In partnership with Bobbie.
My youngest daughter Lucy is what you might call a “bubble child.” She was born during the pandemic, has the most sensitive, eczema-prone skin, and at six months, was diagnosed with basically all the food allergies and sensitivities you can think of (milk, eggs, most nuts). Of course, six months was about the time my maternity leave ended, so it was back to work for me. My first baby was exclusively breastfed and while I was very proud of that, I knew I couldn’t do the whole pumping in a conference room thing again and had planned to combination feed this time around, breastfeeding Lucy when we were together in the mornings and evenings, and sending formula bottles with her to daycare.
As you can imagine, her food sensitivities threw a bit of a wrench into this plan and I was all of a sudden tasked with finding a partially-hydrolyzed formula that would be gentle on her stomach and not leave her gassy or fussy. At the time, my options were basically 1. Put her on a prescription formula that cost $45 a can and had to be picked up from the pharmacy, or 2. Pay exorbitant amounts of money to import a hypoallergenic European formula that she would tolerate.
Fast forward two years later, and I’m happy to report there are WAY better options on the market today, including a brand new launch from one of TQE’s favorite formula brands, Bobbie. Here are our top five.
We like
We don't like
Bobbie Organic Gentle
OK, this is the one I’m most excited about, and the one I’d try if I had a little baby today. We’re huge fans of Bobbie over here at TQE – you can read more about the brand here. This month, they launched their brand new Organic Gentle Formula and unsurprisingly, it’s just as good as their original Organic Infant Formula. It’s made with 100% whey protein, partially-hydrolyzed (meaning the milk proteins are partially broken down, making them way easier to digest), and 100% of its carbs are from lactose (this is important because many other formula brands use other carb sources, like corn syrup, sucrose, or maltodextrin). Plus, it’s EU and USDA certified organic with DHA and iron levels that meet EU regulations, and just like their flagship product, is free of palm oil. For now, it’s only available direct from the brand, which doesn’t really bother me because Bobbie’s subscription model makes it so easy to “set it and forget it” and they offer free shipping - but it would be hard to grab extra in a pinch.
Baby’s Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula
This FDA-regulated, USDA Organic formula boasts an amazing price point, especially considering the prices of other organic, premium formula brands on the market. I also love that it’s a parent-founded brand that’s been around for over twenty years (20!) and is made domestically in Ohio. All of these factors are a big deal to me simply because you just care differently… you care more… when it is your own stuff you’re making. Made with A2 organic milk for easy digestion, Baby's Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula has no artificial growth hormones, no palm oils or corn syrup, no PFAS, and is non-GMO. Even finicky babies love it!
Earth’s Best Gentle
I’m a big fan of Earth’s Best organic snacks, so it makes sense that their formula would be pretty good too. Like Bobbie, this formula is specifically designed for fussy or gassy babies and is USDA Organic. It’s made 60% whey protein and 40% casein and though it does contain some maltodextrin (not my fav), it’s got 70% lactose for carbohydrate. I also love that it’s fortified with iron, vitamins, and both Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA. On the flipside though, it does contain palm oil (also not my fav) and some intact milk proteins, so I’d say the ingredient list is good, not great. However, it’s readily available at big box stores like Target and from a reputable brand, so definitely worth a go.
Gerber GoodStart GentlePro
From a tried-and-true infant brand that just about everyone recognizes (hello, Gerber baby) comes one of the most popular gentle formulas on the market - and this one is the brand’s self-proclaimed “closest to breastmilk” option. It’s made with 100% whey protein, includes prebiotics and probiotics to support a healthy digestive tract, and it’s available in both powder and read-to-feed bottles. That last one is not to be overlooked - while ready-to-feed bottles aren’t a necessity for everyday life, they can come in super clutch in certain situations and are great for keeping in your pantry or emergency box, just in case. Now for a few cons, because of course not everything is perfect - this formula does contain palm oil and maltodextrin, and it’s not organic. So I’m not in love with the ingredient list, but it’s a really great option for those on a budget.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Last but not least, we’ve got Similac Pro-Total Comfort baby formula, a good option from the popular brand (in fact, Similac is the go-to option that most hospitals have in stock). Similarly modeled after breast milk, this formula has 100% whey protein, an exclusive blend of DHA and lutein and contains no artificial growth hormones. And while it doesn’t contain palm oil, it does have a few not-so-great ingredients, like maltodextrin, safflower oil, sugar, and soy oil. And like most big brands, it’s not organic. Still, great for parents who want something more affordable and need a super convenient option.
And there you have it. Our five favorite gentle formulas for babies prone to gas and fussiness. With something for everyone, you really can’t go wrong with any of these options (all of which are FDA regulated!). Remember, fed is best!
