Gentlease vs Sensitive Formula: Complete Comparison 2026
Understanding the difference and which one your baby actually needs.
Quick Summary
Gentlease: Partially hydrolyzed proteins + reduced lactose → for gas, fussiness, general sensitivity
Sensitive: Reduced/removed lactose, intact proteins → specifically for lactose sensitivity
Try first: Gentlease for general fussiness; Sensitive if you suspect lactose issues specifically
Understanding the Difference
| Feature | Gentlease Formulas | Sensitive Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Partially hydrolyzed (broken down) | Intact (not modified) |
| Lactose | Reduced (20-80%) | Significantly reduced (98%+) |
| Target issue | Gas, fussiness, general discomfort | Lactose sensitivity specifically |
| Taste | Slightly different from regular | Similar to regular formula |
What Causes Formula Sensitivity?
- Protein digestion: Some babies struggle with large, intact milk proteins → Gentlease helps
- Lactose digestion: Some babies have trouble digesting lactose (milk sugar) → Sensitive helps
- Both: Many fussy babies have both issues → Gentlease addresses both
Gentlease Formulas Compared
Enfamil Gentlease — Most Popular
| Protein | Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk + whey |
| Lactose | Reduced (contains corn syrup solids) |
| Claim | Reduces fussiness, gas, crying in 24 hours |
| Price | ~$35/27.7oz can |
| Also available | Gentlease NeuroPro (with MFGM) |
Best for: General fussiness and gas. The go-to "gentle" formula recommended by most pediatricians.
Gerber Good Start SoothePro — With Probiotics
| Protein | 100% whey, partially hydrolyzed |
| Lactose | Reduced (contains corn maltodextrin) |
| Bonus | L. reuteri probiotic + HMO |
| Price | ~$34/30.6oz can |
Best for: Fussiness + colic. The probiotic (L. reuteri) has clinical evidence for reducing crying.
Full Enfamil Gentlease review →
Similac 360 Total Care Comfort — Similac's Gentle Option
| Protein | Partially hydrolyzed |
| Palm oil | No (unique to Similac) |
| HMOs | Yes (5 types) |
| Price | ~$36/30oz can |
Best for: Parents who want gentle formula without palm oil.
Sensitive Formulas Compared
Similac Sensitive — 98% Lactose-Free
| Protein | Intact milk protein isolate |
| Lactose | 98% reduced |
| Carbs | Corn syrup solids + sugar |
| Price | ~$32/29.8oz can |
Best for: Confirmed lactose sensitivity (not milk protein allergy).
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
| Protein | Intact milk protein |
| Lactose | Reduced |
| Palm oil | No |
| HMOs | Yes |
| Price | ~$35/30oz can |
Best for: Lactose sensitivity + wanting premium features (HMOs, no palm oil).
Enfamil Sensitive — Reduced Lactose
| Protein | Intact nonfat milk + whey |
| Lactose | Reduced (not eliminated) |
| Price | ~$33/27.4oz can |
Note: Enfamil Sensitive has reduced lactose but not as much as Similac Sensitive.
Head-to-Head: Enfamil Gentlease vs Similac Sensitive
| Feature | Enfamil Gentlease | Similac Sensitive |
|---|---|---|
| Protein approach | Partially hydrolyzed | Intact |
| Lactose reduction | ~80% reduced | ~98% reduced |
| Best for | General gas/fussiness | Lactose sensitivity |
| Palm oil | Yes | Yes (360 version: No) |
| DHA/ARA | Yes | Yes |
| Price | ~$35/can | ~$32/can |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Gentlease if: Baby has general fussiness, gas, or you're not sure what the issue is
- Choose Sensitive if: You suspect lactose is the specific problem (runs in family, symptoms after lactose-heavy foods)
Symptoms Guide: Which Formula for Which Problem?
Gas and Bloating
| Symptoms | Hard, distended belly; pulling legs up; excessive farting |
| Try first | Gentlease or SoothePro |
| Why | Smaller proteins + reduced lactose address common gas causes |
Fussiness During/After Feeding
| Symptoms | Crying during feeds, pulling away, uncomfortable after eating |
| Try first | Gentlease |
| If no improvement | Consider hypoallergenic formula |
Diarrhea or Very Loose Stools
| Symptoms | Watery stools, increased frequency |
| Try first | Similac Sensitive (lactose-free) |
| Note | Could indicate lactose intolerance; see pediatrician if persistent |
Skin Rashes or Blood in Stool
| Symptoms | Eczema, hives, mucus/blood in stool |
| Action | See pediatrician — may need hypoallergenic formula |
| Formula type | Nutramigen or Alimentum (not Gentlease/Sensitive) |
Important: Lactose Sensitivity vs Milk Allergy
| Condition | Lactose Sensitivity | Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Can't digest milk sugar | Immune reaction to milk protein |
| Symptoms | Gas, bloating, diarrhea | Rash, vomiting, blood in stool, breathing issues |
| Severity | Uncomfortable | Can be serious |
| Solution | Lactose-free formula (Sensitive) | Hypoallergenic formula (Nutramigen, Alimentum) |
Key point: Gentlease and Sensitive do NOT treat milk protein allergy. If baby has rashes, blood in stool, or severe vomiting, see a doctor.
How to Transition to Gentle/Sensitive Formula
Gradual Transition (Recommended)
- Days 1-2: 75% old formula + 25% new formula
- Days 3-4: 50% old + 50% new
- Days 5-6: 25% old + 75% new
- Day 7+: 100% new formula
What to Expect
- Stool changes: Color and consistency may change (normal)
- Taste difference: Baby may resist initially (partially hydrolyzed has different taste)
- Improvement timeline: Give 1-2 weeks before deciding if it's working
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between Gentlease and Sensitive?
Yes, you can switch between similar formula types. Do a gradual transition over 5-7 days. If one doesn't work, trying the other is reasonable.
Why does Gentlease have corn syrup?
When lactose is reduced, another carbohydrate source is needed. Corn syrup solids provide easy-to-digest energy. They're not the same as high fructose corn syrup and are safe for babies.
Is Gentlease harder to mix?
Partially hydrolyzed formulas can be slightly foamier. Swirl gently instead of shaking vigorously. Let the bottle sit a moment before feeding.
Do I need a prescription for these?
No, Gentlease and Sensitive formulas are available over-the-counter at any store. Prescription is only needed for specialty/hypoallergenic formulas in some cases.