Infant Growth, Digestive Issues, and Formula Choices

Height and weight / Milk consumption issues / Bowel movement issues / Complementary food issues

My baby is currently four months old, weighing 7 kg and measuring 62 cm.
Is this height and weight considered short or light?
Regarding bowel movements: My baby previously experienced severe gas and was given acidified formula, which resulted in immediate bowel movements 5-10 minutes after feeding, almost every meal.
He drinks milk five times a day and has bowel movements 4-5 times daily, with weight gain and good activity levels.
The stool color changed from golden and pasty to more watery.
We consulted three different doctors, each providing different opinions, but all prescribed anti-diarrheal powder for my baby.
The first prescription was ineffective, so I hesitated to give the subsequent ones.
My family suggested switching to S26, and after the switch, his bowel movement issues seemed to improve, but now he has soft, mushy stools.
Is this normal? My family insists that it shouldn't be watery, but I observe that it is mushy.
My husband also agrees that it appears very mushy.
Is it normal for him to have a bowel movement after every meal? Is it normal for the stools to be very mushy? The issues with the acidified formula have been troubling me.
Everyone says it’s a formula issue; initially, the stools weren't like this, and it started later! I gradually tried S26, and it seemed to improve a bit (because I switched one spoon at a time).
Later, I thought about switching completely to S26, but now he only has a bowel movement once a day, and it’s mushy.
Can bowel movements from acidified formula also be soft and somewhat watery?
Regarding milk intake: Following the switch to S26, my baby has shown less interest in drinking milk.
He refuses to drink when I switch one spoon at a time, and he dislikes it even more when I switch completely to S26.
I considered whether he might be going through a milk refusal phase, but during one meal, I switched back to the original formula (without S26), and he finished it completely, even asking for more.
Is my baby’s bowel movement normal? If it is normal, I would like to switch back to the original formula; otherwise, he won’t drink it and prefers the pacifier, but then he gets hungry again shortly after...

How long can he drink acidified formula? If I switch to regular formula, what brands are good for transitioning? He refuses brands like Snow Brand, S26, and Meiji.

Regarding complementary foods: My baby is currently on formula; at what age can he start eating complementary foods? 4 months? 6 months?

Hanhan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/24

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

At 4 months old, weighing 7 kg and measuring 62 cm is considered normal on the infant growth chart.
The gastrocolic reflex in infants is still quite strong, so it is normal for them to eat and then have bowel movements.
As long as the stool is not hard, pellet-like, or watery diarrhea, it is considered normal (soft, mushy stools are normal).
It is also normal for infants to drink and then have bowel movements; any formula that is suitable for infants, whether it is acidified milk or any brand of formula, is acceptable.
Acidified milk can be consumed until the age of 1, just like other formulas.
At 4 months, the only complementary foods that can be introduced are infant rice cereal and a small amount of diluted pure fruit juice.

Reply Date: 2016/12/24

More Info

When it comes to understanding infant growth, digestive issues, and formula choices, there are several important factors to consider. Based on the information provided, your baby is currently four months old, weighs 7 kg, and is 62 cm tall. To determine whether these measurements are within a healthy range, we can refer to growth charts that track the percentiles for weight and height in infants.

1. Growth Assessment: At four months, a weight of 7 kg and a height of 62 cm generally falls within the normal range for growth, but it is essential to compare these measurements against standardized growth charts. Typically, infants at this age should be gaining weight steadily, and their height should also be increasing. If your baby is following a consistent growth pattern, even if it is on the lower end of the percentile chart, that can be a good sign. However, if there is a significant drop in percentiles or if the growth is not consistent, it may warrant further evaluation by a pediatrician.

2. Digestive Issues: You mentioned that your baby has experienced digestive issues, such as gas and changes in stool consistency. It's common for infants to have varying stool patterns, especially when transitioning between different formulas. The fact that your baby was previously on an acidified formula and is now on S26, with a noted improvement in stool consistency, suggests that the formula change may have positively impacted digestion. Soft, mushy stools can be normal for infants, especially when they are consuming formula. However, if the stools are excessively watery or if there are signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or lethargy), it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider.

3. Frequency of Bowel Movements: It is not unusual for infants to have multiple bowel movements a day, especially if they are consuming formula. The frequency can vary widely among infants. Some may have a bowel movement after every feeding, while others may go once a day or even less frequently. As long as the stools are soft and the baby is not showing signs of discomfort, this can be considered normal. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits, such as a significant decrease in frequency or a change in stool consistency, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician.

4. Formula Choices: Transitioning between formulas can sometimes lead to digestive changes. If your baby is refusing to drink the new formula, it could be due to a preference for the taste or texture of the previous formula. It is essential to introduce new formulas gradually, mixing them with the old formula to allow your baby to adjust. If your baby prefers the original formula and is thriving on it, it may be best to continue with that formula rather than forcing a change.

5. Introducing Solid Foods: The general recommendation for introducing solid foods is around six months of age, but some pediatricians may suggest starting as early as four months, especially if the baby shows signs of readiness (such as being able to sit up with support, showing interest in food, and having good head and neck control). It is essential to consult with your pediatrician before starting solids to ensure it is appropriate for your baby's development.

6. Acidified Formula: Acidified formulas are designed to mimic the natural acidity of breast milk and can help with digestion in some infants. However, it is essential to monitor how your baby responds to any formula. If you notice ongoing issues, it may be worth discussing alternative options with your pediatrician.

In conclusion, while your baby's growth appears to be within a normal range, ongoing monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are crucial. Digestive issues can often be managed with careful observation and adjustments to feeding practices. If you have concerns about your baby's growth, digestion, or feeding preferences, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for personalized advice and support.

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