protein sensitivity). Both formulas are lactose free. Nutramigen is also sucrose free and Alimentum is corn free (I think but I'm not 100% sure so check with the manufacturer if necessary).

DS#1 was given Nutramigen and it worked great. He didn't love the taste but he was losing weight on regular formula and having so much trouble tolerating anything that we didn't take him off it to try Alimentum. When DS#2 had his appt, the ped was out of samples of Nutramigen so we were given Alimentum and it also worked so we stuck with it. To me, Alimentum smells better than Nutramigen. At some stores near me, Nutramigen is more expensive than Alimentum. Both my boys were on hypoallergenic formula for 6-7 months. Oh, and just to throw it out there, my DS#2 could not tolerate the powder version but did great on Ready-to-feed.

I have been on the hypoallergenic formula roller coaster twice and many other posters on this board have been there done that, too. Definitely post more questions if you have any. Good luck.

[RLB]

Briefly had to use Nutramigen (before successfully switching to lactose free formula when regular and soy didn't work)--it was easier (though not cheaper) to obtain at Walmart here. Both of the formulas have been in existence for a long, long time....which is why it still chaps me that it cost so much when it is some babies' only alternative.

[nj teacher]

bump! anyone else?

[NancyGar]

Hi, yes very familiar and please feel free to email or IM me.

My dd was on nutrimagin post breastfeeding of a restricted diet.

Ds was on a huge variety before being accurately diagnosed with multiple food protein intolerance later to be diagnosed as eosinophilic gastroenteritis. He is now on Neocate formula which is a true allergy free formula.

Those who have kids on this are often recommended to try Alimintum (ugh, spelling) when trialing to get off Neocate. Both Neocate and Elecare are expensive.

Getting a accurate diagnosis of the problem is key. My son suffered for 15 months.
good luck

[MonicaLeigh]

Levi was on Alimentum for a month then I switched hime to Nutramagin only because it smelled better (but still smelled horrible) :rolleyes:

He stayed on 'N' until 7 months when I switched to soy then finally about 3 weeks ago switched to Good Start. Tried to switch at 2 mos and 4 mos but didn't go well.

We have a major acid reflux issue and are finally on the upswing so far as vomiting goes. How this child weighs 23 pounds at 9 mos is beyond me?

At one point we were spending $225/month :eek:

[nj teacher]

We are having severe feeding issues here! We started BFing with supplementation of Similac Advance. Then we switched from Similac Advance to Good Start at around 4 weeks. Then at 9 weeks I stopped BFing altogether, and now we have been on Nutramigen for 2 weeks, just started trying Alimentum yesterday.

Ella projectile vomits (always has, even when I was nursing!). That has actually gotten better, but now we are dealing with fussiness and crying during feedings. We couldn't even get her to eat sometimes. So frustrating!

AJ will eat, but he screams for hours every day. He spits up, but not that much. So the pedi said it might be "silent reflux" and prescribed him Zantac - told us to try it on Ella too.

Since the change to Nutr. & Zantac (switched at same time) we have seen an improvement. We were afraid to switch to ALimentum, but these wet poops are horrible!!! We are going thru so many diapers, wipes, and laundry detergent. These blow-out poops are ruining their clothes (and ours!) - They have both had blow-outs so bad it has gotten on US when it leaked out of their diapers.

So far, I don't think Ella likes the Alimentum. She projectiled it yesterday, but we also went for a walk pretty soon after she ate, so not sure if that's why. I guess we'll try it for a few weeks & see.

The good thing is that once we decide on a formula, insurance will pay.

[MonicaLeigh]

Sounds ike you are in my old shoes but with 2 babes. I was told insurance would pay but then they didn't so kudos for you if your ins co will pick up the tab.

Levi projectile vomited too and was put on Zantac at 4 weeks then to Prevacid at 4 months which was much better. He is still on Prevacid and does still vomit a lot but has lessened since he eats a lot of solids now and I have completely cut out babyfood and cut his formula in half he throws up less.

It is such a pain and makes for a long "babyhood". 9 months is truly the magic number and we counted the days and are there and things are so much better. There were many days I had to shower because I smelled like vomit. Our home is "laminated". We had to put down the plastic runner stuff all over our carpet since Levi now crawls. Feel free to pm me and I can even call you. It's rough especially when you see your friends with "normal" bouncing bundles of joy and you fear bouncig yours because it wil all come up. Know you are not alone. We even did some testing (against my better judgement) and nothing is wrong anatomically - they just "walk" out of it so to speak.

I doubt Alimentum will lessen the poops or blowouts but good luck. Have you tried addig cereal to their bottle to make it heavier? Didn't work for us but works for lots of babies.

Good luck and we are all here for you

~~~hugs~~~