When choosing the best baby formula for your infant, there is no shortage of options. Baby formulas have come a long way in improving their blends and options so that formula-fed babies can get close to the same benefits as breastfed babies.
One thing that baby formula is known for, however, is causing constipation. However, some babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance cannot consume breast milk and need infant formulas to prevent constipation.
This article will help you to decipher what is the best formula for constipation.
Best formula for constipation
Babies who are allergic to cow’s milk protein are more prone to constipation.
Lactose intolerant babies or babies with lactose sensitivity cannot consume breast milk. This means that baby formula for constipation is critical in these infants’ health, wellness, and development.
Pay attention to a baby formula base
One of the most important things to do when trying to find good formulas for constipation is to look at what the base is. There are milk-based, rice-based, and soy-based formulas.
Assess what each base means in terms of digestion, colic, spit-up, gas, fussiness, and more. For example, lactose-based formula often results in a firm stool that can be hard for a baby to pass.
So if your baby has constipation issues, it may not be a good idea to go with a lactose base. The same can be said of rice bases due to the added thickness of the formula.
Knowing what is best for a baby’s digestive system is key, so speaking to your doctor about what powdered formulas have the best bases for infant constipation in your case is a great idea.
Digestive issues can come from several different sources. The best place to start is to get as much information about what triggers your infant’s constipation.
While you don’t want the problem to continue, you also don’t want frequent bowel movements that are loose and watery, as that can cause other health concerns.
1. Enfamil Gentlease Baby Formula
It is clinically proven to help with gas, fussiness, spit-up, and sensitive tummies within 24 hours.
If a baby’s constipation or formula feeding seems counterproductive to their health, it may be time to switch formulas. And when it comes to a specialty formula with an excellent reputation, Enfamil Gentlease may be the best baby formula out there.
With already partially broken down proteins, this infant formula is easier on the stomach and, therefore, on the digestive system.
Among acid reflux formulas, this one stands out as the most gentle and the best-reviewed by many parents of formula-fed infants.
It also contains corn syrup that can help with baby constipation and mimic breast milk, stimulating brain development.
It also comes in powdered form or liquid concentrate, so you can choose how you feed your baby.
2. Kendal Goat Milk Formula
One of the European infant formulas that many Americans have started raving about, this formula contains goat’s milk, which is great for sensitive stomachs. It also includes short and medium fatty acids, making this European infant formula easier on the gut than cow’s milk.
Before choosing European formulas
While switching to a new formula may be best for your baby, choosing among European baby formulas comes with a risk. If a baby’s formula is produced and sold in the US, it must abide by FDA standards, whereas other countries are not held to these standards.
Don’t let this scare you away unnecessarily, however. Most infant formulas made in European countries have higher standards than the FDA requires, including strict organic farming practices and no use of sugars or artificial thickening agents.
Many baby formulas made and sold outside the US are produced and sold in stages.
Stage 1 is typically suitable for a child on an all-liquid diet for up to six months. Stage two is for older babies who have begun to eat solid foods.
Make sure that you do your research and select the formula that is appropriate for your child’s age and development. Ask the baby’s pediatrician for their opinion before switching formulas and choosing one that is unfamiliar to you.
3. Bub’s Organic Grass Fed Formula
Made in Australia and approved for sale in the US due to the formula shortage, this is one of the best organic formulas available. However, it should be noted that it is not for all ages, and directions should be followed when feeding it to your child.
This company produces this organic formula used by grass-fed cows to source their milk. They also include rich fatty acids to aid in digestion.
This baby formula is also iron-fortified and contains probiotics and prebiotics. This encourages a healthy bowel movement for your baby and all-natural ingredients with no palm oil or corn syrup.
4. Mama Bear Soy Formula with Iron
This is one of the best baby formulas for little ones who need an alternative to milk-based formulas due to a milk allergy or allergies to cow’s milk proteins. This soy blend for formula-fed babies is less expensive than other brands because it is a private offshoot produced by Amazon.
This vegan and certified Kosher option can help your baby’s digestive system and produce softer stools for an easily constipated baby.
5. Hipp Dutch Combiotic Formula
Touted as one of the best formulas for constipation, this formula, made with organic skimmed milk, is a European formula many parents swear by. From organic vegetable oils to non-GMO products, this formula has attempted to be as natural as possible.
Rich with probiotics and many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, it also meets FDA requirements, so you know it is safe for all formula-fed babies. It also contains hydrolyzed proteins that make it easier for babies with sensitivities or food allergies to break down in the gut.
6. Nestle Nan Supreme
Authorized by the FDA to be sold in the US due to the shortage of formula, Nestle Supreme is an excellent option for infants who have sensitivities without skimping on nutritional value.
With choline that helps eye and brain development, as well as DHA and healthy fats, this formula is gentle on the belly and great for babies who struggle with constipation.
7. Similac Alimentum
Similac is a trusted infant formula brand that is second only to Enfamil.
Claiming to produce the best baby formulas on the market, they are dedicated to improving the nutritional needs of each formula-fed baby who consumes their infant formula.
If regular bowel movements are an issue for your baby, then Similac thinks that they may have the answer for you.
Clinically proven to reverse the effects of cow’s milk allergies within 24 hours, Similac Alimentum is hypoallergenic formula also uses corn syrup and human milk oligosaccharides that are easier on the digestive system and can help baby’s stool to pass without incident.
This baby formula also comes close to replicating breast milk with its blend of ingredients and does support and strengthen the immune system. With this formula, your little one can have healthy bowel movements and get nearly the same benefits that a breastfed baby gets from breast milk.
Iron and anemia
Due to the belief that iron in foods can cause constipation, some parents may think they should avoid bottle feeding their babies with digestive issues with any iron-rich formula. This, however, is a myth, and preventing iron in an attempt to treat constipation is not a good idea.
Always choose a formula for your baby that contains iron, as it will help prevent iron deficiency anemia. This condition is the most common form of anemia and prevents the body from producing red blood cells.
Other ways to help with constipation
If your baby has begun to eat solids, introducing or supplementing their diets with foods that are good for producing a bowel movement can help.
Foods high in fiber, such as oats, broccoli, peas, and beans, can help your child relieve their bowels. Small amounts of apple juice, pear juice, or prune juice can also help constipation.
Always ask your doctor before introducing juice into your infant’s diet.
Choosing the best baby formula
Choosing a baby formula is often a practice in trial and error. Involving your child’s doctor can make it a smoother journey.
If you need to switch formula brands or blends due to constipation, try to figure out first what the last formula contained that may have caused the issue.
From leading brands made in the US to organic and alternative brands based in Europe, there is no shortage of options. Take your time and do your homework, and you’re sure to find something to help your child more easily digest and pass their food.