Suggestion for Infant Formula That Creates Less Gas

Updated on August 26, 2008
A.R. asks from Chicago, IL
33 answers

Hello:

I am hoping that one of you might be able to point me in the right direction. I am looking for a formula that creates less gas for my 2 week old son. We are currently using Enfamil lipil with iron, but it seems to create quite a bit of gas for him and it is so hard for me to watch him in such pain.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
A.

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

I had the same problem, so I tried the Enfamil Lipil Gentle formula and had him on it for a long time. It has partilly broken down proteins to help them digest it better. Worked great. Hope this helps.

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

I used Nestle Good Start the green canister for the first 3 months then switched to the orange colored canister after my daughters digestion became more developed.

Loved it and never had gas problems. The Dr. Brown's bottles are great also at preventing gas but I swear by the Good Start formulas...used them with both kids.

Tried the Similac and Enfamil with my son because that's what the hospital gave us and had horribly gas problems for two months before I switched him to Good Start. Never thought about trying anything else when my daughter came along because it worked so well.

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D.

answers from Chicago on

We used GentleEase. I think it was by enfamil too. We also put gas drops, Mylicon, into the bottle too. It helped a lot.

More Answers

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R.A.

answers from Peoria on

I don't know about formula but my son had lots of gas on his tummy I would use gas drops. I found them at Wal-Mart back in the baby area but I think you might also be able to find them in with the adult gas stuff. It cost about $6 to buy the first bottle but there is a $2 coupon in the box for the ones after that. They have been a life saver to my family.

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J.F.

answers from Chicago on

We loved Carnation Good Start with all of our kids but my son needed the Soy (also only used Carnation) The mycoline drops are also the best thing ever and Avent battles really helped with the gas my son really stuggled with.

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A.G.

answers from Chicago on

Try a lactose free formula. Both my kids were and to some degree still are terribly lactose intolerant. I found that soy also made them pukey and havee gas. Also, found the store brand to be just as good as Enfamil or Similac, for a fraction of the price. I beleive Meijer's verdion of this has more protein than other major brands, but it's been awhile so I could be remembering incorrectly. Also, see if your pediatrician will let you give him a little chamomile tea. It always helped my kids tremendously. Also, holding him in your lap with his legs up will help releive presure. Poor thing, I feel so bad for babies when they have gas. It will get better.

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

We used Nestle Good Start with our daughter post nursing. It is formulated to be more "gentle" on the baby's digestive system. We used Mylicon during her gassy times, but it didn't solve the overall problem & we hated having to resort to medicine all the time. Try switching your bottle to Dr. Brown's or Born Free (the bottle we've used for the longest stretch). An added bonus is the Dr. Brown's now come BPA free as well. Platex Drop-ins also work, but wasn't the best choice for our daughter. Before switching the formula, try the bottle first. If that doesn't succeed than I'd highly recommend Good Start.

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C.T.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

I would hate to see the baby having to take gas drops after every feeding. I went through this with both boys. I had to stop the Enfamil with iron and put them on the other Enfamil can...one was pink and one gold. It was low iron or no iron...I do remember the can colors though! When my daughter was born - same thing. My husband is lactose intolerant. So we tried the Lactose Free Formulas. That seemed to do the trick. It wasn't around when my boys were born. I only had the choice of Enfamil, Similac, and Soy. Today we are lucky to have more options.

When my son started foods - green vegetables bothered him as well... Mostly peas. When they got gassy, I laid them across my lap on their tummy and rubbed their back. This helped move the gas around. Or, you can lay them on their back and push their knees to their chest. This helps them to pass it too.

C. T.

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not sure if there is one for gas, I think there is. If you go to the Enfamil website (www.enfamil.com) I think they describe all the different kinds of formula. Otherwise if that doesn't work, we just put Mylicon gas drops in the bottle and that seemed to help.

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L.B.

answers from Peoria on

I saw that most people already gave responses, but wanted to make something clear for ya!

Carnation GoodStart and GoodStart by Nestle are the SAME thing. Nestle and Carnation are the same brand company and Nestle took over. Just wanted to clarify.

We used this for my first daughter because I breastfeed and it was the easiest to break down for thier tummies. Also, we use the Mylicon gas drops...they are expensive, but do make a big difference. And there is a coupon for 2 dollars off in each box, so that saves a lot each time, as long as you remember to cut it.
Now my son is nine weeks old and we still use the GoodStart and Mylicon.

Also, try laying him on his back after burping and running his legs in a "bicycle". Or just push his legs up into his belly (as if he would be 'squatting') and that usually helps to loosen the gas/bowels and sometimes they will even release a TON of gas as you are making those leg movments for them.

It's worth a try!!!!

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L.T.

answers from Chicago on

My vote is to try Mylicon drops for the gas first! It really helps loosen the bubbles in their system, and they can easier get the gas out (if he really looks like he's in pain)! It's common to have a gassy baby too - so don't worry too much, only if it continues to look painful.

I used Parent's Choice from Walmart too. It seemed to help both the gas and the spit up too. If you look online, or on the cans to compare formula...it's the same exact thing...only half the price. Not that price matters, but it also seemed easier for my baby to take. Every baby is different of course!

Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Chicago on

i am using enfamil prosobee lipil and it's a soy formula, it works great on my daughter..she had a lot of gas problems when she was 2 weeks and her doctor recommended that.. or if your son cant handle the soy formula and is still gassy nutramigen works its a hyopallergenic formula.. but make sure to ask your sons doctor first... since your son is 2 weeks you can use mylicon gas drops they work greator any kind of gas relief drops..you can mix the gas drops with the formula...but again ask your sons doctor...I also dont hold my daughter laying in my arms when I feed her i hold her upright..it seems to help her... hope this advice helps

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D.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

One of my 4 had the same gassy problems. We went throught about 5 formulas before we found one. (the soy made him projectile vomit by the way, not a cute site) we finally settled on carnation good start after I went to the pediatrician in tears because he was always spitting up and gassy after he ate. The doctor said to try it out and I was wary, it was new, and we had never heard of it (this was in 1998)The carnation was perfect. Never had another problem and they had 2 formulas. Good start for the first 4 months and then follow up for when cereal is introduced. Stay on the follow up until he transistions to whole milk at one year. Good Luck!!!!!

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L.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

Enfamil Gentlease worked the best for us. We also tried Enfamil lipil and had the same problems with the gas.

Good luck!

L.

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M.D.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.....Congratulations on your new addition.

I used Enfamil formula with my son because, but it also gave him really bad gas, he was really uncofortable...I switched him to Nestle Carnation Good Start and he was much better. The formula is a bit more pricey than Enfamil...but if you ask me it's worth it.

Hope this helps you...Good luck, M.

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T.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi there! First of all.... Congrats on your new little baby boy! How exciting for you!!!

When I gave up breast feeding we had problems also. We did everything from switching formulas to switching bottles... finally our Dr suggested soy formula. It worked wonders for her! Call your pediatrician and get thier suggestion though!

Good luck and many blessings to you!

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N.R.

answers from Chicago on

I have heard that no iron and low iron is not a good option, so I would check with your pediatrician first.
Try Dr.Browns Bottles.

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B.S.

answers from Peoria on

I agree and would try gas drops first, they are awesome! Also, Similac Alimentum formula works within a day or so, it is by far the best we have tried.

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K.P.

answers from Rockford on

We used Enfamil Gentlease with my boys. Hope that helps.

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K.R.

answers from Chicago on

before you switch to soy there are a couple other options you might want to try by enfamil. First they have a "gentle ease" formula that is very similar to good start. If that doesn't do it then they have a lactose free formula as well. If those both fail, I guess you could try soy. But try those others first. Also when he's really gassy lie him on his back and move his knees towards his chest and bicycle them a little. That might help remove the gas a little bit. Congratulations on the new baby boy and good luck with the formula search!

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C.A.

answers from Chicago on

Hey I just had to take my 7 wk old son to the doc for the same prob and he was one the same formula and breastmilk. His doc stated that he was probably lactose intolerant and would grow out of it eventually. He switched him to Enfamil prosobee Soy formula (in a blue can). my son is much more comfortable now because he too would be very gassy and in pain squirmind all around which just would get worse as the day progressed. Hope this helps!

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

We had the same situation with our daughter. We went tried the Enfamil Gentlese, but that made her spit up and have gas. We ended up with her on Enfamil A.R. and that worked great! The moral of the story is keep trying until you find something you like.

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A.B.

answers from Chicago on

hi A....myself and several of my friends were very happy with nestle good start. my son would spit up like there was no tomorrrow- several outfit changes a day- for him and me! this was much gentler on his stomach, and have heard the same from others. my ped. also recommended it. good luck!

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J.

answers from Chicago on

Carnation good start is the best thing to try - try milk based 1st - if the gas continues he is probably lactose intolerant - go with the soy.

Congrats and good luck!

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H.S.

answers from Chicago on

Good Start by Nestle. I gave to my children. Never had any problems with gas with my kids. I never had purchase any over the counter medicines for gas. I use to purchase the formula at Cub Foods, Walmart sells it too.

Good Luck.

H.

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K.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.. I also have a 2 week old who i feed similac advance, and i find he is quite gassy too. I bought a product from target called "gripe water" made by little tummies and it seems to help. It's worth a try. I spoke to my pedi the other day about it and he had never heard of it, but we used to use it all the time with our first son when we lived in England. Good Luck.

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

Not sure if anyone suggested Nutragimen, it is soy-free and lactose-free. However, your baby may need some infant probiotics, especially if born via c-section. Here is an article to read:
http://www.bodyecology.com/07/09/20/introduce_babies_prob...

Also another good source on the truths and myths of soy for boys.

http://www.westonaprice.org/mythstruths/mtsoy.html

Also, try the tummy massage, starting at the right hip bone, moving clockwise, in the flow of the digestive track.

I also have a homemade dairy-free and soy-free infant formula recipe using rice milk if you are interested. You can also find many other homemade infant formula recipes online as well. I know a few moms that have used them b/c formula just was not good for their baby no matter what they tried.

Good luck.

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K.H.

answers from Chicago on

just as others have said, you should probably check with the pediatrician first. However, soy milk formulas can often help with babies who have digestive problems. Though, just so you know, they can be constipating for your little one. So, you may want to give it a try for a few days or a week. Good luck! Kathy

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M.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

My kids are older now, but I experienced the same thing with them when they were infants. If you're using the powder formula of Enfamil, you might want to try the liquid...either the one where you just add water or the one already completely made. I ended up switching to the one where we just had to add water. I don't know if the powder just doesn't break down enough for their little stomachs. Good luck.

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E.S.

answers from Chicago on

Before switching to a totally different milk based formula, try enfamil LOW iron. Both of my children started on an iron formula (my girl on enfamil, my son on similac) and both needed to be switched to low iron. Try that first and then take a more drastic change like soy or something else. Good Luck. BTW the cheapest I found was walmart or target.

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T.B.

answers from Chicago on

I didn't find out about this until my third! The wal-mart brand of formula is the best!!!! With my twins the poor things had to suffer as I kept trying different formulas that gave them the same problem! Finally with my youngest someone told me to try parents choice I believe it is called. The very first bottle I fixed I noticed the difference just when preparing it, it had barely any bubbles after shaking it unlike the half of a bottle full that the others formed! My daughter did so much better after this. The bonus is-the formula is only about $11 or $12 which is nice! Another trick if formula doesn't completely help is to put the mylicon gas drops directly into the bottle. This allows the child to receive all of the drops instead of trying to squeeze into mouth and it just comes right back out! Good luck!

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A.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi!
My daughter was a very gassy (hence fussy) baby...we switched her to the Carnation Good Start since it is broken down a bit more than other formulas and supposed to be easier and gentler on them. Looking back I wish I would have tried to breastfeed her, I think we would have avoided alot of her issues...Good luck!

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.. Have you tried using Mylicon in his bottle? If not, give it a try. Back when the kids were on bottles, I would add Mylicon directly into the bottle after mixing the formula and water together for every feeding. Then I would gently shake (so not to create more bubbles!) Both my Pediatrician, and another Pediatrician who spoke at a Mom's Group, indicated that Mylicon was safe for infants. It seemed to help my kids. Good luck!!

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