Question
A three-and-a-half-month-old baby developed green stools after stopping breastfeeding and switching to formula feeding, with a stool frequency of about every two days and a consistency that is neither too dry nor too loose. The parents inquired about the cause of this situation and whether it was due to the formula being too diluted, leading to indigestion.
Answer
For a three-and-a-half-month-old baby, indigestion is a common issue, especially during the transition from breastfeeding to formula feeding. Generally, diluting the formula does not usually cause indigestion, as babies are in a rapid stage of growth and development, and their absorption capacity does not always match their nutritional needs, which may lead to the occurrence of indigestion symptoms. It is recommended to adjust the feeding frequency and concentration of the formula to accommodate the baby’s needs. If the baby has already shown signs of indigestion, yeast tablets can be considered for them. This alkaline medication can neutralize excessive stomach acid, but it is only a temporary relief method and does not repair the damage to the esophagus caused by acid reflux.