What Causes Baby Gas?

Underdeveloped digestive tract

Newborns come into this world with a rapidly changing digestive tract. Sometimes, babies struggle to digest certain formulas due to the digestive tract still being immature as it continues to develop.

Frequent crying

We all know that babies cry, but excessive crying can cause baby to ingest more air. This trapped air can cause discomfort which causes further discomfort.

Diet sensitivity

Some babies are born with certain allergies. This can even include allergies to what’s in breastmilk – directly tied into what mom is eating. If baby is formula fed, there are certain ingredients that can cause discomfort such as the lactose in cow’s milk.

Choosing the wrong bottle

Certain babies are more prone to swallowing air when using bottles that do not properly diffuse air bubbles. There are also low flow and high flow nipples available based on babies size. Using high flow nipples can cause baby to drink too quickly which may also cause gas. Read more about baby bottles here for the safest brands out there!

How to Choose the Right Formula

We are lucky to live in a world today where plenty of research on baby formula has been done. There are now more options to choose from when it comes to gassy babies than ever before. But what is the best formula prevent baby gas?

Step one is always going to be to identify the cause of the issue. This should always be discussed with your childs pediatrician at length. Thankfully, there are several different options available on the market today to meet your babies needs! Now let’s discuss the types of formula specific to gassy babies available on the market today.

Types of Formula

Lactose-Free Formula

For certain babies, the issue is as simple as a lactose allergy or lactose intolerance. This allergy can present in multiple different ways, mainly rashes but gas too, so always verify with your pediatrician.

You would likely be recommended to move towards a formula that is lactose free in this case. These formulas remove the lactose sugar from the manufacturing process and replace it with a different form of sugar safe for babies (commonly sucrose or glucose).

Sensitive (Partially Hydrolyzed) Formula

Aside from allergies, some formulas are created with proteins that are further broken down into smaller molecules. The proteins in these formulas, known as partially hydrolyzed proteins, make the formula easier to digest for baby.

Hypoallergenic Formula

This is sometimes confused with hydrolyzed formulas. Since hydrolyzed really means “broken down”, there are different levels of how broken down a protein such as cow’s milk really is. Partially hydrolyzed formulas are easier to digest. However, in a hypoallergenic formula, the protein molecules are broken down even further.

Goat Milk Formula

Many parents prefer goat milk to cow milk formula due to its low levels of lactose and additional probiotics. The probiotics present in goat milk help aid baby’s tummy by aiding their gut biome with digestion.

Speaking of digestion, the proteins in goat milk are known to be easier to digest than cow’s milk protein! This is because there are 2 proteins common in milk – A1 and A2. A1 is more prominent in cow’s milk whereas A2 is more prominent in goats milk.

Please keep in mind that the formula version of goat milk is pasteurized, fortified, and tested. Do not use natural goat milk as a replacement for baby formula.

Best Baby Formula by Type

Best Overall: Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula

Price:  $28 (1.99/oz) per 14.1 oz container

The reason I love Bobbie so much is because of their rigorous testing, research, standards, and significant amount of awards they’ve received. Their manufacturing process is immaculate, and they include only clean ingredients. You can check out their safety standards here, as there are just too many to cover in one post!

Bobbie’s Gentle formula is great for babies who maybe don’t have allergies, but have a sensitive tummy. It Is manufactured without allergens, palm oil, and corn syrup which can be common in regular commercial blends.

I used this brand religiously when I began the transition off of breastmilk.  Admittedly, it was somewhat difficult to find. Bobbie can be found at Target or through their online store. However, Target would frequently sell out quickly (especially the larger cans). When you see it, buy in bulk or order through their subscription online!

Pros:

• Strict and rigorous testing
• Clean ingredients from grass fed cows
• Advanced nutrient profile
• Multiple awards for safety and quality
• Babies like the taste and consistency

Cons:

• Only available online (subscription service) or at Target
• Runs out of stock quickly in store
• Expensive

Lactose Free: Enfamil Simply Plant Based Infant Formula

Price: $36.94 ($1.68/oz) per 20.9 oz container

This formula is completely free of lactose, making it safe for babies with lactose allergies. It is Kosher and made out of an easily digestible soy protein that’s safe for baby. Additionally, this formula contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to support brain development.

Many parents gravitate to this formula specifically when it comes to lactose free formulas due to the taste. Babies tend to enjoy this type of formula while avoiding all side effects of a lactose allergy.

Pros:

• Decreases gas and spit up
• Immune support
• Babies like the taste

Cons:

• Clumps when blending
• Thicker formula
• Corn syrup solids is #1 ingredient

Sensitive (Partially Hydrolyzed): Similac Pro-Total Comfort Infant Formula

Price: $31.05 ($1.54/oz) per 20.1 oz container

This formula by Similac is hydrolyzed, so the whey protein is broken down into smaller molecules. This makes it easier for baby to digest. Similac has also been claiming to have one of the closest formulas to breast milk than ever before.

Aside from being hydrolyzed, Similac has created this sensitive formula with additional nutrients in mind. It contains the “2’-FL human milk oligosaccharide”. I know what you’re thinking – what the heck is that? Simply put, it’s modeled after human milk as the name suggests and is great for babies developing immune system. We like this. The formula also contains DHA and lutein for developing brains and eyes.

What this formula doesn’t have? Artificial growth hormones, GMOs, and palm olein oil (which can interfere with calcium absorption). All great benefits, I’d say!

Pros:

• No palm oil leads to less constipation
• Price comparable to regular formulas
• Modeled after breastmilk
• Decreases gas and spit up
• Cost efficient

Cons:

• Has a noticeable smell that some babies don’t like
• Does not completely dissolve

Hypoallergenic: HiPP HA Combiotik Formula

Price: $39.99 ($1.88/oz) per 21.2 oz container

As an American, I have always been such a big fan of formula manufactured in Europe. They have many more regulations than we do here in the United States (crazy, right?).  This simple fact makes me feel so much more comfortable since I know the formula has gone through more extensive testing to ensure it is safe for baby.

HiPP HA Combiotik undergoes an extensive hydrolyzation process to ensure the formula will be easily digestible for the most sensitive of babies. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids, DHA, folate, and both prebiotic and probiotic cultures among a blend of vitamins and nutrients.

This brand also focuses on the creating the perfect balance of nutrients based on babies’ age. It is available in a 0-6 month stage as well as 6 month + stage. I love this because babies from newborns to 1 year have different nutritional needs, so why do American formulas only offer one blend? Food for thought!

Pros:

• Very unlikely to cause allergies
• Reduces gas and tummy upset
• Formulation similar to breastmilk
• Contains both prebiotics and probiotics
• Different stages of formula based on infants age

Cons:

• Not sold in stores. Online only/limited availability
• Not FDA regulated due to European manufacture
• Expensive

Goat Milk: Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula

Price: $44.78 ($1.59/oz) per 28.2 oz container

Bubs Goat Milk Infant formula is a perfect alternative for babies with sensitive tummies. Bubs is one of the few brands that has received the Clean Label Purity Award. This means it is formulated without GMO’s, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. Their manufacturing process is highly quality controlled and their products are rigorously tested.

What makes this formula stand out above the rest is its inclusion of the A2 goat milk protein, prebiotics, and omega 3 fatty acids. The formula is also available in 0-6 month, 6-12 month and toddler stages. It also includes 28 different vitamins and nutrients to ensure baby is getting exactly what he or she needs!

Pros:

• A2 milk protein is easily digestible
• Strict manufacturing processes
• Extensive quality testing
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Limited availability (available at Target or online only)
• Contains palm oil

Having a baby that is uncomfortable due to gas really comes down to digestion and allergies. As parents, we want to provide the best for our children to make them as healthy and as comfortable as possible. Sometimes finding the right formula requires lots of trial and error as each baby is unique. The effort is well worth it in the end.

Keep in mind that the first step is always to consult your child’s doctor. They will have a better idea of what to consider for your baby’s nutritional needs and how to alleviate gas. We all want to avoid discomfort in our little ones when they have tummy issues to aid us in our journey to raising happy, healthy babies with confident parents! Happy feeding!

Please note this post may contain affiliate links for some of my favorite products. I hope you love them as much as I do!