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8 Best Formulas For Gassy Babies, According To A Pediatrician

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Fed is best for nourishing your baby, but if your little one starts experiencing tummy troubles, it's time to reevaluate your feeding tactics. That's where the best formulas for gassy babies come in to help. Whether you're using formula as your baby's primary source of sustenance or as a supplement in addition to nursing, some ingredients in your current formula can contribute to your baby's gas. But don't be discouraged; there are plenty of formulas specially made to ease gas. Ahead, we learn more about the best formulas for gassy babies from a pediatrician, plus the eight best options to shop.

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Best Overall: Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula, $112 (four cans)Best for Supplementing: ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Powder Formula, $42Best Formula Tested for Heavy Metals: Baby's Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula, $32Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula, $50Best for Toddlers: Kendamil Classic Toddler Powder Formula, $28Best Formula for Babies with Allergies: Enfamil Nutramigen LGG Hypoallergenic Powder Infant Formula, $70Best European Formula: HiPP Comfort All Stages, $36Best 1st Year Formula: Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula, $32 (originally $40)

What Ingredients to Look for in Formula if You Have a Gassy Baby, According to a Pediatrician

Chelsey Borson, a pediatrician and founder of Luna Leaps, urges parents to search for formulas that are specially made for gassy and fussy babies. "Some ingredients that can help throughout include partially hydrolyzed proteins suitable for babies. Probiotics and prebiotics used in the formula can also assist with gut health," she adds.

What to Avoid in Formula if You Have a Gassy Baby, According to a Pediatrician

And while looking at ingredients, Dr. Borson says that it's essential to remember that specific recipes contain a lot of lactose or added sugar. "In such recipes, gas and stomach discomfort will definitely appear," she says. "Also, soy-based formulas may be contraindicated in some cases, at least in babies with soy allergies or intolerances."

Should I Change Formula if My Baby Is Gassy?

While it's any parent's immediate response to act quickly to help their baby, it's first to stop and consult with your pediatrician before swapping formulas. Your pediatrician can help pinpoint the cause of your little one's discomfort. Most pediatricians will give the stamp of approval to change in this case, Dr. Borson says.

How Do I Know if the Formula Is Making My Baby Gassy?

Dr. Borson shares that there will be visible signs if a formula is making your baby gassy. "Things like frequent crying, increased abdominal distension, and increased gaseous emission after meals may, at some point, begin to manifest, meaning that the use of formula may lead to gas," she explains.

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Ahead, see the best formulas for gassy babies from Bobbie, Similac, ByHeart, and more.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you'll love as much as we do. Bobbie is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Best Overall

Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula

This organic gentle formula from Bobbie should be at the top of your list if the baby is struggling with gas. The recipe includes partially hydrolyzed protein to ease tummies. It's "modeled after breast milk and contains 100% lactose as the carb source," Bobbie says. More importantly, the blend features organic lactose which never upsets tiny bellies.

From September 17 until September 24, you can take advantage of Bobbie's buy one get one free on organic formula (12.7 oz.) with free shipping promotion — no code needed!

Cost: 4 cans for $184Type: PowderSizes available: 4 cans, 8 cans, or 10 cansPros:Easy to digest organic ingredientsIncludes partially hydrolyzed proteinCons:More expensive than other options

Best for Supplementing

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Powder Formula

Parents who want to help their babies with gas and still want to breastfeed can benefit from ByHeart's formula. It's filled with a patented protein blend "that gets closest to breast milk," the brand says. The mixture includes alpha-lac and lactoferrin (abundant proteins found in breast milk), and broken-down proteins. It's also free of corn syrup, gluten, soy, maltodextrin, hexane-extracted DHA, artificial growth hormones, and palm oil.

Cost: $1.75/ounceType: PowderSizes available: 24 oz.Pros:Mimics breast milkHelps with less spit-upCons:Can increase constipation at first for some babies

Best Formula Tested for Heavy Metals

Baby's Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula

Baby's Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula is another gentle formula that helps to settle your little baby's tummy. The formula is crafted with A2 organic milk proteins for easy digestion, but it doesn't sacrificcec any nutrieistss. Instead, the formula is packed with iron. It's also Clean Label Purity Award and USDA Organic certified.

Cost: $1.55/ounceType: PowderSizes available: 21 oz.Pros:Contains A2 organic milk proteinsClean Label Purity AwardCons:Can have a foamy texture when mixed

BEST for SENSITIVE Stomachs

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula

It's no secret that formula can get pricey, so here's a more affordable option. Similac's 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula is the brand's closest prebiotic blend to breast milk. It helps alleviate discomfort caused by lactose sensitivity. The formula features five HMO prebiotics. It provides immune support and enhances brain development and digestive health.

Cost: $1.66/oz.Type: PowderSizes available: 30.2 oz.Pros:Soothes fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity #1 brand fed in hospitalsCons:Can be hard to mix

Best for Toddlers

Kendamil Classic Toddler Powder Formula

This formula from Kendamil is best for toddlers. It's crafted in Europe and is sourced from family farms in Europe. It contains a whole milk recipe that includes fats similar to those found in breast milk — that' packed with MFGM that supports cognitive development. The powder is enriched with omega-3 and plant-based DHA to support healthy brain and vision functions.

Cost: $0.99/ounceType: PowderSizes available: 28.2 oz.Pros:Includes a unique prebiotic blend of HMOs and GOSCrafted in EuropeCons:Has a stronger scent

Best Formula for Babies with Allergies

Enfamil Nutramigen LGG Hypoallergenic Powder Infant Formula

Babies with food allergies and gas need an extra special formula; that's why parents love the Enfamil Nutramigen LGG Hypoallergenic Powder Infant Formula. The 27.8-ounce can contains Nutramigen hypoallergenic baby formula powder that's packed with omega-3 DHA. Plus, Enfamil's mix is clinically proven to help relieve colic.

Cost: $2.52/ounceType: PowderSizes available: 12.6 oz. / 19.8 oz. / 27.8 oz.Pros:Available in multiple sizesAssists in allergy management Cons:Expensive

Best European Formula

HiPP Comfort All Stages

HiPP baby formula is one of Germany's best-selling formulas. It is crafted with European Union-certified organic ingredients and excludes mineral nitrogen fertilizers and hormones. The formula is offered in three stages transitions from birth to toddlerhood.

Cost: $36 (1-3 units)Type: PowderSizes available: 21.16 oz.Pros:Parent report stomach issues went away within a weekEuropean Union-certifiedCons:Not widely available

Best 1st Year Formula

Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula

This formula is pediatrician-recommended and eases gassy tummies. Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula has a reduced lactose powder packed with all the essential nutrients that babies need, such as iron, omega-3 DHA, and Omega-6 ARA.

Cost: $1.42/ounceType: FormulaSizes available: 21 oz.Pros:Available on AmazonPartially hydrolyzedCons:Only best for babies up to 12 months old

Experts In This Article

Chelsey Borson is a California-based pediatrician and the founder of Luna Leaps.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below: 

Woman Who Can Only Eat Two Foods Goes Viral After Sharing Extreme Allergies

A woman has gone viral for sharing her remarkably unique life with severe allergies, meaning her diet consists of just two foods.

Caroline Cray (@carolinecray2), 25, has captured the internet's attention for her extraordinarily rare experience of living with severe food allergies, culminating in a life-altering diagnosis of mast cell activation disorder (MCAS) in her first year at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

"It was really, really hard at first. In the U.S., people often describe their four years at university as the best of their lives. I thought I'd meet my spouse, make lifelong friends, and go to parties. I came in as a rower, recruited as a D1 athlete, and I was in the best shape of my life. My mom even went to the same university, just an hour away from my hometown, and I'd always heard about how those were the formative years of her life.

"It was super disappointing and depressing to watch everyone else living their lives, dealing with problems as simple as a boy not liking them back or getting a tough paper assignment. Meanwhile, I was feeling like a stranger in my own body.

Caroline Cray in hospital. The 25-year-old has been hospitalized numerous times due to her condition. Caroline Cray in hospital. The 25-year-old has been hospitalized numerous times due to her condition. Caroline Cray/Caroline Cray

"I'd get a really tight throat, itchy skin, my lungs would feel tight, and my oxygen levels were low. My immediate concern was always what was happening inside my own body," she told Newsweek.

Now, her diet consists solely of oatmeal and hypoallergenic baby formula, yet she maintains a vibrant and fulfilling life. Cray, who shares her story on TikTok under the handle @carolinecray2, went viral for revealing the unique ways she navigates everyday activities, such as dining out with friends or even something as simple as ordering water at a bar, which she has to be meticulous about.

Cray's journey began when she was 18. Growing up, she had already struggled with food allergies to nuts, sesame, mustard and seafood. But her life changed forever one fateful day during her first week at university. While enjoying an ice cream sandwich from a shop she'd visited before, she suffered an anaphylactic shock that required immediate hospitalization.

Caroline Cray's diet. Cray depends upon a variety of medication to help ease her symptoms. She can only eat two food items – oatmeal and hypoallergenic baby formula. Caroline Cray's diet. Cray depends upon a variety of medication to help ease her symptoms. She can only eat two food items – oatmeal and hypoallergenic baby formula. Caroline Cray/Caroline Cray

Cray recalled how the experience unfolded. Though she managed the incident with an EpiPen, her body didn't fully recover. Instead, the allergic reaction triggered MCAS—a rare and complex condition in which the body's mast cells become hyperactive, perceiving numerous substances as allergens. As a result, she became allergic to nearly everything.

Dr. Kara Wada, an allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Newsweek that Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a complex condition in which the body's mast cells become overly sensitive, releasing excessive amounts of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals.

Though often linked to allergies, mast cells act as the body's immune "border guards" and can be triggered by non-allergic mechanisms that are not fully understood. Symptoms vary widely and can include hives, gastrointestinal issues, flushing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Managing MCAS typically requires a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to stabilize mast cells and avoid triggers.

"Living with MCAS can be challenging and often creates significant fear and anxiety. It's crucial for patients to find a knowledgeable and supportive healthcare team they can partner with to navigate this complex condition," she explained.

For Cray, this meant her body was suddenly on high alert, leading to five hospitalizations during her first year of university. "I was in and out of doctors a lot," she shares, explaining how isolating her experience became.

Caroline Cray's symptoms. Cray often comes out in rashes and hives leading her to become uncomfortable and itchy. Caroline Cray's symptoms. Cray often comes out in rashes and hives leading her to become uncomfortable and itchy. Caroline Cray/Caroline Cray

In May 2018, she finally saw a mast cell specialist in Boston and received an official diagnosis. With the help of medication, she gradually reintroduced certain foods into her diet, like fruits, vegetables, and meats.

However, her progress was short-lived. After a cross-contamination incident in 2019, Cray went into anaphylaxis again and could only tolerate oatmeal. She spent time in and out of the ICU, facing the possibility of needing a feeding tube. Fortunately, she found that hypoallergenic baby formula was a safe option for her body, and this discovery was life-changing. "I was borderline malnourished, but the formula helped me regain control," Cray recalls.

Despite these severe restrictions, Cray's resilience shines through in her social media presence, where she documents her life with MCAS. One viral TikTok video with 299,500 likes showcases her experience at restaurants.

In the video, she said to the server: "I'm an easy one. I actually have a bunch of food allergies so I brought my own food, if that's okay, and then I'll just have that when everybody else is eating, thank you."

She then revealed her pre-made oat waffles and formula syrup.

She also explains to servers that she has numerous allergies due to an immune disease. "I've never been met with resistance," she said, noting that she always tips to feel part of the experience and takes care to avoid shared utensils and surfaces. "When we get there, nobody minds if I'm not eating, but I do have severe airborne allergies too—especially to peanuts, sesame, and mustard—which makes it tricky."

Cray's precautions extend beyond food. She hasn't traveled by plane in five years due to her deadly allergies to dogs and cats. "Planes are enclosed spaces, and I've tried contacting airlines, but every airline in the U.S. Distributes nuts, and they can't eliminate the risk of debris or residue," she shares. Hotels pose a similar danger because pet dander lingers long after cleaning. "It's just not worth the risk for me," Cray explains.

In a video that garnered 7.4 million views and 550,300 likes on TikTok she shared how she orders drinks in a bar, she can only drink water and only certain brands. She even opts to drink straight from the bottle due to the contamination risk of using a container touched by others.

"This is what I do when I'm out on the town, and everyone else is ordering drinks," she shared at the bar.

"So they gave me a very big bottle," she then shared the disposable cup the server provided. "Even though this is disposable, I don't know, I can't trust the fact somebody's fingers with my allergens didn't touch the rim," she explained.

She and her partner then carefully toasted to their three-month anniversary.

Though her journey has been filled with challenges, Cray found solace in a supportive online community of women dealing with similar health struggles. She also serendipitously met her boyfriend on a ferry. "He'd seen my TikToks before and already knew about my situation," she says, marveling at how accommodating he has been. "He doesn't eat anything I'm allergic to for 24 hours before we kiss, and he never drinks around me. I'm lucky to have found someone like him."

Cray's optimism and gratitude are central to her ability to thrive despite her condition. Diagnosed with depression early in her illness, she emphasizes how much her mental health is tied to her physical health. "Bad symptom days used to lead to negative self-talk: 'Why me?' and 'I hate this.' But I've learned that happiness is a choice once you're at peace with your circumstances."

Cray now practices mindfulness and focuses on what her body can do. "I'm not on a feeding tube, my brain works, and my eyes work. I live at home, and my parents aren't charging me rent. Gratitude has been instrumental in getting me through."

Today, Cray works full-time as a healthcare recruiter and continues to inspire others through her social media platforms. She posts about her journey with MCAS not just to raise awareness but also to connect with those who feel as isolated as she once did.

"I have mcas too! It's a crazy life I haven't eaten or drinken out since 2022. This is a way to be somewhat included. We got this !," commented a fellow sufferer on her TikTok about ordering at a bar.

"Girl, I do the same. So glad I found you on TT. Thanks for sharing your mcas adventures," said Magaly Martin.

Aussie-made, Coconut-based Baby Formula Set To Go On Sale - But Parents Warned To Consult Professionals

A paediatric dietitian has urged parents to consult with health professionals before switching baby formulas, as a coconut-based product prepares to launch in Australia this week.

Coco2 was developed in southeast Queensland and markets itself as the world's first coconut-based infant formula, which aims to address the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Plant-based baby formula set to hit the market.

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General manager Nicholas Bouchaia said it also offered a solution for children with lactose intolerance, cow's milk protein allergies, and dietary restrictions.

"Coco2 was born from the collaboration of parents, chemists, and professors, blending personal experience with scientific expertise," he said.

"It has been in development for over a decade with the support of the University of Queensland."

The company says its formula has a "simplified protein and fat profile that closely mimics breastmilk" and is "nutritionally complete and fortified with all the key minerals and vitamins".

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But Ingrid Roche, an accredited practising dietitian with 25 years' experience who has worked as a paediatric allergy dietitian for 15 years, has questioned if the formula will benefit babies in the same way as breastmilk and traditional baby formula products.

"All formula in Australia that is released to market has to be formulated in line with the infant formula standards, which are set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand code," she said.

"You can formulate something to the standard, but it's another step to show (an infant) will actually absorb all of those nutrients and grow in a healthy way.

"The most important thing with plant-based formulas is whether an infant will actually grow and develop on those formulas."

Coco2 is currently undertaking a growth study on their formula, which Roche said was a good start.

Coco2 is preparing to launch its product in Australia. Credit: 7NEWS

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A new Australian study could make you think twice about what your feeding your children.

A new Australian study could make you think twice about what your feeding your children. A new Australian study could make you think twice about what your feeding your children.

She encouraged parents to speak to their GP or a health professional about what formula is right for their child before making a change.

"I would be waiting, as a professional, for that growth study to come out before I went out and recommended this formula to a family who wanted to feed that to their baby," she said.

"Some babies have really high nutrition needs and we know (certain) formulas are good for growth for some children who have really high nutrition needs."

For parents of a child with cow's milk allergy, an infant formula guide is available on the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy website and updated as new formulas come onto the market.

Information about allergies can also be found on the Food Allergy Aware website.

"If you think your child might have cow's milk allergy, in the first instance see your GP," Roche said.

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