Quick Summary: Our choice for the best baby formula for colic is the Similac Alimentum, which is an option that is hypoallergenic and contains a proper amount of vitamin E and protein for your baby. This formula contains DHA & ARA, special nutrients found in breast milk that support eye and brain development, and also comes without lactose for babies with sensitive stomachs.
Colic is a condition in babies that is characterized by continual crying. Its exact cause is unknown. However, many healthcare professionals think it may be due to food allergies, a developing digestive system or gas.
The best remedy to reduce colic is to try a formula that is made specifically for infants with digestive issues. Gas is one of the main contributors to colic and is typically caused by the difficulty to digest lactose, which is present in milk. The best baby formulas break down proteins to make them more digestible.
There are many different baby formulas to choose from for colic. They come in ready-to-use liquid, concentrated forms and powdered. When looking for a colic formula, one with additives like ARA, iron or DHA is good. Baby formula is made easy to digest in two ways.
Hydrolyzed formulas break down small particles, so it’s easy to digest. The other thing to check for is a good whey-casein ratio. And if your baby has allergies, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic formula.
We’ve reviewed some popular formulas for colic to help you choose the best one for your baby’s colic. Read on to learn more about the best formula for colic.
Quick Navigation:
- 10 Best Formula for Colic Comparison
- Reviews of 10 Top Formula for Colic
- What Is Colic
- What Causes Colic
- What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of Colic In Your Baby
- How To Difference Between Ordinary Crying And Colic
- Our Recommendation
10 Best Formula for Colic Comparison
1. SimilacAlimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Best Overall) The Similac Alimentum infant formula is an option that comes with iron and also comes with no artificial additives or growth hormones that come in a value size. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3Ic0Aow"]Read Our Review | |
2. Enfamil Gentlease Baby Formula Powder (Best Budget) The Enfamil Premium formula is a milk-based choice that is made for zero to three-month-old infants which has 30 nutrients, DHA, and iron for optimal growth. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3E62o01"]Read Our Review | |
3. Nutramigen With Enflora LGG Formula For Colic This Enfamil Nutrimigen is a formula that is not made from milk and can be used for infants with a lactose intolerance and is also hypoallergenic. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3xJGIVg"]Read Our Review | |
4. Nutramigen Baby Formula For Colic The Nutrimigen formula drink is a premade option that helps brain and eye development for your newborn in a ready to consume beverage you don’t have to mix yourself. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3xDNJ9U"]Read Our Review | |
5. Gerber Extensive HA Hypoallergenic Powder Formula The Gerber Extensive HA is an infant formula that is hypoallergenic and made for newborns that have an intolerance to regular milk and is certified non-gmo. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3rq2yMq"]Read Our Review | |
6. Gerber Good Start SoothePro Infant Formula This Gerber infant formula is a soothing option that is ideal for newborns who have gas and are crying excessively, and it is easy on their stomach. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3De4wBw"]Read Our Review | |
7. Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula This Similac formula is made for expert newborn care that offers nutrition that they need to grow healthy with no need to add water for consumption. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3oacU0B"]Read Our Review | |
8. Kabrita Non-GMO Toddler Formula For Colic The Kabrita formula is an option that is designed for toddlers between 12 and 24 months old that is made from goat milk with added iron for healthy growth. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3xGlrLR"]Read Our Review | |
9. Enfagrow Premium Toddler Transitions Formula The Enfagrow Toddler Transitions formula is a choice that is ideal for both infants and toddlers that improves your baby’s immune health and helps brain development. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3D9KiZN"]Read Our Review | |
10. Enfamil Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula The Enfamil Nutramigen formula is a hypoallergenic option that is lactose-free and contains 26 different vitamins and minerals to improve your baby’s overall health as they grow. | [button url="https://amzn.to/3rEp3gL"]Read Our Review |
Reviews of 10 Top Formula for Colic
Best Overall
1. SimilacAlimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula For Colic
This is one of the most popular brands of formula suggested by parents and doctors for colicky babies.
SimilacAlimentumis formulated with partially broken down milk proteins created to help little tummies digest their formula without producing excess amounts of gas.
It is hypoallergenic, which makes it a good option for children with severe food allergies. Known as the number one brand used by hospitals, Similac has a solid reputation among medical providers and parents.
Some studies have shown that using Alimentum to feed your child can produce less crying within 24 hours. It is one of the more expensive formulas available, but parents do find that it helps their child with discomfort and reduces colic significantly. Recent increases in cost have caused users to be upset, but the positive results still remain.
Pros:
- This formula works fast and reduces excessive crying in 24 hours.
- Similac Alimentum is a lactose-free formula that is easy for babies with food allergies to digest.
- It’s the number one brand recommended by pediatricians.
Cons:
- Similac Alimentum is more expensive than regular formula.
- This formula is not dairy-free.
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Best Budget
2. Enfamil Gentlease Baby Formula Powder For Colic
Enfamil is one of the most popular brands of baby formulas with an active following of new and experienced parents. The formula is closer to breast milk than ever before and has brain nourishing inositol & DHA
The Gentlease formula contains easy to digest proteins that help to reduce gas and bloating. The combo pack comes with a large reusable tub and three refill boxes that are great to add to your baby bag for convenience.
The proteins in the formula are previously partially broken down, which enables your still-developing infant’s digestive system to be able to process their newer foods and formula without the distressing side effect often associated with colic.
When purchased from a reputable vendor, you can expect to see about a one-year expiration date, allowing you to store it without worrying about it going bad.
Pros:
- Enfamil Gentlease has been clinically shown to reduce crying, gas and fussiness.
- It has an easy-to-digest protein.
- Enfamil Gentlease has a pocket-friendly price.
- This formula is close to breastmilk and has inositol and DHA.
Cons:
- In the extraction of ingredients, this formula uses hexane.
- Enfamil Gentlease is not organic.
- Palm olien oil is used for added fat in this formula.
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Best Runner-up For Budget
3. Nutramigen With Enflora LGG For Colicky Babies
A more affordable version of Nutramigen comes in 19.8 oz tubs that can be mixed up to produce 140 fluid ounces of formula.
Like the ready to use version, it contains broken down proteins from milk that won’t irritate your baby’s developing stomach and digestive tract, reducing the amount of gas produced after eating.
Hypoallergenic, it is safe for children with food allergies and is also soy free. The base is made out of corn along with the whey proteins. Save even more cash by purchasing multi-packs of the powdered formula. Make sure to check with multiple sources to find the best price.
Nutramigen does not have a very long shelf life, so be sure to check the expiration dates on any cans you decide to bring home. It is lactose-free and features their probiotic LGG protein.
Pros:
- This baby formula is a sucrose-free milk powder with iron.
- Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Formula has been proven to help with colic.
- It also provides the needed nutrition for babies up to 12 months.
Cons:
- Nutramigen Hypoallergenic smells a little funny.
- This formula doesn’t have the best taste.
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Best Pre Mixed Formula
4. Nutramigen Baby Formula For Colic
This 6-pack is convenient as the formula is pre-mixed and ready to be fed to your child when you are on the run. It has important nutrients found in breast milk such as omega 3 DHA, ARA, and Choline that provide brain support
Nutramigen creates a hypoallergenic formula that is designed to calm your colicky baby while helping them to build up a tolerance of the larger milk proteins.
You are not putting your child on this formula forever, but long enough so that their tolerance for milk products can increase. Pricing for Nutramigen can be tricky, as some online outlets outright gouge on this product. You will want to do your research to find the right vendor and save some cash.
Users report it having an uninviting smell and taste, but babies who drink it see a dramatic improvement in colic symptom within 48 hours. Produced by Enfamil, the brand is familiar to families and their doctors as a safe formula to feed their little ones.
Pros:
- This infant formula is suitable for babies with lactose intolerance.
- The Nutramigen formula has minerals and vitamins to support immune health.
- It easily manages colic within 48 hours.
Cons:
- Enfamil Hypoallergenic is very expensive.
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Best For Baby With Allergic Reaction
5. Gerber Extensive HA Hypoallergenic Powder For Colic
Designed for baby with sensitivities to cow products and other allergies, the Extensive HA powder by Gerber is not targeted at babies with colic, but they may benefit from it if their colic is being caused by allergens.
If your child has lactose intolerance, it could result in colic-like symptoms and using a formula like HA that has high-quality whey proteins can help. Some parents have reported a bitter aftertaste with this formula that their children don’t like.
However! For infants with eczema and other allergic reactions, the probiotics, MCT oil, and hypoallergenic formula can help reduce red skin rashes, digestive discomfort, and improve absorption of nutrients.
It is the only hypoallergenic formula to feature B. lactis, a probiotic similar to those found in breast milk to support digestive health. Ingredient lists are available for your review on the sales page, allowing you to make an informed decision on whether this Gerber product is right for your little one.
Pros:
- This hypoallergenic formula is great for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies.
- It has proteins that are easily broken down.
- Gets the baby off to a good start with all the needed nutrition.
Cons:
- Enfamil Gentlease is a bit on the pricey side.
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Best For sensitive Tummy
6. Gerber Good Start SoothePro Infant Formula For Colic
Unlike the other competitors that have built a hypoallergenic formula, Good Start Soothe simply includes the probiotic L. reuteri that is supposed to support the development of your child’s digestion by helping to break down the new proteins baby is being introduced to.
This is not a lactose-free product, but the first one to try if you are looking to reduce colic in your child.
For babies prone to colic but have not been diagnosed with a food allergy or milk protein intolerance, Good Start Soothe is a great option. The proteins are broken down into smaller units that babies are better able to digest while the L. reuteri assists in the digestive process.
You will save a few dollars using Soothe over the hypogenic formulas, as the processing isn’t as advanced. Also, it will help your child transition into their next formula or first foods as it isn’t allergen free.
Pros:
- This formula has all the complete nutrition and gentleness of breastmilk.
- Reduces or stops crying, fussing and gas from colic.
- Gerber Good Start Soothe has good proteins and probiotics.
Cons:
- Some infants don’t handle Gerber Good Start Soothe well.
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Best For Lactose Intolerant Babies
7. Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula with Iron
For your infant who is both soy and lactose intolerant, this is a safe formula alternative available to you. It is the first baby formula with 2’- FL HMO designed to be closer than over to breast milk
This option is six ready-to-go premixed bottles of the formula and supports all the nutritional requirements of your child in a hypoallergenic formula. Very handy for placing in your baby bag when out for an entire day, while flying, or taking a long drive in the car.
However, users of powdered Alimentum have noticed that the ready to use bottles have an oily appearance and children may not find the premixed formula palatable. When you mix it yourself, it is not shelf stable and must be used within a few hours. The ready-to-use can be stored on your shelf for several weeks.
Pros:
- The Similac Pro-Advance formula has no artificial growth hormones.
- Has an exclusive blend of vitamin E, Lutein and DHA for brain and eye development.
- Similac Pro-Advance formula reduces spit-up and fussiness within one day.
Cons:
- This formula can cause spit-up.
- Similac Pro-Advance formula sells out fast in stores.
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Best Goat Milk Formula
8. Kabrita Non-GMO Goat Milk Toddler Formula For Colic
An option for a child with cow’s milk sensitivity is goat’s milk, as the proteins in the milk are naturally smaller than cow’s. It is designed after breast milk and nutritionally fortified with minerals and 22 vitamins, DHA and prebiotic GOS.
Kabrita has not received FDA clearance to market this formula as baby formula in the United States. But it is a good option for your child over one year who experiences bouts of colic due to gas and intestinal distress.
It is not hypoallergenic but provides an option when seeking ways to work around sensitivity to lactose. Its price is more in keeping with regular formulas when compared to the hypoallergenic versions.
The taste is milder than regular goat’s milk and many babies who are offered this choice take it without complaint. It is non-GMO but not organic and does contain soy.
Pros:
- The Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula is easy to digest and is a goat milk formula.
- It’s a solution for those with cow milk sensitivity.
- This goat milk formula has a sweet and mild taste.
Cons:
- It’s only made for toddlers from 12-24 months.
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Best Toddler Transition Formula
9. Enfagrow Premium Toddler Transitions Formula For Colic
As your child grows, they will need a new formula that works with their sensitive tummy while still providing all the nutrition they need.
Enfogrow Toddler Transitions has the added proteins and calcium the baby needs to grow strong bones while featuring a prebiotic that helps to reduce gas. It is not hypoallergenic but uses milk-based proteins designed to help your child continue to adjust to digesting regular milk proteins without discomfort.
Very reasonably priced, it’s a great choice for dealing with a colicky infant who is not quite ready for their first foods. Easy to mix and readily available at most stores.
Pros:
- Enfagrow PREMIUM Toddler Transitions formula has a proprietary blend of omega 3 and DHA to ensure brain development.
- It also provides all the probiotics and vitamins for immune support.
- This formula has nutrients not found in foods toddlers usually eat.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
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Best For Immune Support
10. Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula
For your toddler who has food allergies, Nutramigen for Toddlers is a hypoallergenic formula that has important nutrients found in breast milk. It continues to support their growth while avoiding exposure to milk and soy.
Fortified with iron and other vitamins, it is designed to support excellent nutrition for your child until their third birthday.
During this stage of development you may be trying out new foods, but ensuring they still receive all their needed vitamins, minerals and proteins from a guaranteed good source, like Nutramigen, can help your child with severe food allergies grow healthy and strong. They may even grow out of their sensitivity over time.
Pros:
- This baby formula helps relieve colic within 48 hours.
- Nutramigen Hypoallergenic has probiotic branded LGG for allergy management.
- It helps support the baby’s immune system.
Cons:
- Nutramigen Hypoallergenic tastes different than breastmilk and may be hard for the baby to adjust to.
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What Is Colic?
Colic is characterized as constant crying and discomfort in infants. Baby may be constipated, unable to pass a bowel movement, becomes bloated and their face becomes red as the crying continues for up to three hours at a time or longer.
What Causes Colic?
It is generally caused by digestive discomfort. Whether baby has a food sensitivity or their stomach is still adjusting to the proteins in their diet, they experience excessive gas production which can result in a bloated belly, abdominal pain, throwing up and discolored stood.
Some babies quickly move past a colic as their system more quickly adjusts to new foods while others may need a different formula to help their growing bodies digest food. Allergies may be a real irritant and will need a proper medical diagnosis to ensure you are treating the colic appropriately.
What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of Colic In Your Baby?
All babies cry and cry often. However if your child will cry for over three hours at a time, experiences these crying jags for more than three days and the pattern continues over three weeks, they are considered colicky. They may clench their fists, have a red face, and have a bloated belly especially after feeding.
How To Understand The Difference Between Ordinary Crying And Colic
A colicky baby cannot be soothed or distracted, as they are so uncomfortable they have to keep crying. Ordinary crying will stop once babies get their wanted attention, have been changed, burped, fed, and simply cuddled. Ordinary crying has a purpose that can easily be identified and addressed.
Colic crying doesn’t stop even when favorite toys or foods are offered. If you suspect your child has colic, talk to your pediatrician about colic, food sensitivities, and what products might help to calm your child.
Our Rcommandation: Best Formula For Colic
If your child has been diagnosed with food allergies, the best baby formula available to them is SimilacAlimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula for Food Allergies and Colic. It is both soy-free and works well for infants with an allergy to cow’s milk products.
It is the least expensive of the hypoallergenic formulas and can be found at most stores and online sources.
If your child simply has a sensitive tummy without allergies, Gerber Good Start Soothe offers well-processed proteins that are less harsh on your child’s digestion while encouraging their system to adjust to milk proteins as they grow.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our reviews for the best baby formulas for colicky babies and that it has helped you find the right product to help your child through a difficult process.