Digestive problems in your infant can be distressing for both your baby and yourself. The late nights of crying and unsuccessful attempts of feeding may cause undue stress and worry, especially if the cause is constipation.
Read more about how to identify and manage constipation in babies here.
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Constipation is more common in babies who are formula-fed rather than breastfed. Since formula feed predisposes your baby to higher chances of constipation.
It is necessary to be careful and select an appropriate one to maintain soft stools. Here are some reliable formulas for constipated babies that can ease their digestion.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Key Ingredients | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber Good Start Gentle (HMO) Non-GMO Infant Formula, Stage 1 | Whey Protein Concentrate, HMO, Comfort Proteins, DHA, Lactose, Iron, Probiotics | Powder Formula, Promotes Soft Stools, Brain and Eye Health, Immunity, and Digestive Health, Closest Formula to Breast Milk, No Artificial Growth Hormones |
| Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula for Softer Stools | Omega-3 DHA, 30 Nutrients, 2 Prebiotics | Powder Formula, Relieves Constipation, Strengthens Immunity, Easy to Digest, Good for Brain and Eye Health |
| Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula | Whey Protein Concentrate, Non-Fat Milk, Lactose, Lutein, Iron, Vitamin E, DHA, HMO | Powder Formula, Helps Develop Brain, Eyes, Immunity, and Digestive Health, No Artificial Growth Hormones |
| Pure Bliss by Similac Non-GMO Infant Formula | Whey Protein Concentrate, Lactose, Essential Vitamins and Minerals, DHA, ARA | Supports Brain and Eye Development Alongside Overall Nourishment, No Artificial Growth Hormones, No Genetically Engineered Ingredients |
Gerber Good Start Gentle (HMO) Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula, Stage 1
If you need a safe and nourishing formula for your baby that isn’t too heavy on the stomach, the Good Start Gentle Non-GMO Infant Formula could be a great choice.
The ‘Non-GMO’ formula is free from any genetically modified ingredients and artificial growth hormones that could adversely affect your baby’s health.
Instead, it contains HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide), a component of natural breastmilk, that works in supporting digestive health and strengthens the immune system.
Moreover, this Gerber formula contains comfort proteins – high-quality whey protein that has already been broken down to ease your baby’s digestion. This promotes soft stools and prevents constipation.
Also present are probiotics – probiotic B. lactis, similar to those in breastmilk, for healthy digestion and immunity. DHA is included in the formula as well to support brain and eye development
This formula is meant for all babies from birth until they’re one year old. While it may cost more than regular infant formulas and does not dissolve easily in water, the large number of recommendations from new parents make it a good choice for your constipated baby.
Pros:
- Close to breastmilk
- Comfort proteins to ease digestion
- Probiotics similar to breastmilk
- HMO for digestion and immunity
Cons:
- Expensive
- Clumpy; does not dissolve easily
Enfamil Reguline Constipation Baby Formula Milk Powder to Promote Soft Stools
Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula is one of the top choices when it comes to easing digestion and preventing constipation.
Being a product of one of the leading companies in the infant formula industry, this could be the formula your baby needs.
With Omega-3 DHA, 30 nutrients, and 2 prebiotics, this formula is also made to nourish your baby in a way similar to breastmilk.
Along with gentle proteins that are easy to digest, Enfamil Reguline contains the necessary nutrients for brain development as well. Omega-3 DHA supports brain and eye development and promotes learning ability in your infant.
The formula contains two prebiotics similar to those found in breastmilk that supports gut health and feeds healthy bacteria in your baby’s digestive tract. This prebiotics is responsible for improving your baby’s immune system too.
Available as a soluble powder in user-friendly reusable plastic tubs, this formula can be good for constipation. However, it may cause gassiness and discomfort as well.
Some infants may take time to adjust to Enfamil Reguline and may also experience diarrhea initially. Care is advised for babies with sensitive tummies.
Pros:
- Reliable formula to relieve constipation
- Nourishment with 30 nutrients
- 2 prebiotics to strengthen immunity and ease digestion
- Omega-3 DHA for brain and eye health
Cons:
- Complaints of gas and diarrhea in babies with delicate stomachs
Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO HMO Infant Formula
Similac is one of the leading names in the baby nutrition industry worldwide. Their Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula is a nutritious powder formulation that can soothe your baby’s constipated tummy while providing essential nutrients.
Similac Pro-Advance has important nutrients like Lutein, Vitamin E, Human Milk Oligosaccharide, and DHA, without any added artificial growth hormones.
The DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E content of the formula is a powerful blend that helps in the development of your baby’s brain and eyes along with overall growth.
The 2’FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) makes it mimic breastmilk in its immune-supporting action. It also supports digestive health and soothes tiny tummies.
Overall, the formula itself seems quite popular, but some Amazon buyers have complained of receiving dented or spoiled batches. It’s better to observe the formula for any signs of spoilage before you start giving it to your little one.
Pros:
- Supports brain, eye, digestive, immune, and overall development
- Good price for the bulk size
- Usually prevents constipation
Cons:
- Expensive
- Cans ordered on Amazon may be dented or spoiled
Pure Bliss by Similac Non-GMO Infant Formula
This infant formula by Similac has been modeled after breastmilk to provide an authentic source of nutrition to your growing baby.
The ingredients of Pure Bliss by Similac are conducive to easing your baby’s digestion so as to promote softer stools and prevent constipation.
This formula has been developed by using fresh milk from grass-fed cows and does not contain any artificial growth hormones or genetically engineered ingredients.
Being gluten-free, halal, and kosher, Pure Bliss can cater to a large group of people who have specific preferences regarding the ingredients of everyday food. The formula also does not contain palm oil which can inhibit calcium absorption – it uses soy oil instead.
This formula by Similac provides the essential quantity of iron needed by your infant along with DHA and ARA that support brain and eye development. Essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are part of the formulation for optimal nurturing of your baby.
Overall, this formula can be relied upon to promote softer stools and ease digestion in infants.
Pros:
- No palm oil
- No added sweeteners
- No artificial growth hormones or genetically modified ingredients
- Gluten-free, halal, and kosher
- DHA and ARA for eye and brain health
Cons:
- Problems have been reported about the seal not being intact upon purchase
How to Choose the Best Formula for Your Constipated Baby
If you need to know which formula would suit your constipated baby best, one thing to note is that there’s no single formula that suits all infants.
What might be the best choice for another baby may give your infant gas or diarrhea, for instance? If you suspect your baby is suffering from severe constipation, it is important to consult a doctor as well.
Some babies may take a while to adapt to a switch in formulas. When choosing a new formula, the following points are worthy of consideration.
Be Aware of Your Infant’s Allergies
Lactose intolerance and milk allergies are more common in infants than you think. In such cases, lactose-based formulas should be avoided. Try using a soy-based formula instead.
Look Closely at the Nutrients
Babies need optimal nourishment for staying healthy. Infancy is a crucial stage in the development of their organ systems.
If you must formula-feed your infant, choose one that has components like prebiotics (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) for breastmilk-like nourishment.
Choose GMO-Free Products
When choosing a formula for your baby, it is better to do your research and avoid those with genetically modified products and artificial growth hormones.
Go Through Previous Customer Reviews
Reviews by parents who have had firsthand experience with the product you are considering buying can tell you a lot about what to expect from it. Weigh the pros and cons then decide if it seems like a safe choice for your baby.
Conclusion
The problem of digestive issues, especially constipation, remains with formula powders as compared to breastmilk.
It is better to choose a reliable, higher-quality brand to feed your baby safely and effectively. Consulting a pediatrician is also important when your baby is suffering from digestive problems.
