Constipation in children is a condition that worries many parents. Many infant formula products with gentle properties have been developed to overcome this problem. Let’s explore with AVAKids the top 15 most popular gentle formulas for constipated babies!

Causes and Remedies for Constipation in Babies

Causes:

Babies can become constipated for various reasons, possibly due to a weak digestive system or incorrect formula preparation. Let’s explore the following causes:

• Feeding the baby too much protein without enough fiber.
• Insufficient food intake, leading to not enough stool production.
• Preparing formula too concentrated, inadvertently causing constipation.
• Inadequate water intake.

Remedies

However, parents don’t need to worry too much about their baby’s constipation. Following these remedies can help the baby recover quickly and have normal bowel movements.

• Encourage more physical activity for the baby.
• Switch to a different formula or consider gentle formulas.
• Ensure adequate and regular water intake.
• Include fiber-rich foods like ripe fruits and vegetables in the baby’s diet.

What is Gentle Formula for Constipated Babies? What are its benefits?

What is Gentle Formula for Constipated Babies?

Scientifically, “gentle formula” refers to infant formula with a nutritional composition similar to breast milk. Notably, these formulas do not cause digestive issues, particularly constipation in infants.

Gentle formula helps alleviate internal heat and improves the digestive system. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste, similar to breast milk, making it easy for breastfed babies to adapt.

Benefits of Gentle Formula

Supports Weight Gain

Gentle formula contains essential nutrients for a baby’s overall development, such as inulin, FOS, HMO, and OPO fats. It supports the immature digestive system, helping babies gain weight steadily through easier nutrient absorption.

Prevents Constipation

Soluble fiber FOS and palm oil-free fat soften stool, preventing constipation and facilitating easier bowel movements. These are often found in weight-gain formulas for babies.

Furthermore, the presence of HMOs acts as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, strengthening the baby’s intestinal health.

Top 15 Gentle Formulas with Added Fiber for Constipated Babies

1. Aptamil Formula

*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 6, 2024, and are subject to change!

Aptamil is a fiber-rich formula from Danone, a leading European nutrition company with over 50 years of research on breast milk. Aptamil is known as a gentle formula, suitable for babies aged 0-3 years.

Key Features:

• Contains hydrolyzed whey protein and prebiotics (GOS/FOS), which stimulate beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and reduce constipation.
• Enriched with iron for blood health.
• Includes DHA, AA, taurine, and other essential nutrients for brain development.

2. NAN Formula

*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 6, 2024, and are subject to change!

NAN stands for Nestle Advanced Nutrition. This high-quality formula comes from Nestle, a leading global food and beverage company. NAN Russia is directly imported from Russia and is trusted by many Vietnamese mothers. It’s considered a gentle formula, promoting balanced growth in height and weight.

Key Features:

• Contains bifidobacteria, a probiotic found in breast milk, supporting gut health for better nutrient absorption and digestion.
• Includes soluble fiber FOS to improve appetite and reduce constipation.
• Optipro refined protein helps prevent malnutrition, promoting health and intelligence.

3. Morinaga Formula

*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 6, 2024, and are subject to change!

Morinaga Number 9 formula is a product from the renowned Morinaga Milk Company of Japan, offering several advantages. Known as “vegetable milk,” it’s gentle and comes in variations suitable for babies aged 0-3 years.

Key Features:

• Contains two types of sugars, lactulose and raffinose, which improve gut microbiota, promoting digestion and preventing constipation.
• Has a mild taste similar to breast milk, making it easy for babies to adapt.
• Includes essential vitamins like A, K, and C for immunity.
• Supplemented with DHA for brain development.

4. Meiji Formula (Japan)

The Meiji milk brand, developed by Meiji Co. since 1917, is one of Japan’s oldest infant formula manufacturers. Meiji’s products are also a well-known gentle formula, often playfully referred to as “vegetable milk,” trusted by many mothers.

Key Features:

• Known for its gentle nature and mild, sweet taste, similar to breast milk, making it easy for babies to drink.
• Supplemented with FOS fiber for a healthy gut, better absorption, increased immunity, and reduced constipation.
• Contains whey protein for healthy growth and steady weight gain.
• Offers different formulas with varying compositions tailored to each stage of a baby’s development.

5. HiPP Organic Combiotic Formula

HiPP formula is an organic formula from the German brand HiPP. For parents seeking a safe and pure formula, HiPP Organic Combiotic is a reliable choice providing complete nutrition for a baby’s overall development.

Key Features:

• Contains HMP probiotics isolated from breast milk combined with GOS fiber, creating the exclusive COMBIOTIC formula. This formula promotes healthy gut microbiota, supporting digestive health.
• Includes easily digestible alpha-lactalbumin protein, which is gentle on the baby’s digestive system.
• Meets European Union organic standards, suitable for a baby’s delicate digestive system.

6. Yoko Gold Formula

Yoko Gold is a product of Vinamilk, a well-known brand in Vietnam. Although produced domestically, Vinamilk Yoko Gold meets international standards, providing safe and nutritious formula for babies.

Key Features: 

• In addition to calcium, it contains fiber for healthy digestion and strong bones.
• Offers a diverse and complete nutritional profile supporting both mental and physical development.
• Has a mild, gentle taste similar to breast milk, making it easy for babies to adapt and use long-term.

7. ColosGold Formula

*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 6, 2024, and are subject to change!

ColosGold is also from the popular Vietnamese brand Vinamilk, which provides various nutritious food and beverages. This formula supports height, vision, and brain development, strengthens the immune system, and promotes digestive health.

Key Features: 

• Uses a 24h colostrum formula with HMO (2’-FL) and probiotics to balance and strengthen the digestive and immune systems.
• Contains whey protein rich in alpha-lactalbumin and essential amino acids for healthy appetite and absorption.
• Includes calcium and vitamin D for bone development and height growth.

8. Physiolac Formula

Physiolac is a product of Gilbert Laboratories from France. This formula is quite popular in Vietnam, favored by many mothers for its pleasant, breast milk-like taste and gentle properties, which reduce constipation in infants.

Key Features:

• Contains prebiotic fiber to stabilize the baby’s gut microbiota.
• Has a casein/whey and GOS/FOS ratio of 55/45, close to breast milk’s 60/40 ratio, promoting easy digestion and preventing constipation.
• Includes linoleic acid, IQ-Advance, taurine, choline, and other essential nutrients for brain development.

Physiolac Formula

9. Grand Noble Formula

Grand Noble is a brand under the Lotte Foods corporation from South Korea, with over 55 years of experience in nutrition. This formula has a mild, gentle taste and a natural aroma, making it appealing to babies. It’s the first brand to successfully extract DHA from plants, free from ocean contaminants like lead and mercury.

Key Features:

• Supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics for improved digestion and reduced constipation.
• Contains OPO fats for optimal nutrient absorption.
• Includes DHA, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids for brain development.

Grand Noble Formula (South Korea)

10. Premium Digestive Formula

Premium Digestive is a high-quality Vietnamese product recommended by the National Institute of Nutrition. Although produced domestically, its ingredients are imported entirely from New Zealand, assuring quality.

Key Features:

• Contains FOS, a soluble fiber supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion, and effectively preventing constipation.
• Includes a blend of 5 digestive enzymes: protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, and lactase, promoting a healthy digestive system.
• Contains essential nutrients supporting a baby’s overall development.

Premium Digestive Formula

11. Similac Eye Q Formula

Similac Eye Q belongs to the Similac line by Abbott, a renowned American company. It’s produced with advanced technology, ensuring the highest quality. The product is also developed to improve a baby’s digestive health.

Key Features:

• Contains FOS fiber, complete nucleotides, and palm oil-free fat blend to effectively reduce constipation.
• Supports optimal brain development with DHA, lutein, and natural vitamin E.
• Includes synbiotics to boost immunity and beneficial gut bacteria for digestive health.

12. Colos Multi Biotic Colostrum

Colos Multi Biotic is produced by G&P – France Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company. This colostrum product promotes health, good digestion, and stronger immunity. With 100% US-imported colostrum, it contains numerous vitamins that boost a baby’s resistance to illness.

Key Features:

• Supplemented with probiotic spores, including bacillus clausii and bacillus subtilis, for enhanced digestive health.
• Improves nutrient absorption, relieves constipation, and stimulates appetite.
• Promotes sound sleep.

Colos Multi Biotic Colostrum

13. Celia Formula (France)

Celia is a renowned infant formula brand from France. This gentle formula meets European quality standards, making it a popular choice for many mothers. Celia France formula includes promaternum probiotic, a beneficial lactobacillus strain found in breast milk.

Key Features: 

• Promaternum probiotic supports digestive health and easier bowel movements.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
• Includes protein, DHA, and ARA for overall physical and mental development.

Celia Formula (France)

14. Enfamil A+ Gentle Care

This formula is from Mead Johnson, a well-known American brand. Enfamil A+ Gentle Care is specifically designed for babies aged 0-12 months, using the 360° BRAIN PLUS formula. Unlike other Enfamil formulas, this product provides nutrition while effectively addressing constipation.

Key Features: 

• Supports optimal brain development with DHA and ARA.
• Includes choline, iron, protein, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate ratios for overall development.
• Features partially hydrolyzed protein and low lactose content, suitable for immature digestive systems.

Enfamil A+ Gentle Care

15. Colos Multi Biotic Colostrum

This colostrum product is from G&P Mama Colostrum Vietnam, established in 2007. All key ingredients are imported entirely from the US. Colos Multi Biotic is a specialized colostrum formula designed to protect a baby’s digestive system and prevent constipation.

Key Features: 

• Reduces nighttime fussiness and promotes better sleep for overall development.
• Contains probiotic spores, which are 2.5 times more effective than probiotics in yogurt or supplements in supporting digestive health.
• Provides colostrum nutrition to boost immunity, weight gain, and brain development.

Mama Colos Multi Biotic Colostrum

Choosing the Right Gentle Formula for Your Baby

Choose Formula Appropriate for Age

A baby’s nutritional needs vary at different ages and stages of development. Choosing a gentle formula appropriate for the baby’s age ensures these needs are met. Avoid overwhelming the digestive system with nutrients the baby can’t absorb. Consult with a sales representative for product information and guidance.

Choose Formula Suitable for the Baby’s Health Condition

Babies have different physical conditions and constitutions. Some may be premature, while others may be obese or have rickets. Choosing a gentle formula that suits the baby’s specific health needs is essential.

Choose Palm Oil-Free Formula

Palm oil, a common ingredient in infant formula, can contribute to constipation. When calcium (in formula) combines with palmitic acid (in palm oil), it forms “calcium soap,” hindering digestion. Many formulas on the market contain palm oil, often listed as vegetable oil. Choose formulas with soybean oil or coconut oil instead to prevent constipation and promote better digestion.

Essential Ingredients in Gentle Formula for Constipated Babies

When choosing formula for a constipated baby, pay attention to the ingredient list. Here are some essential components for better digestion:

• Soluble fiber FOS and prebiotics: Crucial for a baby’s digestive system.
• Lactose: Promotes beneficial gut bacteria and enhances iron and calcium absorption.
• Easily digestible protein: Includes whey protein, hydrolyzed protein, and refined optipro, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Medium-chain triglycerides (MTCs): Reduce stress on the digestive system during nutrient absorption.
• B vitamins: B1, B6, and B12 stimulate appetite.
• Zinc and lysine: Support energy metabolism and stimulate appetite.

Important Notes When Choosing Gentle Formula for Babies

• Prepare formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Formula that is too diluted won’t provide sufficient nutrients, while formula that is too concentrated can overload the digestive system, leading to constipation.
• Switching formulas can cause constipation as the baby’s digestive system adjusts. Introduce the new formula gradually, alternating with the old one.
• Avoid frequent formula changes, as each type requires time to establish a healthy gut microbiota. Constant changes can worsen constipation.
• Carefully check the ingredient list before purchasing.
• Prioritize formulas with high fiber and added probiotics to support digestion.
• Check the product’s barcode to avoid counterfeit products, which can harm the baby’s health.

Gentle formulas are the best formula products to supplement fiber for constipated babies. Hopefully, this article helps parents choose the right gentle formula for their baby. If you have any questions, please visit avakids.com or contact our hotline 1900.866.874 (7:30 – 22:00) for assistance and support with your purchase!