Stomach-related issues are common in infants and can be a result of swallowing too much air while feeding, food sensitivities, or simply because their digestive system is still developing. This can be frustrating and upsetting for parents, luckily, various baby food brands are on top of this and offer infant formula for sensitive stomachs.
In this article, we are going to break down our top picks for a sensitive formula, give context as to why your little one might be dealing with a sensitive belly in the first place, and cover some ways to alleviate their discomfort.
Table of contents
- Our Favourite Baby Formula For Sensitive Stomachs
- Signs of a Sensitive Stomach to Watch For
- What can cause your baby to have a sensitive stomach?
- What ingredients in baby formula are good for sensitive stomachs?
- What ingredients in baby formula can aggravate a sensitive stomach?
- What types of infant formula are good for sensitive tummies?
- When is it time to consider switching infant formulas?
To help you find the right formula for your baby, we'll be presenting some of the best formula made for sensitive stomachs. These products are all made using high-quality non-GMO ingredients without the use of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or added sugar.
We have also included the pros and cons of each baby formula to help you make an informed decision alongside your child's doctor!
HiPP Hypoallergenic HA
Pros 👍
Partially hydrolyzed milk proteins promote faster digestion and reduce the risk of allergies
Enriched with prebiotics & probiotics
Contains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)
No artificial sweeteners or GMOs
Lactose based formula
Cons 👎
Has fish oil (except HiPP HA stage 2)
Has starch (except HiPP HA stage PRE)
Has palm oil
HiPP Comfort
Pros 👍
Reduced lactose content which helps with colic and digestive issues
Partially hydrolyzed milk proteins promote faster digestion and reduce the risk of allergies
Enriched with prebiotics & probiotics
(Video) Best Baby Formula for Sensitive StomachContains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)
Cons 👎
Has fish oil
Has palm oil
Has maltodextrin
Holle Goat
Pros 👍
EU-certified organic
Gluten, soy, and palm oil free
Whole goat milk
No artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
Contains ALA (Omega-3) & plant-based DHA (Omega-3)
Cons 👎
Stage 1 has maltodextrin (stage PRE does not)
Holle A2 Milk Formula
Pros 👍
Easily digestible A2 skin cow's milk
No artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
Gluten and soy free
Contains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)
Cons 👎
Has palm oil
(Video) Finding the Right Formula, What worked for us | Formula Comparison | Similac vs EleCareHas fish oil
Jovie Goat Milk Formula
Pros 👍
Palm oil-free
EU certified organic
Whole goat milk only, no maltodextrin
Enriched with prebiotics (GOS)
Enriched with DHA (from fish oil) and ARA (omega-6)
No artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
Cons 👎
Has fish oil
Signs of a Sensitive Stomach to Watch For
Babies have a delicate digestive system that is still in the process of strengthening and adjusting to their new diet and environment. Although, some babies take a little longer to adjust than others, or may have a food sensitivity or allergy that impacts their digestion. In rare cases, a sensitive stomach may be caused by an underlying health condition.
If your little one has a sensitive stomach, any of the following signs or symptoms may be present:
Excessive crying
Excessive spit-up (often accompanied by difficulty gaining weight and/or reflux symptoms)
Vomiting
Lack of appetite or refusing to eat
New or unusual sleep disruptions
Changes in stool (diarrhea or constipation)
Appearing to be in pain by making grimacing faces, or tense body language (tightening muscles or an inability to be still)
The stomach feels hard and painful to the touch (caused by gas)
(Video) 2022- BEST ORGANIC BABY FORMULAS, ACCORDING TO PEDIATRICIANS AND PARENTS & GUIDE
Knowing the cause of your baby's sensitive tummy is the first step in managing any symptoms, so let's look at the four possible causes below!
Constipation
This is extremely common, affecting up to 30% of children. The frequency of your baby's bowel movements decreasing doesn't necessarily mean that they are constipated.
So, look out for signs like excessive crying or irritability, a decreased appetite, severe straining without pooping, small hard poops, or dry poops.
If your baby is under 6 months and rarely pooping or not pooping at all, it is time to bring them to a doctor, as this can be indicative of an underlying health condition.
Lactose Intolerance
If your baby is lactose intolerant, they cannot digest and absorb dietary lactose. Undigested lactose ferments in the gut, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. However, this is not overly common in babies and is known to be overdiagnosed.
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
There are two different kinds of cow's milk allergies, one being a classic food allergy mediated through an antibody called IgE and the other is not mediated through IgE. The first is easier to diagnose and usually causes symptoms such as rashes and facial swelling. Whereas, the second is harder to diagnose and causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.
Gas
Gassy babies are extremely common, especially in the first month of life. It is usually not a sign of a larger problem but gas occasionally is caused by a cow's milk allergy.
What ingredients in baby formula are good for sensitive stomachs?
If your baby has a sensitive tummy, you may want to consider trying out an infant formula that contains these ingredients:
Probiotics - Good bacteria for a healthy gut
Prebiotics - Fibres that help good bacteria grow
Reduced lactose
Partially broken down (i.e hydrolyzed) milk proteins
Partially hydrolyzed proteins are created through a process called hydrolyzation, where milk is broken down into its simplest molecular form, leaving behind gentle easy-to-digest proteins.
If your baby has a sensitive tummy, consider avoiding baby formulas that contain these ingredients:
Casein - A protein in milk that is slower to digest than whey
Carrageenan - An emulsifier extract from seaweed that is associated with IBS; carrageenan is banned from European infant formula but still permitted in American baby formula
Starch- A complex carbohydrate that can be slower to digest
Learn More:Baby Formula Additives to Watch Out For
What types of infant formula are good for sensitive tummies?
Check out three of the best formulas types for sensitive tummies:
1. Special Formula
HiPP offers two special infant formula options, which are Comfort formula and Anti-Reflux formula. Both are designed to soothe small stomachs. If you've got a fussy colicky baby, HiPP Comfort is great for managing colic and constipation from birth. HiPP Anti-Reflux on the other hand is good for managing reflux and regurgitation from birth.
2. Goat Milk Formula
We offer various goat milk-based infant formulas, such as Holle Goat Milk formula and Premibio Premichevre goat formula. These are great for sensitive tummies because goat's milk-based infant formula is digested more quickly and completely by babies.
3. A2 Milk Formula
A2 milk baby formula, such as Holle A2 formula, contains smaller fat molecules and less lactose for easier digestion.
It is best to consult your pediatrician about switching formulas if your little one is struggling with any symptoms that may indicate that their current baby formula doesn't agree with them.
Keep an eye out for symptoms that your baby isn't tolerating their formula such as:
Excessive Spit Up
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Blood or mucus in your baby’s stool
Extra fussiness following feedings
Severe constipation
Difficulty with weight gain or noticeable weight loss
Constant crying and signs of discomfort
Allergy Symptoms
Learn More: Switching Baby Formula: Guidelines on How Not to Harm Your Infant
Conclusion
Most of the time, babies will outgrow their sensitive stomachs as their digestive system matures. But, this is not always the case, so if you are at all concerned about your baby's tummy troubles it is best to consult your pediatrician to figure out what steps should be taken to help improve any uncomfortable symptoms.
Please be aware that this information is based on general trends evidenced in babies, it is in no way medical advice. Your baby's doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula, and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician prior to making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.
Disclaimer:Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.
FAQs
Best Formula for Sensitive Stomachs? ›
First infant formula (first milk)
First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula. Unless a midwife, health visitor or GP suggests otherwise, first infant formula is the only formula your baby needs.
First infant formula (first milk)
First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula. Unless a midwife, health visitor or GP suggests otherwise, first infant formula is the only formula your baby needs.
Enter Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula—a formula that has been clinically proven to reduce fussiness, crying, gas, and spit-up within 24 hours of starting. The proteins in this product are partially hydrolyzed (broken down) and easy for a sensitive tummy to handle.
What formula is easiest on baby stomach? ›Similac Total ComfortTM, our tummy-friendly and easy-to-digest† formula may help. With gentle, partially broken down protein, Similac Total ComfortTM just might do the trick. †Similar to other infant formulas. Similac® Sensitive® Lactose Sensitivity could help if your baby's discomfort is due to lactose sensitivity.
Is warm formula easier to digest? ›Is Warm Formula Easier to Digest? Warmed baby formula is easier for babies to digest, as they don't need to use extra energy to warm it up in their tummy. Because of this, many parents have found that warm milk is less likely to cause tummy aches.
Why can't my baby digest formula? ›Formula intolerance means your baby has trouble digesting formula. He or she may be sensitive to an ingredient in the formula. Intolerance is different from an allergy. An allergy means your baby's immune system reacts to a protein in the formula and can be life-threatening.