While you can usually relieve your baby’s gas with more burping or bouncing after feeding, sometimes further steps must be taken. Babies experience gas for a variety of reasons. It may be part of their digestive system adjusting to formula. Gas can also occur because of a feeding technique or due to the contents in your formula. After considering your feeding technique and bottle system, you may want to look into changing your baby’s formula. The formulas we have listed below specifically use ingredients to reduce gas and provide relief making them the very best options for gassy babies.
We know how frustrating and difficult it can be when your baby is gassy. All you want to do as a parent is relieve their pain, we hope to help you out with this!
Baby Formula Types
There are three types of baby formulas: powdered, liquid concentrate, and ready to feed. Each formula has its own pros and cons. These include price point, availability, and ingredients. Different ingredients can help with gas, colic, and sensitive stomachs. We recommend trying a liquid concentrate or a “ready to feed” formula if you have a gassy baby. Typically these have fewer bubbles than powdered formula. If you feel powder formula is the best option for you, make sure you are preparing it correctly. Some simple adjustments in preparation can make a big difference.
Powder: This is the classic formula that comes in a large canister. You measure it in scoops.
Liquid concentrate: Think cold brew coffee from the grocery store. This is a liquid formula that you mix with water.
Ready to feed: As the name says, this formula is completely ready to go. You simply pour it into your bottle.
Tips to Try Before Switching Formula for a Gassy Baby
Babies can be gassy because of their formula, but they can also have excess gas because of their feeding position, bottle or nipple style. When you adjust these things, you typically end up with a much happier baby!
Change Feeding position:
Keep your baby upright with their head above their tummy, this reduces acid reflux and keeps formula heading in the right direction.
Bottle style:
Some bottles have nipples that flow more slowly. Others put the bottle at a better angle or have better ventilation. These things will help reduce the air in the formula and how much air your baby sucks in while feeding.
Some babies take better to different bottles. Check out this article for some good bottle options for gassy babies!
The Best Formula for Gassy Babies
We chose the following formulas because they each specifically mention reducing gas symptoms, due to their specific formulation. You will find three categories; powder, liquid concentrate, and ready to feed.
Powdered
*Tip: If using powder, let the bubbles settle before feeding. Since powder formula is scooped, it can have air pockets in the formula which increase gas. Try shaking the formula and letting it sit for a minute or two before feeding.
Similac Pro Total Comfort
This formula uses gentle, easy-to-digest proteins that are good for sensitive stomachs. This specific formula is known to reduce digestive discomfort, pain, and gas quickly after switching. Some say they notice relief after just one day of switching from other formula brands. Ingredients in this formula also help support the immune system and include prebiotics that are good for gut health. Using powdered formula is often parents’ first choice because you can get many bottles from one canister and it’s simple to make up bottles in a variety of sizes.
Enfamil Premium Gentlease
Enfamil is known for reducing fussiness and gas in as little as 24 hours. This formula blend uses easy-to-digest proteins which can be more gentle on the baby’s tummy. They closely resemble breastmilk with specific ingredients that are good for brain health and development. This is a great option for reducing gas and getting a quality, highly recommended formula in powder form.
Liquid Concentrate Formula for Gassy Babies
Enfamil ProSobee
This is a soy-based formula, which can be very helpful for babies with lactose intolerance. Soy is also a little more gentle on sensitive stomachs, so trying a soy-based formula can reduce some discomfort. This formula is a liquid concentrate. To make a bottle, you shake the canister then pour the desired amount into a bottle and add the required amount of water, usually a 1:1 ratio. Liquid concentrate formulas are provided in smaller canisters and in a package much like a 12 pack of soda. This specific formula is also available in liquid ready to feed packaging which makes it easy to try before investing in the concentrate version.
Ready to Feed
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
This Enfamil formula is a high-quality product that comes in small, ready to feed bottles that are easy for your baby to hold. These bottles come with a simple nipple that screws to the top of the bottle, just shake and feed. Many families choose these for on-the-go use. This is a premium formula that reduces gas and fussiness while supporting brain growth, making them great for vacations as well as everyday use.
Gerber GoodStart Gentle
Gerber GoodStart Gentle offers gentle nutrition and prebiotics all in a simple, easy to use package. This formula uses comfort proteins to make it easier to digest, which reduces gas and other uncomfortable symptoms that your baby might have while using a different formula. The formula comes in a juice box style package and doesn’t require water, just add to your favorite bottle and feed!
Have some questions about fussiness and gas? Feel free to list them in the comments! Also, check out our Rookie Moms Facebook Group, it’s a great group of moms where you can share your experiences, ask for advice and even help out another mom!
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