8 Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula 2024
Hypoallergenic formulas are designed for babies who are unable to digest cow’s milk due to milk allergy. This hypoallergenic formula contains protein that has been hydrolyzed into very small proteins.
1. Enfamil Nutramigen Infant Formula
2. Gerber Good Start Baby Formula Powder, Extensive HA
3. Enfamil Pregestimil Infant Formula
4. Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder with Iron, Non-GMO
5. HiPP HA Hypoallergenic Formula
B. Amino Acid-Based Formulas
6. Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
7. Nestle Alfamino Infant Amino Acid Based Infant Formula with Iron
8. Neocate Amino Acid-Based Infant With DHA ARA
Best hypoallergenic formula for eczema
Delivers Clinically-Proven Relief when managing colic due to cow’s milk allergy for a happier, better-rested baby & mom
– FAST RELIEF NOW: As early as the first feeding, with 90% of infants improving within 48 hours
– INCLUDES LGG: The most extensively studied probiotic for allergy management and supporting the digestive health of your baby
Amazon Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 – more than 9,000 global ratings
Enfamil Nutramigen Infant Formula review:
Excellent for babies with milk allergy. Cleared up my daughter’s eczema and rashes within weeks! Very pleased! Makes poo smell awful too so that’s cool, I guess if you’re looking to use your baby’s feces as a weapon or social deterrent.
Related: Enfamil vs Similac
Gerber Good Start Extensive HA review:
You’ve found it! Our poor little guy was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy at 2 weeks old, and we got a sample can of Alimentum from our pediatrician. That stuff smelled horrible and made our son gassy and have reflux. So we switched to the Gerber to give that a try, and wow, night and day difference. I also like that it includes probiotics and MCT oil, and uses non GMO corn, because I felt serious mom guilt not being able to feed him an organic formula. We also add Probiota Infant probiotic powder to one bottle a day, and the gas, reflux and tummy problems are long gone! Can’t recommend this formula enough!
Buy on Enfamil.com
Pregestimil is specially designed for infants who experience fat malabsorption & who may also be sensitive to intact proteins.
I wish you guys had this formula at stores! It’s so hard to find! So great for preemies! My daughter was a micro preemie and this is the only milk she was able to tolerate!
Buy on Amazon
Mama Bear Hypoallergenic baby formula, clinically studied for colic due to cow’s milk allergy; compare to the nutrition of Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum.
– BABY’S COMFORT IN MIND: Easy-to-digest proteins help reduce crying and fussiness from colic due to cow’s milk allergy; complete nutrition through 12 months
– DIGESTIVE HEALTH: A probiotic helps support your baby’s digestive health; no artificial growth hormones; non-GMO ingredients; gluten-free; certified kosher by the Orthodox Union-(U)D
– BRAIN SUPPORT: DHA helps support brain development
Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula review:
This is the same as the other store-brand hypoallergenic formulas like at Target, Kroger, etc. I’m finding that those places have been low or out lately, so this has been a very convenient alternative source for what is the same formula. I’ve found that the store-brand does not mix quite as well as Nutramigen, but as long as I shake well, any clumps left at the beginning are gone by the time my daughter finishes her bottle. Huge money saver! Highly recommend this formula!
Buy on Formuland.com
Hipp HA formula is a hypoallergenic formula that is suitable for babies with milk protein allergies. Milk protein can be an important factor to trigger allergies. The Hypoallergenic (HA) protein diet contains milk which is split in simple molecules. This reduces the risk of allergies. The protein formula used in Hipp is completely hydrolyzed and was proven by studies to prevent allergies.
A low-allergen diet cannot give complete protection but reduces the risk of allergies in infants. The HA formula should stay constant for 4 to 6 months in order to produce best results. A small amount of non-hydrolyzed protein can promote sensitivity and destroy the benefits of the low-allergen diet.
Hipp HA Formula review:
Love this! Easy absorption! No bitter taste. My baby loves it! Highly recommend.
Buy on Alfamino.com
Alfamino is a hypoallergenic amino acid-based infant formula designed for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy, multiple food allergies or malabsorptive conditions. Alfamino provides essential nutrients that infants need for growth and development and has a unique fat blend containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to facilitate fat absorption.
– Hypoallergenic Pediatric Formula
– Use Under Medical Supervision: Alfamino Infant Formula is easy to digest and is lactose-free and gluten-free; For infants 0 to 12 months
Alfamino Amino Acid Based Infant Formula reviews:
So thankful for this formula. My infant has FPIES and malabsorption and this is the only elemental formula with 10% more MCT oil than the others and actually helps him gain weight. He can tolerate it much better digestively and it doesn’t smell anywhere as bad as other elemental formulas so I can only imagine it tastes better as well.
Buy on Neocate.com
Neocate® Infant DHA/ARA is specially formulated for the dietary management of infants with cow milk allergy (CMA), multiple food allergies (MFA), and related conditions.
– Added nucleotides & DHA/ARA
– Dairy-free
– Made in a dairy protein-free facility
– Soy oil-free
– No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners
– Kosher Pareve
– Halal
Neocate® Infant DHA/ARA is a specially formulated medical food and should only be used under medical supervision. It’s important to always contact a healthcare professional before making any changes to your baby’s diet.
However, the proteins in extensively / fully hydrolyzed formulas are smaller than proteins in partially hydrolyzed formulas. And a study showed that partially hydrolyzed formula was found to be less effective than extensively hydrolyzed formula in preventing cow’s milk allergy.
How do I know if my baby needs hypoallergenic formula?
These are 6 signs your baby needs hypoallergenic formula.
a. Extreme Irritability
If your baby cries for long periods of time and/or seems unconsolable, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. He can evaluate your baby further and help diagnose a cow’s milk allergy. In this case, switching to a hypoallergenic baby formula may help your baby’s symptoms.
b. Family History of Food Allergies
If you or a member of your family has a history of food allergies, your baby is more likely to have one as well. An extensive French study done in 2019 showed a strong genetic link in cow’s milk protein allergies (CMPA).
c. Constant diarrhea / vomiting
d. Your baby has acid reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux is what happens when stomach contents and acid flow back up into the throat. This is a common problem in infants, especially those below 3 months old. Hypoallergenic formula may help reduce the symptoms.
e. Eczema
Your baby’s skin is sensitive, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between dry skin and eczema. Eczema is extreme dry skin that is red, inflamed, itchy, and often cracked. Babies with eczema are more likely to develop food allergies and oftentimes will develop skin symptoms before other food allergy symptoms appear. (Source)
f. Respiratory Issues
If your baby is wheezing or experiencing other respiratory issues, your baby may need immediate medical attention. See a doctor as quickly as possible.
Above all, if you're unsure, best consult a doctor for determining the best formula for your baby.
If your baby cries for long periods of time and/or seems unconsolable, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. He can evaluate your baby further and help diagnose a cow’s milk allergy. In this case, switching to a hypoallergenic baby formula may help your baby’s symptoms.
b. Family History of Food Allergies
If you or a member of your family has a history of food allergies, your baby is more likely to have one as well. An extensive French study done in 2019 showed a strong genetic link in cow’s milk protein allergies (CMPA).
c. Constant diarrhea / vomiting
d. Your baby has acid reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux is what happens when stomach contents and acid flow back up into the throat. This is a common problem in infants, especially those below 3 months old. Hypoallergenic formula may help reduce the symptoms.
e. Eczema
Your baby’s skin is sensitive, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between dry skin and eczema. Eczema is extreme dry skin that is red, inflamed, itchy, and often cracked. Babies with eczema are more likely to develop food allergies and oftentimes will develop skin symptoms before other food allergy symptoms appear. (Source)
f. Respiratory Issues
If your baby is wheezing or experiencing other respiratory issues, your baby may need immediate medical attention. See a doctor as quickly as possible.
Above all, if you're unsure, best consult a doctor for determining the best formula for your baby.
Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
A. Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas1. Enfamil Nutramigen Infant Formula
2. Gerber Good Start Baby Formula Powder, Extensive HA
3. Enfamil Pregestimil Infant Formula
4. Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder with Iron, Non-GMO
5. HiPP HA Hypoallergenic Formula
B. Amino Acid-Based Formulas
6. Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
7. Nestle Alfamino Infant Amino Acid Based Infant Formula with Iron
8. Neocate Amino Acid-Based Infant With DHA ARA
A. Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula Brands in USA
A formula that has been extensively hydrolyzed may be a good option for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk. This breaks down the milk proteins into even smaller pieces than partially hydrolyzed formula, making them easier to digest.1. Enfamil Nutramigen Infant Formula, Hypoallergenic and Lactose Free Formula with Enflora LGG
Best hypoallergenic formula for eczema
Delivers Clinically-Proven Relief when managing colic due to cow’s milk allergy for a happier, better-rested baby & mom
– FAST RELIEF NOW: As early as the first feeding, with 90% of infants improving within 48 hours
– INCLUDES LGG: The most extensively studied probiotic for allergy management and supporting the digestive health of your baby
– BRAIN SUPPORT: Nutramigen is a gentle, lactose free baby formula that has important nutrients found in breast milk such as Omega-3 DHA, ARA, and Choline that provide brain support
– IMMUNE SUPPORT: Helps support baby’s immune system to return to consuming traditional milk protein formula without an allergic response
– IMMUNE SUPPORT: Helps support baby’s immune system to return to consuming traditional milk protein formula without an allergic response
Amazon Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 – more than 9,000 global ratings
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6 in Powder Baby Formula
Enfamil Nutramigen Infant Formula review:
Excellent for babies with milk allergy. Cleared up my daughter’s eczema and rashes within weeks! Very pleased! Makes poo smell awful too so that’s cool, I guess if you’re looking to use your baby’s feces as a weapon or social deterrent.
Related: Enfamil vs Similac
2. Gerber Good Start Baby Formula Powder, Extensive HA, Hypoallergenic, Stage 1
- Best hypoallergenic formula for CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy)
- This hypoallergenic formula is designed for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies (CMPA). If your baby is suspected to have or is diagnosed with CMPA, your baby’s doctor might recommend changing from a routine formula to a hypoallergenic extensively hydrolyzed infant formula
- For Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy: Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common allergy among infants. This formula features 100 percent high-quality whey protein, broken down into tiny pieces and is designed to be well-tolerated
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16 in Powder Baby Formula
You’ve found it! Our poor little guy was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy at 2 weeks old, and we got a sample can of Alimentum from our pediatrician. That stuff smelled horrible and made our son gassy and have reflux. So we switched to the Gerber to give that a try, and wow, night and day difference. I also like that it includes probiotics and MCT oil, and uses non GMO corn, because I felt serious mom guilt not being able to feed him an organic formula. We also add Probiota Infant probiotic powder to one bottle a day, and the gas, reflux and tummy problems are long gone! Can’t recommend this formula enough!
3. Enfamil Pregestimil Infant Formula with DHA & ARA
Buy on Enfamil.com
Pregestimil is specially designed for infants who experience fat malabsorption & who may also be sensitive to intact proteins.
- It contains 55% fat from MCT oil, which is more easily absorbed by babies with some GI problems.
- Hypoallergenic suitable for someone with lactose intolerance
- 55% of the fat from MCT oil
- Designed for infants with fat malabsorption problems
- Has DHA & ARA—important nutrients also found in breast milk that promote brain & eye development
- Perfect for plan-ahead feedings
I wish you guys had this formula at stores! It’s so hard to find! So great for preemies! My daughter was a micro preemie and this is the only milk she was able to tolerate!
4. Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Formula, Non-GMO (0-12 months)
Buy on Amazon
Mama Bear Hypoallergenic baby formula, clinically studied for colic due to cow’s milk allergy; compare to the nutrition of Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum.
– BABY’S COMFORT IN MIND: Easy-to-digest proteins help reduce crying and fussiness from colic due to cow’s milk allergy; complete nutrition through 12 months
– DIGESTIVE HEALTH: A probiotic helps support your baby’s digestive health; no artificial growth hormones; non-GMO ingredients; gluten-free; certified kosher by the Orthodox Union-(U)D
– BRAIN SUPPORT: DHA helps support brain development
Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula review:
This is the same as the other store-brand hypoallergenic formulas like at Target, Kroger, etc. I’m finding that those places have been low or out lately, so this has been a very convenient alternative source for what is the same formula. I’ve found that the store-brand does not mix quite as well as Nutramigen, but as long as I shake well, any clumps left at the beginning are gone by the time my daughter finishes her bottle. Huge money saver! Highly recommend this formula!
5. HiPP HA (hypoallergenic) Formula Stage 1 from Birth 600g
Buy on Formuland.com
Hipp HA formula is a hypoallergenic formula that is suitable for babies with milk protein allergies. Milk protein can be an important factor to trigger allergies. The Hypoallergenic (HA) protein diet contains milk which is split in simple molecules. This reduces the risk of allergies. The protein formula used in Hipp is completely hydrolyzed and was proven by studies to prevent allergies.
A low-allergen diet cannot give complete protection but reduces the risk of allergies in infants. The HA formula should stay constant for 4 to 6 months in order to produce best results. A small amount of non-hydrolyzed protein can promote sensitivity and destroy the benefits of the low-allergen diet.
Hipp HA Formula review:
Love this! Easy absorption! No bitter taste. My baby loves it! Highly recommend.
B. Amino Acid-Based Formulas
This formula has been broken down so extensively that only amino acids remain. Because amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, the baby receives all of the nutrients included in standard formula without having to break down the protein internally.6. Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Buy on Enfamil.com
Our PurAmino formula is a hypoallergenic, iron fortified, amino acid-based infant formula used for infants with severe cow’s milk protein allergy, and other food allergies. It has DHA & ARA, important fatty acids that support brain and eye development for your baby.
It’s also suitable for conditions such as protein maldigestion, malabsorption/chronic diarrhea, short bowel syndrome & eosinophilic esophagitis. PurAmino is also appropriate for both oral and tube feeding.
Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula reviews:
We have been on six different formulas due to his milk allergy and hurting. We were finally introduced to this brand and he’s been amazing on it, finally gaining the weight he needs!
Our PurAmino formula is a hypoallergenic, iron fortified, amino acid-based infant formula used for infants with severe cow’s milk protein allergy, and other food allergies. It has DHA & ARA, important fatty acids that support brain and eye development for your baby.
It’s also suitable for conditions such as protein maldigestion, malabsorption/chronic diarrhea, short bowel syndrome & eosinophilic esophagitis. PurAmino is also appropriate for both oral and tube feeding.
Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula reviews:
We have been on six different formulas due to his milk allergy and hurting. We were finally introduced to this brand and he’s been amazing on it, finally gaining the weight he needs!
7. Nestle Alfamino Amino Acid Based Infant Formula with Iron
Buy on Alfamino.com
Alfamino is a hypoallergenic amino acid-based infant formula designed for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy, multiple food allergies or malabsorptive conditions. Alfamino provides essential nutrients that infants need for growth and development and has a unique fat blend containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to facilitate fat absorption.
– Hypoallergenic Pediatric Formula
– Use Under Medical Supervision: Alfamino Infant Formula is easy to digest and is lactose-free and gluten-free; For infants 0 to 12 months
Alfamino Amino Acid Based Infant Formula reviews:
So thankful for this formula. My infant has FPIES and malabsorption and this is the only elemental formula with 10% more MCT oil than the others and actually helps him gain weight. He can tolerate it much better digestively and it doesn’t smell anywhere as bad as other elemental formulas so I can only imagine it tastes better as well.
8. Neocate Amino Acid-Based Infant With DHA ARA
Buy on Neocate.com
Neocate® Infant DHA/ARA is specially formulated for the dietary management of infants with cow milk allergy (CMA), multiple food allergies (MFA), and related conditions.
– Added nucleotides & DHA/ARA
– Dairy-free
– Made in a dairy protein-free facility
– Soy oil-free
– No artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners
– Kosher Pareve
– Halal
Neocate® Infant DHA/ARA is a specially formulated medical food and should only be used under medical supervision. It’s important to always contact a healthcare professional before making any changes to your baby’s diet.
FAQ
1. Partially hydrolyzed formula vs Extensively hydrolyzed formula
Hydrolyzed literally means “broken apart.” Both formulas require less processing to absorb and are a good option for some newborns or infants who have difficulty digesting full-size proteins or have a history of digestive problems.However, the proteins in extensively / fully hydrolyzed formulas are smaller than proteins in partially hydrolyzed formulas. And a study showed that partially hydrolyzed formula was found to be less effective than extensively hydrolyzed formula in preventing cow’s milk allergy.
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