Formula WWYD

[veggiemo]

This is about switching formulas.
When we decided to start formula a few months ago, H went to the store to get it. He bought the generic version of Enfamil which surprised me because DS had used the generic version of Similac. Whatev, I went with it anyway and LO did fine on it for a few months. Recently I decided I wanted to switch him to the generic Similac a few weeks ago because I remember liking it better (I feel like it didn't smell as strong, and also felt like it dissolved better, plus it's what DS used, so those were my reasons). So I switched him and he almost promptly developed a rash on his neck. He was also coming out of a virus so I assumed the rash was related to that.

FF to today, he still has the rash 3 weeks later and it's pretty much staying the same (no improvement, not getting worse). 

So my question is: Should I switch back to the Enfamil and see if that clears it up? Is that way too much switching? If I switch should I just do like 1 bottle of Enfamil to start and increase and gently wean off the Similac? FWIW he shows no other signs of irritation. Poops are regular, no gas, no mood issues, nothing else that would indicate the formula is bothering him.


TL;DR I just switched formula brands 3 weeks ago but have possible regrets and I'm thinking of switching back. Help me.

[veggiemo]

Jan 13, 2016 13:03:43 GMT -5 madymoiselle said:

How did you do the switch the first time? One bottle at a time until he was wean off Enfamil? If so, I don't see why he would have a "stable" rash that is not getting worse if this is because of the new formula.
Anything else you changed at the same time? New laundry products? New clothes? Did you introduce any nuts products yet? One of my friends gets rash because of hazelnut, only around her neck.
Sorry I can't be of much help, but I would try to eliminate all other possible causes before switching back to Enfamil ...

The first time I did just start with one bottle here and there for a couple of days. Just to see if he liked it or if he noticed a difference, which he didn't. So then I went all the way and that's when I saw the rash.

No new laundry products, that crossed my mind as well. He did get some new clothes for christmas but is still wearing mostly his old stuff.
No intro of any high allergy foods. He's not ingesting much food at all period, but I've been keeping on eye on it after I feed him something to see if it gets worse and nothing food-wise seems to be controlling it.

[veggiemo]

madymoiselle, haha, funny you think of me that way! I definitely would not say that about myself! Thanks for all the ideas though, I can't really think of anything else new around the house that might be contributing to it. He's a chunker, so maybe it's just irritation that won't clear up because it never gets air. Who knows.

[veggiemo]

Jan 13, 2016 13:20:59 GMT -5 @jemomma said:

What type of rash is it? What does it look like?

If it were me, I would just stop using the Similac for a few days to see if the rash clears up. I really don't think switching formula is bad for a baby, especially if you already know he tolerates the other one well. I switched formulas all the time when M was first born because - hello, free samples. I'm much more of a throw caution to the wind kind of mom though. Do what you feel comfortable with . You can always have the pedi check it out too.

It's red and bumpy, pretty raised. When I look super close sometimes it looks slightly zit-like (with some tiny heads on the bumps). I showed it to a co-worker of mine (who is no professional, but has 4 kids, one of which has bad food allergies) and he said it just looks irritated.

I am definitely a caution to the wind mom as well, which is why I never worried about switching formulas. Until now! But you're probably right.

I was putting off calling the pedi because 10 times out of 10 they will ask to see him and I just don't feel like that's necessary right now, it's not that serious.

[veggiemo]

I didn't mean for this to turn into a "diagnose my child" but there is the rash.

[alayne926]

Honestly, it looks like just irritation. S would get something similar under her chin(s) and in her neck. I wipe her really well on non bath nights and put some vaseline on the area and it keeps the irritation down.

[veggiemo]

Jan 13, 2016 13:58:32 GMT -5 alayne926 said:

Honestly, it looks like just irritation. S would get something similar under her chin(s) and in her neck. I wipe her really well on non bath nights and put some vaseline on the area and it keeps the irritation down.

Ok, so we've concluded this most likely isn't formula related. This is exactly what I will try, thanks!

And thanks to everyone who helped!