Hypoallergenic formulas are usually produced from cow’s milk. However, because of how they are processed, many babies can drink them without experiencing an allergic reaction regardless of whether or not they may be allergic to cow’s milk. 

Keep in mind that breast milk is perhaps your best feeding option. But if your baby shows intolerance symptoms or is at risk for allergy, then it’s a good idea to turn to a hypoallergenic formula. This article explains what you need to know about the hypoallergenic formula. 

When to use a hypoallergenic formula

Hypoallergenic formulas can be ideal in specific situations. You can use them if your baby was born into a family where there is a family history of allergy-related conditions. These conditions include eczema, asthma, food allergies, or hay fever. 

These babies may not be breastfed, so they require a supplementary formula. It means you can feed your little one if they are allergic to or even intolerant of breast milk or formula. Click for more information about hypoallergenic formulas. 

Even better, hypoallergenic formulas are also suitable for individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis. This is a health condition that leads to inflammation in the digestive system, so they may be allergic to several foods. 

It’s worth noting that hypoallergenic formulas can be pricier than the standard cow’s milk formulas. Hence, you can check with your health insurance to find out if they can pay for the formulas. This is especially true if your pediatrician recommends that your allergic baby needs to have a hypoallergenic formula. 

In such cases, there is a good chance that your insurance company can pay part of the cost of the product. But your share of the costs may depend on various factors, such as your deductible, overall policy, and the co-payment requirements. 

The best way to find out if your insurance company will share these costs of the hypoallergenic formula is to contact and ask them. Therefore, if your policy covers the hypoallergenic formula, you can order from a medical supplier designated by the insurance company, as opposed to getting it up from local pharmacies.

Types of formulas

You can find three different types of hypoallergenic formulas, which are partially hydrolyzed, extensively hydrolyzed, and also free amino acid-based. These types of formulas indicate the processing of the formula to break down allergenic proteins.

When it comes to hydrolyzed formulas, they usually have shorter and easy-to-digest proteins. Ideally, the more hydrolyzed the formula, the better the allergic baby can tolerate it as it has fewer allergenic compounds. 

No wonder, an extensively hydrolyzed formula is highly processed, so it’s less likely going to cause an allergic reaction to babies than the partially hydrolyzed formula. Many experts recommend utilizing an extensively hydrolyzed formula in both babies and children who have cow’s milk allergies. 

With a free amino acid-based formula, it doesn’t have whole protein molecules. Instead, it has basic amino acids, making them the least likely to cause an allergic reaction. You can use this formula if your baby reacts to an extensively hydrolyzed formula.