Baby Worse On Neocate? (Solved)
Does your baby seem worse after starting Neocate?
Don’t worry, it’s normal. Switching to a hypoallergenic formula like Neocate can be a challenging transition for some babies.
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These formulas are designed to help reduce allergy and digestive symptoms, but some babies may temporarily experience side effects or even seem to get worse at first.
In this post, I’ll explain why your baby worse on Neocate, and how long it can take for you to see improvements.
I’ll also go over the temporary side effects that can occur at the beginning, and instances you should be concerned about and seek medical help.
Takeaways
- Allow at least 2 weeks for your baby’s body to adjust to Neocate.
- Temporary side effects like gas, spit up, and stool changes are common at first.
- If allergy symptoms worsen or persist longer than 2 weeks, consult your pediatrician.
- With time, Neocate helps resolve allergy symptoms by removing problematic proteins.
Why Is My Baby Worse On Neocate?
Neocate is an amino acid-based formula that tastes very different from breastmilk or standard cow’s milk/soy formulas babies may be used to.
Also Read: Baby Won’t Drink Nutramigen
Some babies will refuse to drink less the first 1-2 weeks out of dislike for the taste or smell.
Plus, Neocate has a very unique amino acid makeup that requires the baby’s gut enzymes and microorganisms that aid digestion to adapt.
When transitioning, your baby will experience discomfort like increased gas, reflux, harder stools, or diarrhea.
Sometimes symptoms blamed on Neocate are actually unrelated conditions that flare up around the same time, like reflux, constipation or allergies.
With all that said, if your baby seems very unhappy after 2 weeks on Neocate, despite a slow transition, consult your pediatrician.
They can help determine if it’s directly formula-related or other issues.
How Long To See Improvements On Neocate?
How quickly you see allergy symptom improvements on Neocate can vary based on the severity of your baby’s condition.
Many babies show relief of allergy symptoms within 3-14 days after starting Neocate.
However, if your baby has severe allergies that have caused significant inflammation or irritation, it may take longer for their gut to heal and symptoms to subside.
So it’s super important to keep your baby on Neocate for at least 2 weeks to allow their body to adjust to the new formula.
But don’t stop Neocate as soon as you notice some improvement.
If there’s no improvement after 2 weeks and still baby worse on neocate – call your pediatrician.
What Transitional Side Effects Might Occur?
Switching formulas can cause temporary adjustments as your baby’s body adapts.
Also Read: I Accidentally Gave My Baby Honey Nut Cheerios
Some common transitional side effects when starting Neocate include:
Changes in Stool
The amino acids in Neocate are broken down and absorbed differently than proteins in other formulas. This needs an adjustment period for the gut flora and enzymes that help digest food.
So during the first 1-2 weeks, the change can temporarily cause gas, bloating, or loose stools.
But this usually resolves within 2 weeks as the microorganisms in the baby’s gut adjust.
Neocate also contains medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oils to help boost caloric density and nutrient absorption.
However, the higher MCT content may initially cause some babies to have firmer, more difficult to pass stools until their digestive system adapts.
Keep your baby well-hydrated and talk to your doctor if stools become too hard.
Increased Spit Up
The thinner consistency and unique taste of amino acid formula can temporarily increase spit up frequency as babies adjust.
It also moves through the stomach faster.
As long as your baby seems comfortable and is gaining weight as expected, allow 1-2 weeks for their digestive system to adapt before worrying.
Decreased Appetite
The smell and taste of Neocate is very different from breastmilk or standard infant formulas.
Some babies may refuse bottles or drink smaller volumes during the introductory period out of dislike for the flavor profile.
Also Read: Baby Keeps Unlatching But Still Hungry
But most infants will adjust within a week or two if the formula is delivered consistently.
In the meantime you can try different feeding positions, using slow-flow nipples, or offering smaller bottles more frequently.
Increased Crying
Switching to Neocate formula is a big dietary change.
Some babies may experience more crying episodes, gagging, discomfort or reflux symptoms during the first few days.
Crying usually decreases within two weeks once the GI system adapts.
But check with your pediatrician if crying seems excessive or severe reflux signs continue longer term, as other issues may require evaluation.
Adjusting mixing ratios or frequency may also help manage discomfort.
