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Struggling to find the right formula for your gassy baby? You’ve come to the right place!
All of our kids have at one point or another had some gas relating to various formulas we tried. Sometimes the solution was by substituting certain ingredients (like cow dairy), other times we needed a specialized formula or even to skip dairy all together.
Interestingly, 2 of our 3 babies grew out of various intolerances they had (manifesting with gassy colic symptoms). Wherever YOU are in the journey, this article is a resource based on our personal experience as parents.
These are the best baby formula options for a gassy baby in more depth:
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Holle Goat Based Formula
- 2 2. Holle A2 Formula
- 3 3. Enfamil ProSobee Lactose-Free Infant Formula
- 4
- 5 4. Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Non-GMO Infant Formula
- 6
- 7 5. Enfagrow Gentlease for Newborns and Toddlers
- 8 6. Baby’s Only Organic Non-GMO Toddler Formula
- 9 7. Similac Sensitive Baby Formula with Iron
- 10 8. Gerber Good Start Soothe Infant Formula
- 11 9. Earth’s Best Low-Lactose Organic Sensitivity Formula
- 12 10. Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Baby Formula by Enfamil
- 13 What Else Can You Do to Alleviate or Prevent the Symptoms of a Gassy Baby?
- 14 The Best Formula for Gassy Babies – the Final Verdict
- 15 FAQs
1. Holle Goat Based Formula
You might not have hear of Holle before and that’s because it’s actually a European specialty baby formula. Holle Goat fromula is designed as a baby formula from birth onwards, with no added sugar, and GOAT based dairy (cows milk is frequently the culprit).
This makes it one of the best formulas for gas options to try first. If your little one is still having issues, then it may mean it’s a dairy sensitivity (all dairy), so substituting for goat is a good first elimination step.
European baby formulas are generally not available in supermarkets, however, you can find excellent suppliers like TheMilkyBox, or MyOrganicCompany.store here.
Order via TheMilkyBox here. It's a great option for individual packs + bulk packs. They've offered 10% off for our readers. Just use code TBS 10 at checkout!
Pros
- No added sugar or corn syrup solids, naturally slightly sweet like breastmilk
- Designed comfort blend, specifically for easy digestion
- All organic ingredients, European based (generally higher standards)
- GMO-free
- A good “first step” formula to aid a baby’s gas
- Contains added prebiotics and probiotics
- No Soy
Cons
- Only available online from retailers like TheMilkyBox and MyOrganicCompany
- Not rated by the FDA (it’s a European product, imported as such and not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration)
- Can be a bit more pricey (although you can save 10% off here with code TBS10 at checkout OR 5% off via MyOrganicCompany with code THEBABYSWAG).
- Not strictly lactose-free, so if you definitely know the issue is lactose intolerance you may want to plant based or soy formula if you have to.
2. Holle A2 Formula
Similar to their goat milk formula (above), Holle A2 formula uses a different kind of milk protein.
You may have seen “A2 milk” in supermarkets (under a different brand), and many people (adults, infants, and kids) have found A2 to be much easier to digest than normal lactose (made up of A1 and A2 combined).
Scientific studies seem to back up the theory than A2 milk protein generally leads to fewer adverse side effects commonly associated with dairy consumption.
Even before trying goat based formula, it might make sense to start with A2 milk as a first step to rule out sensitivities.
Holle A2 is not carried everywhere, even online. However, we generally compare prices and shipping from the following two vendors.
- Check TheMilkyBox here and use code TBS10 to take 10% off your entire order.
- Check HolleUSA.com here and save with bulk ordering.
Pros
- A good place to start an “elimination diet” to see how baby reacts
- Organic, non-GMO and Demeter biodynamic certified in Europe (higher standards than US, in general)
- Simple ingredient profile, clean nutrients with limited additives
- Can be easier to purchase online than many mainstream US formulas (with their shortages and recalls recently)
Cons
- Online available in the US at select online retailers like TheMilkyBox here or MyOrganicCompany here or for toddler formula try HolleUSA direct here for bulk orders
- Can be higher cost per ounce than mainstream formula, but check out bulk orders from TheMilkyBox (for example) and use our code TBS10 to save 10% off your entire order
- The infant formula is not regulated by the FDA (yet) and this is a regulatory “grey area”, despite Holle’s stricter ingredient profile in Europe
- Still has cows milk dairy, so if lactose might still be an issue to rule out
3. Enfamil ProSobee Lactose-Free Infant Formula
Another excellent choice is the Enfamil ProSobee formula which is soy-based soy formula instead of cow’s milk (milk based formula). Being a dairy-free product makes this formula the ideal alternative for a lactose-intolerant child.
Enfamil contains the entire list of essential nutrients that a small child needs in order to develop motor, cognitive, and communication abilities properly. When no other regular formula seems to be working, a soy formula will make a good nutrient replacement.
Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula is our soy-based formula with plant-sourced protein that is easy on sensitive tummies.
Pros
- It’s the best choice for babies with milk allergies (cow’s milk) who also deal with gassiness and gas pain;
- This toddler formula is highly effective, and it lowers the infant’s belly gas discomfort.
Cons
- Sometimes, the Enfamil ProSobee formula can have clumps when you try to prepare it so you must stir it really well to ensure a properly dissolved liquid.
Enfamil ProSobee Price
For the latest prices and bulk discounts, check the new Enfamil online shop here.
4. Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Non-GMO Infant Formula
This non-GMO product works amazingly for infants with gas issues and pain and reflux. Even though this formula is milk-based, it comes with a lower amount of lactose. Therefore, it is specially created for gassy babies. Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease provides milk protein, the broken-down type, which is easier to digest.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease formula is clinically proven to reduce fussiness, gas and crying within 24 hours and has Omega 3 DHA* in amount experts recommend.
Pros
- Compared to other brands, this formula claims to provide a doubled amount of DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids (sometimes combined as Omega 3 DHA) which are found in breast milk;
- It contains a special blend of 30 different nutrients that protect and strengthen your child’s heart;
- It has a lot of nutrients and vitamins, such as Vitamin E, that promote a boosted immune system.
Cons
- When it comes to smell and taste, this formula for gassy babies might not be the ideal option. It is said to have a pretty bitter taste and a quite strong smell.
Enfamil Gentlease Prices
Check out the latest individual and bulk prices directly at Enfamil.com here.
5. Enfagrow Gentlease for Newborns and Toddlers
The Gentlease infant formula blend is enriched with iron, vitamin D, zinc, and calcium. All these substances will enable your child’s organism to grow and become strong. And, because we all know how picky a toddler can be, Enfagrow is available in two different flavor varieties: vanilla and natural milk.
Clinically shown to ease fussiness, colic, baby gas, and crying in 24 hours with baby probiotics and easy to digest proteins that have been partially broken down.
Pros
- Lowers gas and eases fussiness in formula-fed babies;
- Supports your kid’s rapid cognitive development;
- Contains brain-nourishing ingredients such as iron, DHA, and choline;
- It comes with a Triple Health Guard blend made of vitamins (Vitamin E, D3, K1, B6, B12, and more), prebiotics, DHA, and a mix of 22 nutrients that boost the immune system;
- It represents an easy transition from milk to solid foods.
Cons
- Some parents have said that this formula has an unpleasant taste and it is too bitter;
- One reviewer has even stated that her 11-month old baby has experienced mild symptoms of diarrhea, fussiness, and gas after consuming this formula, but that might be an isolated case.
6. Baby’s Only Organic Non-GMO Toddler Formula
Baby’s Only is an organic formula. Although it is dairy-based, the product is free from GMO ingredients as well as gluten.
The fact that it is organic means that the dairy cows (cow’s milk) that provided the milk for this product weren’t fed any antibiotics, artificial growth hormones or steroids.
Each serving offers a more than decent amount of healthy fatty acids and DHA which are excellent for the kid’s body and brain development.
Baby's Only Toddler Formula provides the appropriate amount of protein, essential fats abundant in breast milk, vitamins, and carbohydrates needed to fuel growth to ensure every child gets the best possible start.
Pros
- It is free from GMO table of contents such as corn syrup, syrup solids or hexane processed DHA (common in the hydrolyzed formula);
- It comes with a nice smell and a pleasant taste, unlike many other similar baby products;
- You won’t notice any greasy residues on the bottle;
- It is an affordable formula;
- Organic cow’s milk protein formula.
Cons
- A few moms have complained about the fact that this formula has made their infants’ poop a bit harder than usual.
7. Similac Sensitive Baby Formula with Iron
Similac’s infant formula for a sensitive stomach is a great choice if you want to help your baby get rid of gassiness. The brand is a well-known and trusted cow’s milk formula. This product will do the trick, especially overnight and when you’re traveling with your infant.
Although Similac Sensitive is a milk-based formula, it doesn’t contain lactose, and it is easily digestible. It even contains nucleotides which are elements that boost your newborn’s immunity.
So, if your baby is gassy and also has lactose sensitivity, this alternative is the right choice for him or her. See how Sensitive formula compares to Similac Pro Advance cow milk here.
Pros
- It is an effective baby formula (infant formula) that lowers a baby’s gas;
- It is free from lactose which is a great thing for babies with intolerance (lactose intolerant or sensitivity, or just baby’s fussiness and baby gas pain);
- Scooping the powdered formula is highly convenient due to the product’s container design.
Cons
- Once you prepare it, this formula can get a tad foamy which is why you should remove all the bubbles before giving it to your baby (tends to be more of a problem with lactose-free formulas).
- Not suitable for a general formula milk allergy (cow’s milk allergy)
8. Gerber Good Start Soothe Infant Formula
If your baby is fussy, then the Gerber formula is the way to go. It comes with trademarked Comfort Proteins (milk protein) which are a lot easier for your infant to digest. In addition to milk proteins, it also contains a powerful blend of DHA, probiotics, and prebiotics. Gerber’s powder formula is made with non-GMO ingredients. In other words, it lacks harmful genetically engineered compounds.
Soothing Nutrition: Modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breastmilk, this formula offers nutrition for babies up to 12 months experiencing colic, excessive crying, fussiness and gas.
Pros
- It’s a safe and effective cow’s milk formula for gassy babies;
- The product comes with a 100% money-back guarantee;
- Some say it tops Similac which we all know that’s a much more popular brand;
- Has received a lot of positive reviews from moms who claim their babies got rid of bloating, gas, and fussiness by consuming this formula.
Cons
- It might not work equally effective for all kids;
- A few parents stated that their infants experienced constipation because of this formula.
Gerber Good Start Soothe Prices
9. Earth’s Best Low-Lactose Organic Sensitivity Formula
These compounds play a crucial role in eye and brain development. Moreover, the product also contains iron which fortifies a child’s body. Not only is this an organic formula but it is also kosher; it’s free from artificial colors and flavors and prepared without fertilizers or synthetic pesticides.
Omega 3 DHA and Omega 6 ARA fatty acids naturally found in breast milk to support brain and eye development, Iron for healthy development.
Pros
- It is a gentle formula that lowers gassiness;
- It has received plenty of positive reviews from moms who say their babies feel better after consuming this formula. I’m talking about infants with tummy issues like acid reflux and infantile colic;
- The product has a delicious taste so your child won’t refuse it.
Cons
- In order to avoid clumps, you must shake the mix thoroughly.
10. Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Baby Formula by Enfamil
Enfamil’s Nutramigen product line is dedicated to infants and older babies who suffer from gas and colic because of lactose intolerance. The manufacturer claims this formula will help your child get rid of these annoying symptoms in only 48 hours.
Nutramigen LGG Infant Formula is a hypoallergenic formula clinically shown to manage colic due to cow's milk protein allergy fast, in as quickly as 48 hours.
Pros
- It offers quick relief, easy on the baby’s stomach
- It claims to help your baby get rid of colic within 2 days (colicky baby);
- This formula is said to lower the risks of future allergies;
- Also works for babies with special dietary needs;
- It has a complete nutritional profile;
- Supports a healthy digestive system.
Cons
- Several clients complained about the fact that the cans’ seals were broken;
- It contains corn syrup solids which might have harmful effects in the long run.
What Else Can You Do to Alleviate or Prevent the Symptoms of a Gassy Baby?
- When you are ready to feed your child, make sure to keep his or her head in an upright feeding position so that the head comes above the baby’s tummy. When you choose the correct feeding positions, the food will go to their stomach’s bottom part while the air will remain to the top. This method is supposed to prevent fussiness and gas;
- After every single bottle feeding session, you should burp your baby. If the infant doesn’t burp right from the start, I suggest you lay him or her down on the bed for a short while and then try again;
- When you prepare the formula for gassy babies, mix it in a separate glass, bottle, or container, and only then pour the final result into your baby’s formula feeding bottle. This easy technique lowers the amount of air that remains in the bottle which will hopefully reduce gas;
- Another thing that works is massaging your baby in a gentle manner. Pump the infant’s legs back and forth just like the movement one makes when riding the bicycle. Warm baths might also help to relieve gas-related symptoms like fussiness, burps, bloating, a hard tummy, and a lot of crying.
The Best Formula for Gassy Babies – the Final Verdict
It’s true that you will find a wide range of good and effective baby formulas out there. Still, if none of these options seem to work and your infant continues to experience gassiness, bloating, and other stomach issues, I strongly recommend you to seek your pediatrician’s advice.
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FAQs
Question: Can changing formula cause gas?
Answer: If you are concerned that your baby is being gassy because of the new formula you started using recently, you might be wondering if it’s time to switch formulas again.
Oftentimes, that’s true. Your baby might need a different formula or type of formula, but there are cases where your baby’s symptoms are quite common.
If I am gassy and I am breastfeeding, could that transfer to my baby?
Definitely not. Gas in mom’s body cannot pass into breastmilk, despite some breast milk myths to the contrary.
Question: Could my baby be gassy because I am drinking carbonated sodas?
Answer: No. For something to pass into your milk, first, it must pass into your bloodstream, as the carbonation in sodas. The bubbles in a carbonated drink, however, cannot pass into your milk and affect your baby.
Question: Will my baby get gassy if I eat certain foods?
Answer: Certainly. The most common reason for your baby being gassy are dairy products in your diet: milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or any food that contains milk products, casein, whey protein, or sodium caseinate in it.