Best Formula for Constipation: The Ultimate 2023 Guide

You may feel super stressed about your baby struggling with constipation. One potential cause for constipation is your baby’s diet, especially if you’ve recently started feeding them baby formula.

Your baby may have slower digestion and constipation due to the consistency of powder-based mixtures and non-organic ingredients in the formula. Usually, switching to alternative baby formula can resolve this issue.

This article is an in-depth, parent-friendly guide that will help you choose the best formula for your constipated baby.

Formula-Fed Newborns And Constipation

It is very important for parents to figure out if their baby is suffering from constipation. Constipation is the difficulty to pass stool, not the inability to have a bowel movement. It means that irregular bowel movements do not necessarily cause constipation. Instead, it is important to pay attention to the texture and consistency of your baby’s stool. For example, if your baby’s stool is hard, dry, and looks like tiny pellets, he/she may be dealing with constipation.

For example, if your formula-fed baby has irregular movements, but their stool is pretty soft and appears normal, they may not have constipation. Furthermore, your baby turning red while pooping is absolutely normal. Your baby may be dealing with constipation if their stools are hard, dry, and look like tiny pellets.

Are Formula-Fed Babies More Prone To Constipation?

It is true that formula-fed babies are more likely to be constipated than breastfed babies. Breast milk serves as a natural laxative and can easily be digested by babies. On the other hand, baby formulas have larger proteins that cannot be easily digested and cause gastrointestinal problems, among which the most common is constipation.

This doesn’t mean that all formula-fed babies experience constipation, or it is impossible that a breastfed baby will never have constipation. Every baby has a different digestive system. When you introduce solids into your breastfed or formula-fed baby’s diet, it is common to see symptoms of constipation in your infant.

Signs Your Baby Is Constipated

Constipation is a common digestive issue in newborns and can be challenging to resolve. The following are some signs of constipation:

• Hard, dry stools that can appear like hard balls and rocks.
• Swollen belly with gas.
• Baby cries in pain while passing stools.
• Blood in the stool.
• Having bowel movements fewer than 3 weeks.
• Lack of interest in food.

It is important to make an appointment with your healthcare professional if your baby has any of the above-mentioned signs of constipation.

Common Issues Leading To Constipation In Formula-Fed Babies

Breastfed babies are less likely to be constipated than formula-fed babies and those who are transitioning to solid food. Below are some causes of constipation in formula-fed babies:

1. Thick Formulas

One common cause of constipation in your formula-fed babies is a thicker formula. The formula is denser than breastmilk, which means the GI tract of the baby takes more time to process it. Using too much of a thick formula leads to constipation and dehydration.

2. Rice-Based Formula

If you’re giving your baby a rice-based formula, it may lead to constipation in your baby. Commonly, acid reflux formulas use rice in their formulas that are much thicker and need more time to be processed in the baby’s GI tract. This can lead to gas and constipation.

3. Milk Allergies

If your baby is allergic to milk protein or has lactose intolerance, the development of constipation will be inevitable.

Should You Switch Baby Formula To Help Your Constipated Baby?

If your baby’s formula is causing frequent constipation, then you should change the formula with a better one.

However, switching baby formula from one brand to another too often can make things even worse. Give your baby’s digestive system a couple of weeks to adopt the new formula. Also, don’t forget to consult your baby’s pediatrician.

Why Are European Formulas Better For Your Baby’s Health?

Europe-based formulas strictly follow the guidelines of the European Commission, which is similar to the U.S. FDA. The only difference between the EU and FDA is that EU rules and regulations are more stringent for the production of infant formula.

Traditional American baby formulas are manufactured using cheap and processed ingredients with empty calories that give no nutritional benefits to infants. Many pediatricians call these American formulas “baby milkshakes.”

Unlike cheap formulas, European infant formulas are organic, manufactured under strict organic farming practices with no processed sugars other than the natural milk sugar. Also, baby formulas manufactured under EU guidelines do not contain carrageenan - a thickening agent used in food products.

Carrageenan used in infant formula can irritate the baby’s digestive system and result in many problems, including constipation. European baby formulas do not contain any intestinal irritants like carrageenan and are considered best for alleviating constipation and other digestive issues in babies.

Best Formula For Constipation?

If you’re confused about what baby formula you should choose to alleviate constipation, you must go for HiPP baby formula. HiPP baby formulas are considered the best for constipation because they’re formulated with prebiotics & probiotics that take care of the baby’s digestive system. Here are some must-haves that you should look for in baby formula:

• GI Support: The formula should provide GI support because the digestive system of a baby isn’t mature enough to be optimally working.
• Age Appropriate: Make sure the formula you choose is appropriate to your baby’s current age.
• A Base Your Baby Tolerates Well: Make sure you provide your baby with a base that your baby tolerates well. For example, rice bases are too thick for some babies, and some babies do not tolerate milk bases.

Below are the best-selling HiPP baby formulas for constipation:

HiPP Dutch Combiotic formula is one of the safest and healthiest formulas for your baby’s digestive system. The Dutch version is easy on your baby’s digestive system, nourishes the gut, and alleviates symptoms of chronic constipation.

• HiPP Dutch Combiotic:
  • Doesn’t contain harmful ingredients that cause constipation.
  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics that increase infant gut health.
  • Comes in three stages, and all have stool-loosening effects

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HiPP Dutch doesn’t contain any of the following ingredients:

Processed refined sugar	Nuts	Soy
Starch and maltodextrin	Wheat	Gluten

HiPP Comfort provides superior nutrition to your constipated baby due to its unique formulation stool-loosening effect. The formula promotes healthy bowel movements and soothes an irritated gut.

• HiPP Comfort not only helps babies with colic, constipation, and flatulence, it also contains healthy ingredients, including:
  • Hydrolyzed Protein: Fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, less constipation.
  • Prebiotics & Probiotics: Increased infant gut health.
  • Natural Cultures of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Relaxed bowel movements, increased growth of gut flora.
  • Evenly Distributed Fats: Fewer blockages, similar to breast milk

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HiPP HA Germany is ideal for infants who have sensitivity to certain milk proteins. The formula is specially formulated with hydrolyzed proteins that reduce the allergic response and soothe constipation.

• This is why HiPP HA Germany is perfect for your baby:
  • Formulated with natural carbohydrates that supplement breast milk.
  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics to strengthen your baby’s gut microbiome.
  • Contains hydrolyzed proteins that are good for allergies and upset tummies.
  • Free of synthetic ingredients.
  • Contains no maltodextrin, starch, soy, or corn syrup.

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HiPP UK Comfort is a well-loved choice for babies with digestion concerns, offering gentle relief for colic, constipation, and other discomforts. Featuring less lactose and hydrolyzed protein, this formula combines natural prebiotics and fibers to support healthy gut function and encourage softer stools.

• This is why HiPP UK Comfort is perfect for your baby:
  • Specially formulated to provide gentle relief for infants with colic, constipation, or other digestive discomforts.
  • With reduced lactose and hydrolyzed protein.
  • 100% Non-GMO formula
  • Made with a special combination of natural prebiotics and fibers, carefully chosen to support healthy gut function and promote softer stools.

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HiPP Dutch HA is HiPP's latest hydrolyzed formula and is an excellent choice for infants dealing with constipation, allergies, or sensitivity to cow's milk. It contains hydrolyzed milk proteins to minimize allergic reactions and offers complete nutrition with prebiotics and probiotics.

• This is why HiPP Dutch HA is perfect for your baby:
  • Popular for babies who are sensitive to cow's milk.
  • Designed to provide comfort for babies who have constipation and/or allergies.
  • Contains hydrolyzed milk proteins for reduced allergic reactions.
  • A nutritionally complete formula with prebiotics & probiotics.

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Aptamil Comfort is specially designed to provide relief for babies experiencing discomfort due to gas and colic. Formulated with gentle ingredients, this baby formula helps ease digestive discomfort and reduces the likelihood of excessive gas formation.

• This is why Aptamil Comfort is perfect for your baby:
  • Has reduced lactose and hydrolyzed milk protein to reduce allergic reactions.
  • Designed to help manage symptoms of colic, constipation, and other digestive discomforts.
  • Has added prebiotics, to support a healthy digestive system.
  • Free of synthetic ingredients and preservatives.
  • Enriched with essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

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Baby Formula For Constipation

Cheap infant formulas interfere with your baby’s digestive system and cause constipation. Your baby needs the best formula that provides complete nourishment and optimal health. HiPP organic baby formulas that relieve your baby’s constipation, promote healthy stools and promote the gut flora. You can complement baby formula with prune, apple, or pear juice to treat constipation in infants.

If you’re considering buying the best formula for your constipated baby, Organic Life Start is the best platform that sells European organic baby formulas that value your baby’s health.

In addition to choosing the right formula for your baby, it's essential to understand how to cure constipation and address any related issues like constipation and nausea. When your little one experiences constipation, aside from gentle remedies like incorporating prune, apple, or pear juice, it's crucial to maintain proper hydration for your baby, as dehydration can worsen constipation and even lead to nausea. By prioritizing your baby's digestive health and staying informed about effective remedies, you can ensure your little one enjoys a comfortable and happy start to life. Don't hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance on managing constipation and promoting overall well-being in your infant.

3 Best Formulas For Constipation And Gas

1. HiPP Dutch Combiotic Formula
2. HiPP Comfort Formula
3. HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Formula