Best Formula for Gassy Babies 2026: Reduce Gas, Colic & Fussiness
Expert picks for formulas that are easier to digest and reduce gas.
Top Picks for Gassy Babies
Best Overall: Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease — reduces fussiness in 24 hours
Best Palm Oil-Free: Similac Pro-Total Comfort — no palm oil, partially hydrolyzed
Best with Probiotics: Gerber Good Start SoothePro — L. reuteri for colic
Best Budget: Store brand gentle formula — same ingredients, lower price
What Causes Gas in Formula-Fed Babies?
- Swallowing air — During feeding, especially with fast-flow nipples
- Protein digestion — Large intact proteins are harder to break down
- Lactose — Some babies have mild difficulty digesting milk sugar
- Immature digestive system — Most babies outgrow gas by 3-4 months
- Formula intolerance — Not allergy, just sensitivity to certain ingredients
Important: Some gas is NORMAL. Babies have immature digestive systems and will have gas regardless of formula. Only consider switching if gas is excessive and causing significant distress.
Best Formulas for Gassy Babies (2026)
1. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease — Best Overall
| Price | ~$32 per 19.5oz can |
| Key Features | Partially hydrolyzed proteins, reduced lactose |
| Claim | Reduces fussiness, gas, and crying in 24 hours |
| WIC Approved | Yes |
Why it works: Proteins are partially broken down (easier to digest), and lactose is reduced to 20% (vs 100% in standard formula). MFGM + DHA still support brain development.
2. Similac Pro-Total Comfort — Best Palm Oil-Free
| Price | ~$34 per 22.5oz can |
| Key Features | 100% whey protein (partially hydrolyzed), 2% lactose |
| Palm Oil | No (OptiGRO blend) |
| WIC Approved | Yes |
Why it works: Whey protein is easier to digest than casein. Very low lactose for babies who may be lactose-sensitive. No palm oil means better calcium absorption and potentially softer stools.
3. Gerber Good Start SoothePro — Best for Colic
| Price | ~$30 per 30.6oz can |
| Key Features | Comfort proteins, probiotic L. reuteri, HMOs |
| Unique | Only formula with L. reuteri probiotic |
| WIC Approved | Yes |
Why it works: L. reuteri probiotic has clinical evidence for reducing crying time in colicky babies. Comfort proteins (partially hydrolyzed whey) are gentle on tummies.
4. Similac Pro-Sensitive — Best for Lactose Sensitivity
| Price | ~$30 per 20.1oz can |
| Key Features | 98% lactose-reduced, intact proteins |
| Best For | Babies with specific lactose sensitivity |
Why it works: If lactose is specifically the issue (not protein), this removes almost all lactose while keeping proteins intact. Contains HMO for immune support.
5. Store Brand Gentle Formula — Best Value
- Parent's Choice Gentle (Walmart) — ~$20/can
- Up&Up Gentle (Target) — ~$22/can
- Kirkland Gentle (Costco) — ~$18/can
Why it works: Same FDA-regulated ingredients as name brands (partially hydrolyzed proteins, reduced lactose) at 30-50% lower cost.
Formula Type Comparison for Gassy Babies
| Formula | Protein | Lactose | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enfamil Gentlease | Partially hydrolyzed | 20% | $$ |
| Similac Total Comfort | Partially hydrolyzed whey | 2% | $$ |
| Gerber SoothePro | Partially hydrolyzed whey | 30% | $$ |
| Similac Sensitive | Intact | 2% | $$ |
| Store Brand Gentle | Partially hydrolyzed | Varies | $ |
Signs Your Baby Needs a Gentle Formula
- Excessive crying (more than 3 hours/day)
- Pulls legs up to belly frequently
- Grunting, straining during and after feeds
- Hard, distended belly
- Frequent, loud gas passing
- Arching back during or after feeds
- Difficulty settling after eating
When It's NOT Just Gas
See your pediatrician if you notice:
- Blood in stool — May indicate milk allergy
- Severe vomiting — Not just spit-up
- Poor weight gain
- Eczema or hives
- Respiratory symptoms
These may indicate a milk protein allergy requiring hypoallergenic formula.
Other Ways to Reduce Gas
Feeding Techniques
- Pace the feeding — Let baby take breaks
- Use slow-flow nipples — Prevents gulping air
- Hold baby upright — 30-45° angle during feeds
- Burp frequently — Every 1-2 oz
- Check nipple fill — Nipple should be full of milk, not air
Anti-Colic Bottles
- Dr. Brown's — Vent system reduces air
- Comotomo — Soft, breast-like design
- Philips Avent Anti-Colic — AirFree vent
- MAM Anti-Colic — Vented base
Post-Feeding Tips
- Keep baby upright 15-20 minutes after feeding
- Bicycle leg exercises
- Tummy time (when awake and supervised)
- Gentle belly massage in clockwise circles
How Long to Try a New Formula
Give any new formula at least 1-2 weeks before deciding if it's working. Some babies adjust quickly; others need time.
Timeline
- Days 1-3: May see initial improvement or temporary worsening
- Days 4-7: Digestive system adjusting
- Days 7-14: Should see consistent improvement if formula is right
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gentle formula the same as hypoallergenic?
No. Gentle formula has partially hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion. Hypoallergenic formula (like Nutramigen or Alimentum) has extensively hydrolyzed proteins for actual milk allergies. Gentle formula is NOT appropriate for milk protein allergy.
Can I mix regular and gentle formula?
Yes, you can transition gradually by mixing formulas for a few days. But it's also safe to switch directly.
Will my baby always need gentle formula?
Most babies outgrow digestive sensitivity by 3-6 months. You may be able to transition back to regular formula later.
Are gas drops safe with formula?
Yes, simethicone drops (like Mylicon) are generally safe. Ask your pediatrician about appropriate use.