Infant eczema

Atopic eczema often starts between the ages of two and four months, affects around one in five children and tends to run in families that have a history of allergies.

In fact, research has shown that infants who have a family history of allergies and who are fed infant formula milk based on intact cow's milk protein have double the risk of developing atopic eczema compared to those who are breastfed.

However, if breastfeeding is not possible, a special infant formula milk designed to reduce the risk of an infant developing atopic eczema could be suitable (example: SMA H.A. Infant Milk).

Faltering growth

Sometimes babies don't grow at the expected rate and fall behind what is considered to be the normal growth pattern. This is called 'faltering growth' or 'failure to thrive'. This can only be diagnosed if the child's weight is carefully monitored and recorded at intervals. This is why babies should be weighed regularly at a clinic, ideally every four weeks or more often if a newborn.

A baby may fail to thrive because of an illness. However, in most cases, the cause is poor nutrition due to social factors or problems with feeding. If left unaddressed, a child may not grow or develop properly and there may be long-term effects, such as psychological problems and poor adult health.

If faltering growth is diagnosed by a doctor, a special nutrient-dense formula milk (example: SMA High Energy) may be prescribed. This type of milk should only be used for special medical purposes, under the direction of a healthcare professional. It is suitable from birth to 18 months.

Colic

Colic usually begins in babies aged two to four weeks and tends to peak at about eight to 12 weeks. The exact cause is unknown, but it normally stops by the time the child is three or four months old.

Symptoms include intense, persistent and inconsolable crying, often in the late afternoon or evening. Babies may pull their legs up to their stomach as if in pain, clench their fists and arch their backs.

Guidelines advise trying simeticone drops (example: Infacol) or lactase drops (example: Colief) for seven days to see if symptoms improve.

Specialist formula milks for colic are available and may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Examples: Aptamil Comfort, Cow & Gate Comfort.

Mums who are bottle feeding can try using teats with larger or several holes, as teats that are too small may cause babies to swallow air along with their feed. If a mum is breastfeeding, avoiding drinking too much tea, coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine may help.