Colic is one of the most common and stressful challenges new parents face. If your baby cries for hours despite being fed, changed, and comforted, you are not alone.
Many parents who don’t exclusively breastfeed find that choosing the right baby formula for colic can offer peace of mind and meaningful support during a difficult stage, helping ease digestive discomfort, reduce excessive crying, and bring much-needed relief for both baby and family.
In this article, we’ll discuss options such as hydrolyzed milk protein formulas and goat milk-based formulas from European brands, which are often recommended as a supportive nutritional approach when choosing an infant formula for colic.
What Is Colic and Why Does It Happen?
Colic affects a significant number of infants worldwide, typically beginning within the first few weeks of life and often resolving on its own by three to four months of age. It is generally defined as excessive, unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy baby that often occurs at the same time each day.
While the exact cause of colic remains unknown, digestive discomfort is widely believed to play a key role. Possible contributing factors include immature digestion, sensitivity to cow’s milk proteins, lactose intolerance, or an imbalance in gut bacteria. For infants who are formula-fed, choosing the best colic formula for babies can sometimes help ease digestive stress and make a meaningful difference.
What to Look for in a Formula for Colic Relief
Not all formulas are created equal. When choosing a formula for colic babies, there are several key features to consider:
- Hydrolyzed whey proteins: Proteins broken down into smaller pieces are easier for babies to digest.
- Higher whey-to-casein ratio: Whey empties from the stomach faster than casein, potentially reducing discomfort.
- Reduced lactose: Some babies benefit from lower lactose levels, though lactose is still an important carbohydrate that’s well tolerated by most healthy infants.
- Prebiotics: This dietary fibre supports healthy gut bacteria and digestion.
- Probiotics: These beneficial microorganisms may help balance the gut microbiome and reduce crying time.
A well-designed colic baby formula often combines several of these features to support digestive comfort.
Best Formula Types for Colic: Comfort, HA, Goat Milk Formula
Premium European brands such as HiPP, Kendamil, and Holle are known for producing gentle, high-quality formulas that many parents consider among the best formula for colic. Below are some of the most popular options.
HiPP Comfort
HiPP Comfort is a great formula for colicky babies that helps manage constipation and excessive crying. It features extensively hydrolyzed whey proteins, making it easier to digest for babies with sensitive stomachs. It also contains prebiotics, reduced lactose, and beta-palmitate fats to support smoother digestion and softer stools.
HiPP Comfort formula is available in both UK and German versions, giving parents flexibility based on preference and availability. The German version also contains probiotics originally extracted from real breast milk for added gut health support.
Kendamil Comfort
Kendamil Comfort is another excellent option designed for babies experiencing colic and constipation. It includes soluble dextrin, alpha-lactalbumin, partially hydrolyzed whey proteins, reduced lactose, and added prebiotics to support gut health and promote easier digestion.
These carefully selected ingredients work together to promote more regular bowel movements and reduce gas and discomfort, all while maintaining complete and balanced nutrition suitable for daily feeding.
HiPP HA
HiPP HA is a hypoallergenic formula intended for babies with cow’s milk protein sensitivity or a family history of allergies. It contains extensively hydrolyzed whey proteins, lactose as the only carbohydrate, prebiotics, and probiotics. These ingredients may reduce the risk of allergic reaction, facilitate smoother digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
While it may not be suitable for all babies with confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), it is often used as a preventive or transitional option. This hypoallergenic option is available in Dutch and German versions, as well as ready-to-feed (RTF) formats. While the recipes across these various versions are very similar, the liquid formula omits probiotics.
Holle Goat
Holle offers the only certified organic option on this list. Holle goat milk formula is not specifically marketed for colic, but goat milk is naturally easier to digest than cow’s milk. It contains smaller milk fat globules, lower lactose content, more medium-chain fatty acids, and an A2 protein structure that’s closer to breast milk.
Key ingredients include whole goat milk, palm-oil-free vegetable oils, lactose, and plant-based DHA. Available in both Dutch, German, and Global versions, Holle Goat is often chosen by parents seeking a naturally gentle alternative when cow’s milk formulas cause discomfort.
Where to Buy Colic Formula
Finding the best formula for colic babies is only part of the journey; reliable sourcing matters too. Organic’s Best offers a curated selection of premium European formulas, including HiPP Comfort formula, Kendamil Comfort, HiPP HA formula, and Holle Goat.
Benefits include free shipping with a minimum spend, bulk order discounts, insured express delivery, and access to medical doctors on the customer care team. Head to their site now to discover the products we’ve discussed today at unbeatable prices.
Marissa is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist turned stay-at-home mom who loves sharing her tips, tricks, and ideas for navigating motherhood. Her days are filled starting tickle wars and dance parties with three energetic toddlers and wondering how long she can leave the house a mess until her husband notices. When she doesn’t have her hands full of children, she enjoys a glass (or 3) of wine, reality tv, and country music. In addition to blogging about all things motherhood, she sells printables on Etsy and has another website, teachinglittles.com, for kid’s activity ideas.
