As a mom of 2, I can attest to the fact that you REALLY don’t want your baby crying and uncomfortable due to having problems digesting baby formula. The 4th trimester is tough so finding the best baby formula for constipation, colic and/or gassy babies is what will not only help your baby but you as well.
Having a colic and gassy baby can be frustrating and you’ll likely have many sleepless nights/days. Choosing the right formula for your baby is key!
On top of everything else, you may find infant formula that seems to be working well and then discover it doesn’t. Sometimes you may need test a few different formulas out with your baby to determine which is the better fit.
Breastmilk vs. Formula
While breastfeeding is ideal for most, it’s not an option for everyone (regardless of why). I’m a true believer that a feed baby is a healthy baby (regardless if the baby is formula-fed or breastfed).
I’m currently breastfeed my son however I’m supplementing with baby formula.
For those that are wondering what they both offer:
Breastmilk provides your baby with antibodies, hormones, anti-viruses, anti-allergies, anti-parasites, growth factors, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, fat, DHA/ARA, carbohydrates, protein & water.
While there are several options to choose from, baby formula generally provides your baby with minerals, vitamins, fat, DHA/ARA, carbohydrates, protein, iron, probiotics, and water.
There are 2 options to consider with it comes to choosing the best baby formula for constipation, colic, and/or gassy babies . . . American brands or European brands.
This may be your first time hearing about European infant formula or maybe not but either way I’m gonna give you everything you need to help you choose the best option for your baby.
Within this article:
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended – at no extra cost to you, of course. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure here.
Constipation
How do you know if your baby is constipated?
- If the baby’s poop is hard
- If the baby’s poop is black or hard
- If the baby seems to be in pain or really uncomfortable when pooping
- If the baby doesn’t have a bowel movement in 5-10 days (if formula fed)
What causes constipation in babies?
- If formula-fed, the choice of baby formula. Also, you MUST mix the formulas exactly as it instructs you to.
- An illness or medical condition
- Dehydration
- Solid foods. Can happen when baby is first introduced to solid foods. It’s recommended to start by giving baby fruits and veggies.
How to relieve constipation in a baby?
Your options will vary depending on the age of your little one and if they are formula-fed or breastfed. While it could happen, breastfed babies are less likely to get constipated.
- If formula-fed, consider changing the formula
- If breastfeeding, it could be an allergy so you’ll want to see your child’s pediatrician.
- If already eating solid foods, you can give the baby prune juice, apple juice, etc
Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation with a Baby
- Massage their tummy. Be sure to watch for the baby’s reaction to determine if it’s really massaging them is really uncomfortable or not. If it isn’t, great! If it is, stop and try again at another time.
- Do exercises. Doing baby bicycle exercises help
Colic Babies
What is colic?
Colic is usually an allergic reaction or intolerance to a cow’s milk.
Colic may result from gas (which worsens by the baby crying), lactose intolerance, problems digesting lactose or milk protein allergies.
Remedies for these causes of colic vary, but there are three solutions to consider – using the reduced-lactose formula, partially or fully hydrolyzed formula.
In some cases, you may have to use infant formula that doesn’t contain cow’s milk.
The partially or fully hydrolyzed formula for colic seems to be the most popular form of formula because the proteins get broken down into micro-particles which are easily digestible and absorbable.
Gassy Babies
What causes babies to have gas?
Air. Yes, we all breathe air all day every day but when a baby swallows air it causes much discomfort. They can swallow air when crying or feeding (either breastfed or bottle). To help with this:
It is EXTREMELY important to burp the baby in the middle and after each feeding. Doing this will get rid of any excess air and also allow a full stomach.
When feeding be sure to position the baby so that it’s at an angle. The baby’s head should be above their stomach.
If bottle-feeding, be sure to always hold the bottle at an angle and let the nipple fill with milk before putting in the baby’s mouth.
If bottle-feeding, use bottles that are anti-colic and the right size nipples. If the flow of the nipple is too fast, it will cause the baby to have gas. Allergies
Acid Reflux
If formula-fed, the choice of formula. The ingredients in the formula can cause issues.
Baby formula is usually made from cow’s milk, soy or goat’s milk. If the baby is allergic to any try an alternative.
If breastfed, mom’s diet
Colic, Gas & Reflux Baby Essentials
Baby Belly Band – these come highly rated with other moms so I’ve decided to give them a try. Trust me . . . If the baby develops gas or reflux and gets fussy you will want something to help relieve the discomfort quickly.
Gripe Water/Gas Drops – this may or may not work for your baby however it works well for most. You can also use other alternatives.
How to relieve a baby of gas/tummy discomfort?
There are natural remedies, using supplements and/or medicine. It really depends on your preference and your baby but most moms use a combination of these options.
Natural Ways to Relieve a Baby with Gas
- Massage their tummy. Be sure to watch for the baby’s response to determine if the massage is uncomfortable or not. If it isn’t, great! If it is, stop and try again a little later.
- Giving a warm bath. The warm water helps loosen the baby’s muscles which will allow the gas to pass. Be aware that the baby may end up pooping during the bath – especially if your baby is also constipated.
- Do exercises. Doing baby bicycle exercises help
- Do tummy time.
- Use a baby belly band. These are great for relieving gas! I personally use this one with my newborn and it has worked great for us.
Using Supplements & Medicine to Relieve a Baby with Gas
- Gripe water. There a lot of mixed reviews when it comes to gripe water so keep that in mind should decide you want to try it for your little one.
- Gas Drops. Helps dissolve the gas bubbles that are in their stomach. This too can be hit or miss at times!
- Use probiotics.
Best American Baby Formula for Constipation, Colic, and/or Gassy Babies
Starting at $23.98 (24 oz)
- No artificial growth hormones
- No antibiotics
- Non GMO
- Non organic
- Made in Ireland
- Produced by grass fed cows
- No Palm Olein Oil
- Molded after breastmilk
- Can be purchased from local retail stores here.
Starting at $21.99 (21.4 oz)
- Birth to 12 months
- Molded after breastmilk
- Contains proteins and probiotics
- Cow milk-based
- Provides extra comfort for fussy, colicky, and gassy babies
Starting at $33.36 (27.7 oz)
- Cow milk-based that contains less lactose
- Designed to minimize gas and reflux
- Stated a doubled amount of DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Is said to have a not so good taste (a bitter taste)
Starting at $26.06 (23 oz)
- Designed to be closer to breastmilk
- No artificial growth hormones
- Supports immune system
Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
AMERICAN Baby Formula Brand
Hypoallergenic baby formula is less likely to cause an allergic reaction and/or acid reflux. Just remember, that even though there is less of a chance that it’s not 100% guaranteed.
These are the top-rated 3 hypoallergenic baby formula from other moms that have chosen to use American brands:
Starting at $45.99 (14 oz)
- Birth to 12 months
- Designed for babies with cow milk allergy (CMA), multiple food allergies (MFA) and related conditions.
- Diary free
- Hypoallergenic
- No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners
- Soy oil-free
- Amino acid based
Starting at $58.40 (pack of 6)
- No artificial growth hormones
- Hypoallergenic
- Designed for babies with food allergies and colic due to protein sensitivity
- Available in powder or liquid (ready to feed) form. *** There are many moms that prefer using RTF (ready to feed) instead of the powder.
Starting at $41.24 (19.08 oz)
- Soy free
- Dairy-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Helps babies consume milk protein without an allergic reaction
- Other moms have said it doesn’t smell that great
Lactose-Free Infant Formula
American Baby Formula Brands
Lactose-free baby formula is usually created from cow’s milk and contains cow’s milk protein. It is processed so that the lactose is removed and replaced with a different form of sugar.
Starting at $41.94 (Pack of 6)
- Lactose-free
- Designed for babies to minimize fussiness, gas, and/or spit up
- Some moms have stated it causes constipation
- Available in powder or liquid (ready to feed) form
Starting at $27.99 (20.9 oz)
- Soy-based (lactose-free)
- Designed for babies with milk allergies
- Minimizes discomfort with gas
- Dairy-free
- For sensitive tummies
- Available in powder or liquid (ready to feed) form
- Moms have mentioned that it’s highly important to mix the formula & water really well
Best Organic Infant Formula
American Infant Formula Brands
Well, what does organic infant formula really mean anyway, right? Just like how some adults choose to consume organic foods . . . It basically means the baby formula is produced without using chemicals (like herbicides) , pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Some moms feel organic baby formula is not much better than a non-organic formula. I think it really depends on the where the infant formula is manufactured and what brand it is.
Starting at $27.99 (21 oz)
- Birth to 1 year old
- Molded after breastmilk
- Cow milk-based
- Prebiotics
- Protein
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Minimizes fussiness or gas due to lactose sensitivity
- Made with organic lactose
American Baby Formula Reviews
Best European Baby Formula for Constipation, Colic, and/or Gassy Babies
Things to consider with European infant formula:
- Not usually available in local retail stores. Must be purchased online. We buy ours here.
- Not rated by the FDA (it’s a European product, imported as such and not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration)
- Prices tend to be higher than American brands however you can save when you buy in bulk.
- The ingredients that are used with European baby formula is held at a much higher standard/quality than American infant formula brands.
Side Note: There are several ingredients that are used in American infant formula that are actually banned in Europe. This is a big reason why so many mothers choose European baby formula brands over American infant formula.
Depending on the brand, some versions may or may not contain these:
Starch – provides more calories & thicker which is great for reflux.
Probiotics – live bacteria that help promote a healthy digestive system. If you choose the Hipp UK version and prefer probiotics, you can give the baby this separately – if at all.
Prebiotics – indigestible fibers that promote good bacteria growth in the baby’s intestine.
Starting at $39.99
- Contain prebiotics
- Doesn’t contain starch or probiotics
Starting at $46.99
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Doesn’t contain starch
Starting at $36.99
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
HiPP Organic Infant Formula
- Cow milk based
- Uses organic ingredients (higher standards in Europe)
- No chemical pesticides
- No GM ingredients
- No added sugar
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics (depending on the version)
- Reduced lactose
- No soy
- Designed for easy digestion
- Constancy similar to breastmilk
- Produced in the United Kingdom, Dutch & Germany
Hypoallergenic, Anti Reflux & Comfort Baby Formula
European Baby Formula Brands
Starting at $36.99
- The PRE version doesn’t contain starch
Starting at $36.99
- Designed for babies with a milk protein allergy
- Hypoallergenic – which reduce the risk of allergies
- Contains starch
Starting at $36.99
- Hypoallergenic
- The PRE version doesn’t contain starch
European Baby Formula Reviews
Starting at $36.99
- Hypoallergenic
- Designed for babies that belch and spit up more often than normal
- Is not considered organic
Starting at $36.99
- Designed to help constipation and colic
- Reduced lactose
- Contains hydrolyzed protein which is easier to digest than intact protein
Holle Infant Formula
- Offers cow milk & goat milk options
- Designed for easy digestion
- Uses organic ingredients (higher standards in Europe)
- Produced in Austria & the Netherlands
Starting at $25.99
- Contains DHA
- Gluten free
Goat Milk Infant Formula
European Baby Formula Brands
A great alternative to cow’s milk-based formula is goat milk formula. If your infant is suffering from acid reflux, goat milk can be the perfect alternative. In many cases, goat milk is easier for infants to digest.
Starting at $31.99
- Lactose
- Contains a range of vitamin B
- Loaded with healthy probiotics & essential amino acids
Starting at $69.99
- Goat milk based
- Easy to digest
- Loaded with healthy amino acids
Starting at $69.99
- Goat milk
- Contains lactose, whey protein, DHA, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fibers
- Easy to digest
- Made in the Netherlands
- No GMO ingredients
The Takeaway
Remember that infant formula really depends on the baby. Because of this, you may have to try different options until the baby accepts one. Finding the right formula for your baby can be overwhelming however if you use this article as a guide, it won’t be as stressful.
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Until next time . . .
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