Buying Guide: Hypoallergenic Formula
Using a hypoallergenic formula is crucial if your baby is one of the 4.9% of children with a cow’s milk allergy. These formulas contain predigested milk proteins, making them easier to absorb. They also reduce the risk of common food allergy side effects, including diarrhea, vomiting, and colic. We carry several types of hypoallergenic formulas at Carewell. This buying guide highlights our five favorite formulas and features pros, cons, and real customer feedback.
Are There Different Types of Hypoallergenic Formula?
There are three types of hypoallergenic formulas:
Partially hydrolyzed
Partially hydrolyzed formula contains partially broken-down cow’s milk proteins. Smaller milk proteins are easier to digest.
Extensively hydrolyzed
Extensively hydrolyzed formula also contains broken-down cow’s milk proteins. The difference is that the proteins are even smaller, so they’re less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Free amino acid-based
Free amino acid-based formula contains the building blocks of cow’s milk proteins, called amino acids. In other words, it contains no cow’s milk protein. Your child’s pediatrician might recommend this formula if they continue experiencing gastrointestinal problems after switching to hypoallergenic formula.
When To Consider Hypoallergic Formula
Consider using a hypoallergenic formula if your baby has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy. Hypoallergenic formulas contain the same vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as traditional baby formula, but are easier for children with allergies to digest.
How We Chose The Products On This List
The formulas featured in this buying guide are a mix of our highest-rated and best-selling hypoallergenic formulas. We’ve included real user feedback under the heading: Hear it From a Parent, whenever possible.
Carewell’s Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formulas
1. Similac Sensitive OptiGRO Infant Formula, 13 oz.
This sensitive formula is designed for babies with mild lactose sensitivity or intolerance. It contains an exclusive blend of lutein, DHA, and vitamin E to support the brain and eyes and promotes maximum calcium absorption for strong bones. Parents tell us this formula is particularly effective at preventing gas and post-meal regurgitation.
Key Benefits & Features
The #1 infant formula brand fed in hospitals
No artificial growth hormones
Kosher and halal
Hear it from a parent
“We love [this formula]! It makes it so much easier and quicker to make a bottle for our tiny humans. [Plus,] it’s easy to open and shipping was super fast!”
- Alyx K.
Price: $10.04 - $78.49
2. Alfamino Infant Formula With Iron, Amino Acid Based Powder, 14.1 oz.
Alfamino’s infant formula is designed for children on gluten-free and lactose-free diets. It can also support specific health problems, including cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), multiple food allergies, malabsorptive conditions, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, and short bowel syndrome. Talk to your child’s pediatrician before buying this formula. It should be used under a doctor’s supervision. Contact your doctor for approval before starting this formula.
Key Benefits & Features
Contains essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients children need to grow
Suitable for lactose-free and gluten-free diets
Formulated for children with digestive and gastrointestinal disorders
Hear it from a parent
“We can’t find this medicated formula just anywhere. Most places have it marked up so much [that] it breaks the bank. We’re so glad we can have it autoshipped, and it’s cheaper here!”
- Dara M.
3. Nutricia Neocate Syneo Infant Hypoallergenic Amino-Based Infant Formula, 14.1 oz.
This Neocate baby formula is unique because it contains prebiotics and probiotics proven to balance the gut microbiome of food-allergic infants. Since it’s amino-acid-based, it’s a great choice if your little one has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy. The patented blend is easily digestible and includes essential nutrients to support growth and development.
Key Benefits & Features
Effectively resolves food allergy symptoms
Formulated for infants with cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies, and related GI and allergic conditions
Contains a patented blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support the gut microbiome
Hear it from a parent
“My son has a soy allergy. This formula is the best!”
- Sarah A.
Price: $71.48 - $232.82
4. Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder with Iron, Can, 12.6 oz.
Did you know babies with cow’s milk allergy are also more likely to develop asthma and eczema? An extensively hydrolyzed formula, like Enfamil Nutramigen, may help reduce some of this risk. The formula also contains DHA and ARA, two nutrients found in breast milk that support eye and brain development.
Key Benefits & Features
#1 pediatrician-recommended formula brand for infants with cow’s milk allergy
Made with extensively hydrolyzed proteins less likely to trigger an allergic response
Reduces excessive, colic-related crying in less than 24 hours
Hear it from a parent
“Love it!!”
- Raul J.
5. Enfamil ProSobee Soy Infant Formula, 2. Oz.
Consider this hypoallergenic formula if your child is lactose intolerant and has special dietary restrictions (for example, vegetarian or kosher). Even though ProSobee is plant-based, it contains the same amount of brain-nourishing DHA as other Enfamil formulas. Furthermore, it comes in single-serve bottles; no mixing or pre-prep is involved.
Key Benefits & Features
Suitable for infants with lactose intolerance
Vegetarian, Kosher, and dairy-free
Alleviates fussiness and gas caused by sensitivity to milk-based formulas
Hear it from a parent
“[This is] exactly what I wanted! Formula can be tricky to locate, and 2 oz. ready-to-feeds are nearly impossible. Not only did [Carewell] have several packs in stock, but shipping was super fast! Will definitely order again when they get more in stock.”
- Rachel F.
Price: $12.58 - $110.74
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Caring for a new baby is hard work, and Carewell is here to help! Keeping your pantry stocked with hypoallergenic baby formula can alleviate feeding-time stress and help you keep your baby comfortable and nourished.
At Carewell, we offer fast, free shipping on orders $49+. You can save even more by signing up for Autoship. All new Autoship enrollees get 30% off their first order.
Need Help Choosing a Hypoallergenic Formula? Our Care Team is Standing By.
You probably have questions if you just learned your baby has a cow’s milk allergy or another gastrointestinal issue that affects their digestion. Our friendly Care Team regularly assists new parents. Whether you have questions about a specific hypoallergenic formula or simply want expert-approved recommendations, we’re here for you. Contact our Care Team 24/7 by calling (800) 696-CARE or sending an email to support@carewell.com.
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Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
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