Choosing the right formula for your baby can be challenging, especially when your little one struggles with spit-up and gas. The discomfort can lead to fussiness, sleepless nights, and concerns about nutrition. Fortunately, there are specially formulated options designed to ease digestion and reduce these common issues.
In this guide, we will explore the top baby formulas for spit-up and gas, highlighting their features, benefits, and what to consider when making your selection.
Best Formula For Spit Up And Gas Reviews
Good Start Dr. Brown’s Soothe Pro Infant Formula
Good Start Dr. Brown’s Soothe Pro Infant Formula is designed specifically for babies with sensitive tummies, offering relief from common feeding issues such as gas, fussiness, and spit-up. Formulated with 100% whey protein and probiotic L. reuteri, this formula aids digestion while promoting overall comfort. Its advanced hydrolysis process makes proteins easier to digest, reducing the risk of tummy troubles. Non-GMO and enriched with DHA, this formula supports healthy growth and development, making it an ideal choice for parents seeking gentle nourishment for their little ones.
Key Features
- Sensitive Tummy Support: Specially formulated to address gas, fussiness, and spit-up.
- High-Quality Protein: Contains 100% whey protein, reducing curdling compared to casein-based formulas.
- Probiotic Enrichment: Includes L. reuteri to help soothe the tummy from the first bottle.
- Easy Digestion: Advanced 2-step hydrolysis process breaks down proteins for easier digestion.
- Nutritional Balance: Contains DHA, HMOs, and probiotics, mirroring components found in breast milk.
- Non-GMO and Safe: Free from artificial growth hormones, designed for infants from 0-12 months.
What We Like
- Effectively reduces spit-up and gas issues.
- Supports healthy digestion with easily digestible proteins.
- Promotes comfort with tummy-friendly probiotics.
- Rich in DHA for brain development.
- Trusted by parents for sensitive tummy relief.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents report mixed results regarding gas relief.
- May have a stronger smell compared to other formulas.
Overall
Good Start Dr. Brown’s Soothe Pro Infant Formula is an excellent choice for parents dealing with common feeding issues. Its gentle, easy-to-digest formulation, combined with added probiotics and DHA, provides a balanced, nurturing option for infants. Most parents find it highly effective, making it a reliable choice for sensitive tummies.
Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula
Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula is specially formulated to ease fussiness, crying, gas, and spit-up within 24 hours. It contains easily digestible proteins and important nutrients like DHA and choline, supporting brain development while being gentle on sensitive tummies. Clinically proven to reduce discomfort, this formula mimics the nutritional profile of breast milk, making it a trusted choice for parents seeking relief for their little ones.
Key Features
- Fast Relief: Reduces fussiness, crying, gas, and spit-up within 24 hours.
- Brain Development Support: Enriched with DHA and choline, essential for cognitive growth.
- Gentle Formula: Partially hydrolyzed proteins make it easier on sensitive tummies.
- Trusted Brand: Pediatrician-recommended and backed by decades of research.
- Complete Nutrition: Includes nutrients similar to those found in breast milk.
- Non-GMO: No artificial growth hormones or genetically modified ingredients.
What We Like
- Quickly reduces common feeding issues like gas and fussiness.
- Supports brain development with DHA.
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs.
- Reliable brand with positive customer feedback.
- Easily digestible formula.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents report occasional constipation when switching to this formula.
Overall
Enfamil Gentlease is a top choice for parents looking to relieve their baby’s discomfort from gas and spit-up. Its gentle, easy-to-digest formula, combined with brain-supporting nutrients, makes it an ideal option for infants up to 12 months.
Enfamil A.R. Baby Formula
Enfamil A.R. Baby Formula is specially designed to reduce spit-up and common reflux issues in infants. It features added rice starch to thicken the formula, clinically proven to decrease spit-up frequency by over 50% within just one week. With DHA for brain development and a dual prebiotic blend for digestive health, this formula is ideal for infants experiencing reflux while also promoting overall growth. Recommended by pediatricians and trusted by parents, Enfamil A.R. is a reliable choice for reducing spit-up and supporting healthy development.
Key Features
- Reduces Spit-Up: Added rice starch helps decrease spit-up by over 50% within one week.
- Brain and Eye Support: Contains DHA for cognitive and visual development.
- Immune and Digestive Health: Dual prebiotic blend supports gut and immune system health.
- Trusted Formula: Meets reflux reduction guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Pediatrician Recommended: Enfamil is a top brand for brain-building and immune support.
- Complete Nutrition: Designed for infants up to 12 months with essential vitamins and minerals.
What We Like
- Proven to reduce spit-up significantly.
- Supports brain development with DHA.
- Strengthens immunity with prebiotics.
- Pediatrician-recommended brand.
- Easy to mix and doesn’t clump.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents report minor constipation during the adjustment period.
- The formula may appear slightly foamy when mixed.
Overall
Enfamil A.R. Baby Formula is an excellent solution for parents seeking to reduce their baby’s spit-up and reflux issues. With added rice starch for consistency and comprehensive nutrition, it’s a dependable choice for infants with digestive sensitivity.
Similac Sensitive Infant Formula
Similac Sensitive Infant Formula is designed for babies who experience fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity. This easy-to-digest, milk-based formula is formulated without palm olein oil, promoting softer stools and better calcium absorption. It includes DHA, lutein, and vitamin E to support brain, eye, and cellular development. Trusted by hospitals and recommended by pediatricians, Similac Sensitive offers complete nutrition while helping reduce digestive discomfort.
Key Features
- Lactose Sensitivity Relief: Specifically formulated to reduce fussiness and gas due to lactose issues.
- Brain and Eye Support: Enriched with DHA, lutein, and vitamin E to aid cognitive and visual development.
- Gentle on Digestion: Contains no palm olein oil, promoting softer stools similar to breastfed babies.
- Non-GMO and Safe: Made without artificial growth hormones, ensuring a natural and safe choice.
- Trusted by Hospitals: One of the most recommended formulas in medical settings.
- Complete Nutrition: Suitable for infants from birth to 12 months.
What We Like
- Effectively reduces gas and fussiness.
- Promotes softer stools compared to formulas containing palm olein oil.
- Supports brain development with essential nutrients.
- Non-GMO and made from milk of non-rbST-treated cows.
- Positive feedback from parents for improving digestion.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents report the formula has a slightly sweet taste.
Overall
Similac Sensitive Infant Formula is a reliable choice for babies with lactose sensitivity, offering gentle nutrition that helps ease gas and fussiness. With its thoughtful formulation to support healthy digestion and brain development, it’s a popular and trusted option among parents and healthcare providers alike.
Enfamil A.R. Baby Formula
Enfamil A.R. Baby Formula is specially designed to address reflux and spit-up issues in infants. Enhanced with added rice starch, it effectively reduces frequent spit-up by over 50% within just one week. This formula also supports brain and eye development with DHA, while its dual prebiotic blend promotes digestive and immune health. Ideal for babies prone to reflux, Enfamil A.R. is trusted by both parents and pediatricians for its gentle and effective formulation.
Key Features
- Reduces Spit-Up: Clinically proven to reduce spit-up by over 50% within one week.
- Brain and Eye Support: Contains DHA to support cognitive and visual development.
- Digestive Health: Dual prebiotic blend supports the immune system and gut health.
- Thicker Consistency: Added rice starch helps keep formula down, minimizing reflux.
- Pediatrician Recommended: Endorsed by healthcare professionals for infants with reflux.
- Complete Nutrition: Formulated for infants from birth to 12 months.
What We Like
- Significantly reduces spit-up and reflux.
- Helps support brain and eye development.
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs with added probiotics.
- Thick consistency reduces spit-up without the need for rice cereal.
- Reliable and recommended by pediatricians.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents note that the formula is thicker and may require a larger bottle nipple.
Overall
Enfamil A.R. Baby Formula is an excellent choice for parents dealing with reflux and frequent spit-up. Its balanced nutrition and thicker consistency help minimize discomfort, making it a reliable and trusted option for infants with digestive sensitivities.
Enfamil Optimum Gentlease Baby Formula
Enfamil Optimum Gentlease Baby Formula is specially designed for infants with sensitive tummies, helping to reduce fussiness, crying, gas, and spit-up within 24 hours. It features partially hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion and contains lactoferrin, which is also found in breast milk, to support immune health. With a blend of prebiotics, DHA, and essential nutrients, this formula closely mimics the benefits of breast milk while being gentle on the digestive system, making it ideal for newborns and infants up to 12 months.
Key Features
- Fast Relief: Reduces fussiness, gas, and spit-up within 24 hours.
- Closest to Breast Milk: Contains lactoferrin and dual HMOs, mirroring components of breast milk.
- Gentle Digestion: Partially hydrolyzed proteins are easy on the stomach.
- Brain Development Support: Includes DHA to aid cognitive growth.
- Immune Health: Lactoferrin and prebiotics support the developing immune system.
- Non-GMO and Safe: No artificial growth hormones, colors, or flavors.
What We Like
- Effective in reducing gas and fussiness within a short period.
- Supports brain and immune development.
- Closely resembles breast milk, reducing digestive discomfort.
- Suitable for newborns and infants up to 12 months.
- High customer satisfaction and trusted brand reputation.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents find the formula thicker than other Gentlease variants.
Overall
Enfamil Optimum Gentlease Baby Formula offers a balanced, gentle option for infants prone to digestive issues. With its unique formulation mimicking breast milk components, it provides optimal comfort and nutrition, making it a reliable choice for sensitive tummies.
Bubs 365 Day Grass Fed Infant Formula
Bubs 365 Day Grass Fed Infant Formula is crafted from milk sourced from grass-fed, free-range cows, offering a high-quality, natural option for infants from 0 to 12 months. Rich in essential nutrients like DHA and ARA, it supports brain development while the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics aids in digestive health. Made without GMOs, corn syrup, or artificial additives, this formula provides a clean, balanced option for parents seeking gentle nutrition for their baby.
Key Features
- Natural Ingredients: Made from 365-day grass-fed cow milk, offering higher nutritional value.
- Complete Nutrition: Includes DHA, ARA, and 16 essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth.
- Digestive Support: Prebiotics and probiotics support gut health and reduce discomfort.
- Non-GMO and Clean: Free from corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Certified Quality: Clean Label Project Purity Award for safety and quality.
- Australian Made: Produced in a dedicated, quality-controlled facility.
What We Like
- Made from high-quality, grass-fed cow milk.
- Supports brain development with DHA and ARA.
- Clean and natural formulation with no GMOs.
- Includes probiotics to promote digestive health.
- Trusted for quality and purity, with a recognized certification.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents reported occasional issues with mixing and slight clumping.
Overall
Bubs 365 Day Grass Fed Infant Formula is a thoughtful choice for parents looking for a clean, nutritious option that supports brain development and digestive health. Its natural ingredients and high-quality sourcing make it a reliable formula for growing infants.
Pure Bliss by Similac Irish Farms Infant Formula
Pure Bliss by Similac Irish Farms Infant Formula is crafted with high-quality ingredients sourced from grass-fed cows in Ireland. This easy-to-digest formula is designed to support healthy brain and eye development with added DHA and ARA, while being free from artificial growth hormones, palm olein oil, and corn syrup. Modeled after breast milk, it provides gentle nutrition for infants from 0 to 12 months, making it a preferred choice for parents seeking a natural, wholesome formula.
Key Features
- High-Quality Ingredients: Made from grass-fed cow milk from Ireland.
- Brain and Eye Support: Contains DHA and ARA to promote cognitive and visual development.
- Gentle on Digestion: Formulated without palm olein oil or corn syrup.
- Non-GMO and Safe: Free from artificial growth hormones and unnecessary additives.
- Trusted Brand: From Similac, the #1 brand fed in hospitals.
- Easy to Digest: Modeled after breast milk to reduce tummy discomfort.
What We Like
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs and easy to digest.
- Supports healthy development with brain-boosting ingredients.
- No artificial growth hormones or GMO ingredients.
- Positive feedback from parents on taste and effectiveness.
- Smooth transition from breast milk for many babies.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents reported occasional constipation during the transition.
Overall
Pure Bliss by Similac Irish Farms Infant Formula is an excellent choice for parents who value clean, natural ingredients. Its gentle, easy-to-digest formulation and brain-supportive nutrients make it a reliable option for infants, particularly those with sensitive tummies.
Similac Total Comfort Infant Formula
Similac Total Comfort Infant Formula is designed to be gentle on delicate tummies, making it ideal for babies who struggle with other milk-based formulas. Imported from Spain, it features partially hydrolyzed proteins that are easier to digest and includes 2′-FL and nucleotides to support immune health. Comparable to the U.S. Pro-Total Comfort formula, it provides complete nutrition while being free from palm oil and artificial growth hormones, offering reliable support for babies with digestive sensitivities.
Key Features
- Gentle Formula: Partially hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion, suitable for sensitive tummies.
- Immune Support: Contains 2′-FL and nucleotides to boost the immune system.
- Easy Preparation: Mixes easily with water for convenient feeding.
- No Palm Oil: Helps support calcium absorption for stronger bones.
- Safe and Reliable: Meets U.S. FDA criteria for imported formulas.
- Non-GMO: Free from artificial growth hormones and palm olein oil.
What We Like
- Helps reduce gas and fussiness in sensitive babies.
- Supports immune health with added 2′-FL.
- Easily digestible, making it great for babies with tummy troubles.
- Smooth consistency, dissolves well without clumping.
- Trusted brand with positive feedback from parents.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents reported occasional issues with damaged cans during shipping.
Overall
Similac Total Comfort Infant Formula is a practical choice for parents seeking a gentle, easy-to-digest formula for babies with gas and fussiness. Its thoughtful formulation and immune-boosting ingredients make it a dependable option for delicate stomachs.
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula is specially formulated for babies with lactose sensitivity, helping to reduce gas, fussiness, and crying. Made from organic milk sourced from grass and grain-fed cows, it features DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development. With prebiotics and essential nutrients, this reduced-lactose formula is easy to digest and meets FDA requirements for infant nutrition. Ideal for babies from birth to 12 months, it is a reliable option for sensitive tummies.
Key Features
- Organic and Safe: Made with organic milk from grass and grain-fed cows.
- Lactose Sensitivity Relief: Reduced lactose content helps minimize gas and fussiness.
- Brain and Eye Development: Enriched with DHA and ARA for cognitive support.
- Gentle Digestion: Includes prebiotics to aid gut health and immune support.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from harmful growth hormones, corn syrup, and GMOs.
- Easy to Prepare: Convenient packaging with clear instructions for bottle preparation.
What We Like
- Helps reduce gas and digestive discomfort.
- Supports healthy brain and eye development.
- Organic ingredients ensure a clean and safe formula.
- Well-received by parents for being gentle on sensitive tummies.
- Positive feedback for taste and digestibility.
What We Don’t Like
- Some parents reported occasional constipation when first switching.
Overall
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula is an excellent choice for parents looking for a gentle, organic formula to support their baby’s growth. With its thoughtful ingredients and reduced lactose content, it’s a trusted option for managing fussiness and gas while promoting healthy development.
What Are Reasons Causing Your Baby Spits Up Or Has Excess Gas?
The following are some reasons that make your baby feel so irritated and cry all the time:
Sensitivity to formula/ allergy
The formula intolerance is the body’s reaction to certain formula ingredients, which irritate the digestive tract of your baby and can cause inflammation through their body.
Allergy to protein
A typical allergy is to the proteins that are found in the cow’s milk. About 3% of babies are allergic to it. This happens when the immune system of your baby perceives the protein of cow’s milk as dangerous and then, begins to create an allergic response. Unluckily, about 50% of the babies, who are allergic to the cow’s milk, can be allergic to the soy-based milk, too, which is the primary alternative to the cow’s milk-based formula.
Lactose sensitivity
Another formula allergy in infants is lactose sensitivity, which makes them spit up what they eat. The enzyme lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, which is the sugar in dairy products and milk. During some illnesses or overtime, those villi can become damaged or reduce the production of lactase, thus, lead to the inability in breaking down lactose and cause lactose intolerance. Because our babies cannot tell their parents about their feeling, they’ll often cry if they feel uncomfortable. Therefore, they seem colicky.
There’re some tell-tale signs that your infant may be allergic to this formula. They’re also a few subtle clues that you will want to watch for:
- Increased discomfort and fussiness after or during feeding- This’s a typical sign that your infant can be allergic to the formula.
- Increased colicky or gassiness – Increased gas can be a sign that the baby has an allergy or lactose intolerance.
- Red ring around the anus – In case your infant develops this and doesn’t seem to disappear with the use of zinc oxide preparation, then, it can be a sign that the baby is allergic to the formula.
- Irregular stool – In case the stool of your infant seems irregular: excessively hard or overly watery/ loose, foul-smelling, then, this’s another potential sign.
- Eczema, hives or rash – Those’re typical signs of an allergic child
- Excessively spit up – Although this is not necessarily a sign proving that your child is allergic to certain formulas, it may be a sign.
Reflux
Regular reflux: GER (Gastro Esophageal Reflux)
Your newborn may often spit up breast milk. However, this is not a big problem; it’s just a normal situation. Spitting up milk is known as physiological or uncomplicated reflux. The digestive systems of your babies are immature. This means that their stomach contents may be easily regurgitated back up towards their mouth. Most of the newborns stop spitting up as soon as they are 12 months old. Reflux after feed usually peaks at about 4 months.
So long as your babies are gaining weight and growing well, the spitting up isn’t accompanied by discomfort and pain; there shouldn’t any cause for concern.
Crappy reflux: GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
This kind of acid reflux isn’t very common (about 1 in 300 infants). However, it’s much more serious. Children and infants with GERD usually experience distress as a result of the reflux even though the refluxed stomach contents aren’t entirely ejected from their mouths. Those babies will have constant colds, hate to eat, struggle to grow, show breathing problems, or wheeze.
They may lose a lot of calories by expulsion, which grows in compromised. A few children with GERD or infants may become averse to eating because of repeated associations with pain and feeding.
Bottles
Another feature that you should consider before switching up the formula of your kids is the bottles that they’re drinking from. The nipple and bottle may have an acute effect on the spit up and gas of your baby, therefore, ensure that you have an appropriate one.
Proper nipple size
Because each newborn is a little bit different, you will need to ensure that the nipple’s size that you use is able to remain full of milk during feedings. Relying on the nipple you’re utilizing; it may help or actually cause problems related to the infant gas. This’s true for newborn, who has a slower flow nipple. In case of the slow flow, your babies will feel like they have to work harder to achieve the formula. Consequently, they may take in a lot of air, causing gas and spit-up.
In case you’re feeding your newborn with slow-flow nipples and having problems with the discomfort from gas and regulation, you can consider changing to a high or medium-flow nipple in the step-wise fashion. In case you see the formula flowing around the mouth of your babies after switching, or they seem to be choking because of the flow, then, the formula may flow too fast. When your children are older, they feel more comfortable with a faster flow because they can control their swallow and suck better.
Airflow control valve
The best bottles for the reflux should have some kinds of air eliminating system that can either eliminate or reduce air bubbles in their milk/formula. Thanks to this feature, your gassy newborns less likely to spit up.
Other reasons
Nevertheless, babies gas and spit up may be caused by other reasons such as position, feeding, and swaddling styles. Therefore, here’re some useful ways that you may try to prevent your newborn from gas and spitting up.
- Position his/her head higher than the rest of his/her body while feeding
- Burp him/her after each 1 – 2 fluid ounces of the formula, however, wait for him/her to take the break – do not interrupt his/her feeding. In the case of breastfed babies, you should burp him/her after feeding on every side.
- Avoid using tight diapers because they will put extra pressure on the baby’s stomach
- Do not vigorously play with your infant after feeding
- Decrease pacifier time. Constant sucking is able to pump the stomach of your baby up with swallowed air.
- In case your infants are stressed, frantic, or rushing through the feeding, then, the first thing you need to do is to calm them down. After that, try to feed them again.
Things to Consider
When choosing a baby formula to reduce spit-up and gas, keep the following factors in mind:
1. Ingredients and Sensitivity
- Look for formulas labeled as “gentle” or “sensitive,” as these often contain partially hydrolyzed proteins that are easier to digest.
- If your baby has lactose sensitivity, opt for reduced-lactose or lactose-free formulas.
- Avoid formulas with artificial additives, corn syrup, or palm olein oil, as they may exacerbate digestive issues.
2. Nutritional Balance
- Choose formulas enriched with DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development.
- Prebiotics and probiotics can aid digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Ensure the formula provides complete nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, suitable for infants up to 12 months.
3. Formula Type
- Powdered Formula: Economical and easy to store, but requires proper mixing to prevent clumping.
- Liquid Concentrate: Easier to mix but typically more expensive.
- Ready-to-Feed: Convenient and mess-free but often pricier and with a shorter shelf life.
4. Brand Reputation and Reviews
- Opt for trusted brands recommended by pediatricians, such as Similac, Enfamil, and Earth’s Best.
- Read customer reviews to learn about real-life experiences and potential issues like consistency or taste.
- Check for certifications like USDA Organic or Non-GMO to ensure product quality.
5. Baby’s Individual Needs
- Every baby is different. Some may respond well to a particular formula while others may not.
- Consult your pediatrician before switching formulas, especially if your baby has underlying health conditions or persistent digestive problems.
FAQs
If your baby frequently spits up, has visible discomfort after feeding, or shows signs of gas (like bloating and fussiness), they might benefit from a formula designed to reduce these symptoms.
Some babies may experience minor constipation when switching to a new formula, particularly those containing rice starch or thicker consistency. Always introduce new formulas gradually and monitor your baby’s response.
Yes, but it’s best to consult your pediatrician before switching. Transitioning gradually by mixing old and new formulas can help minimize digestive upset.
Organic formulas are generally free from artificial additives, which may be gentler on a baby’s stomach. However, effectiveness varies from baby to baby, so it’s essential to choose based on your child’s specific needs rather than just the organic label.
Typically, you may see improvements within 3 to 7 days. Allow your baby’s digestive system to adjust, and be patient while monitoring changes in symptoms.
Conclusion
Finding the right formula for spit-up and gas can make a significant difference in your baby’s comfort and well-being. From gentle options like Similac Total Comfort and Enfamil A.R. to organic solutions such as Earth’s Best Sensitivity, each product addresses specific digestive needs. Always consider ingredients, nutritional value, and your baby’s unique preferences. With the right choice, you can minimize discomfort and ensure your little one gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
