What is the best formula for sensitive stomachs?

Colic, gas, fussiness, constipation...all of these (and more) can be signs that your baby has a sensitive stomach. 

It’s stressful – to say the least. When you were pregnant, you probably imagined snuggling down with your baby for lovely, calm feeds. Instead, you’re in an endless cycle of winding, tummy rubs, screaming and sleepless nights. 

But here’s the good news: the right formula could make all the difference. 

In this blog, we’ll look at: 

• What might be causing your baby’s sensitive tummy

• Why some babies are more prone to digestive problems than others

• The formula ingredients to look out for – and which to avoid

• The best types of formulas for sensitive tummies, including comfort formulas, goat’s milk formulas and A2 formulas.

Symptoms of digestive problems and sensitive stomachs in babies 

 

If your baby has trouble digesting their milk, you’ll probably see symptoms like:

 

• Frequent crying, fussiness and colic, especially after feeds.  You might see your baby pulling their legs up after a feed to try and get comfortable, or crying in an obviously pained way (rather than a more standard ‘grumbly’ cry). 

• Gassiness. You might notice that your baby has particularly smelly wind and bowel movements,  or find that their stomach feels hard or swollen after a feed. They’ll often also arch their back due to the discomfort. 

• Reflux. Many babies bring up small amounts of milk after feeds thanks to their immature digestive system, but some babies experience more extreme vomiting. This can be accompanied by pain and distress, and may lead to poor weight gain. 

• Constipation. Babies should poop at least 3 times a week. If it’s less than that, or your baby’s poop is hard rather than loose, then they’re probably suffering with constipation. This can also show up as a hard tummy, lack of energy and general fussiness. 

• Disturbed sleep. Babies with digestive problems often find night times particularly difficult. If they’re gassy, they’ll struggle to be comfortable lying flat – and it might feel that it takes you so long to settle them after a night feed that they’re already due their next feed by the time they do. 

You might not see all of these symptoms in your baby – but even just 1 of them can make your life incredibly tough. We’ll recommend some possible solutions shortly, but before we can do that, we need to look at why this might be happening. 

Why does your baby have a sensitive stomach?

Babies’ tiny, still-developing tummies are naturally more sensitive than most adults’. It takes time for their body to get used to being out in the world (rather than safely tucked up inside mom), and for their stomach to get good at digesting milk and food. 

A lot of the time, babies’ digestion improves quickly in the weeks after birth. If it doesn’t, it could be because:

• They’re feeding too fast. Sometimes, it’s not the formula itself that’s the problem, but the way your baby drinks it. While some babies naturally feed slowly, others will gulp their milk down fast, often taking in air as they do. This leads to gas, bloating and discomfort. To help, try using slow-flow or newborn bottle nipples (even if they’re older) and keeping them as upright as you can. 

• They just need more time. Newborn gas and fussiness typically peaks around 6 weeks, and is often completely resolved between 3 and 6 months. Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to help – but you may well find that time is the biggest healer. 

• They struggle with additives in conventional formulas. Many store-bought formulas include ingredients like corn syrup, soy protein isolate, starch and artificial flavorings. These are often really tough for little tummies to digest, even if they don’t  have any intolerances. Remember that even adults often find they feel unwell after eating additive-heavy foods.

• They’re intolerant to cow’s milk. The proteins in cow’s milk are different to those found in breastmilk (and all other animal milks), and can trigger an immune system reaction. Symptoms vary, but include stomach pain and diarrhea as well as rashes and respiratory issues in some babies. Cow’s milk protein intolerance is common – affecting 2 to 3% of babies. Even breastfed babies can be affected if their mom eats dairy products and passes on the proteins through her milk. 

• They’re intolerant to lactose. Lactose is the natural sugar found in both breastmilk and formula, and most babies can digest it easily thanks to a hormone called lactase. But some babies don’t make enough lactase, resulting in gas, bloating and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is rare, but is more common in premature babies. It can also happen temporarily after a stomach infection (such as norovirus).
  
  

5 formulas to consider if your baby has a sensitive stomach

If you know why your little one struggles with digestion, you’ll be able to choose a formula to help. 

If you’re not sure, talk to your pediatrician before any formula switch. It’s important to remember that many digestive symptoms (like gas and pain) can have several different causes – and you might need tests to figure out what’s really going on. 

 

• Holle A2 formula. This is a cow’s milk formula, but it doesn’t contain the type of cow’s milk protein that many babies find hard to digest. Instead, it contains gentle A2 protein – the same as in breastmilk. It’s also organic, and free from starch, soy and corn syrup. 

• Goat’s milk formula. Goat’s milk formulas also contain the A2 protein, and many babies find them easier to digest than cow’s milk. They’re also just as nutritious as cow’s milk. 

• Comfort formula. Comfort formula is designed especially for babies with colic and constipation. It includes broken-down (or hydrolyzed) proteins that are much easier to digest, and has reduced lactose too. 

• Hypoallergenic formula. Hypoallergenic formula is designed for babies with symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy, with hydrolyzed proteins that should avoid triggering an immune system reaction. 

• Preminat plant-based formula. Made with rice protein, this gentle, organic formula contains no animal milk at all. It can be the ideal choice for babies who struggle even with hypoallergenic cow’s milk formulas. 

Need more help?

If you feel like you’ve already tried everything, and you just want to talk to someone – get in touch here.  We’ll help you find the right formula for your little one.