Some infants develop excess gas or diarrhea while on formula. Some of those babies have a milk protein allergy, meaning they have difficulty digesting cow's milk protein. These babies should be switched to a soy-protein formula such as Nursoy, Prosobee or Isomil. Specialized formulas are also available, such as formulations designed for infants and children with lactose intolerance and for firming loose, watery stools in infants older than six months. There are also specific formulas for premature babies.
Babies born with metabolic diseases require severely restricted diets.
Formula manufacturers offer special products that meet the nutritional needs of these babies by providing complete nutrition while eliminating or restricting proteins that are harmful to the infants. When selecting the best formula for an infant, your baby's pediatrician is the best person to consult. For that reason, mothers should always ask their baby's health care professional for a formula recommendation. Once a physician recommends a particular formula, moms have other choices to face. Most moms use a combination of the forms offered.