Does foam in the baby bottle actually cause stomach aches or gas?

It is beyond question that breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for an infant. It is perfectly tailored to the infant's needs and provides everything required for healthy growth and development. There is consensus that infants who are not (exclusively) breastfed should receive an infant formula.

Parents are often told to avoid shaking the baby bottle during the preparation of powdered milk formula because it causes foam which in turn may cause stomach aches, or gas. But is that true? Does foam in the baby bottle actually cause stomach aches or gas in infants?

First of all, it is normal for air bubbles - commonly referred to as foam – to form when powdered infant formula is prepared and the bottle is shaken. Shaking is necessary because it is the most effective and hygienic way to dissolve the powder and ensure an even distribution of nutrients.

However, the foam has no effect on digestion. As a rule, the foam remains in the bottle and does not pass through the teat. Even if some foam reaches the teat, it usually collapses during sucking and swallowing. The air bubbles do not reach the intestine. Furthermore, there are no scientific studies that support this alleged effect.

Instead, it should be considered that an infant’s digestive system is still immature, has to get used to digestion and the gut microbiota is also still developing and maturing.