Reflecting on my son's first year, I am inevitably drawn back to the intense exhaustion, overstimulation, and complex emotions that accompanied caring for a colicky infant. Before experiencing it firsthand, I was unaware of all the implications of colic in babies and toddlers, mistakenly assuming it referred merely to a fussy baby. The reality set in during the first two weeks of my son's life, which quickly humbled me and reminded me that this was going to be a challenge.

The quest to identify the most suitable formula for my newly diagnosed colicky son introduced me to an unexpected level of indecision and uncertainty. We tried different brands until we really started to focus in on ingredients. In this article, we will break down what parents dealing with colicky babies should look out for when choosing the right baby formulas.

What to consider when buying baby formula for colic

  • Carbohydrates

    Experts say most babies do well on formula with lactose (the same sugar in human milk) as the sole carbohydrate

  • Protein

    Protein in formula can be either intact or partially or fully broken down, which may be easier for some babies to digest

  • Extra ingredients

    All baby formulas must meet the same basic nutritional requirements. Some include extra nutrients like DHA, ARA, and prebiotics

  • Organic

    Organic products are important to both adults & babies, especially when choosing between dairy-based formula from cow or goat milk

First, what is colic?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), colic is defined as “inconsolable crying occurring at least three hours per day, at least three days per week, for longer than three weeks.” Approximately 20% of babies develop colic. While the exact cause remains unknown, some physicians suggest it may be linked to an immature digestive system—a factor that can make choosing the right formula particularly challenging, as I have experienced firsthand.

So, how do you know what formula is going to work best for your colicky baby? There will likely be some trial and error before you will land on the perfect formula with the right ingredients mix that connects with your baby. This list was created based on our own experiences with these brands, their formulas, and reviews from our own experiences as well as from others.

Does My Baby Have Colic? 

Healthy babies may have colic if they cry or are fussy for several hours a day for no apparent reason. If this behavior is persistent, then a visit to your pediatrician is advised to better understand the symptoms and how the baby's feeding habits and cadences can have effects on babies with colic.

Colicky babies often cry from evening throughout the night and their crying is often louder, higher-pitched, and more urgent sounding than regular crying. Colicky babies can be very hard to calm down and get sleep, leading to long and frustrating nights.

What are the best formulas for colic?

Here are the formulas that worked for our families and other colicky babies with sensitive bellies. These brands are well known in the baby formula industry and adhere to the strict FDA (or equivalent in the EU) standards for nutrition and safety.

Granola Baby's #1 Choice for value & nutrition

1. LittleOak

LittleOak's brand of formulas is our #1 choice to help with colicky babies. LittleOak products are designed to meet the dietary needs of growing little ones and are boosted with 16 essential vitamins and minerals. The formulas are made with fresh whole goat milk straight from dairy in New Zealand, packed with A2 proteins and boasts the world's first certified palm-oil free formula. Together, these all make LittleOak's formulas a more natural alternative that reduces stomach aches that could lead to irritable babies. LittleOak is the all-around best choice for nurturing and growing your little ones from birth to 4 years of age.

Key Product Info:

  • The world's first approved palm oil free baby formula
  • Made from organic whole goat milk
  • Packed with 16 essential vitamins and minerals
  • Highest concentration of naturally occuring A2 proteins
Shop LittleOak

Best All-In-One Formula

2. ByHeart

ByHeart's baby formula was developed from the ground up to obsessively innovate and improve on behalf of babies and their parents. With a blend that aims to replicate breast milk, ByHeart is the perfect natural food for babies with colic. The brand uses limited ingredients, making it a great choice to help parents soothe sensitive stomachs. This baby formula is truly an all-in-one formula for babies and toddlers and should be one of the first options to consider if you have an irritable baby.

Key Product Info:

  • Closest-to-breast-milk patented protein blend
  • Made from organic, grass-fed whole milk (not skim)
  • Won the Clean Label Project Purity Award
Shop ByHeart

Affordable Pricing

3. Aussie Bubs

Aussie Bubs produces formulas that are created without additives like palm oil, corn syrup, and added sugars, ingredients that can lead to gassy and sensitive stomachs. In terms of its protein source, Aussie Bubs is also milk-based, though the brand uses organic whole fat cow’s milk from cows in Australia that graze outside 365 days a year. With a manufacturing process that's aimed at being organic, Aussie Bubs formulas are a perfect solution to help parents switch to something that can help with colicky and irritable babies.

Key Product Info:

  • First 1,000 Days and Clean Label Certified
  • Naturally occurring A2 protein is easy to digest
  • Perfect for toddlers with sensitive tummies.
Shop Aussie Bubs

Best Cow Milk Option

4. Holle

Holle baby formula emerges as a beacon of hope for parents looking for colic relief in their babies. Sourced from Demeter farms with the highest European organic certification, it offers purity and gentleness for delicate digestive systems. With its starch-free formulation and organic ingredients, Holle provides a comforting solution for colicky babies, promoting calmness and alleviating discomfort.

Key product info:

  • Certified organic ingredients sourced from biodynamic farms ensure the highest standards of purity and quality, ideal for soothing colicky babies.
  • Smooth texture and natural taste reminiscent of breastmilk make it gentle on sensitive tummies, reducing the likelihood of aggravating colic symptoms.
  • Starch-free formulation suitable for newborns up to 6 months helps minimize digestive issues and discomfort associated with colic.
  • Positive testimonials from parents highlight Holle's effectiveness in easing colic symptoms, making it a trusted choice for providing relief to colicky infants.
Shop Holle

Certified Kosher & Halal

5. Kabrita

Kabrita Goat Milk Infant Formula is a gentle and nutritious alternative to cow's milk-based formula, specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of newborns and infants up to six months of age. Made with high-quality non-GMO goat milk, this formula is naturally easy to digest and gentle on little tummies, making it a great choice for babies with cow's milk sensitivities or digestive discomfort. Being the lead formula in Europe, this brand has helped countless families deal with colicky babies.

  • Unique oil blend. Shown to promote more healthy bacteria in the gut, reduce colic and gas, reduce constipation, and allow for better absorption of fat and calcium.

  • No GMO ingredients added under EU regulations

  • Good carbohydrates & fats to match breastmilk
Shop Kabrita

Here are some other great options to consider:

  • Enfamil GentleEase is a milk-based infant formula designed to alleviate fussiness, gas, and crying in babies. It contains a unique blend of easy-to-digest proteins patterned after breast milk, with a ratio of 60:40 of whey and casein. The formula is specifically formulated to be gentle on babies' delicate digestive systems and is partially broken down to aid in digestion.

  • Happy Baby Organics Sensitive is another organic formula option in the sensitive formula category (and happens to be what worked best for both of our kids). It is made from high-quality organic ingredients, providing a safe and natural source of nutrition for your baby. This formula is designed to be gentle on the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of discomfort such as gas and fussiness.

  • Similac Sensitive is a baby formula designed to support infants with sensitive tummies. It is specially formulated to be easy to digest and gentle on the baby's tummy. This milk-based formula contains a blend of proteins that are broken down into smaller pieces for easier digestion, helping to reduce fussiness, gas, and other discomforts that may arise from sensitive stomachs. Similac Sensitive also includes OptiGRO, a unique blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E that supports brain and eye development in infants.

In conclusion...

This list of infant formula options for colicky babies should merely be a starting point for finding what works best for your baby. Your pediatrician will be able to assess your baby's symptoms and create a specialized approach to managing colic and identify which ingredients to look out for. From one parent of a colicky baby to another - know that you’re doing the best you can!