The easiest formulas for babies to digest often use partially or extensively hydrolyzed proteins (broken-down proteins), like in "gentle" or hypoallergenic formulas, or goat milk-based formulas, which have smaller proteins and a composition closer to breast milk, making them great for gassiness or fussiness, but always consult a pediatrician before switching to find the best fit for your baby's specific needs, notes this Bobbie article and this Oli6 article.
First infant formula (first milk)
First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula. Unless a midwife, health visitor or GP suggests otherwise, first infant formula is the only formula your baby needs.
In Australia, standard first-stage cow's milk-based formulas, like Karicare or Alula Gold, are designed to mimic breast milk for most healthy newborns, balancing whey and casein and containing lactose. While no formula perfectly replicates breast milk, look for those with lower protein content (closer to breast milk's 1-1.1g/100mL) for healthier weight gain, and always consult a Maternal & Child Health Nurse (MCHN) or doctor for personalized advice, especially if your baby has sensitivities.
Similac Sensitive Infant Formula Powder. Similac Sensitive* is an easy-to-digest, milk-based infant formula designed for sensitive tummies. It's complete nutrition to ease fussiness,† gas,† or mild spit-up.
Aptamil gold formula milk is best for babies gut health. Go for it.
Signs to watch for include:
Healthcare professionals trust Enfamil. It's the number one infant formula brand recommended by pediatricians, and the majority of birthing hospitals use Enfamil.
A gassy baby might benefit from formula that is lactose free. If the baby is fussy, colicky, has a lot of gas, it is wise to consider using formulas that have a little bit of probiotics that help with digestion and and/or contain comfort proteins like Enfamil gentlease, Gerber hydrolyzed, Similac comfort.
These are the most common symptoms:
The "Colic 333 Rule" is a common guideline for identifying colic in a healthy, well-fed baby: crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. While it's a helpful way to recognize persistent, intense crying spells, it's not a strict diagnosis, and you don't need to wait three weeks to seek help if you're concerned. Colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and lessens by 3-4 months, but it's important to rule out other issues with a doctor.
If your mixed feeding involves exchanging some breastfeeds for baby formula, then your baby will not receive as many benefits as they normally would if they were exclusively breastfed. As such, their immune system may not be as well protected from certain infections1.
Neither Aptamil nor Nan is definitively "better"; they are both popular infant formulas, but one might suit your baby better due to individual digestive needs, with Aptamil often cited for good digestion and breast milk similarity (prebiotics, whey/casein ratio), while Nan also offers probiotics (L. Reuteri) and DHA, so consulting your pediatrician is crucial to see which aligns with your baby's specific needs and to monitor their reaction, say parents on forums.
The royal nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, recommended us here at Kendamil to Kate Middleton and Prince William, after hearing some great reviews about us being a UK-based baby formula company. Kate then passed it on to her sister, Pippa Middleton, who used it for her little one, Arthur.
Aptamil Premium is easy to digest, but it lacks probiotics that help gut health. If your baby has digestive issues, Aptamil Gold is a better option.
Backed by 50 years of advanced breast milk research, Aptamil® Sensitive contains partially hydrolysed cows' milk protein for infants during the sensitive stage. It is gently formulated for sensitive tummies and no compromise on nutrition.
In most cases, it's fine to change formulas, as long as you stick with the same type. For instance, the ingredients in all cow's milk-based, iron-fortified infant formulas (recommended for most babies) are essentially the same.
Along with changes in bowel movements, like having diarrhea after eating, an increase in gassiness can also be a sign that your baby's formula isn't agreeing with them. This may be accompanied by abdominal bloating and firmness of the belly.
What Does Baby Poop Look Like with a Milk Allergy? Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy.
Similac For Spit-Up* infant formula has been clinically shown to reduce spit-up frequency in healthy infants by 54%. Our non-GMO,‡ easy-to-digest formula is suitable for babies with lactose sensitivity. It has DHA and lutein to support brain and eye development.
HiPP Comfort - Comfort Formula for Gassy Babies
This is one of our best gentle formula options. It's ideal for managing non-specific digestive issues like gas, constipation, and lactose-related colic. HiPP Comfort formula comes in two versions, both crafted as "all-stage" formulas suitable from birth onwards.
Try a Formula Designed for Gassy Babies
If you think your baby's formula may be causing gas, you may want to ask your pediatrician about trying formulas that are tailored to ease gas issues. These formulas can help with fussiness and crying and are gentle on a baby's sensitive tummy.
Hypoallergenic Formula
These formulas are often recommended for babies with cow's milk protein allergies or digestive issues like persistent gas, reflux or eczema.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests using cow's milk-based formulas when possible rather than soy-based formulas. For parents who do not want their child to eat animal protein, the AAP recommends breastfeeding. Soy-based formulas are also an option.
The "5-5-5 Rule" for milk refers to guidelines for safely storing expressed breast milk: 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the refrigerator, and 5 months in the freezer (though CDC suggests up to 12 months). It's a helpful memory tool for new mothers, but there's also a separate "5-5-5 rule" for postpartum recovery, recommending 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed for rest after childbirth, say this article from Franciscan Health and another from The Bump.
No nasties: because the ingredients in our Kendamil Organic formula are organic, they are free from GMOs, herbicides and pesticides. The organic milk we use is also screened to make sure it's free from antibiotics.