Formula Feeding and Colic: What Parents Should Know

 Colic can be hard enough on babies—and parents—but formula-fed babies sometimes face extra challenges. While their diet may stay consistent, most formulas contain iron, which can make bowel movements harder and sometimes lead to constipation.
For babies already struggling with gas and tummy pain, this can make colic symptoms even worse.

Why Bowel Movements Matter

Breastfed babies often have bowel movements while nursing or shortly after. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, may only go once every 12–24 hours. Some parents are even told it’s okay for babies to go three to five days without a bowel movement.
But in our experience, babies with more frequent bowel movements often feel better faster. Helping your baby have a bowel movement at least once a day may ease discomfort and speed up colic relief.

Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Go

If your baby is struggling, here are two common methods parents use to help:
  1. Rectal Stimulation – Using a rectal thermometer to gently stimulate the rectum can help the intestines start moving.
  2. Infant Suppositories – Pediatric suppositories can also help soften and move the stool along.
Parents often worry about dependency, but since colic usually improves in about two weeks with treatment, short-term use shouldn’t cause long-term issues. Helping your baby go is much kinder than watching them cry in pain.

Home Remedies: What to Know

​Some parents try adding a little Karo syrup or apple juice to formula. Results vary, and while these aren’t usually harmful, it’s important to avoid anything toxic or with alcohol. Always use caution—especially with medications—and check with your pediatrician before trying new remedies.

Lower-Iron Formula Options

​For babies who continue to struggle, there’s a formula called 60-40, which has lower iron content. It’s not always available in stores, but you can order it online if recommended by your pediatrician.

Reading Body Language

Helping your baby stay comfortable and regular can make a big difference in colic recovery. Daily bowel movements often bring faster relief—for both your baby and your peace of mind. Paying attention to your baby’s cues and understanding why they are crying is an important part of addressing the root cause of colic. Sometimes your baby is hungry, and other times they are experiencing discomfort or pain. Watch your baby’s body language to see if they are ready to eat—feeding only when they show signs of hunger can help reduce bloating and frequent spit-ups from overfeeding. By noticing these signals and addressing the underlying causes of colic, you can provide relief that truly lasts.
Pain cues:
  • Kicking Legs and Flailing Arms  The baby will kick harder and flail its arms more as the pain increases.
  • Arching Back, Head to the Side The baby will become stiffer and stiffer as the pain increases.
  • Scratching Face and Ears, Pulling Hair The baby is trying to minimize pain by distracting the body. 
  • Wincing Facial Expression  Eyes will be closed tightly with a wincing facial expression and a red face. 
  • Hard, Distended, Bloated Abdomen Pressure builds up in the intestines causing a hard, distended, and bloated abdomen.  Umbilical hernias are usually cause to suspect that a baby has colic.
Hunger cues:
  • Movements mostly in upper body, arms, and head
  • Legs stay relatively still
  • Rooting or sucking motions
  • Cry is monotone and steady

Doc wants to Help Your Baby Feel Better​

Many approaches only manage colic symptoms, but lasting relief comes from addressing the root cause. If you’re local to Wichita, Doc offers in-person consultations to carefully evaluate your baby and see if treatment could help.
For families who can’t travel, starting October 15th, 2025, he’ll be sharing his gentle, proven method through an online course so parents can learn how to help their own babies at home.
If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you find answers and relief for your little one.