Top Best Baby Formula for Constipation, Colic and/or Gassy Babies in 2026
If you’re Googling the best baby-formula for constipation colic gassy babies, it’s probably because your little one is uncomfortable — and you’re exhausted.
As a mom of two, I completely get it.
Digestive issues like gas, colic, and constipation can turn feedings into a stressful guessing game. I’ve spent plenty of nights bouncing, burping, and googling for answers with a crying baby on my chest.
The fourth trimester is rough, and when your baby’s formula doesn’t sit right, it affects everyone’s sleep, sanity, and peace.
Through trial, error, and lots of late-night research, I’ve learned what to look for (and avoid) in baby formula. In this post, I’ll walk you through:
- How to find a formula that’s gentle on little tummies
- The difference between American and European formulas
- What ingredients can actually help with colic, gas, or constipation
- What worked for my babies — and what didn’t
Whether you’re exclusively formula feeding or supplementing like I did, this guide will help you feel more confident choosing the best formula for your baby’s comfort and your peace of mind.
BreastmiBreastmilk vs. Formula: What You Really Need to Know
Let’s talk about something that gets way too much pressure put on it . . . how you feed your baby.
Let’s be real — how you feed your baby is your business, and no one else’s. While breastfeeding is often seen as the “ideal,” the truth is, it’s not always possible or realistic for everyone.
And honestly? That’s fine.
I actually breastfed and also supplemented with organic formula — and it worked great for us. Sometimes I nursed, sometimes I grabbed a bottle. Either way, my baby was fed, happy, and growing, and that’s all that really matters. Do what works best for you and your baby — and tell anyone who has something to say about it to kick rocks!
If you’re trying to decide between the two or just want to understand what they offer, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Breastmilk is packed with natural antibodies, hormones, anti-allergens, growth factors, enzymes, and nutrients like DHA/ARA, vitamins, protein, and healthy fats.
- Formula (especially today’s high-quality options) also provides important nutrients like protein, carbs, DHA/ARA, vitamins, iron, probiotics, and more. It may not be breastmilk, but it’s absolutely capable of supporting a healthy, thriving baby.
When you’re looking for the best baby formula for constipation, colic, and/or gassy babies, you’ll mainly be choosing between two types: American formulas and European formulas.
Maybe you’ve never even heard of European formula before — or maybe it’s already on your radar. Either way, I’ve got you. Let’s break down the key differences so you can feel confident choosing what’s right for your baby (and your sanity).
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended – at no extra cost to you, of course. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure here.
Constipation
Whew — if your baby’s constipated, I know how stressful that can be. Watching your little one struggle to poop or seem uncomfortable is the worst, especially when you’re doing everything you can to help them feel better.
So, how do you actually know if your baby is constipated?
Here are a few signs to look for:
- Their poop is hard, dry, or pellet-like
- Poop is black or unusually firm (and not from iron drops)
- Baby seems to be in pain or straining a lot during bowel movements
- They haven’t had a poop in 5–10 days (for formula-fed babies — breastfed babies can sometimes go longer and still be fine)
What Causes Constipation in Babies?
There are a few things that can cause it:
- Formula-fed babies may react to certain ingredients — and mixing formula incorrectly (too much powder or not enough water) can make it worse (been there, made that mistake).
- Dehydration
- An illness or underlying medical issue
- Starting solids — especially if baby isn’t eating enough fruits or veggies in those early stages
How to Relieve Baby Constipation
What works best really depends on your baby’s age and how they’re being fed. In my experience:
- Formula-fed? If your baby is formula-fed, try switching to a gentler formula designed for digestion support
- Breastfeeding? If you’re breastfeeding, it could be something in your diet triggering a sensitivity — always worth checking in with your pediatrician
- Starting solids? If baby’s eating solids, you can offer small amounts of diluted prune, apple, or pear juice to get things moving
Natural Ways That Can Help
Sometimes the simplest things help the most:
- Tummy massage — gently rub their belly in a circular motion. If they seem okay with it, keep going. If not, take a break and try again later.
- Bicycle exercises — move their legs in a bicycle motion while they’re lying on their back. This often helps stimulate a bowel movement (and can lead to some giggles too!).
Dealing With a Colicky Baby
If your baby has colic, trust me — I know how overwhelming it can be. That constant crying, the gas, the fussiness… it can make you feel helpless, especially when nothing seems to work. So let’s talk about what’s really going on and what might help.
What is colic, exactly?
Colic is often linked to a reaction or intolerance to cow’s milk, though it can also be related to lactose sensitivity, milk protein allergies, or just an immature digestive system. Gas builds up, your baby cries, and the crying makes it worse — it can feel like a never-ending cycle.
When we were trying to figure out what was bothering my little one, I learned that colic isn’t always caused by just one thing, and sometimes it takes a little testing and patience to find what works.
Formula Options That May Help With Colic
Here are a few types of formula that other moms (myself included) have had success with:
- Reduced-lactose formulas – great for babies who may be sensitive to lactose but don’t need to eliminate dairy completely
- Partially hydrolyzed formulas – proteins are broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier to digest
- Fully hydrolyzed (or hypoallergenic) formulas – for babies who have a true milk protein allergy or need a completely dairy-free option
The partially or fully hydrolyzed formulas seem to be the go-to for colic relief. The smaller protein particles are much easier for little tummies to handle, which can reduce crying, gas, and discomfort.
And in some cases, your pediatrician might recommend switching to a formula that doesn’t contain cow’s milk at all — especially if an allergy is suspected.
Gassy Babies: What’s Really Causing All That Fuss?
Ok so if you dont know . . . Having gas can turn a calm baby into a fussy, uncomfortable little ball of tears real quick. I’ve dealt with it firsthand, and let me tell you… those belly bubbles are no joke. The good news is, once you understand what’s causing the gas, you can usually do a few simple things to help relieve it.
So, what causes babies to get gassy?
The most common culprit?
Air.
Babies can easily swallow air while crying, feeding, or even when they’re just overly excited. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, air bubbles can sneak in — and that’s when the tummy trouble begins.
Here’s What Helped Me:
- Always burp the baby mid-feed and after feeding. This helps release that trapped air and gives baby more room in their belly for milk, not bubbles.
- Watch their position while feeding. Keep baby at a slight angle so their head is above their tummy. This helps the milk settle better.
- If bottle-feeding:
- Hold the bottle at an angle and make sure the nipple stays full of milk before it goes in baby’s mouth
- Use anti-colic bottles
- Make sure you’re using the right nipple size — if the flow is too fast, it can lead to gulping and even more gas.
Other Possible Triggers:
- Food allergies or sensitivities — sometimes baby just doesn’t tolerate certain ingredients
- Acid reflux — talk to your pediatrician if your baby spits up frequently or seems in pain after feeding
- Formula ingredients — formulas made from cow’s milk, soy, or goat’s milk can cause reactions in some babies. If one type is causing gas, you might need to try an alternative.
- If breastfeeding, your diet might play a role too — some babies are extra sensitive to certain foods that pass through your milk
Gas can be tough, but it doesn’t mean anything is wrong — it just means their little digestive system is still figuring things out. With a little tweaking (and a lot of burping), you’ll find what works best for your baby.
Colic, Gas & Reflux Baby Essentials
Baby Belly Band – This was a favorite in so many mom groups, so I gave it a shot — and I’m glad I did. It gently wraps around baby’s tummy and provides warmth and slight pressure to help with gas and colic relief. It’s especially helpful during those fussy, gassy evenings.
Gripe Water/Gas Drops – I always kept one (or both) of these on hand. Gripe water is great for occasional tummy troubles, and gas drops can sometimes work within minutes. Every baby responds differently, but it’s worth a try if yours is uncomfortable after feeds.
Anti-Colic Bottles – If you’re bottle-feeding (or combo feeding like I was), switching to anti-colic bottles made a huge difference for us. They’re designed to reduce the amount of air baby swallows — which helps prevent gas before it starts.
Inclined Sleeper or Wedge Pillow – For reflux, having baby rest at a slight incline during naps (with pediatrician approval) can help reduce spit-up and discomfort. Just be sure to follow all safe sleep guidelines.
Warm Tummy Compress or Rice Sock – A gentle, warm compress on baby’s tummy can help relax their muscles and move gas along. I used to make a DIY version with a baby washcloth and warm water or a clean sock with dry rice (microwaved for a few seconds — always test it first!).
Mommy Pro Tip: These little tools aren’t magic fixes, but when you’re in the thick of it, every bit of relief helps — for your baby and your peace of mind.
How to Relieve Baby Gas and Tummy Discomfort
Gas happens — and when it does, it can be rough on both baby and mama. I’ve been through it with my little ones, and over time I’ve found that a mix of natural remedies, gentle supplements, and occasional medicine can really help. What works for one baby might not work for another, so don’t feel bad if it takes a little trial and error
Natural Ways to Relieve a Baby with Gas
These are simple things I’ve done at home — and honestly, most moms I know use some version of this:
- Tummy Massage – Gently rub your baby’s belly in a circular motion. Keep an eye on their reaction — if they seem relaxed, great! If not, pause and try again later.
- Warm Baths – A warm soak can help loosen their muscles and ease gas. Just a heads-up: if your baby is also constipated, there’s a good chance they might poop in the tub (it’s happened to me more than once!).
- Baby Bicycle Kicks – Lay baby on their back and gently move their legs like they’re pedaling a bike. It helps release trapped gas and usually brings on some smiles too.
- Tummy Time – Even short tummy time sessions can help work the gas out. Plus, it’s great for development.
- Baby Belly Band – I personally used this with my 2nd born wihen he was a newborn. I didnt need to use it often but it was helpful. The light pressure and warmth really seem to help when gas strikes.
Using Supplements & Medicine
I always recommend talking to your pediatrician before introducing anything new, but here’s what I’ve tried and what many moms swear by:
- Gripe Water – Some moms love it, others don’t see much of a difference. If you want to give it a try, just keep your expectations realistic — it can be hit or miss.
- Gas Drops – These help break up gas bubbles in baby’s tummy. Sometimes they work almost instantly, other times not so much — but when they work, they really help.
- Probiotics – I started using infant probiotics with my second baby and noticed fewer tummy issues. They help support healthy gut bacteria, especially if your little one is formula-fed or was born via C-section.
Best American Baby Formula for Constipation, Colic, and/or Gassy Babies
1. Pure Bliss by Similac
- No artificial growth hormones
- No antibiotics
- Non GMO
- Non organic
- Made in Ireland
- Produced by grass fed cows
- No Palm Olein Oil
- Molded after breastmilk
- Can be purchased from local retail stores
2. Gerber Good Start Soothe (HMO) Non GMO Powder Infant Formula
- Birth to 12 months
- Molded after breastmilk
- Contains proteins and probiotics
- Cow milk-based
- Provides extra comfort for fussy, colicky, and gassy babies
3. Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Non GMO Infant Formula
- Cow milk-based that contains less lactose
- Designed to minimize gas and reflux
- Stated a doubled amount of DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Is said to have a not so good taste (a bitter taste)
4. Similac Pro Advance Infant Formula with Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO)
- Birth to 12 months
- Designed to be closer to breastmilk
- No artificial growth hormones
- Supports immune system
Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
AMERICAN Baby Formula Brand
Hypoallergenic baby formula is less likely to cause an allergic reaction and/or acid reflux. Just remember, that even though there is less of a chance that it’s not 100% guaranteed.
These are the top-rated 3 hypoallergenic baby formula from other moms that have chosen to use American brands:
5. Neocate Infant Formula DHA/ARA
- Birth to 12 months
- Designed for babies with cow milk allergy (CMA), multiple food allergies (MFA) and related conditions.
- Diary free
- Hypoallergenic
- No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners
- Soy oil-free
- Amino acid based
6. Similac Alimentum Infant Formula DHA/ARA w/ Iron
- Birth to 12 months
- No artificial growth hormones
- Hypoallergenic
- Designed for babies with food allergies and colic due to protein sensitivity
- Available in powder or liquid (ready to feed) form. *** There are many moms that prefer using RTF (ready to feed) instead of the powder.
Side Note: There are many moms that prefer using RTF (ready to feed) instead of the powder.
7. Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula
- Birth to 12 months old
- Soy free
- Dairy-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Helps babies consume milk protein without an allergic reaction
- Other moms have said it doesn’t smell that great
Lactose-Free Infant Formula
American Baby Formula Brands
Lactose-free baby formula is usually created from cow’s milk and contains cow’s milk protein. It is processed so that the lactose is removed and replaced with a different form of sugar.
8. Similac Sensitive infant formula
- Lactose-free
- Designed for babies to minimize fussiness, gas, and/or spit up
- Some moms have stated it causes constipation
- Available in powder or liquid (ready to feed) form
9. Enfamil ProSobee Soy Based Infant Formula
- Soy-based (lactose-free)
- Designed for babies with milk allergies
- Minimizes discomfort with gas
- Dairy-free
- For sensitive tummies
- Available in powder or liquid (ready to feed) form
- Moms have mentioned that it’s highly important to mix the formula & water really well
Best Organic Infant Formula
American Infant Formula Brands
Well, what does organic infant formula really mean anyway, right? Just like how some adults choose to consume organic foods . . . It basically means the baby formula is produced without using chemicals (like herbicides) , pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Some moms feel organic baby formula is not much better than a non-organic formula. I think it really depends on the where the infant formula is manufactured and what brand it is.
10. Happy Baby Organics Infant Formula (Stage 1: Sensitive)
- Birth to 1 year old
- Molded after breastmilk
- Cow milk-based
- Prebiotics
- Protein
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Minimizes fussiness or gas due to lactose sensitivity
- Made with organic lactose
American Baby Formula Reviews
Yelena Read More
Pure Bliss by Similac. It’s a product of Ireland. It’s sold locally. It’s seriously the best!
Monica G Read More
My first little one used Alimentum. She did really well on it. . . The cheapest per oz price we found and we subscribed and saved.
Mandy H Read More
We used Happy Baby Organic to supplement and my daughter did well on it! Great price too!
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Best European Baby Formula for Constipation, Colic, and/or Gassy Babies
Things to consider with European infant formula:
- Not usually available in local retail stores. Must be purchased online. We buy ours here.
- Not rated by the FDA (it’s a European product, imported as such and not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration)
- Prices tend to be higher than American brands however you can save when you buy in bulk.
- The ingredients that are used with European baby formula is held at a much higher standard/quality than American infant formula brands.
Side Note: There are several ingredients that are used in American infant formula that are actually banned in Europe. This is a big reason why so many mothers choose European baby formula brands over American infant formula.
Depending on the brand, some versions may or may not contain these:
Starch – provides more calories & thicker which is great for reflux.
Probiotics – live bacteria that help promote a healthy digestive system. If you choose the Hipp UK version and prefer probiotics, you can give the baby this separately – if at all.
Prebiotics – indigestible fibers that promote good bacteria growth in the baby’s intestine.
11. HiPP Organic Infant Formula (First Infant Milk) (United Kingdom)
- Brith to 6 months
- Contain prebiotics
- Doesn’t contain starch or probiotics
- Long shef life of 6+ months
- Made in the United Kingdom
12. HiPP Organic bio Combiotik Infant Formula – Stage 1 (Dutch)
- Birth to 6 months
- Contain prebiotics
- Doesn’t contain starch, maltodextrin or probiotics
- GMO Free
- Long shef life of 6+ months
- Dutch
13. HiPP Organic Combiotik Infant Formula – Stage 1 (Germany)
- Brith to 6 months
- Contain prebiotics
- Doesn’t contain starch or probiotics
- Long shef life of 6+ months
- Made in Germany
HiPP Organic Infant Formula
- Cow milk based
- Uses organic ingredients (higher standards in Europe)
- No chemical pesticides
- No GM ingredients
- No added sugar
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics (depending on the version)
- Reduced lactose
- No soy
- Designed for easy digestion
- Constancy similar to breastmilk
- Produced in the United Kingdom, Dutch & Germany
Hypoallergenic, Anti Reflux & Comfort Baby Formula
European Baby Formula Brands
14. HiPP bio Combiotik PRE Formula (Germany)
- Brith to 6 months
- Contain prebiotics and probiotics
- Long shef life of 6+ months
- Made in Germany
15. HiPP ha Combiotik HA1 Formula
- Brith to 6 months
- Designed for babies with a milk protein allergy
- Hypoallergenic – which reduce the risk of allergies
- Contains starch
- Long shef life of 6+ months
16. HiPP Organic Combiotik PRE HA Formula (Germany)
- Hypoallergenic
- The PRE version doesn’t contain starch
European Baby Formula Reviews
I’ve supplemented with Hipp Stage 1 with my firstborn and then now with my 2nd child. I love how it mimics breastmilk!
Jessica A Read More
We use Kabrita goat milk formula! Our pediatrician approved it & it’s available in the US!
17. HiPP Anti-Reflux (United Kingdom)
- Hypoallergenic
- Designed for babies that belch and spit up more often than normal
- Is not considered organic
18. HiPP Comfort (United Kingdom)
- Designed to help constipation and colic
- Reduced lactose
- Contains hydrolyzed protein which is easier to digest than intact protein
Holle Infant Formula
- Offers cow milk & goat milk options
- Designed for easy digestion
- Uses organic ingredients (higher standards in Europe)
- Produced in Austria & the Netherlands
19. Holle Organic Cow Milk Infant Formula (UK & Germany)
- Contains DHA
- Gluten free
Goat Milk Infant Formula
European Baby Formula Brands
A great alternative to cow’s milk-based formula is goat milk formula. If your infant is suffering from acid reflux, goat milk can be the perfect alternative. In many cases, goat milk is easier for infants to digest.
20. Holle (Organic Goat Milk Infant Formula )
- Lactose
- Contains a range of vitamin B
- Loaded with healthy probiotics & essential amino acids
21. Nannycare Infant Formula
- Goat milk based
- Easy to digest
- Loaded with healthy amino acids
22. Kabrita Infant Formula
- Goat milk
- Contains lactose, whey protein, DHA, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fibers
- Easy to digest
- Made in the Netherlands
- No GMO ingredients
The Takeaway
Remember that infant formula really depends on the baby. Because of this, you may have to try different options until the baby accepts one. Finding the right formula for your baby can be overwhelming however if you use this article as a guide, it won’t be as stressful.
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