Can Certain Formulas Cause Colic?
While the exact cause for colic remains unknown, it’s often linked to your baby’s still-developing tummy and digestive issues or sensitivities towards certain components in breast milk or formula: (1)
Lactose sensitivity Lactose intolerance Cow’s milk allergy
You can try the following if you have a colicky baby: (1)
Use anti-colic baby bottles. Small but more frequent feeds Burp your baby frequently during each feed Keep your child upright for 30 minutes after each feeding session Swaddle your baby in a warm blanket Comfort your baby in a quiet place with dim lighting Gentle massage with a baby-friendly essential oil Give a few drops of gripe water Change to a different formula Try to avoid spicy food, coffee, alcohol, dairy, wheat, nuts, and eggs if you’re a breastfeeding mom.
Is There A Baby Formula For Colic?
These formulas may help prevent acid reflux and colic in babies: (1)
Hypoallergenic formula Dairy-free formula Lactose-free formula Soy formula Formulas with probiotics (such as Lactobacillus reuteri or L. reuteri) and prebiotics
Your baby’s colic may be due to different reasons. It’s best to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare specialist to determine its possible cause to help you pick the best colic formula for your little one.
Which Is The Best Formula Milk For Colic Babies?
These are some of the best baby formulas for colicky babies:
Similac Pro-Total Comfort – 20.1 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 Enfamil ProSobee – 20.9 oz can: $31.99 Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula – 19.8 oz can, single pack: $45.99 Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula – 14.12 oz can, pack of four: $32.99 each Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula – 30.6 oz can, single pack: $36.48 Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula – 19.5 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula – 14.1 oz can, one pack: $39.89 Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula – 19.8 oz can, single pack: $39.99 Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity – 23.2 oz canister: $31.96 Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula – 12.7 oz can, single pack: $14.99 HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula – 28.22 oz can, one pack: $46.99
Find out more about each formula below.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Pricing
20.1 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 36 oz can, case of three: $121.49
Best Features & Safety
It has the prebiotic 2’-FL HMO (2’-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharide) to support your baby’s developing immune system. It uses partially hydrolyzed whey proteins or broken-down proteins for easy digestion. It features OptiGRO with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid), lutein, and vitamin E that can help with brain development and eye health.
Ingredients
Corn maltodextrin Whey protein hydrolysate High oleic safflower oil Sugar Soy oil Coconut oil 2’-FL HMO Short-chain fructooligosaccharides Beta-carotene Lutein Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (for DHA) Mortierella alpina oil (for ARA or arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.4 g Total carbohydrates: 10.7 g Proteins: 2.32 g Vitamin E: 1.5 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 1,000 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It doesn’t have artificial growth hormones or palm olein oil, a compound found in some formulas that can decrease calcium absorption. (2) It uses smaller, partially hydrolyzed proteins that may be easier to digest by sensitive tummies. It’s made of non-GMO ingredients.
Cons
It contains added sugars and maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews “She throws up horrible after every feeding no matter what. Then her poop is green which it was never before.” – Reviewer on Similac’s website.
Enfamil ProSobee Soy-Based Infant Formula
Pricing
12.9 oz can: $21.99 20.9 oz can: $31.99
Best Features & Safety
It’s from soy-based proteins and is especially formulated for babies with lactose intolerance. This non-dairy formula may ease symptoms of colic, bloating, and fussiness due to sensitivity to milk-based formulas.
Ingredients
Corn syrup solids Vegetable oil (coconut, palm olein, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils) Soy protein isolate Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA source)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this preparation contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g Proteins: 2.5 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 800 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It has the same DHA and ARA content as regular Enfamil formulas. It may be ideal for babies with lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy. It can be a good option for those following special dietary guidelines (Kosher or vegetarian diets). It doesn’t have added sugars.
Cons
The formula may be more difficult to dissolve. It has corn syrup. It contains palm olein oil and other vegetable oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “Makes my little less gassy and much more happy!” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website. Negative Reviews
Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
Pricing
12.6 oz can, single pack: $34.99 19.8 oz can, single pack: $45.99 27.8 oz can, single pack: $58.99
Best Features & Safety
According to Enfamil, it’s clinically proven to reduce colic due to cow’s milk allergy within 48 hours. It’s a lactose-free, hypoallergenic formula. It contains LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), a gut-friendly bacteria. It may help reduce the incidence of future allergies, including eczema, rhinoconjunctivitis, urticaria, and asthma, according to the brand’s website.
Ingredients
Corn syrup solids Vegetable oil (soy, palm olein, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils) Modified casein hydrolysate Modified corn starch Mortierella alpina oil (for ARA) Schizochytrium sp. Oil (for DHA) Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.3 g Proteins: 2.8 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 94 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
Mead Johnson Nutritionals recalled 4.6 million cans of Enfamil Nutramigen in 2001 due to incorrect preparation instructions (in Spanish). According to the recall advisory, following the incorrect instructions may lead to serious health issues, possibly even death. (3) Around 3.7 million cans of powder infant formula (16-ounce) with these lot codes were recalled: (3)
BHC43 BHC44 BJC45 BJC46 BJC47 BJC48 BKC49 BKC50 BLC51 BLC52 BLC53 BMC54 BMC55 BMC56 BAM57 BAM58 BBM59 BBM60 BBM61 BCM62 BCM63 BCM64 BDM65 BDM66 BEM67 BEM68 BEM69 BEM70 BEM71 BEM72 BFM73 BFM74
The recall also included 930,000 ready-to-use (32-ounce) bottles with these lot codes: (3)
MBM90 MBM91 MCM92 MCM93 MCM94 MDM95 MDM96 MEM97 MFM00 MFM01
Pros & Cons
Pros
No added sucrose (table sugar). No artificial growth hormones.
Cons
It contains palm olein oil, vegetable oils, and corn syrup. There has been a recall for this formula due to an incorrect, potentially dangerous label instruction. (3) It’s more expensive than most formulas.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My baby had colic from the get go, spitting up, many sleepless nights. The pediatrician suggested Nutramigen and it has made life so much easier for both of us!” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website. Negative Reviews “This product makes my baby spit up every time I feed him.” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website.
Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula
Pricing
14.12 oz can, pack of four: $32.99 each 14.12 oz can, pack of six: $30.99 each 14.12 oz can, pack of 12: $28.99 each
Best Features & Safety
It’s a GMO-free goat formula processed under the highest European Union (EU) organic standards. It features proteins that can be easier to digest than cow’s milk. It may be an ideal choice for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies.
Age Range
It’s made for infants from birth to six months.
Ingredients
Organic full cream goat’s milk powder Organic maltodextrin Organic lactose Organic vegetable oils (organic rapeseed oil or organic sunflower oil) Microalgae oil
Nutritional Facts
Each 3.4 fl oz of this formula has the following:
Calories: 68 kcal Total fats: 3.6 g Total carbohydrates: 7.5 g Proteins: 1.4 g Vitamin E: 1.3 mg Iron: 0.67 mg Calcium: 60.7 mg Linoleic acid: 510 mg Choline: 21 mg Iodine: 13.6 mcg
Product Recall
Able Groupe recalled several European formula brands (HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and Bioland) in August 2021 for failure to meet FDA pre-market requirements, low iron content, and incorrect labeling. (4) The FDA requires that all infant formulas should have at least 1 mg of iron per 100 calories. Many of the European formulas by the recalled brands didn’t meet this standard. (4) Brands that don’t meet the iron minimum may still sell their formulas, but they’re required to put a label indicating that supplementation might be necessary. These Able Groupe formulas didn’t have this label. (4) All Holle Organic Goat Milk Formulas are included in this recall. (4)
Pros
It’s an organic formula free from soy, gluten, added sugars, artificial preservatives, chemicals, flavors, or colors. It doesn’t have brown rice syrup or palm oil. Its DHA content is sourced from algae.
Cons
It can be more expensive than regular cow’s milk formula. It has had a product recall in the US for low iron content. (4) It has maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “After eating this formula, my baby’s digestion improved. We no longer suffer from colic and gas. Great product!” – Reviewer on Organic’s Best Shop. Negative Reviews “This product made my baby really sick. He’d throw it all up every time I gave it to him.” – Reviewer on Nursing Angel.
Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula
Pricing
30.6 oz can, single pack: $36.48
Best Features & Safety
It features a special blend of partially broken-down whey proteins, probiotics, and prebiotics to promote better gut health. It may help with fussiness, colic, gas, crying, and mild spit-up. This formula has 2’-FL HMO (2’-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharide) to support your baby’s developing immune system.
Ingredients
Corn maltodextrin Whey protein concentrate (enzymatically hydrolyzed from milk) Vegetable oils (palm olein, soy, coconut, and high-oleic safflower or high-oleic sunflower) L. reuteri dsm 17938 probiotic cultures Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA source)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this infant formula contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.1 g Total carbohydrates: 11.2 g Proteins: 2.2 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.5 mg Calcium: 72 mg Linoleic acid: 900 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 12 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It has prebiotics (2’-FL HMO) and probiotics (L. reuteri) that may promote a better digestive system to help prevent gas, colic, and reflux.
Cons
The formula tends to form lumps and can be more difficult to dissolve than other formulas. It contains palm olein oil, soy, vegetable oils, and milk. It also has maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews “It constipated him super bad, made his stomach hurt to the point he would stretch until his face was bright red, and scream for hours.” – Reviewer on Gerber’s website.
Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Baby Formula
Pricing
19.5 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 19.5 oz tub, pack of four: $116.99
Best Features & Safety
It has easy-to-digest proteins. It has MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a component of breast milk that can support cognitive development.
Ingredients
This formula has the following ingredients:
Corn syrup solids Whey protein-lipid concentrate (milk) Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and soy (whey protein) concentrate solids Vegetable oil (palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils) Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Schizochytrium Sp. oil (DHA source)
Nutritional Facts
Each serving (5 fl oz) of this formula has the following nutrients:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.8 g Proteins: 2.3 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 82 mg Linoleic acid: 780 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros
The broken-down proteins may make this formula easier to digest. The thinner consistency can help it dissolve easily.
Cons
It has palm olein oil, soy, vegetable oils, and corn syrup. It may cause constipation.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews
Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula
Pricing
14.1 oz can, one pack: $39.89 14.1 oz can, case of six: $239.34
Best Features & Safety
It’s a hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula. It’s especially formulated for babies with malabsorptive conditions and multiple food allergies. The unique fat blend with MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) can help children with fat malabsorption.
Ingredients
Medium chain triglycerides Corn syrup solids Vegetable oils (high oleic sunflower, soybean, and high-2 palmitic vegetable oil) Potato starch L-arginine L-aspartate Mortierella alpina oil (ARA) Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA) Choline bitartrate
Nutritional Facts
One serving (5 fl oz) of this formula contains the following:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5 g Total carbohydrates: 11 g Proteins: 2.8 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 119 mg Linoleic acid: 696 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine:15 mcg
Product Recall
In December 2018, Nestle Germany recalled Alfamino amino acid infant formula due to an incorrect formulation. Higher levels of minerals in this batch can make children sick. (5) Recalled Alfamino 14.1 oz formulas are from batch number 80250346GA. (5) The formula may cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. (5) The faulty formula would usually turn grey or green after preparation. (5)
Pros & Cons
Pros
It may be easier to digest. It’s lactose-free and gluten-free.
Cons
It has corn syrup and vegetable oils. It has had a recall due to a faulty formulation. (5) It may be more expensive than other formulas.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “Alfamino helped us sleep! Dairy and soy allergies are very serious!” – Reviewer on Nestle Nutrition’s website. Negative Reviews
Which Similac Is Best For Colic? Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Pricing
12.1 oz can, single pack: $28.99 19.8 oz can, single pack: $39.99 19.8 oz can, pack of four: $167.99
Best Features & Safety
This hypoallergenic formula has broken-down proteins that can be easier to digest by babies with food allergies. It’s formulated for colic and food allergies. Shorter fats (MCTs) may be easier to process and absorb by your baby’s tummy.
Ingredients
Corn maltodextrin Casein hydrolysate Sugar High oleic safflower oil Medium-chain triglycerides Soy oil Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (for DHA) Mortierella alpina oil (for ARA)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz serving has:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.54 g Total carbohydrates: 10.2 g Proteins: 2.75 g Vitamin E: 3 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 800 mg Choline: 12 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
There has been no recall of the powdered formula. But the Similac Alimentum ready-to-drink (liquid) formula was recalled in September 2006 due to a manufacturing defect that can reduce the vitamin C content in the bottle. (6)
Pros & Cons
Pros
It’s hypoallergenic.
Cons
It contains added sugars. It also has maltodextrin and vegetable oils. Once opened, it must be stored in cool temperatures.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “No more horrible gas or constipation. It is pricey but you can’t put a price on your child comfort.” – Reviewer on Similac’s website. Negative Reviews
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Formula
Pricing
23.2 oz canister: $31.96
Best Features & Safety
It’s an organic formula made for babies with lactose intolerance. This easy-to-digest plant-based infant formula is made with non-GMO ingredients. It meets the FDA requirements for infant nutrition.
Ingredients
Soy protein Organic corn syrup solids Organic palm olein or palm oil Organic soy oil Organic high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil Organic coconut oil DHA algal oil (schizochytrium) Mortierella alpina oil
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains the following:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g Proteins: 2.5 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 750 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It has omega-3 DHA and omega-6 ARA that can support brain and eye health. It’s Kosher certified.
Cons
Though it has no dairy ingredients, this product is manufactured on dairy equipment. It contains corn syrup. It has palm olein and vegetable oils. It contains possible allergens: soy.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My baby has had a lot of tummy troubles with other formula that we have tried to supplement breastfeeding with, and this lactose free Earths Best formula works amazingly well for her! No more stomach pains and constipation.” – Reviewer on Earth’s Best website. Negative Reviews
Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula
Pricing
12.7 oz can, single pack: $14.99 12.7 oz can, pack of six: $89.94 12.7 oz can, pack of 12: $179.88
Best Features & Safety
It’s a gentle formula intended for children with lactose sensitivity. It has DHA and ARA from organic egg yolks. It’s made with certified non-GMO ingredients. It has organic lutein that can support eye development.
Ingredients
Organic brown rice syrup Organic milk protein concentrate Organic canola oil Organic high oleic oil (organic safflower or organic sunflower) Organic linoleic sunflower oil Organic coconut oil
Nutritional Facts
Each 4 fl oz of this infant formula contains:
Calories: 80 calories Total fats: 4.5 g Total carbohydrates: 9 g Proteins: 2 g Vitamin E: 1.1 mg Iron: 1.4 mg Calcium: 70 mg Choline: 20 mg Iodine: 8 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
This formula is OU-certified Kosher (doesn’t have dairy, meat, or dairy and meat derivatives). It has no corn syrup or palm olein oil. It’s gluten-free.
Cons
It’s only for children over 12 months of age. It has potential allergens: soy, milk, and egg (DHA and ARA are sourced from egg yolks). It has added sugars, brown rice syrup (an artificial sweetener), and vegetable oils, including canola oil.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My son has a lot of tummy issues so this particular product had been great for supplementing, his stomach handles it very well.” – Reviewer on Nature’s One website. Negative Reviews
HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
Pricing
28.22 oz can, one pack: $46.99 28.22 oz can, pack of six: $45.99 each 28.22 oz can, pack of 10: $42.99 each
Best Features & Safety
It’s made from certified organic, non-GMO cow’s milk. It has components similar to those abundant in breast milk: Lactobacillus Fermentum (probiotics) and galacto-oligosaccharides (prebiotics). It’s a European formula manufactured with ingredients from farms that strictly comply with EU standards for organic farming.
Ingredients
Organic skim milk Organic whey Organic vegetable oils (sunflower oil, palm oil, or rapeseed oil) Organic lactose Organic galacto-oligosaccharides (sourced from organic lactose) Whey protein Fish oil Choline Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Lactic acid probiotic culture (Hereditum Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716)
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of 3.4 oz contains the following:
Total fats: 3.6 g Total carbohydrates: 7 g Proteins: 1.25 g Vitamin E: 0.7 mg Iron: 0.5 mg Calcium: 51 mg Linoleic acid: 0.4 g Choline: 25 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
It’s among the European formulas recalled by Able Groupe (HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and Bioland) in August 2021 for failure to meet FDA pre-market requirements, low iron content, and/or incorrect labeling. (4) It has less than the FDA iron requirement of 1 mg of iron per 100 calories and didn’t have the relevant label required for such formulas. (4) All lots of HiPP infant milk formulas are included in this recall. (4) Even though it’s flagged by FDA, the product itself is perfectly fine for use, you may just have to supplement with extra iron to meet daily requirements.
Pros
It’s made with certified organic ingredients. It has DHA from fish oil. It’s free from corn syrup, gluten, soy, peanuts, and artificial preservatives or additives.
Cons
It has been recalled for insufficient iron levels, incorrect labeling, and failure to submit pre-market requirements to the FDA. (4) It can be more expensive than other formula brands. It has vegetable oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “So, so far our baby love it he is able to do hes needs normal and he don’t have problems or to gassy.” – Reviewer on Organic Baby Shop. Negative Reviews “My son did not do well on this formula.” – Reviewer on Shopper Approved.
Summary & Recommendation
These are some of the best formulas for colic:
Similac Pro-Total Comfort Enfamil ProSobee Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
REFERENCES (1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074 (2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8780336/ (3) https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/10/us/national-briefing-science-and-health-recall-of-baby-formula.html (4) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels (5) https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nestle-recall-idUKKBN1O50I2 (6) https://www.aappublications.org/content/27/9/2006229
title: “The Best Formula For Colic Which One To Pick For Your Baby Motherhood Community” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-08” author: “Robert Giebler”
Can Certain Formulas Cause Colic?
While the exact cause for colic remains unknown, it’s often linked to your baby’s still-developing tummy and digestive issues or sensitivities towards certain components in breast milk or formula: (1)
Lactose sensitivity Lactose intolerance Cow’s milk allergy
You can try the following if you have a colicky baby: (1)
Use anti-colic baby bottles. Small but more frequent feeds Burp your baby frequently during each feed Keep your child upright for 30 minutes after each feeding session Swaddle your baby in a warm blanket Comfort your baby in a quiet place with dim lighting Gentle massage with a baby-friendly essential oil Give a few drops of gripe water Change to a different formula Try to avoid spicy food, coffee, alcohol, dairy, wheat, nuts, and eggs if you’re a breastfeeding mom.
Is There A Baby Formula For Colic?
These formulas may help prevent acid reflux and colic in babies: (1)
Hypoallergenic formula Dairy-free formula Lactose-free formula Soy formula Formulas with probiotics (such as Lactobacillus reuteri or L. reuteri) and prebiotics
Your baby’s colic may be due to different reasons. It’s best to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare specialist to determine its possible cause to help you pick the best colic formula for your little one.
Which Is The Best Formula Milk For Colic Babies?
These are some of the best baby formulas for colicky babies:
Similac Pro-Total Comfort – 20.1 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 Enfamil ProSobee – 20.9 oz can: $31.99 Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula – 19.8 oz can, single pack: $45.99 Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula – 14.12 oz can, pack of four: $32.99 each Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula – 30.6 oz can, single pack: $36.48 Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula – 19.5 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula – 14.1 oz can, one pack: $39.89 Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula – 19.8 oz can, single pack: $39.99 Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity – 23.2 oz canister: $31.96 Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula – 12.7 oz can, single pack: $14.99 HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula – 28.22 oz can, one pack: $46.99
Find out more about each formula below.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Pricing
20.1 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 36 oz can, case of three: $121.49
Best Features & Safety
It has the prebiotic 2’-FL HMO (2’-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharide) to support your baby’s developing immune system. It uses partially hydrolyzed whey proteins or broken-down proteins for easy digestion. It features OptiGRO with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid), lutein, and vitamin E that can help with brain development and eye health.
Ingredients
Corn maltodextrin Whey protein hydrolysate High oleic safflower oil Sugar Soy oil Coconut oil 2’-FL HMO Short-chain fructooligosaccharides Beta-carotene Lutein Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (for DHA) Mortierella alpina oil (for ARA or arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.4 g Total carbohydrates: 10.7 g Proteins: 2.32 g Vitamin E: 1.5 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 1,000 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It doesn’t have artificial growth hormones or palm olein oil, a compound found in some formulas that can decrease calcium absorption. (2) It uses smaller, partially hydrolyzed proteins that may be easier to digest by sensitive tummies. It’s made of non-GMO ingredients.
Cons
It contains added sugars and maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews “She throws up horrible after every feeding no matter what. Then her poop is green which it was never before.” – Reviewer on Similac’s website.
Enfamil ProSobee Soy-Based Infant Formula
Pricing
12.9 oz can: $21.99 20.9 oz can: $31.99
Best Features & Safety
It’s from soy-based proteins and is especially formulated for babies with lactose intolerance. This non-dairy formula may ease symptoms of colic, bloating, and fussiness due to sensitivity to milk-based formulas.
Ingredients
Corn syrup solids Vegetable oil (coconut, palm olein, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils) Soy protein isolate Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA source)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this preparation contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g Proteins: 2.5 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 800 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It has the same DHA and ARA content as regular Enfamil formulas. It may be ideal for babies with lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy. It can be a good option for those following special dietary guidelines (Kosher or vegetarian diets). It doesn’t have added sugars.
Cons
The formula may be more difficult to dissolve. It has corn syrup. It contains palm olein oil and other vegetable oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “Makes my little less gassy and much more happy!” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website. Negative Reviews
Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
Pricing
12.6 oz can, single pack: $34.99 19.8 oz can, single pack: $45.99 27.8 oz can, single pack: $58.99
Best Features & Safety
According to Enfamil, it’s clinically proven to reduce colic due to cow’s milk allergy within 48 hours. It’s a lactose-free, hypoallergenic formula. It contains LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), a gut-friendly bacteria. It may help reduce the incidence of future allergies, including eczema, rhinoconjunctivitis, urticaria, and asthma, according to the brand’s website.
Ingredients
Corn syrup solids Vegetable oil (soy, palm olein, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils) Modified casein hydrolysate Modified corn starch Mortierella alpina oil (for ARA) Schizochytrium sp. Oil (for DHA) Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.3 g Proteins: 2.8 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 94 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
Mead Johnson Nutritionals recalled 4.6 million cans of Enfamil Nutramigen in 2001 due to incorrect preparation instructions (in Spanish). According to the recall advisory, following the incorrect instructions may lead to serious health issues, possibly even death. (3) Around 3.7 million cans of powder infant formula (16-ounce) with these lot codes were recalled: (3)
BHC43 BHC44 BJC45 BJC46 BJC47 BJC48 BKC49 BKC50 BLC51 BLC52 BLC53 BMC54 BMC55 BMC56 BAM57 BAM58 BBM59 BBM60 BBM61 BCM62 BCM63 BCM64 BDM65 BDM66 BEM67 BEM68 BEM69 BEM70 BEM71 BEM72 BFM73 BFM74
The recall also included 930,000 ready-to-use (32-ounce) bottles with these lot codes: (3)
MBM90 MBM91 MCM92 MCM93 MCM94 MDM95 MDM96 MEM97 MFM00 MFM01
Pros & Cons
Pros
No added sucrose (table sugar). No artificial growth hormones.
Cons
It contains palm olein oil, vegetable oils, and corn syrup. There has been a recall for this formula due to an incorrect, potentially dangerous label instruction. (3) It’s more expensive than most formulas.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My baby had colic from the get go, spitting up, many sleepless nights. The pediatrician suggested Nutramigen and it has made life so much easier for both of us!” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website. Negative Reviews “This product makes my baby spit up every time I feed him.” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website.
Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula
Pricing
14.12 oz can, pack of four: $32.99 each 14.12 oz can, pack of six: $30.99 each 14.12 oz can, pack of 12: $28.99 each
Best Features & Safety
It’s a GMO-free goat formula processed under the highest European Union (EU) organic standards. It features proteins that can be easier to digest than cow’s milk. It may be an ideal choice for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies.
Age Range
It’s made for infants from birth to six months.
Ingredients
Organic full cream goat’s milk powder Organic maltodextrin Organic lactose Organic vegetable oils (organic rapeseed oil or organic sunflower oil) Microalgae oil
Nutritional Facts
Each 3.4 fl oz of this formula has the following:
Calories: 68 kcal Total fats: 3.6 g Total carbohydrates: 7.5 g Proteins: 1.4 g Vitamin E: 1.3 mg Iron: 0.67 mg Calcium: 60.7 mg Linoleic acid: 510 mg Choline: 21 mg Iodine: 13.6 mcg
Product Recall
Able Groupe recalled several European formula brands (HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and Bioland) in August 2021 for failure to meet FDA pre-market requirements, low iron content, and incorrect labeling. (4) The FDA requires that all infant formulas should have at least 1 mg of iron per 100 calories. Many of the European formulas by the recalled brands didn’t meet this standard. (4) Brands that don’t meet the iron minimum may still sell their formulas, but they’re required to put a label indicating that supplementation might be necessary. These Able Groupe formulas didn’t have this label. (4) All Holle Organic Goat Milk Formulas are included in this recall. (4)
Pros
It’s an organic formula free from soy, gluten, added sugars, artificial preservatives, chemicals, flavors, or colors. It doesn’t have brown rice syrup or palm oil. Its DHA content is sourced from algae.
Cons
It can be more expensive than regular cow’s milk formula. It has had a product recall in the US for low iron content. (4) It has maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “After eating this formula, my baby’s digestion improved. We no longer suffer from colic and gas. Great product!” – Reviewer on Organic’s Best Shop. Negative Reviews “This product made my baby really sick. He’d throw it all up every time I gave it to him.” – Reviewer on Nursing Angel.
Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula
Pricing
30.6 oz can, single pack: $36.48
Best Features & Safety
It features a special blend of partially broken-down whey proteins, probiotics, and prebiotics to promote better gut health. It may help with fussiness, colic, gas, crying, and mild spit-up. This formula has 2’-FL HMO (2’-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharide) to support your baby’s developing immune system.
Ingredients
Corn maltodextrin Whey protein concentrate (enzymatically hydrolyzed from milk) Vegetable oils (palm olein, soy, coconut, and high-oleic safflower or high-oleic sunflower) L. reuteri dsm 17938 probiotic cultures Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA source)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this infant formula contains:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.1 g Total carbohydrates: 11.2 g Proteins: 2.2 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.5 mg Calcium: 72 mg Linoleic acid: 900 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 12 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It has prebiotics (2’-FL HMO) and probiotics (L. reuteri) that may promote a better digestive system to help prevent gas, colic, and reflux.
Cons
The formula tends to form lumps and can be more difficult to dissolve than other formulas. It contains palm olein oil, soy, vegetable oils, and milk. It also has maltodextrin.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews “It constipated him super bad, made his stomach hurt to the point he would stretch until his face was bright red, and scream for hours.” – Reviewer on Gerber’s website.
Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Baby Formula
Pricing
19.5 oz tub, single pack: $29.99 19.5 oz tub, pack of four: $116.99
Best Features & Safety
It has easy-to-digest proteins. It has MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a component of breast milk that can support cognitive development.
Ingredients
This formula has the following ingredients:
Corn syrup solids Whey protein-lipid concentrate (milk) Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and soy (whey protein) concentrate solids Vegetable oil (palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils) Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Schizochytrium Sp. oil (DHA source)
Nutritional Facts
Each serving (5 fl oz) of this formula has the following nutrients:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.8 g Proteins: 2.3 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 82 mg Linoleic acid: 780 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros
The broken-down proteins may make this formula easier to digest. The thinner consistency can help it dissolve easily.
Cons
It has palm olein oil, soy, vegetable oils, and corn syrup. It may cause constipation.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews Negative Reviews
Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula
Pricing
14.1 oz can, one pack: $39.89 14.1 oz can, case of six: $239.34
Best Features & Safety
It’s a hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula. It’s especially formulated for babies with malabsorptive conditions and multiple food allergies. The unique fat blend with MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) can help children with fat malabsorption.
Ingredients
Medium chain triglycerides Corn syrup solids Vegetable oils (high oleic sunflower, soybean, and high-2 palmitic vegetable oil) Potato starch L-arginine L-aspartate Mortierella alpina oil (ARA) Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA) Choline bitartrate
Nutritional Facts
One serving (5 fl oz) of this formula contains the following:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5 g Total carbohydrates: 11 g Proteins: 2.8 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 119 mg Linoleic acid: 696 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine:15 mcg
Product Recall
In December 2018, Nestle Germany recalled Alfamino amino acid infant formula due to an incorrect formulation. Higher levels of minerals in this batch can make children sick. (5) Recalled Alfamino 14.1 oz formulas are from batch number 80250346GA. (5) The formula may cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. (5) The faulty formula would usually turn grey or green after preparation. (5)
Pros & Cons
Pros
It may be easier to digest. It’s lactose-free and gluten-free.
Cons
It has corn syrup and vegetable oils. It has had a recall due to a faulty formulation. (5) It may be more expensive than other formulas.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “Alfamino helped us sleep! Dairy and soy allergies are very serious!” – Reviewer on Nestle Nutrition’s website. Negative Reviews
Which Similac Is Best For Colic? Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Pricing
12.1 oz can, single pack: $28.99 19.8 oz can, single pack: $39.99 19.8 oz can, pack of four: $167.99
Best Features & Safety
This hypoallergenic formula has broken-down proteins that can be easier to digest by babies with food allergies. It’s formulated for colic and food allergies. Shorter fats (MCTs) may be easier to process and absorb by your baby’s tummy.
Ingredients
Corn maltodextrin Casein hydrolysate Sugar High oleic safflower oil Medium-chain triglycerides Soy oil Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (for DHA) Mortierella alpina oil (for ARA)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz serving has:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.54 g Total carbohydrates: 10.2 g Proteins: 2.75 g Vitamin E: 3 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 800 mg Choline: 12 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
There has been no recall of the powdered formula. But the Similac Alimentum ready-to-drink (liquid) formula was recalled in September 2006 due to a manufacturing defect that can reduce the vitamin C content in the bottle. (6)
Pros & Cons
Pros
It’s hypoallergenic.
Cons
It contains added sugars. It also has maltodextrin and vegetable oils. Once opened, it must be stored in cool temperatures.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “No more horrible gas or constipation. It is pricey but you can’t put a price on your child comfort.” – Reviewer on Similac’s website. Negative Reviews
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Formula
Pricing
23.2 oz canister: $31.96
Best Features & Safety
It’s an organic formula made for babies with lactose intolerance. This easy-to-digest plant-based infant formula is made with non-GMO ingredients. It meets the FDA requirements for infant nutrition.
Ingredients
Soy protein Organic corn syrup solids Organic palm olein or palm oil Organic soy oil Organic high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil Organic coconut oil DHA algal oil (schizochytrium) Mortierella alpina oil
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains the following:
Calories: 100 calories Total fats: 5.3 g Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g Proteins: 2.5 g Vitamin E: 2 IU Iron: 1.8 mg Calcium: 105 mg Linoleic acid: 750 mg Choline: 24 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
It has omega-3 DHA and omega-6 ARA that can support brain and eye health. It’s Kosher certified.
Cons
Though it has no dairy ingredients, this product is manufactured on dairy equipment. It contains corn syrup. It has palm olein and vegetable oils. It contains possible allergens: soy.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My baby has had a lot of tummy troubles with other formula that we have tried to supplement breastfeeding with, and this lactose free Earths Best formula works amazingly well for her! No more stomach pains and constipation.” – Reviewer on Earth’s Best website. Negative Reviews
Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula
Pricing
12.7 oz can, single pack: $14.99 12.7 oz can, pack of six: $89.94 12.7 oz can, pack of 12: $179.88
Best Features & Safety
It’s a gentle formula intended for children with lactose sensitivity. It has DHA and ARA from organic egg yolks. It’s made with certified non-GMO ingredients. It has organic lutein that can support eye development.
Ingredients
Organic brown rice syrup Organic milk protein concentrate Organic canola oil Organic high oleic oil (organic safflower or organic sunflower) Organic linoleic sunflower oil Organic coconut oil
Nutritional Facts
Each 4 fl oz of this infant formula contains:
Calories: 80 calories Total fats: 4.5 g Total carbohydrates: 9 g Proteins: 2 g Vitamin E: 1.1 mg Iron: 1.4 mg Calcium: 70 mg Choline: 20 mg Iodine: 8 mcg
Product Recall
None
Pros & Cons
Pros
This formula is OU-certified Kosher (doesn’t have dairy, meat, or dairy and meat derivatives). It has no corn syrup or palm olein oil. It’s gluten-free.
Cons
It’s only for children over 12 months of age. It has potential allergens: soy, milk, and egg (DHA and ARA are sourced from egg yolks). It has added sugars, brown rice syrup (an artificial sweetener), and vegetable oils, including canola oil.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “My son has a lot of tummy issues so this particular product had been great for supplementing, his stomach handles it very well.” – Reviewer on Nature’s One website. Negative Reviews
HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
Pricing
28.22 oz can, one pack: $46.99 28.22 oz can, pack of six: $45.99 each 28.22 oz can, pack of 10: $42.99 each
Best Features & Safety
It’s made from certified organic, non-GMO cow’s milk. It has components similar to those abundant in breast milk: Lactobacillus Fermentum (probiotics) and galacto-oligosaccharides (prebiotics). It’s a European formula manufactured with ingredients from farms that strictly comply with EU standards for organic farming.
Ingredients
Organic skim milk Organic whey Organic vegetable oils (sunflower oil, palm oil, or rapeseed oil) Organic lactose Organic galacto-oligosaccharides (sourced from organic lactose) Whey protein Fish oil Choline Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source) Lactic acid probiotic culture (Hereditum Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716)
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of 3.4 oz contains the following:
Total fats: 3.6 g Total carbohydrates: 7 g Proteins: 1.25 g Vitamin E: 0.7 mg Iron: 0.5 mg Calcium: 51 mg Linoleic acid: 0.4 g Choline: 25 mg Iodine: 15 mcg
Product Recall
It’s among the European formulas recalled by Able Groupe (HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and Bioland) in August 2021 for failure to meet FDA pre-market requirements, low iron content, and/or incorrect labeling. (4) It has less than the FDA iron requirement of 1 mg of iron per 100 calories and didn’t have the relevant label required for such formulas. (4) All lots of HiPP infant milk formulas are included in this recall. (4) Even though it’s flagged by FDA, the product itself is perfectly fine for use, you may just have to supplement with extra iron to meet daily requirements.
Pros
It’s made with certified organic ingredients. It has DHA from fish oil. It’s free from corn syrup, gluten, soy, peanuts, and artificial preservatives or additives.
Cons
It has been recalled for insufficient iron levels, incorrect labeling, and failure to submit pre-market requirements to the FDA. (4) It can be more expensive than other formula brands. It has vegetable oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews “So, so far our baby love it he is able to do hes needs normal and he don’t have problems or to gassy.” – Reviewer on Organic Baby Shop. Negative Reviews “My son did not do well on this formula.” – Reviewer on Shopper Approved.
Summary & Recommendation
These are some of the best formulas for colic:
Similac Pro-Total Comfort Enfamil ProSobee Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula
REFERENCES (1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074 (2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8780336/ (3) https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/10/us/national-briefing-science-and-health-recall-of-baby-formula.html (4) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels (5) https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nestle-recall-idUKKBN1O50I2 (6) https://www.aappublications.org/content/27/9/2006229