The Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby: These Make You no Longer Panic!

Babies have no way of communicating their feelings other than by squirming and crying, especially when they have gas. The most likely cause is of the fussiness is abdominal distension. While burping or administering colic medications can alleviate the gassiness, it would be best to prevent what is causing the gas in the first place. So, if you are in this type of predicament, you should pay attention to this article to insight into the causes of infant gassiness and the best formula for a gassy fussy baby.

( a healthy baby with the mother)

1. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–Why Do Babies Gassy Fussy?

Passing gas is an inevitable part of the digestive process, even for adults. Babies are more prone to gas due to immature gastrointestinal system hence can often do it because of this. Several factors, including: can cause infant gas.

An underdeveloped digestive system

Whether you burp your baby right after breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, they will pass a little gas. But when passing gas causes them to be fussier than usual, it means that their underdeveloped digestive systems are not cooperating.  It gets to a point where your baby is in distress most of the time. It could be an indication that there are more significant problems past a typical newborn gassiness scenario.

Allergy to formula milk

Formula milk is made up of different ingredients that a baby needs to grow healthy. It is the best alternative to breast milk. However, some babies might react to some ingredients found in the formula. It makes it challenging to help them to release the gases from their digestive systems.

Ingesting air when feeding or crying 

If your baby cries a lot after feeding, chances are they could be swallowing a lot of gas while trying to suck formula milk from the bottle. The air goes directly into the stomach, causing more gases to form. The most obvious remedy would be to make them release the air after feeding through burping or using other colic-related medications. However, these methods might not remove all the air from their digestive systems.

Lactose intolerance

Bloating in babies may also occur when they are unable to digest the lactose/ sugar in milk. Their smaller intestines are too immature to produce an enzyme known as lactase responsible for controlling lactose intolerance. To determine if your baby is lactose intolerant, watch out for symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gassiness.

A restless baby crying

(A restless baby crying)

2. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–What Should I Pay Attention to When Breastfeeding?

Now that most pediatricians recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months as a standard practice for infant nutrition learning how to do it correctly is equally important. But it comes at a cost. Your baby will swallow gas if you don’t do it correctly. 

While passing gas is inevitable, too much of it can signify that your baby isn’t getting enough nutrients necessary for their growth and comfort. To ensure your baby gets enough milk and ingests little-to-no air, here are some of the things that are worth your attention.

Master the correct feeding posture

The latching position you use when breastfeeding your baby determines the amount of air your baby may inhale in the course of their feeding. Before you start breastfeeding, ensure that the baby sits comfortably on your lap. Place their head on your inner elbow with their faces looking directly at you. Ensure that you place their upper bodies higher than their lower bodies. 

Support your breast using one hand to prevent excess milk from coming out. After feeding, hold the baby upright for close to thirty minutes to eliminate any gas pockets caused by too much air swallowing.

Foods that mothers should avoid

The type of food you eat also plays a significant role in determining whether your baby will be experiencing frequent gas or not. While your baby may tolerate most foods you may consume, it is essential to know which ones to avoid for your baby’s sake. Foods such as beans, garlic, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, or spicy foods have high acidity rates. Others that contain high cow milk proteins can also cause gas and fussiness in some infants.

Babies react differently to milk proteins. For example, if your baby is allergic to milk, you may notice symptoms such as rashes, gassiness, extreme fussiness, or dryness and irritate the skin. If your breast milk is causing the baby to get all these symptoms, see a doctor diagnose for allergy to proper milk proteins and possibly recommend alternative diets while breastfeeding.

3. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–How to Choose Formula Milk Powder for a Gassy Fussy Baby

Upon noticing that your baby is gassy fussy after ingesting specific formula milk, it is time to switch to a different brand after consulting your pediatrician. Here is a simple guide on how to go about it.

Choose milk powder suitable for your baby’s age;

Formula milk varies by age. For example, milk meant for a four-month-old baby won’t provide the essential nutrients for a one-month-old baby. It only makes gassiness worse. Try to match the formula with your baby’s age by reading the pack’s ingredients and following the quantity guidelines. Also, check for the expiry date of the procedure before you buy it.

Nutrient;

Formula milk contains essential nutrients that are necessary for a baby’s growth and development. They come in three forms: cow’s milk formula, soy formula, and specialized formula. Ensuring your baby benefits from all the nutrients in the recipe ensures that the powdered formula’s quantity is proportional to the water. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guide to learn how to mix the procedure correctly.

The presence of prebiotics and probiotics;

The formula rich in Prebiotics and probiotics can be beneficial to infants since it encourages healthy bacteria growth. It not only promotes their immune system but also assists their bowel movements to produce looser stools.

A baby that feeds on formula milk has different bacteria in its gut than its breastfed counterparts. It explains why most of the formula brands are introducing both elements.

Allergen;

If your baby shows allergies to a specific ingredient in the current formula you are using, discuss with your doctor to recommend an alternative brand. Some babies are sensitive to cow milk proteins.

Reduce the amount of lactose;

There is a possibility that a gassy fussy baby could be experiencing a short-term reduction in the production of lactase, or they can’t produce enough lactase. Such a baby may start passing loose stool due to a damaged intestinal wall. 

If your midwife or pediatrician has diagnosed your baby with long-term lactase production, consider switching to a lactose-free formula.

Easy to digest, the infant formula comes in two categories:

  • The first formula; contains whey and casein. These two ingredients are recommended for newborns since they easy-to-digest hence reducing gas after feeding.
  • Goat’s milk formula; Although we recommend using goat milk powder from birth, it may not be suitable for babies who are allergic to milk.

4. Best Formula Milk Powder for a Gassy Fussy Baby 

Formulas vary depending on the nutrient composition. If you have a gassy fussy baby, try these options:

1. Similac Pro-Advance 

Similac, popularly known for its Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) properties, becomes one of the first formula brands that pediatricians recommend for gassy fussy babies. It also boasts of prebiotics, essential ingredients that feed the good bacteria in the gut. 

Formula ingredients 

2’-FL HMO, prebiotics, DHA

Formula effects
  • Strengthens the baby’s immune system
  • Supports brain development
  • Supports eye health
  • Promotes cell development
Other additives 

Vitamin E, Lutein

Customer ratings

4.8/5 stars

2. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula

For parents with gassy fussy babies, getting new Enfamil Neuropro Infant Formula can be a good idea. Going by the clinical studies, the formula contains MFGM that supports brain development. Thanks to the fat-protein blend of MFGM and Omega 3 DHA, it proves to be the best alternative to breast milk. 

Formula Ingredients 

MFGM, DHA

  • High nutritional value 
  • Healthy brain development 
  • No GMO ingredients
  • Easy-to-digest, easing gassiness within 24 hours
  • Mimics the breast milk composition thanks to its combination of MFGM and DHA
  • Promotes babies’ immunity response
Other additives 

Choline, Omega 3, Prebiotics

Customer Ratings

4.5/5 stars

3. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol Liquid Baby Formula

Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol contains essential vitamins that babies need for healthy growth, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and some B vitamins. It comes with or without iron. Since it is available in liquid form, you can feed your baby orally or mix it with either breast or formula milk.  

Formula Ingredients

Vitamins, A, B6, E, C. thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron, 

Formula Effects
Other additives

Natural and artificial flavor, glycerin, and water

Customer Ratings 

4.5/5 stars

4.Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby– Similac Alimentum, 48 Count Infant Formula

Babies with protein sensitivity can find relief thanks to Similac Alimentum’s ready-to-feed formula. It contains small amounts of proteins that prevent allergic reactions.

Formula ingredients

DHA and ARA, lactose-free, soy oil, riboflavin, calcium citrate, water (87%), sugar (4%), and Casein Hydrolysate

Formula effects
  • gas-free sleep after feeding
  • Supports brain and eye development 
  • Lactose-free hence easy to digest
Other additives

Modified starch, alpine oil

Customer Ratings 

4/5 stars

5. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Milk Powder

Formula Ingredients 

Nonfat milk, lactose, vegetable oil, soy, sunflower oils 

Formula effects
  • Optimum brain development
  • Maximum immune support
  • Easy-to-digest, making it an efficient gas-reliever 
Other additives 

Choline, DHA, MFGM, Iron, Prebiotics

Customer Ratings

4.5/5 Stars

6. Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula

Formula ingredients

DHA/ARA, Lutein, Reduced Lactose, Iron 

Formula effects

  • The Promotes blood cell development
  • Promotes brain and eye development
  • Promotes immunity
Other additives

Organic nonfat milk, organic lactose, sunflower oil

Customer ratings

4.5/5 Stars

7. Similac Pro-Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula with Iron

Formula Ingredients

DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E, Iron

Formula Effects 
  • Maximum brain development
  • Improved eye health
  • Cell development
  • Relieves babies from gassiness due to lactose sensitivity
Other Additives

Corn syrup, alpine oil, sugar

Customer Ratings

4.6/5 Stars

8.  Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby–Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder

Formula Ingredients

Potassium citrate, silicate, sucrose, Anhydrous Dextrose, Predictive prebiotics, 

Formula effects

It helps relieve dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting

Other additives

Salt, citric acid

Customer Ratings

4/5 Stars

5. What Else Can You do Best Formula for a Gassy Fussy Baby

Help your baby vent gas;

The first thing you can do for a gassy fussy baby, other than switching to a formula milk brand that their body requires, is to ensure they burp after feeding. 

Give your baby a massage and exercise;

Massaging also helps with making the digestive process to become more manageable. Alternatively, you can try the leg pumps exercise whereby your baby lies on the back, and you try to mimic the action of riding on a bicycle. 

The correct way of bottle-feeding;

If you are bottle-feeding your baby, look for a bottle with the slowest-flow nipple that regulates adequate milk flow. Go for vented, angled, or collapsible designs to reduce the chances of your baby swallowing air. Ensure that the baby lies at about a 40-degree angle. Tilt the bottle so that the neck and the nipple release the right amount of milk for feeding.

Prepare milk powder correctly;

If you intend on using powdered formula, mix the powdered milk and the water in an equal ratio. Then consider allowing your fresh mixture to sit for a few minutes before feeding your baby. Failure to do so encourages more air bubbles to enter into the mix. It may make your baby swallow more air that may result in gas.

Check for allergies;

But when your efforts to help them pass gas become futile, try seeing a pediatrician find out if they are allergic to the formula milk you are using.

Summary:

Gassiness and fussiness go hand-in-hand. No one wants to suffer the consequences of an unhappy and unhealthy child. Therefore, the sooner you find out what is causing your baby to cry or throw their fists and legs, the better your chances of resting assured that you won’t have a difficult time as a parent.

It is easy to prevent your young one from becoming fussy by introducing the right diet, embracing the proper physical remedies, and buying the right bottle if you plan to use formula milk. Finally, make a point of working with your doctor to ensure your baby is getting the proper nutritional requirements. 

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