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This in-depth, parent-friendly guide will help you find and buy the best formula to prevent constipation. I will help you learn what types of baby formulas are available, what ingredients to avoid, the pros and cons of different brands, and where you can reliably purchase them.
For parents who either can’t or don’t want to breastfeed, finding the right baby formula is important for your baby’s overall health, well-being, growth and development, and general comfort! The ideal formula should provide all the necessary nutrients to support your baby’s growth while being gentle on their digestive system.
An Overview: Constipation And Formula
Most babies get constipated from time to time. Infant digestive systems are underdeveloped and can react sensitively to changes in breast milk or formula composition, or they simply have issues because their young digestive tracts are still developing.
While constipation is more common in formula-fed babies, sometimes even exclusively breastfed babies get constipated. This was the case for my kids when they were about 4 months old, and I’ve heard similar stories from other breastfeeding mothers.
No parent likes seeing their baby in distress or discomfort, so if you use formula to supplement or exclusively feed, finding the best baby formula for constipation is crucial. The right formula can prevent or reduce constipation issues in babies, whereas others can cause or exacerbate it.
Thankfully, there are several high-quality options that can help prevent or lessen infantile constipation. After researching the many infant formulas on the market, I have found the best formulas for constipation – ensuring your little one gets the nutrition they need while being content and comfortable after feeding.
Read on to learn all about constipation in babies, what causes it, how to treat it, what to look for when shopping for formula, the top 7 best formulas for constipation and gas, the pros & cons of each, and how to know when to switch formulas.
Disclaimer
As a board certified health coach and certified nutritionist, I support products and ingredients that are rooted in science and are evidence-based. Using my background in nutrition, extensive research, consultations with experts, and experience giving my two kids formula, I arrived at this list of the best formula for constipated babies in this guide.
Though I may receive a commission (at no extra expense) if you purchase through some of the affiliate links provided, I only recommend products I’ve researched, evaluated, consulted experts on, and would feel comfortable giving to my own two children.
As always, I only share products that are the highest quality and that can help you and your family the most. By purchasing any of these products from the links below, you help keep this blog running, so thanks for your support!
Remember that every baby and situation is different, especially regarding which formula works best. Always consult your child’s pediatrician to diagnose and treat constipation or before starting or switching to a new formula. My recommendations are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Formula prices are current at the time of this publication but are subject to change.
Quick Picks: The Best Baby Formula For Constipation
- Best American-Made Formula for Constipation: Bobbie Organic Infant
- Best European-Made Formula for Constipation: HiPP Dutch
- Best Sensitive Baby Formula for Constipation: Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro
- Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula for Constipation: HiPP HA
- Best Goat Milk Formula: Aussie Bubs
- Best Toddler Formula for Constipation: HiPP Stage 4
- Best Affordable Baby Formula for Constipation: Baby’s Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula
How To Tell If Your Baby Is Constipated
Baby poop and baby constipation can be a surprisingly complex topic. Not only can the color of your baby’s poop can change, but the color, frequency, and consistency of it can be a window into your child’s digestion (source).
Experts say that some newborns poop multiple times a day, and others go multiple days before their next bowel movement. If your child eats normally and their stools are soft, that is considered healthy (source). Talk to your child’s pediatrician if they go longer than 7 days without a bowel movement (source).
Bowel movement frequency can vary between formula-fed and breast-fed babies. For example, breastfed babies may need a diaper change as frequently as after every feed, and formula-fed babies may pass stools several times daily. Babies of either feeding style can poop as infrequently as 1 time per week.
It’s also fairly normal for infants to strain somewhat when having a bowel movement, as long as the stool is soft and it passes within a few moments of straining (source).
So how do you know if you have a constipated baby? Infant constipation is characterized by infrequent, hard, or difficult-to-pass bowel movements (source), though that can appear differently in children.
Here are the top signs of infant constipation:
- Crying, Irritability, or Discomfort: Hard stools can cause babies distress, causing them to arch their back, experience bloating, or cry when having a bowel movement (source).
- Hard, Pellet-Like Stools: Constipated babies usually produce dry stools that resemble hard pellets or balls, rather than having a soft and mushy consistency (source).
- Change In Frequency: While bowel movement frequency varies among babies, constipation is generally suspected when a baby goes more than a few days than usual – or over a week – without passing stools (source).
- Bloated or Firm Abdomen: This is a sign that your baby’s digestive system is impacted and may be backed up (source).
- Decreased Appetite: If your infant struggles to pass stools and refuses to eat, he or she is probably constipated (source).
- Infrequent Wet Diapers: These are likely indications of dehydration and insufficient fluids, which can cause constipation (source).
While occasional constipation is generally not a cause for concern, make sure to consult your baby’s doctor if your baby exhibits any of the following (source, source):
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Crying with legs pulled up to their chest
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Signs of dehydration: many dry diapers or lethargy
- Failure to gain weight appropriately
- Bloated stomach
You will also want to seek medical care when home remedies and diet adjustments do not improve the situation. Your pediatrician will help determine the underlying cause of constipation and recommend appropriate treatments, such as adjusting the baby’s formula or suggesting other dietary changes.
What Formula Is The Best For Constipation?
Which formulas are the best for preventing and managing your baby’s constipation, and what sets them apart? Let’s get into it with this list of the 7 best baby formulas for constipation.
Best American-Made Formula for Constipation: Bobbie Organic Infant
Why I Love It: Bobbie is made from grass-fed milk from pasture-raised cows and is the first USDA Organic, European-Style Infant Formula that meets FDA requirements. Lactose is the first ingredient in this high-quality formula, and it has the same whey-to-casein ratio as breast milk, making it a great formula to help with constipation.
Bobbie does have water-extracted DHA (no hexane!), making this option a complete and nutritious source of infant nutrition. Unfortunately, Bobbie doesn’t contain prebiotics or probiotics, which some research shows can help support infant digestion (source). However, they do now offer a separate probiotic supplement.
If gas and fussiness are additional concerns for your baby, Bobbie now offers Organic Gentle Infant Formula. This is one of the best formulas for gas and constipation, made with smaller, partially hydrolyzed proteins for even more gentle digestion.
RELATED: Bobbie Formula Review, Palm Oil In Baby Formula
Where To Buy It: Target & Company Website
Price: $26 for a 14.1 oz can of powdered formula.
Lactose is the first ingredient
Same whey-to-casein ratio as breast milk
Clean Label Project Purity Award winner
No maltodextrin Made in the US
Best European-Made Formula for Constipation: HiPP Dutch
Why I Love It: HiPP Dutch Combiotic Formula is nutritionally complete and is one of the closest formula alternatives to breast milk. It’s a great choice if you are starting your baby on formula and want to prevent constipation or digestive issues from the start.
This European baby formula is made with probiotics and prebiotics, which provide beneficial microorganisms and dietary fibers that help healthy bacteria flourish in the intestines and support gentle digestion.
Furthermore, HiPP Dutch is made with organic skimmed milk as the first ingredient and has the same whey-to-casein ratio as breast milk. It is organic, non-GMO, and free from starch, gluten, maltodextrin, corn syrup, synthetic ingredients, and synthetic preservatives.
Where To Buy It: Baby Milk Bar
Price: $46.99 for an 800g can of powdered formula. Buy in bulk and save up to 10%.
Same whey-to-casein ratio as breast milk
Organic skimmed milk is the first ingredient
No maltodextrin or starch
No sugar, corn syrup, or corn syrup solids
On the more expensive side
Not vegetarian-friendly (contains fish oil)
Best Sensitive Baby Formula for Constipation: Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro
Why I Love It: If you’re looking for a formula for constipated babies that’s easy to find in American stores, Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro is a fantastic pick. This formula can be found at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
This formula is made with lactose, corn maltodextrin instead of corn syrup, hydrolyzed whey protein, prebiotics, and probiotics. Studies have demonstrated that the probiotic it contains, lactobacillus reuteri, improves infant digestion and uncomfortable poops (source). It also contains partially hydrolyzed proteins, which are easier for young tummies to digest.
This Gerber formula is also non-GMO and contains DHA and ARA. Unfortunately, it contains palm oil and soy, but otherwise, it is a great sensitive formula that helps with constipation.
Where To Buy It: Amazon, Target & Walmart
Price: $32.25 for a 19.4 oz canister of formula powder. Subscribe and save up to 15%.
Contains probiotics studied to improve infant digestion
No sugar, corn syrup, or syrup solids
Available at many US stores
Some parents report this formula is hard to mix
Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula for Constipation: HiPP HA
Why I Love It: Some doctors recommend fully or partially hydrolyzed formula for constipated babies. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down, making them easier for babies to digest (source). When it comes to hydrolyzed protein formulas, HiPP HA is our top pick.
Unlike other hypoallergenic formulas that contain maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, or sugar, HiPP HA is made with lactose as the first ingredient, hydrolyzed whey protein, probiotics, and prebiotics. It also contains water-extracted DHA and ARA, making it a fantastic source of complete nutrition.
This formula is non-GMO but cannot be labeled organic because it contains hydrolyzed proteins, which cannot be considered organic due to how they are processed. The rest of the ingredients in this formula are organic, however.
Where To Buy It: Organic Baby Food 24
Price: $47.99 for a 21.16 oz can of powdered formula. Subscribe and save for up to 33% off.
Contains hydrolyzed proteins
Lactose is the first ingredient
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
No sugar, corn syrup, or syrup solids
On the more expensive side
Not vegetarian-friendly (contains fish oil)
Best Goat Milk Formula: Aussie Bubs
Why I Love It: Goat milk contains A2 beta-casein proteins, whereas most common cow milk contains A1 proteins. A2 proteins are known to be more gentle on digestion (source), meaning that baby formulas made with goat milk are better for constipation and digestion.
Our favorite goat milk formula is Aussie Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula because it is non-GMO, a Clean Label Project Award winner, and contains DHA, ARA, and prebiotics. It is also vegetarian-friendly, one of the most affordable goat milk formulas on the market, and can easily be found at many major American retailers.
RELATED: The Best Goat Milk Formulas
Where To Buy It: Amazon & Walmart
Price: $44 for an 800-gram can of powdered formula.
Contains easier-to-digest A2 milk protein
Made with full cream goat milk solids
Clean Label Project Award winner
Clean Label Project Award winner Contains DHA & ARA
No sugar, corn syrup, or syrup solids
No maltodextrin or starch
More affordable goat milk formula
Best Toddler Formula for Constipation: HiPP Stage 4
Why I Love It: HiPP Stage 4 is a fantastic organic follow-on formula for picky eaters or little ones who don’t otherwise consume the nutrients necessary in a toddler’s diet. This is the best milk for constipated toddlers: besides containing vitamins and minerals, this formula has prebiotics, lactose, and probiotics derived from real breast milk, encouraging gentler digestion for your toddler as their digestive flora changes from eating solid foods.
Another great aspect of this formula is that it is made specifically for drinking from a cup rather than a bottle, making it easier to add to your child’s diet. It is a bit more expensive than some other brands of formula, but the canister holds a generous 800 grams of formula, and the quality is top notch. Choose Hipp Stage 4 for the best milk for constipated 1-year-olds and older!
Where To Buy It: Baby Milk Bar
Price: $46.99 for an 800-gram can of powdered formula. Buy in bulk for as low as $41.79 per can.
Lactose is the only carbohydrate
No sugar, corn syrup, or syrup solids
No maltodextrin or starch
Best Affordable Baby Formula for Constipation: Baby’s Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula
Why I Love It: Baby’s Only makes the most affordable organic A2 baby formula today, making it the most budget-friendly pick on our list. It is made with organic A2 dairy milk, contains only non-GMO ingredients, and is a Clean Label Project Award winner, making it good for your baby and easy on their digestive system.
This formula’s main drawbacks are that it doesn’t contain probiotics, prebiotics, DHA, or ARA. You can add probiotic supplementation along with the formula, but always discuss formulas and supplements with your doctor before feeding them to your child.
Where to Buy It: Amazon, Walmart, & Target
Price: $30.98 for a 595-gram can of powdered formula. Subscribe and save for up to 15% off.
Made with organic A2 milk
Clean Label Project Award winner
Organic lactose is the first ingredient
No sugar, corn syrup, or syrup solids
No maltodextrin or starch
Does not contain probiotics
Does not contain prebiotics
Does not contain DHA or ARA
How To Relieve Your Baby’s Constipation
How To Prevent Constipation
Support your child’s gentle digestion by doing the following:
- Proper Hydration: Based on your baby’s age, offer them the appropriate amount of water, formula, or breast milk to drink. Adequate hydration can help soften stools and promote regular bowel movements. If your child is too young to drink water, focus on regularly feeding them breast milk or formula.
- Formula Preparation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing formula for your child. Over-concentration can lead to dehydration, which can contribute to constipation.
- Encourage Movement: Gently move your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion to help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. You can also give them tummy time, a gentle abdominal massage, or time in a baby activity jumper or play center to promote digestion.
- Adequate Fiber: When introducing solid foods to your baby, offer high-fiber foods like pureed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help prevent constipation. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the quantity. Remember to introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any adverse reactions.
RELATED: 10 Easy Baby Food Recipes
How To Treat Constipation
If your child is already suffering from constipation, here are some simple at-home treatments you can do to help relieve their symptoms:
- Constipation-Friendly Formula: If your baby is formula-fed, consider choosing a formula that helps with constipation or contains ingredients that promote gut health, such as prebiotics, probiotics, or hydrolyzed proteins. All of the formulas shared in this guide are great options.
- Gentle Massage: Massaging your baby’s abdomen in a gentle clockwise motion can help stimulate their digestive tract and alleviate symptoms.
- Fruit Juice: The sugars in fruit juice (primarily prune and apple juice) can help pull water into the digestive tract and stimulate bowel movements in babies (source). Often, you only need 1-2 ounces mixed with water to treat constipation. This technique is only recommended for infants four months and older, so always talk with your child’s doctor before trying this.
- Warm Bath: A warm bath can help relax your baby’s muscles and alleviate constipation. Gently massage their belly during the bath to encourage bowel movements.
- Rectal Stimulation: In some cases, gentle rectal stimulation using a lubricated thermometer or cotton swab can help induce a bowel movement (source). However, this should be done only under the guidance of your pediatrician, as improper technique can cause harm.
- Talk To Your Doctor: If your baby has chronic constipation or none of these treatments work, see your child’s pediatrician for treatment.
How To Choose A Great Baby Formula For Constipation
What To Look for
The options when shopping for baby formula can be overwhelming! Here are a few tips to guide you in your process, helping you to find the best formula for your child:
✅ Organic or non-GMO. In the US, all organic formulas are non-GMO, but not all non-GMO formulas are organic. At the very least, I recommend choosing a non-GMO option, as the safety of GMOs for kids has been debated (source), and organic formula whenever possible.
✅ The first ingredient is lactose or milk. Whether dairy or cow milk, the first ingredients should be lactose or milk. This ensures that lactose, the carbohydrate found in breast milk, is the carbohydrate in the formula. Avoid syrup solids, sugar, glucose syrup, or other added sugars if you can.
✅ 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio. The two proteins in breast milk are whey and casein. The ratio at which digestion is the most gentle has been studied to be 60:40, or the same ratio as breast milk (source). It’s ideal for formulas to mimic this ratio to avoid digestion issues, constipation, gas, and discomfort in babies. A note on goat milk’s ratio: this milk naturally has a 20:80 whey casein ratio, so many goat milk formulas will also end up with that same ratio unless enhanced with goat whey protein. In most situations, however, these formulas are still beneficial for gentle digestion, due to the presence of A2 milk proteins.
✅ Added Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids (DHA/ARA). For healthy brain development, and to match what’s naturally found in breast milk. Opt for water-extracted DHA whenever possible to avoid the possibility of hexane residue in the formula (source). Hexane can be toxic when ingested in large quantities, making hexane-extraction something that other countries, but not the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), put limitations on (source).
✅ Added prebiotics and probiotics. Since breast milk contains prebiotics and probiotics, which have been verified to aid digestion and the development of the immune system, as well as prevent eczema, food allergies, and more (source), it is important to choose a formula with added prebiotics and probiotics if you can.
✅ No highly processed ingredients. For various reasons dependent on the ingredient, it is generally a good idea to avoid processed ingredients such as carrageenan, soy protein, and more. For example, experts believe that carrageenan increases inflammation which can lead to chronic diseases (source). Soy protein, on the other hand, contains high levels of estrogen which some experts believe can be detrimental to young, developing bodies (source).
✅ Palm oil. This oil is increasingly common in the United States food supply and is found in many US formulas. It is problematic because it is not environmentally friendly and can cause digestive problems in some babies (source). This can be hard to avoid, so if the formula you are considering otherwise is a solid pick but contains palm oil, it could still be a good one to consider.
Should You Switch Your Baby’s Formula If They Are Constipated?
If your baby is constipated, it is best to try at-home remedies first. Changing formulas again can further exacerbate the constipation. If the treatments don’t work to relieve your child’s symptoms, you will want to talk to your child’s pediatrician to determine the best course of action.
FAQs
Yes, baby formula can cause constipation. Oftentimes it is because your baby’s system is learning to digest it since it is more complex to process than breast milk (source). If the symptoms persist and home treatment doesn’t work, discuss switching to a different formula with your child’s pediatrician. Choosing a formula with probiotics, prebiotics, hydrolyzed proteins, or a different whey-to-casein ratio can help alleviate your child’s constipation.
Switching formulas can cause constipation in babies since their systems are adjusting to processing a different formula. During this period, trying home treatment remedies, such as gentle massage, hydration (if the baby is old enough), and movement to encourage regularity may be helpful.
To help a formula-fed baby poop, make sure they are getting enough water, gently move their legs in a circular motion, gently massage their belly, give them appropriate opportunities for movement, and double-check that you are mixing the formula with water in the correct ratios. Apply these remedies for 4-5 days and if they still haven’t soiled a diaper, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.
In Summary
Constipation in infants can be challenging for both babies and parents! No parent ever wants to see their child in distress. Constipation can happen. If it does, try to stay calm and be patient — it usually doesn’t last long.
You can successfully treat your child’s constipation with many at-home treatments. If your child still needs support after trying these treatments, reach out to their pediatrician to discuss switching them to one of these high-quality and nutritious formulas for constipation.
We wish you and your family all the best in your journey. If you have any more questions about baby constipation, healthy formula, or have tried another formula for constipation that you loved, please leave a comment below. I respond to every question I receive!
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