Answer: Hi,
That is a good question and one I’m sure many parents wonder about. Thickened formulas can work really well for some babies especially the ones who vomit, and that may be the only treatment they need. For others however, thickened formulas are not so successful and they can make some babies even more unsettled. Like anything with reflux, it is all trial and error. I hope you get this strategy to work for you, but if not, there are lots of other ideas you can try.

There are some options for you with the thickened formula. One is to simply make the hole in the teat bigger using a sterile razor blade (the advice we were given from a paediatric gastroenterologist said that this allows for accurate cutting and prevents shredding of the teat; start with a small slit and enlarge as necessary). Another, simpler option would be to experiment with fast flowing teats.

Alternatively, you could attack it in another way. Rather than using a commercially thickened formula, you could consider using your usual formula and adding a commercial thickening agent (e.g. Karicare Food Thickener; Guarcol). This gives you some flexibility because you can experiment with the thickness of the formula, unlike with the AR formulas that you must make up to the correct strength.

I hope that helps and I hope you find something that works.

Glenda