The Best Formula for Constipation and Gas
Constipation in babies is common and usually not a serious health problem. It happens because of what you are feeding your baby. The good news is that it is often easy to fix the problem by figuring out the cause and making adjustments.
Most breastfeeding babies don’t have problems with constipation. Still, it might be because of something you eat if your baby does. If this is a problem that keeps happening, you can talk to a pediatrician about what might be causing it.
Some babies who are fed formula can become constipated. This usually happens when the baby is given a formula that they cannot digest easily. For example, if the baby is given cow milk formula, they may have trouble digesting the milk proteins. Or, if the baby is given soy formula, they may be allergic to the soy ingredients.
You must also be cautious when mixing the formula. If you don’t follow the instructions or use less fluid, it might cause constipation.
Dehydration can also lead to constipation. Babies lose water through sweating, just like people do. If they don’t drink enough fluids, they might become constipated.
Solid foods can be introduced to babies, but sometimes it is done too early, and the baby’s digestive system is not ready. This can cause constipation. Transitioning to solid foods can be easier if you start with soft, fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables or juice for hydration.
Some babies have problems with their large intestine that can cause them to be constipated. In very rare cases, these problems can be fixed by experts.
Product Name | Product Image | Check price on amazon |
|---|---|---|
Gerber Good Start Infant Formula |  | |
Enfamil Nutramigen Baby Formula |  | |
Earth’s Best Infant Formula |  | |
Similac Pro Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula |  |
Things To Look For In The Best Baby Formula For Sensitive Stomach
Many formulas contain lactose, which can cause tummy sensitivity in some babies. If your child is lactose sensitive, look for a formula with little or no lactose.
Ease-of-digestion:
When a newborn is born, their digestive system is not fully developed. This indicates that their digestion is more sluggish. You should choose a formula with easily digested elements that have been broken down.
Availability of Essential Nutrients and Vitamins:
To develop healthy and strong, your kid requires proper nutrition. Look for vitamins and minerals that are also present in breast milk. DHA, ARA, and vitamins are among them.
Ingredients to Look For in Sensitive Infant Formula
HMOs are natural substances in breast milk that promote a healthy gut and build the immune system.
Probiotics are good for your health because they help keep the bad bacteria away.
Some proteins are easier to digest because they have been partially broken down.
Omega-3 DHA and ARA are important for brain and eye development.
There should be no genetically modified substances in the formula.
Why Do Some Formulas Make A Baby Nauseous?
A baby’s stomach gas can be caused by a variety of factors. Some babies might be allergic to the ingredients in most formulas, which are usually cow’s milk or soy.
Many babies fed with a cow milk-based formula will have lactose or milk protein intolerance. This will cause them to have a lot of gas.
Sometimes, babies are sensitive to the ingredients in the formula. Usually, this is because they find it hard to digest the proteins. This can lead to a lot of gas.
If the baby sucks in too much air when feeding, it can cause them to vomit. This happens when the feeding bottle isn’t angled correctly. Make sure that the nipple is always filled with milk to avoid this.
Symptoms Of Formula Intolerance
- The baby may have diarrhea or loose, watery stools.
- When nursing, the baby appears uneasy or refuses to eat at all.
- Following a meal, the infant becomes gassy, spits up, or vomits.
- Excessive sobbing and irritability for an extended period with no obvious cause
Reviews Of The 10 Best Baby Formulas For Gas And Constipation
Gerber good start infant formula is a popular choice for mothers of infants. The formula is intended to assist newborns suffering from colic and experiencing gas and crying.
The formula is prepared using all-natural, non-genetically modified components. The components are carefully picked and mixed to make a healthy formula for your baby’s digestive and immune system development.
The Gerber Good Start formula uses a probiotic called L.reuteri, which has been shown to reduce colic and spit-ups. The prebiotic also helps promote gut health and regular stools, which results in less crying time.
Gerber’s good start is enriched with small-sized comfort proteins that the baby’s sensitive tummy will easily digest.
This formula also includes all the major nutrients and vitamins your baby needs for strong growth: DHA supports brain and eye development.
Some mothers who have used Gerber Good start say that they have noticed a reduction in the amount of gas. Their baby produces a decrease in the amount of crying and fussing.
Features:
- GMO-free formula
- It caters to babies from 0 to 12 months.
- Cool packaging includes a lead that seals in freshness, a clasp that can only be used when the lid is opened, and a hook on the inside of the lid to fasten the scoop.
- HMO for the development of immunity
- Vitamins, DHA, ARA
- A combination of probiotics and prebiotics.
Suppose your baby is allergic and you have been trying different formulas with no change. In that scenario, the Nutramigen formula might be worth a go.
One of the best hypoallergenic formulations available. It has undergone clinical testing and has been shown to promptly treat and relieve allergic responses. When parents tried it on their allergic babies, 90 percent of them improved within 48 hours.
Nutramigen is a nutrient-dense milk powder derived from lactose-free milk powder. It has Omega 3 DHA, ARA, and choline – all of which are important nutrients that are also normally present in breast milk. These proteins are hydrolyzed, making them easy for the baby to digest. Additionally, it is fortified with iron – an essential mineral for building red blood cells.
Nutramigen has a probiotic called LGG that helps with allergy management and the baby’s digestive health. LGG helps the baby’s immunity so they can eat traditional milk proteins in the future without having an allergic response. Babies fed Nutramigen have a 50% reduced chance of developing eczema, asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis, and urticaria.
Features:
- It caters to babies from 0 to 12 months.
- The formula is hypoallergenic.
- Due to the presence of cow milk, it was created primarily for colic babies.
Earth’s Best is a great option if you are looking for a formula that will meet your baby’s nutritional needs and be gentle on their stomach. All of their products are organic.
This organic formula is perhaps the best you can buy. It is USDA organic certified, meaning that it does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, pesticides, or fertilizers. It is also Kosher certified.
Earth’s Best also includes special nutrients similar to breast milk. This helps your baby’s brain and eyes develop properly. It also contains lutein, an important component that aids with eye growth. Plus, Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotics that builds the immune system.
Earth’s Best Organic uses milk powder that is reduced in lactose. This provides essential carbohydrates and proteins that are gentle on your stomach and easy to digest.
This Similac formula is different from other formulas. It is made with milk that does not have any growth hormones. This makes it good for babies with sensitive tummies. The lactose in the milk has been eliminated to reduce gas and tummy sensitivity. If your infant has galactosemia, however, do not use this formula.
One of the few formulas that contain 2′-FLO HMO is Similac Pro sensitive. This probiotic is similar to the bacteria found in breast milk. It can aid in the immune system support of your kid. The formula also contains a special blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, which can aid your baby’s brain and eye development.
If your infant is lactose intolerant, the Similac Pro Sensitive formula is suitable. It’s easy to digest and offers your kid adequate nourishment.
Features:
- Formula made with non-GMO milk.
- Lactose-free
- For infants aged 0 to 12 months
- 2’FL-HMO is present.
Similac is a milk-based infant formula that does not contain artificial growth hormones. It’s made for newborns who have gas and scream due to lactose intolerance.
Similac OptiGro provides complete nutrition for the baby. This includes special nutrients that are also found in breast milk. These nutrients are necessary for the brain and ocular development of a baby. The formula is also fortified with iron to help boost the baby’s iron levels.
The probiotic in 2FL’-HMO is similar to that found in human breast milk and helps build your immune system.
Features:
- For lactose sensitive babies
- Includes 2FL’-HMO
The formula is made with milk ingredients that are not from GMO plants. The formula is designed to help babies with fussiness and gas problems related to lactose sensitivity. The formula provides complete nutrition for babies from birth through their first year.
This baby formula does not contain lactose. It contains DHA, lutein, and Vitamin E, all of which contribute to the proper development of the baby’s brain and eyes. It also has 2 FL’HMO, which is a prebiotic that is also naturally found in breast milk.
Features:
- For infants aged 0 to 12 months
- GMO-free ingredients
- 2’FL-HMO for lactose-intolerant tummies
This soy-based formula is designed for lactose intolerant or allergic babies. It is a great milk alternative for families that follow a vegetarian or kosher diet.
Prosobee is a baby formula that does not use dairy products. It is made with soy proteins that are gentle and easy to digest, and this reduces the gas and fussiness in a lactose or milk product, sensitive baby. Carbohydrates are obtained from corn syrup.
This formula also provides your baby with essential nutrients that support cognitive development, including DHA and Choline. This formula includes essential vitamins and minerals to meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
Features:
- Formula based on soy
- Appropriate for infants 12 months and older.
- Suitable for babies who are lactose intolerant.
Similac Sensitive is a good formula for babies who have gas or are fussy due to lactose. The cow milk used in this formula is from which lactose is eliminated, making it a great choice for babies with sensitive tummies.
Similac Sensitivity has all of the essential nutrients in breast milk, such as Omega 3 DHA, lutein, vitamin E, and other vitamins and minerals. These aid in the development of the brain and eyes and overall growth.
This formula is excellent for alleviating fussiness, gas, and spit-up in sensitive infants. However, if your baby has galactosemia, you should not give them this formula.
Features:
- For lactose intolerant babies
- Contains DHA, lutein, and Vit E
- Fortified with iron
This Enfamil infant formula is made with 30 different nutrients from carefully selected ingredients to offer your baby the best growth nutrients possible. It probably has some of the same nutrients as breast milk, including Inositol and DHA, which help with brain development.
This formula helps reduce gas, fussiness, and colic because it uses proteins that are easy to digest.
The formula has MFGM, an ingredient also present in breast milk. This ingredient helps with cognitive development. Additionally, its other ingredients provide probiotics for promoting immunity and vitamins and minerals.
Features:
- Powder and liquid ready-to-feed bottles are both available.
- Omega-3 DHA, inistol, MFGM, and various vitamins and minerals are included.
- Proteins that are simple to digest
The Formula for Constipation Guide
How to Recognize If Your Baby Is Constipated:
- Not pooping for long periods.
If a baby does not have a bowel movement for more than five days, they are most likely constipated.
- Passing a hard stool with discomfort
If your baby has hard stools, it might be uncomfortable for them. They might cry or have a red face from straining. You might also see blood in their poop if it is very severe.
- A hard belly
If the baby’s stomach feels harder than usual and hasn’t pooped recently, the baby may be constipated.
Ways To Help Your Baby With Gas
If you’re feeding your soft baby formula, but they’re still getting gassy on occasion, try the following:
- Burp more often:
Many moms wait until their baby finishes feeding before doing a burp. It would be helpful if the baby burped more often in between feedings.
- Do leg pumps:
If your baby has gas, put them on their back and do a bicycle pump to assist them in releasing it.
- Use gas drops:
Many over-the-counter medicines can help your baby feel better without any harm.
- Angled bottles:
These bottles have vent holes that help when feeding. The holes keep the milk flowing without letting bubbles form, which could make your baby gassy.
- Use disposable liners:
Disposable liners can help to release the air from the bottle before feeding.
Why Does Constipation Occur?
Constipation in infants is extremely frequent and rarely a severe health concern. Ultimately, it comes down to what you feed your baby. The good news is that constipation is typically simple to remove by determining the cause and making the required adjustment.
Constipation in a breastfeeding infant is uncommon, but it’s often because you fed the infant an allergen when it does occur. If constipation occurs frequently, a pediatrician can help you identify the offending food in your diet.
Constipation is far more prevalent in formula-fed infants and is typically the result of an inappropriate formula selection. For instance, you may be feeding your sensitive infant a formula containing cow’s milk, whose proteins are difficult for them to digest. Or you may be feeding them a formula containing allergenic components, such as soy.
You should also evaluate how effectively you are mixing the formula. Suppose you don’t follow the formula’s instructions or lower the amount of liquid you use. In that case, it will likely result in constipation.
Constipation may also be caused by dehydration; your infant, like you, loses water through sweat. So if you do not adequately hydrate them, constipation may ensue.
At some point, a mother will provide solid food to her child; however, if the baby’s digestive tract is not mature enough to handle solid food. This might result in constipation. For a smooth transition, doctors advise introducing soft, fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables and juice for hydration.
In exceedingly rare instances, a baby’s constipation could be caused by nerve or structural disorders in the large intestine, which can be treated by medical professionals.
Considerations Regarding the Finest Infant Formula for Sensitive Stomach
Minimal or no lactose: Lactose is a prevalent element in several formulae that cause stomach irritation. If your infant is lactose intolerant, choose a formula containing low lactose or, ideally, none.
The digestive tract of a newborn is not fully developed; as a result, digestion is considerably slower. You should choose a formulation with substances that have been broken down or are easily digestible.
Availability of Essential Nutrients and Vitamins: To ensure that your kid is well-nourished to develop healthily and robustly, seek nutrients that are also present in breast milk. Among these nutrients include DHA, ARA, and vitamins.
Why Certain Formulas Can Cause Infant Flatulence
There are numerous reasons why a formula could cause flatulence in a newborn. The majority of infant formulae are composed of cow’s milk or soy. As a result, a newborn allergic to these products may have stomach gas.
In addition, many infants have lactose or milk protein sensitivity; if they are fed formula derived from cow’s milk, they will inevitably experience gas.
Sometimes the infant is sensitive to the formula’s constituents, typically the proteins. Due to the immaturity of the baby’s digestive system, these proteins are sometimes difficult to digest, resulting in flatulence.
Suppose the feeding bottle is not positioned properly, leading the infant to ingest air and the milk. In that case, the baby may also have gas due to excessive air intake. Always ensure that the nip is filled with milk during feeding.
Symptoms Of Formula Intolerance
- The infant may experience diarrhea or loose, watery feces.
- The infant appears uncomfortable during nursing or refuses to feed at all.
- After feeding, the infant becomes gassy, spits up, or vomits.
- Excessive weeping and irritability for an extended time without evident cause
Read more: What to Do If You Suspect Formula Is Constipating Your Baby
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Formula for Constipation and Gas
Offer your child a little amount of diluted apple, prune, or pear juice if older than 6 months. These juices include sorbitol, a type of sugar. It acts as a laxative and may be able to help with constipation. Extra water can also soften their poop.
Suppose you are looking for a baby formula that can help treat constipation. In that case, Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula is the best option available.
Give your kid more fiber if they consume solid foods to help them defecate. Prunes pureed, sweet potatoes, barley, or whole-grain cereals are good options. While fiber-rich foods may make your infant gassy, they can also aid with feces!
Suppose you are thinking about supplementing with formula. In that case, it is important to talk about it with your midwife, child and family health nurse, lactation consultant, or GP. This is because regular mixed feeding might make it more difficult to keep breastfeeding. After all, it can interfere with keeping up a good breastmilk supply.
Similac has more vitamins C, B12, E, and K. Similac also has more choline, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and inositol. Enfamil has more copper. Enfamil has higher levels of thiamin, vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, and biotin.
Suppose you think the current formula isn’t good for your baby. In that situation, you might want to try switching to a formula designed to aid with gas problems. This type of formula is gentle on a baby’s stomach and can help with fussiness and crying.
Gerber Good Start GentlePro is one of our top infant formula choices because it lacks protein. It contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals and DHA and AA, which may help with brain function.
Similac total comfort is a great formula for babies. Still, some babies might become constipated from it because it has low lactose.
Some foods that can decrease constipation are cow’s milk, yogurt, cheese, cooked carrots, bananas, and other fruits. Children might be more likely to tolerate soy milk due to its ability to soften stools when they have a variety of tastes.
Enfamil Reguline is a baby formula that can help with your baby’s occasional constipation. The prebiotic blend in the formula helps support digestive health and promotes soft, comfortable stools.
You can do a few things to help your baby go to the bathroom. You can gently move their legs in a cycling motion or massage their tummy. A warm bath may also help the muscles relax.
Most formula-fed neonates poop three to four times per day, but others can go three or four days without pooping. If your baby’s excrement is soft and goes smoothly, you do not need to worry. However, if your child hasn’t pooped in more than five days, you should seek medical attention.
According to studies, most children with non-IgE-mediated reactions overcome cow’s milk allergies by three. According to studies, around half of children with IgE-mediated reactions will outgrow their cows’ milk allergy by five.
