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Taking care of a baby with reflux can be energy-draining and stressful; this is why breast milk thickeners are used for managing babies with GER (Gastroesophageal reflux). It is said that breast milk thickeners make the milk heavier, which makes it easier to stay down in the stomach and prevent the regurgitation of the breast milk.
There are different types of commercial breast milk thickeners on the market which you may choose from while keeping your child’s age in mind and also makes sure it doesn’t contain any allergens your child may have.
Breast milk thickeners aid in the thickening of breast milk and baby formula, they may come in powder form or as a gel mix. It gives the breast milk a consistency like that of honey. Thickening of breast milk or formula makes it easier to drink.
Different brands produce breast milk thickeners; some are made from rice, cereal and other organic materials. We have reviewed the best breast milk thickeners available.
The Best Breast Milk Thickeners Are Reviewed Below
1
USDA Organic Gelmix
Gelmix is a hypoallergenic natural thickener used in breast milk, infant formula and any other liquid. Gelmix incorporates the properties of Carob Bean Gum which is also known as Locust Bean. Its thickening properties activate in any warm liquid.
Gelmix is made from Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Organic Carob Bean Gum and Calcium Carbonate.
It comes in a resealable jar that is easy to use and also comes in single-serving stick (infant thickener packets). It is an excellent choice when looking for a breast milk thickener to help reduce your baby’s reflux. It is suitable for children under three years of age and infants born on term.
Key Features:
- Organic
- No Allergens
- Off-white fine powder
- Smooth when dissolved
- Comes with double tamper-proof seals
Specification:
- Brand: Gelmix
- Model: USDA Organic Gelmix
- Quantity: 125g size, Infant Thickener Box of 30 sticks
Pros
- It dissolves quickly and smoothly
- It is tasteless, odourless
Cons
2
Gerber Baby Cereal DHA and Probiotic Rice
Gerber single grain rice cereal is made with DHA and iron, which is vital in the brain and eye development. Gerber’s organic rice cereal does not contain pesticides or arsenic. It also works as a breast milk thickener, especially when introducing solid food to your baby for the first time.
Babies that are being breastfed need DHA and Probiotic to aid their digestion and you get vital nutrients when used to thicken formula, thereby ensuring your baby has a full tummy and a beautiful night’s rest.
Key Features:
- Non-Gmo
- Bpa Free
- Gluten-Free
- Does not include Genetically Engineered Ingredients
Specification:
- Brand: Gerber
- Model: Gerber Baby Cereal DHA and Probiotic Rice
- Quantity: 8 Ounces (227g)
Pros
- Contains DHA which supports eye and brain development
- It has Probiotics which aid digestion
- Has iron which aids learning abilities
Cons
3
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Cereal, Whole Grain Rice
Earth’s best organic infant cereal is made from whole grain rice which contains more nutrients than processed grains and makes it easier for your baby to digest. It is also fortified with iron for development and growth.
It is light which makes it easy to mix with breast milk which makes it an excellent breast milk thickener, and it is easier for your baby to adjust when it comes to taste. It mixes easily with no lump, which makes it easy for the baby to digest.
Key Features:
- Made with whole grains
- No GMOs
- USDA Organic
- Kosher
- Iron-fortified
Specification:
- Brand: Earths Best
- Model: Earth’s Best Organic Infant Cereal, Whole Grain Rice
- Quantity: 8 oz.
Pros
- Made from whole grains
- Made with organic ingredients
- No GEIs (genetically engineered ingredients)
- No sweeteners or salt
- No artificial colours, preservatives and flavours
- Fortified with iron
Cons
4
Beech-Nut Complete Rice Cereal
The Beech-Nut rice infant cereal is perfect as a breast milk thickener, and it is made with non-GMO rice which creates a creamy, smooth texture and is also easy to digest. It is fortified with iron which supports early brain development. It helps prepare the babies tummy for more solid foods.
It is so versatile due to its powdery form. The container is made with a measuring cup as it’s lid which makes it very convenient.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Single grain rice cereal
Specification:
- Brand: Beech-Nut
- Model: Beech-Nut Complete Rice Cereal
- Quantity: 8 oz (227g)
Pros
- Fortified with 45 percent daily value of iron
- Comes with an easy-pour spout and built-in measuring cap
- Made with tender rice for easy digestion
- SOY free
Cons
5
Happy Baby, Happy Bellies Organic Multigrain Cereal
Happy baby multigrain cereal is great from babies that are ready to move further than brown rice cereal; it contains multiple grains such as oats, amaranth and quinoa. It is also enriched with DHA, iron and Choline, which aids eye and brain development.
It has probiotic, which is good bacteria which will help strengthen your baby’s digestive system.
Key Features:
- Multigrain
- Enriched with DHA and Choline
- Contains probiotics
- Fortified with iron
Specification:
- Brand: Happy Baby
- Model: Happy Baby, Happy Bellies Organic Multigrain Cereal
- Quantity: 7 ounces
Pros
- Organic
- Soy-free
- Dairy-free
- Contains DHA, probiotics and iron
Cons
6
Gerber Single-Grain Oatmeal Baby Cereal
Gerber oatmeal baby cereal is a great milk thickener for babies starting solid food. Two servings of Gerber’s baby cereal in a day has 90 percent daily value of iron. It is made from whole grains and non-genetically engineered ingredients.
It is organic, and your baby gets multiple nutrients with each serving. The packaging is resealable, which makes it convenient and travel-friendly.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Made with whole grains
- Contains iron to aid learning ability
- No added salt, preservatives, flavours and artificial colours
- Contains additional nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin and more
Specification:
- Brand: Gerber
- Model: Gerber Single-Grain Oatmeal Baby Cereal
- Quantity: 8 oz (227g)
Pros
- It is easy to digest
- It keeps the baby full for longer
- It contains nutrients such as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, calcium which aid growth and brain development.
Cons
7
Beech-Nut Complete Wholegrain Oatmeal
Beech-Nut whole-grain oatmeal infant cereal is excellent as a baby’s introduction to solid food. It is made with non-GMO oat flour which allows your baby gets all the natural minerals and vitamins. It is gentle on your baby’s stomach. It works as an excellent breast milk thickener; it creates a sift food for your baby when mixed with breast milk. It contains iron for proper development.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO
- Whole grain
- Fortified with iron
- Soy and dairy-free
Specification:
- Brand: Beech-Nut
- Model: Beech-Nut Complete Wholegrain Oatmeal
- Quantity: 8 oz (227g)
Pros
- Built-in measuring cup
- Dairy and soy-free
- The texture is smooth and soft
- Non-GMO, whole grain oatmeal cereal
- Enriched with 60 percent daily value of iron
- Enriched with different minerals such as vitamin D and calcium
Cons
8
Earth's Best Baby Cereal - Oatmeal
Earth’s Best Organic Whole Grain Oatmeal Infant Cereal is made with organic ingredients that are grown without harmful synthetic pesticides. It is easy on your baby’s stomach and fortified with iron for infant growth.
It can be mixed with expressed breast milk to make food heavier and keep your baby full. It is creamy and has a nice consistency.
Key Features:
- Whole grain
- Iron-fortified
- USDA – certified organic
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Specification:
- Brand: Earth’s Best
- Model: Earth’s Best Baby Cereal – Oatmeal
- Quantity: 8 oz (227g)
Pros
- Made with whole grain
- Fortified with iron for growth and development
- USDA certified
- No sweeteners
- No artificial flavours, preservatives and colours
- It has a beautiful texture
- Non-GMOs
Cons
9
Happy Baby Organic Probiotic Baby Cereal with Choline Oatmeal
Happy Baby Organic Probiotic Baby Cereal with Choline Oatmeal is an organic cereal made with probiotics to aid your baby’s digestive system for a healthy baby. It is non-GMO, and USDA certified. It is fortified with iron, Choline and DHA for eye and brain development.
It has an excellent consistency, and it is easily digested. It is a great cereal for baby’s as a starting solid, it mixes well with formula and expressed breast milk. It also works as a breast milk thickener.
Key Features:
- USDA Organic
- Kosher
- Non-GMO
- Contains Probiotics
- Fortified with iron and Choline
Specification:
- Brand: Happy Baby
- Model: Happy Baby Organic Probiotic Baby Cereal with Choline Oatmeal
- Quantity: 7 oz (198g)
Pros
- It contains probiotics to aid digestive health
- Kosher
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- No artificial flavours or colours
- Your baby receives 20 percent daily value of calcium
- Contains iron for brain development
- Enriched with DHA and Choline for eye and brain health
Cons
Buying Guide Questions
Can breast milk be thickened?
Breast milk straight from the breast can’t be thickened. Some mothers have tried thickening their expressed breast milk (EBM), and it works but it can’t be stored as the live enzymes present in the expressed breast milk breaks down the starch in the thickener, it stays thick for about five minutes before it becomes watery again. Seek your doctor’s advice before starting the process of thickening your expressed breast milk.
The best way to thicken breast milk without any thickener is by consuming foods such as lean red meat, eggs, fish, cheese and yoghurt. You can also resort to consuming sunflower or soy lecithin or other forms of lactation supplements to increase overall milk volume. These foods improve the quality of your breast milk and provide your baby with essential amino acids needed for proper development., this is because protein aids the synthesis of breast milk, which increases dietary fat for your baby.
How can I thicken my breast milk for acid reflux?
If your infant has reoccurring reflux, then your doctor may recommend that you add infant cereal to your expressed breast milk or formula. Adding infant cereal will thicken the breast milk and make the food heavier, which will help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
To thicken breast milk, add I tablespoon of infant cereal to one ounce (30 mL) of expressed breast milk or formula or both.
Why is my breast milk so watery?
Watery breast milk is also called “foremilk”. It is the milk that first flows out when you start a feeding session. It is thinner and has lower fat content than the milk you see at the end of the feeding session. The longer the space between feeds, the waterier the milk becomes.
How can I treat my baby’s reflux naturally?
There are a few ways you could try to treat your baby’s reflux; naturally, they include
• Hold your baby upright for 30 minutes after a feeding session
• Raise the head of your baby’s crib
• Make changes to the feeding schedule
• Raise your baby while feeding
• If you consumed alcohol recently, then make sure to use breast milk alcohol test strips as they are fairly accurate
• With your doctor’s permission, you can try thickening his milk with infant cereal
Does adding cereal to bottle help with reflux?
If your baby has reflux, then adding infant cereal to your baby’s bottle can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. The thickened breast milk will be harder for your baby to regurgitate.
Does adding cereal to bottle help baby sleep longer?
Studies have shown that adding solids to expressed breast milk or formula does not affect your baby’s sleeping pattern even though some grandmothers can swear it does.
Conclusion
Breast milk thickeners are agents that help thicken or add some consistency to breast milk or formula. Thickeners come in two forms which are powder and gel mix. It makes the consistency of the liquid to resemble that of honey or nectar. Some babies need their milk to be thickened to prevent gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, it makes it easier for them to swallow.
Different thickening agents have different ingredients and benefits; your doctor should recommend the thickener that best suits your baby’s age, weight, and activity level, especially when they begin walking and running around!.
Your healthcare provider will tell you the right amount to use when thickening your baby’s milk, and there are also instructions on the packaging of the thickener you may purchase.
