It’s common for children with milk allergies to also have sensitivities to other common allergens like soy, wheat and corn. Since Neocate contains “corn syrup solids,” I often get asked if Neocate is safe for children with corn allergies.

The answer is Yes – Neocate is typically safe for children with a corn allergy. Even though “corn syrup solids” are listed on the ingredient list, corn allergies are usually the result of the body being unable to tolerate the corn protein.  In Neocate, all of the corn protein has been extracted out of the corn syrup leaving only the corn carbohydrate source which is suitable for a child with a corn allergy. (Also, the corn source in Neocate is non-GMO, which means it does not come from genetically modified organisms.)

However, be careful! Food labels can be confusing and other products listing “corn syrup” as an ingredient, might not be safe for your little one. When in doubt, check with your doctor and/or the manufacturer.

Any other questions about the ingredients in Neocate? Let us know!

-Mallory

I like to chat with other moms on BabyCenter and lately I’ve seen a lot of questions from parents having to do with baby poop (or the lack of it!). It’s also a popular topic among the calls we get on the Neocate help line. No wonder – when babies have milk allergies and other GI issues, there’s can be a lot going on in that diaper. Every child is different, but here are some general guidelines that we thought might help. Remember, if you have any concerns, it is always best to check in with your doctors.

 What to expect if you are:

• Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding your baby, a mustard yellow color is common and it may be seedy and runny. You can also expect to be changing a lot of diapers, because babies usually poop a lot before they reach the one month mark!
• Formula feeding: Formula fed babies usually have firmer poops, with a peanut butter-like consistency. Normal colors range from brown to green to yellow.

It might be an allergic/GI condition if you see:

• Mucous – This looks like what comes out of your nose and is sticky when you open the diaper. A little bit can be normal, but if you see a lot and for an extended period of time, it can be a sign of a food allergy.
• Diarrhea – If your baby is having runnier than normal poops 2-4 times per day for more than 5 days, this is a sign that something is wrong.
• Blood – Red or black poops can both be a sign of blood in the digestive tract and are often signs of an allergy or uncontrolled reflux.

Note: Remember that some babies’ milk protein allergy exhibits itself in other ways, like eczema, extreme fussiness or reflux.  A baby with a milk protein allergy might have just one of these symptoms or any combination of them. If you see any of the symptoms, talk with your child’s pediatrician.

What to expect from an elemental formula (like Neocate):

• When babies first start on an elemental diet such as Neocate, it may take up to 2-3 weeks for their systems to adjust and have consistent stools.  If they seem to be constipated, massaging your baby’s belly or moving their legs around can help get things moving.
• Also, Neocate babies often have poops that can change in consistency and color when they first start on the formula. This is because Neocate is a low residue formula.  Low residue formulas lower the number of bacteria in the gut leading to reduced breakdown of bile.  More bile is present in the poop making it darker in color.

Any other questions? Give us a shout!

-Sarah

Facebook might not be the first place you think to look when it comes to searching for info about your child with food allergies or other GI conditions. In fact, I was a little hesitant when someone suggested we start up a Neocate Facebook fan page. But as I’ve become more familiar with the tool, I’ve discovered that there are many great fan pages and groups on Facebook devoted to the topic of food allergies. And it really is a helpful tool for connecting to other parents that might be going through similar situations and share stories, news and advice.

Some of my Facebook favorites include:

• American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
• Best Allergy Sites
• Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
• Go Dairy Free
• Kids With Food Allergies  

You can also join the discussion on the Neocate fan page. We sometimes offer coupons to Fans and parents have found that it’s a good place to share their stories with other parents, get answers to their Neocate and allergy-related questions, and keep up to date on allergy related news and more!

Do you have a favorite Facebook fan page or group? Let us know in the comments!

 -Nita

Fortunately, with a little advance planning, you and your little ones can have a safe and spooky Halloween without the risk of an allergic reaction. Here are some tips and safe treats to help you prepare:

Halloween Parties

For Halloween parties (especially at school), it always helps to be involved in the planning process and to attend. You can also volunteer to bring your child’s favorite sweet treat for everyone to try. Some safe options include this recipe for Dairy Free Caramel Apples or these delicious dairy and gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Trick-or-Treating

Most important when trick-or-treating is to examine your children’s candy before they eat any of it. Depending on the severity of their allergy, you may want to have them avoid putting their hands into candy bowls (since candy wrappers could be contaminated with allergens like nuts or dairy). Have neighbors drop the candies into their bags directly, or incorporate gloves into their costume design.

Consider creating a “swap-out” bag of allergy-safe treats, DVDs or books that they can enjoy at home. Divvies Chocolate Ghosts are delicious dairy, nut and egg-free treats. If there are other children in your neighborhood with food allergies, you can set an example by handing out non-food goodies like stickers.

For even more tips and ideas for an allergy-safe Halloween, check out the Kids with Food Allergies Halloween Guide. What tips do you follow for a safe Halloween?

-Mallory