Best Formula for Sensitive Stomachs

Stomach-related issues are common in infants and can be a result of swallowing too much air while feeding, food sensitivities, or simply because their digestive system is still developing. This can be frustrating and upsetting for parents, luckily, various baby food brands are on top of this and offer infant formula for sensitive stomachs.

In this article, we are going to break down our top picks for a sensitive formula, give context as to why your little one might be dealing with a sensitive belly in the first place, and cover some ways to alleviate their discomfort.

Our Favourite Baby Formula For Sensitive Stomachs ❤️

To help you find the right formula for your baby, we'll be presenting some of the best formula made for sensitive stomachs. These products are all made using high-quality non-GMO ingredients without the use of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or added sugar.

We have also included the pros and cons of each baby formula to help you make an informed decision alongside your child's doctor! 

HiPP Hypoallergenic HA

Pros 👍

• Partially hydrolyzed milk proteins promote faster digestion and reduce the risk of allergies

• Enriched with prebiotics & probiotics

• Contains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)

• No artificial sweeteners or GMOs

• Lactose based formula

Cons 👎

• Has fish oil (except HiPP HA stage 2)

• Has starch (except HiPP HA stage PRE)

• Has palm oil

HiPP Comfort

Pros 👍

• Reduced lactose content which helps with colic and digestive issues

• Partially hydrolyzed milk proteins promote faster digestion and reduce the risk of allergies

• Enriched with prebiotics & probiotics

• Contains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)

Cons 👎

• Has fish oil

• Has palm oil

• Has maltodextrin

Holle Goat

Pros 👍

• EU-certified organic 

• Gluten, soy, and palm oil free

• Whole goat milk

• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs

• Contains ALA (Omega-3) & plant-based DHA (Omega-3)

Cons 👎

• Stage 1 has maltodextrin (stage PRE does not)

Holle A2 Milk Formula

Pros 👍

• Easily digestible A2 skin cow's milk

• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs

• Gluten and soy free

• Contains ARA (Omega-6) & DHA (Omega-3)

Cons 👎

• Has palm oil

• Has fish oil

Jovie Goat Milk Formula

Pros 👍

• Palm oil-free

• EU certified organic

• Whole goat milk only, no maltodextrin

• Enriched with prebiotics (GOS)

• Enriched with DHA (from fish oil) and ARA (omega-6)

• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs

Cons 👎

• Has fish oil

Signs of a Sensitive Stomach to Watch For

Babies have a delicate digestive system that is still in the process of strengthening and adjusting to their new diet and environment. Although, some babies take a little longer to adjust than others, or may have a food sensitivity or allergy that impacts their digestion. In rare cases, a sensitive stomach may be caused by an underlying health condition.

If your little one has a sensitive stomach, any of the following signs or symptoms may be present:

• Excessive crying

• Excessive spit-up (often accompanied by difficulty gaining weight and/or reflux symptoms)

• Vomiting

• Lack of appetite or refusing to eat

• New or unusual sleep disruptions

• Changes in stool (diarrhea or constipation)

• Appearing to be in pain by making grimacing faces, or tense body language (tightening muscles or an inability to be still)

• The stomach feels hard and painful to the touch (caused by gas) 

What can cause your baby to have a sensitive stomach?

Knowing the cause of your baby's sensitive tummy is the first step in managing any symptoms, so let's look at the four possible causes below!

Constipation

This is extremely common, affecting up to 30% of children. The frequency of your baby's bowel movements decreasing doesn't necessarily mean that they are constipated.

So, look out for signs like excessive crying or irritability, a decreased appetite, severe straining without pooping, small hard poops, or dry poops.

If your baby is under 6 months and rarely pooping or not pooping at all, it is time to bring them to a doctor, as this can be indicative of an underlying health condition.

Lactose Intolerance

If your baby is lactose intolerant, they cannot digest and absorb dietary lactose. Undigested lactose ferments in the gut, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. However, this is not overly common in babies and is known to be overdiagnosed.

There are two different kinds of cow's milk allergies, one being a classic food allergy mediated through an antibody called IgE and the other is not mediated through IgE. The first is easier to diagnose and usually causes symptoms such as rashes and facial swelling. Whereas, the second is harder to diagnose and causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in the stool. Importantly, CMPA is not to be confused with cow. milk intolerance.

Gas

Gassy babies are extremely common, especially in the first month of life. It is usually not a sign of a larger problem but gas occasionally is caused by a cow's milk allergy. 

What ingredients in baby formula are good for sensitive stomachs?

If your baby has a sensitive tummy, you may want to consider trying out an infant formula that contains these ingredients:

Probiotics - Good bacteria for a healthy gut

Prebiotics - Fibres that help good bacteria grow

Reduced lactose

Partially broken down (i.e hydrolyzed) milk proteins

Partially hydrolyzed proteins are created through a process called hydrolyzation, where milk is broken down into its simplest molecular form, leaving behind gentle easy-to-digest proteins.

What ingredients in baby formula can aggravate a sensitive stomach?

If your baby has a sensitive tummy, consider avoiding baby formulas that contain these ingredients:

Casein - A protein in milk that is slower to digest than whey

Carrageenan - An emulsifier extract from seaweed that is associated with IBS; carrageenan is banned from European infant formula but still permitted in American baby formula

Starch - A complex carbohydrate that can be slower to digest

Learn More: Baby Formula Additives to Watch Out For

What types of infant formula are good for sensitive tummies?

Check out three of the best formulas types for sensitive tummies:

1. Special Formula

HiPP offers two special infant formula options, which are Comfort formula and Anti-Reflux formula. Both are designed to soothe small stomachs. If you've got a fussy colicky baby, HiPP Comfort is great for managing colic and constipation from birth. HiPP Anti-Reflux, on the other hand, is good for managing reflux and regurgitation from birth.

2. Goat Milk Formula

We offer various goat milk-based infant formulas, such as Holle Goat Milk formula and Premibio Premichevre goat formula. These are great for sensitive tummies because goat's milk-based infant formula is digested more quickly and completely by babies.

3. A2 Milk Formula

A2 milk baby formula, such as Holle A2 formula, contains smaller fat molecules and less lactose for easier digestion.

When is it time to consider switching infant formulas?

It is best to consult your pediatrician about switching formulas if your little one is struggling with any symptoms that may indicate that their current baby formula doesn't agree with them.

Keep an eye out for symptoms that your baby isn't tolerating their formula such as:

• Excessive Spit Up

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Blood or mucus in your baby’s stool

• Extra fussiness following feedings

• Severe constipation

• Difficulty with weight gain or noticeable weight loss

• Constant crying and signs of discomfort

• Allergy Symptoms

Learn More: Switching Baby Formula: Guidelines on How Not to Harm Your Infant

Conclusion

Most of the time, babies will outgrow their sensitive stomachs as their digestive system matures. But, this is not always the case, so if you are at all concerned about your baby's tummy troubles it is best to consult your pediatrician to figure out what steps should be taken to help improve any uncomfortable symptoms.