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You can easily find the best formula for gassy babies with this comprehensive, parent-friendly guide. We will go over what causes gas in babies, an in-depth breakdown on the best formulas, ingredients to avoid, and tips for choosing the right formula to reduce and eliminate gassiness.
Although it can feel overwhelming and concerning, gassiness in babies is actually quite common. Babies have an immature digestive system which is still growing and developing, which is why infants can experience more gas during the first 6-12 months of life than what you might expect.
However, some babies seem to be impacted more than others, and have more discomfort. As parents, we want our little ones to feel comfortable and relaxed, and it can be stressful to watch our babies in pain! Switching to a new formula that meets your baby's needs can be key to supporting their sensitive tummy, improving their mood, and minimizing symptoms associated with gassiness.
The good news is, nowadays there are many formulas that can help! But the process of finding the right formula that helps with gas can feel stressful and confusing. It is important to take the time to research and in some cases, consult with your pediatrician, prior to switching formulas.
Finding the best formula for your little one can be a game changer when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of gas in babies. It is important to choose a formula that is gentle and easily digestible, while also meeting all the standards for health and nutrition. Every baby is different, so you'll also need to consider a potential food intolerance or food allergy.
To make it easy, I've done all of the work for you! Read on to learn more about gassiness in babies, including finding the best baby formula for gassy babies, pros & cons of each, and what to look for when switching formulas. I've also given some general tips for easing gassiness in babies and how to make an informed decision around choosing a formula to support your baby's digestive health.
What Causes Gas In Babies?
Here are 7 of the most common causes for why babies experience gassiness:#1 | Immature Digestive System
Your baby's body is fragile and developing more and more each day. They are still working things out and learning how to digest food. It can take time to get their digestive system on track.
#2 | Overfeeding or Underfeeding
Overfeeding a baby creates discomfort and tension in the digestive tract, creating an overload of demand. It is a lot of work for your baby to process the food and digest the large quantity efficiently. Having such discomfort prevents babies from feeling relaxed enough to burp. On the contrary, underfeeding can also cause gas due to digestive issues. Chronic underfeeding will throw off your baby's system.
#3 | Infrequent Burping While Feeding
Babies need the opportunity to release air while feeding. If you find that your baby is gassy, you may need to prioritize more breaks and burping into their feeding routine
#4 | Swallowing Air While Feeding
Swallowing excess air while feeding can be due to an improper latch or bottle feeding. If a baby swallows too much air it can cause tummy discomfort and air build up.
#5 | Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Food sensitivities or food allergies are an important factor to consider with a gassy baby. Some potential things to look out for are cow's milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance, and soy allergy. For breastfed babies, you may also have to factor in what you yourself are consuming.
#6 | Reflux
Reflux can present itself in different ways, and one of those is gas.While reflux doesn't necessarily cause gas, it is closely associated with it. If your baby is experiencing both reflux and gas, it is important to take a closer look at the underlying issues.
#7 | Other Factors
Other factors to consider include recent changes in formula or switching from breastfeeding to formula. Less commonly, there may be underlying medical conditions. It is always best to consult with a professional if you have any concerns or questions.
What Are Some Common Signs Of Gas In Babies?
Gas in babies can have both obvious and discreet signs. Here are the top signs of gas in babies:#1 | Fussiness or Colic
If your baby is fussy for an extended period of time each day, this is a clear indication that something is causing discomfort. While there are various possibilities for fussiness in babies, it is most commonly due to tummy issues like gas as they are still developing their digestive system.
#2 | Excessive Crying
If you notice your baby excessively crying, particularly after feedings, this could indicate gas issues. Pay attention to the timing and duration of these cries. In turn, excessive crying can also be a cause of gas due to swallowing air.
#3 | Abdominal Bloating or Distension
If you visibly see bloating or distention of the tummy area, it is clear something is going on! You can take this a step further and see if their belly is sensitive to the touch or if gas is released after a tummy massage.
#4 | Burping or Passing Gas Frequently
Baby gas itself is not an issue. It is excessive gas that you want to pay attention to. On the flip side, gassiness doesn't always present itself in just passing gas. It can also be shown from excess burping. Ultimately, there is an abundance of air that needs to be released.
#5 | Discomfort While Eating
If you notice discomfort or tension in your baby while eating, they are probably having tummy issues. This may demonstrate itself as squirminess, fidgeting, or inability to focus while feeding.
#6 | Other Symptoms
Other symptoms to look out for are a red face, clenched fists, and pulling legs towards their tummy.
Types Of Baby Formula For Gassy Babies
What is the best formula for gassy babies? Well, there is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to the best infant formula for gas. The cause of gas can differ from one child to the other. There could be some trial and error when switching formulas, but with the help of this post you can make a well-educated guess on the best gas relief formula for your little one. Here is a brief breakdown of the various types of formulas that can be helpful for providing gas relief for newborns and older babies.
- Standard Cow's Milk Formula: When you think of standard formulas, you probably think cow's milk based. If your baby tolerates dairy, then cow's milk-based formulas can be a good fit. If you are switching from breastfeeding to formula, cow's milk is a good place to start, as it is similar to breastmilk. This is a good option for babies who are gassy due to sensitivities with mother's diet or from difficulties latching/swallowing too much air when nursing.
- Gentle Formula: Since your baby is having tummy issues, a gentle formula can help soothe the stomach and digestive system rather than overwhelming it. These types of formulas are specially formulated with easily digestible ingredients, making them some of the best formulas for sensitive stomachs.
- Goat Formula: This type of formula is a good option for babies presenting symptoms of dairy sensitivities. Goat's milk formula does not contain whey and has fewer lactose sugars. It helps to support gentle digestion. It should still be avoided if your baby is lactose intolerant.
- Hypoallergenic or Hydrolyzed Formula: When looking for the best formula for gassy and colic babies consider a hydrolyzed formula. Hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed formulas contain proteins that have been broken down into smaller molecules, making them much easier to digest. Hydrolyzed formulas are especially beneficial for babies with allergies or sensitivities to cow's milk protein. They reduce the risk of inflammation and the likelihood of an allergic reaction. By supporting and improving digestion, this type of formula can help alleviate gassiness, as well as colic, in some infants.
- Soy Formula: Soy replaces cow's milk, and is a good vegan alternative for babies who are sensitive to dairy and lactose. Soy based formula can be a great solution for both gas and colic. This should be avoided if your baby has a soy allergy. Look out for signs like diarrhea and excessive fussiness, and consult with your pediatrician if you are unsure.
- Specialized Formula (amino acid based): This type of formula is made up of non-allergenic amino acids, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reaction or irritated digestive system. This can help calm your baby's tummy and support healthy digestion, easing symptoms of painful gas.
Best Formulas For Gassy Babies
What Customers Say:What To Look For In Choosing The Best Formula For Gassy Babies
Not all baby formula is created equal, and it is especially important to be mindful in your search for formula for gassy babies. Here is our list of key ingredients and criteria to keep an eye out for during your search. These are the standards we seek when creating our list of best formulas for this guide.
✅ Certified Organic (either USDA certified organic, or EU certified organic).
✅ Meets nutritional standards for babies (in the United States or the EU) and includes key vitamins and minerals for development. You want something with complete nutrition for baby's health.
✅ No sugar, sucrose, or syrup solids (lactose should be the main carbohydrate)
✅ Whey to casein ratio that matches mature breast milk (ideal ratio is 60:40 whey to casein). The best formula for babies with gas needs to be easily digestible.
✅ Includes appropriate nutritional value of Omega 3 Fats (DHA, ALA) and Omega 6 fatty acids like arachidonic acid (ARA).
✅ Includes prebiotics and probiotics to support good bacteria in the gut
✅ Gluten free, soy free (with the exception of organic soybean oil, and organic soy lecithin, which is ok)
✅ Palm oil free (or uses palmitic acid, or sustainable palm oil. Learn more: Palm Oil In Baby Formula)
✅ Free of carrageenan or maltodextrin
✅ No hexane extracted ingredients, specifically docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) or no hexane detected post extraction
✅ Mixes easily & has good, honest reviews from customers
✅ Suits your budget
Ingredients To Avoid In The Best Formula For Gassy Babies
When it comes to finding the best formula for gassy babies, ingredients are incredibly important.
❌ Processed Refined Sugars: Avoid corn syrup and corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, sugar, or brown rice syrup. Manufacturers use these because they are cheaper than lactose, which is what should be in formula (unless you seek a lactose-free formula). Babies do not need the excess sugar, and it can contribute to disruption in their digestion.
❌ Cow Milk Protein: While this ingredient is not necessarily a problem, it is something to consider. Cow milk protein allergy is a common reason for reflux and gassiness. It may not be the cause of your baby's gassiness, and only needs to be avoided if an allergy exists. When looking for the best formula for gassy reflux babies, consider avoiding this ingredient.
❌ GMO Ingredients: Look out for a Non-GMO label when selecting your formula.
❌ Carrageenan: This ingredient is typically added as a stabilizer to ready-to-feed formula in the US, but has been linked to intestinal inflammation. When dealing with gassiness there is already so much distress to the stomach, it is important to reduce any additional irritants. In fact, it is not allowed in the EU, so opting for European baby formulas may be a good choice.
❌ Synthetic Nutrients Extracted Using Chemical Solvents: This includes lutein, lycopene, nucleotides, taurine, l-carnitine and l-methionine. Some of these nutrients are not allowed in EU formulas. While some of them, like lutein, are beneficial to babies, they ideally are not extracted using hexane.
❌ Palm Oil: Some manufacturers add palm oil to mirror the levels of palmitic acid, found in breastmilk. However, palm oil does not act the same way that palmitic acid does when naturally occuring. Palm oil reacts with calcium, and causes the formation of "soaps" in the baby's intestines, which can cause digestive issues. Palm oil is unfortunately in most formulas, but more manufacturers are now making formula without it.
Tips For Choosing The Best Formula For A Gassy Baby
- Consult with a pediatrician. It is always best to talk with your pediatrician when you have concerns for your baby's health. They can advise you on the best formula and how to introduce the new formula into your baby's diet.
- Read the label carefully. Double check that the formula meets all of your personal requirements, as well as does not contain any of the main triggers for gas.
- Consider your baby's age and needs. There are formulas made for different stages of your baby's life. Be sure to select the formula that is right for your baby's age. There are even special formulas made for premature babies to account for their fragile digestion. In addition, formula is only necessary for baby's first year of life.
- Trial and error approach. You might not find the best formula to reduce gas on the first try, since each baby is different. Give it 7-10 days before trying a new formula.
- Other tips. Be sure to slowly introduce a new formula with a gradual approach. When possible, always choose organic formulas as they are cleaner and healthier for baby.
Other Tips For Easing Gas In Babies
In addition to searching for the best anti gas formula, there are several home remedies for gas in babies that you may find helpful:
- Let the formula settle for 2-3 minutes after preparing the bottle. This helpsto get rid of the air bubbles and reduce air intake.
- Change the bottle nipples. For a gassy baby it is best to choose anti-colic baby bottles and bottle nipple. Some basic bottles might cause babies to take in a lot of air, which will cause stomach discomfort and gas.
- Burp often. Burp your baby several times during feeding to encourage air release and reduce the build up of gas in their bellies.
- Try smaller meals. Change your baby's feeding schedule to have smaller meals that are more frequent.
- Put baby upright. For 20-30 minutes after each feed hold your baby upright to help with proper digestion.
- Gently massage your baby's tummy. In a clockwise direction, massage your little one's tummy to help release gas and alleviate tummy discomfort. You can use age-appropriate essential oils or put a warm towel over your baby's tummy (make sure it's not too hot)
- Switch formulas. Try a different formula from what your child is currently using.
- Choose special formula options. Special formulas like lactose-free, soy-based formulas, or others formulated especially for gas, may be best for your baby.
- Change your diet. If you are a breastfeeding mom, try changing your diet. A breastfed baby may be sensitive to a food product within your typical diet such as dairy, eggs, or gluten.
SHOULD I SWITCH FORMULAS IF MY BABY IS GASSY?
If your baby is gassy, switching formulas may be the best option. You can try out some of the tips above first. If you do not see an improvement, then it is likely your baby's formula that is causing the gas. You may need a special formula to cater to your baby's sensitivities.
WHAT FORMULA DOESN'T CAUSE COLIC?
Colic can be caused by several factors, and is a bit different for each baby. You need to find a formula that is most soothing to your baby's tummy. There unfortunately is not a one size fits all solution to colic or gas, but trying out gentle formulations is helpful. Dairy or lactose-free formula, soy formula, or hypoallergenic formula are all good options to try out. You may need to test a couple before finding the right fit for your baby.
CAN SWITCHING FORMULAS CAUSE FUSSINESS?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for a baby to experience fussiness after switching formulas. Formula-fed babies need time for their digestive system to familiarize with a new food. The fussiness should go away after about a week, as they adjust. They may initially have more spit up, burping, and change in stool, too. Doing a slow transition can help ease these symptoms.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU TRY A BABY FORMULA BEFORE SWITCHING?
It is recommended to give a formula 7-10 days before switching. If your baby's stomach has been irritated from a previous formula or other factors, it is important to wait long enough for things to settle, calm, and heal. If you do not see any signs of improvement after day 10, then that formula is probably not the right fit.
WHAT TYPE OF BOTTLE IS BEST FOR A GASSY BABY?
The best bottles for gassy babies are anti-colic bottles with slow-flow nipples. The Dr. Brown's Natural Anti-Colic bottles are a good option, with the wide neck slow flow nipple. Bottles like this integrate a vent system into the bottles to stop air bubbles from formulating and slow down intake of milk. This helps to limit the amount of air your baby ingests when feeding.
WILL MY BABY GET GASSY IF I EAT CERTAIN FOODS?
If you are breastfeeding, certain foods may make your baby gassy. If your child has allergies, intolerances, or a sensitive tummy, some foods may impact them. Some foods that seem to be most common to cause gas in babies include spicy foods, garlic, onions, beans, cruciferous veggies (like cabbage, kale, etc), and some leafy greens. Dairy products and gluten can also be the issue. Pay attention to what you are eating each day and if your baby becomes fussy or gassy after particular feedings.
More Helpful Baby Formula Guides!
Final Thoughts
Gassiness in infants can take a toll on both baby and parents! It is hard to see your child uncomfortable and distressed. Excessive gas can add additional challenges to the already demanding, yet rewarding, journey of parenthood. Providing your child with the best baby formula for gas will go a long way towards your peace of mind. It will ensure that your baby is getting all the necessary nutrients while not overwhelming their sensitive tummy. Finding the right formula will give everyone the much needed comfort.
I really hope that this post gives you all the information you need on your search for the best formula to help with gas! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out in the comments below, I respond to every question I get!
