Switching to a low iron baby formula

Question:
My 3 month old is 13 pounds and is very constipated and has colic. He is currently on Similac Advance but does not seem to be tolerating it well. My mother-in-law suggested a low iron baby formula because she thinks the iron is constipating and he may tolerate it better. Do you recommend this? I can't seem to find any low iron formulas in the stores so think it may not be a popular option.


Answer:
To answer your question of weather you should switch your baby to a low iron baby formula, the answer is NO, absolutely not. Although low iron baby formulas do exist, the FDA has actually urged the formula manufacturer’s to discontinue these products. The formula companies have refused because the product sells, but it is not recommended babies drink these formulas because iron is so important in an infant’s diet.

Some parents decide they would like to try baby formula without iron to decrease their little ones constipation, infant reflux
or colic. The truth is this type of baby formula is hard to find because all babies need iron fortified formula. Iron fortified formula is absolutely necessary for babies so they do not become seriously anemic and sick. It does not cause or contribute to constipation in any way. Although the article above has a few different options for constipation in older babies, some physicians recommend giving the baby a little sugar water. Ask your child’s physician how she feels about this for your infant.

If you feel your baby would benefit from a different baby formula, it may help your child’s colic, however a low iron formula should not be an option.

Please discuss this issue with your doctor before switching your baby to a low iron formula, and ask if you would like to switch to a different infant formula.