Babies with lactose intolerance definitely have it hard. If they can't consume breastmilk and conventional formulas are tough to digest, you should consider a suitable lactose-free product in order to provide your baby the nutrients they need. There are various lactose-free options ranging from soy-based to hypoallergenic. But how can you choose the best one?
That's where we come in. We researched and compiled a list of our top 10 favorite lactose-free and lactose-reduced baby formulas on the market. We also have a buying guide full of tips on how to find the best one on your own!
Quick List - Top Lactose-Free Baby Formula
Enfamil
Clinically Proven to Manage Colic and Support Development in Lactose-Intolerant Infants
Similac®
Designed to Ease Fussiness and Gas Due to Lactose Sensitivity
Happy Baby®️ Organics
Designed for Infants with Sensitive Stomachs to Ease Fussiness and Gas
Enfamil®
A Plant-Based Infant Formula for Lactose Intolerance and Dietary Needs
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Table of Contents
There are plenty of things to consider when looking for a lactose-free or lactose-reduced formula. We've compiled all the major points into a buying guide for you. Read on for what to bear in mind as you shop for your little one's formula!
There are a few formula options for your lactose-intolerant baby: lactose-free, lactose-reduced, soy-based, and amino acid-based. They each have different pros and cons, so make sure to choose one compatible with your baby's body.
Whether you suspect your baby is lactose intolerant, or you already know, we recommend running your baby formula choices past your child's physician before making a final decision.
Many products labeled as "lactose-free" or "lactose-reduced" are still made from cow's milk; however, the lactose has been reduced through an enzyme processor called lactase. In this case, lactose, which is a type of sugar in milk, has been replaced completely with vegetable sugars such as corn syrup.
You should keep in mind that lactose-free formulas might still contain cow's milk protein and might not be suitable for babies with an allergy to that type of protein. We've included photos for each of our recommended product's ingredient lists, so be sure to check those out if you're feeling uncertain about proteins!
Soy formulas are made from soybeans, so they are lactose-free and might be useful if you don't want to include animal proteins in your baby's diet. However, they are not recommended for babies with a cow's milk allergy since some studies have shown that eight to 14 percent of babies who are allergic to cow's milk will react to soy as well.
Additionally, soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which is similar to the female hormone estrogen. There are some concerns that soy-based formulas might alter the reproductive development of babies.
Despite these possible issues, soy-based formula is an excellent choice if your baby has galactosemia, as such a condition makes it impossible for your baby to break down the sugars specific to milk products. So long as you discuss switching formulas with your pediatrician, it may be a good choice if your family is vegan as well.
If your baby is allergic to soy or cow's milk, you might want to choose an amino acid-based formula as it won't contain long protein chains.
Instead, amino acid-based formulas include individual amino acids and are completely hypoallergenic. That means lactose-intolerant babies can consume them without having any digestive problems.
Baby formulas often contain probiotics, the friendly bacteria living inside your gut, to support your baby's digestive health. For babies with constipation, diarrhea, or intestinal inflammation, probiotics can alleviate those symptoms.
Another common addition in baby formulas is prebiotics. These are non-digestible ingredients that stimulate the growth of probiotics. A formula with prebiotics will help enhance the growth of good organisms in your baby's intestines.
When it comes to baby formula, you probably want the cleanest ingredients that will not trigger reactions like diarrhea, rashness, or hives. Pay attention to the ingredient list, and be on the lookout for added chemicals or GMO products.
Preservatives and additives can be found in both regular and organic formulas. Particularly, synthetic preservatives like beta carotene and ascorbyl palmitate are often used to prevent oils like DHA or ARA from going rancid. Beta carotene does exist naturally, but these days it's mostly created chemically.
Meanwhile, an additive like carrageenan is used to help emulsify and preserve liquid formulas. However, it doesn't have any nutritional value. In fact, carrageenan has been shown to cause intestinal inflammation in babies and young children. It even has a minimal but very real cancer risk!
Other preservatives, especially chemical sorts like sodium nitrate or BHA, might also lead to health risks. Experts fear that when introduced to a baby's system over time, they may impede growth and developmental milestones.
Palm oil and palm olein are used to help baby formulas reach the same palmitic acid level as breastmilk. However, some dietitians worry that palm oil and palm olein can deter calcium and fat absorption, leading to hard stools or low bone mass.
Still, many studies have negated these concerns, finding that the fat and calcium content in formulas makes up for the small issues palm oil can cause.
Palm oil has also come under fire recently for its high environmental costs; its production contributes to the decrease of rainforests and the destruction of many natural habitats. A few companies are seeking to be more open and ethical about their palm oil sourcing, so you may want to look into the policies of the brand you're buying.
In a baby formula, ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup, and soybeans are often genetically modified. While there's no definite proof that GMOs are harmful to human health, many people want to avoid them for peace of mind. Stick to products with Non-GMO Project Verified labels to ensure that the formula has an acceptable GMO level of less than 0.9 percent.
You should also consider certified organic products that contain no artificial additives or growth hormones. Even though they still contain some preservatives, USDA approval ensures they meet the standard for organic products.
You shouldn't choose a product that claims to be organic but does not hold any registered certification since it might not be 100 percent organic. When in doubt, you can check this list of organizations that are permitted to certify organic products.
Various formulas are fortified with nutrients like DHA, lutein, or probiotics to support your baby's health. However, not all nutrients are safe to include in baby formulas, so be careful when picking out an enhanced formula product.
Lutein and lycopene are actually prohibited in commercial baby formulas by the European Union as they're often extracted with neurotoxic solvents like hexane and toluene. Meanwhile, nucleotides are derived from yeast-treated with chemicals, and taurine is produced using carcinogenic sulfuric acid.
Even some organic baby formulas in the U.S. contain those synthetic nutrients to meet the FDA's nutrition requirements. It's important to be aware of these if you want to avoid them.
Most formulas are fortified with synthetic DHA and ARA, two fats that naturally exist in breastmilk, to support babies' eye and neural development. However, synthetic fats might work differently from natural ones, and there hasn't been any clear evidence to show that DHA and ARA content in formulas actually benefit babies.
How DHA and ARA are processed has also raised concerns. They are processed with hexane, a neurotoxic petroleum-refining byproduct. If you want DHA and ARA oils in your baby's formula, make sure it's from sources like egg yolks and other natural ingredients.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies who are not breastfed or only partially breastfed need between four and 12 milligrams of iron per liter of formula.
Some people are concerned that the added iron in a formula leads to digestive issues such as constipation. However, experts say that the amount of iron in a formula is often not enough to cause constipation. Of course, if your baby has any allergic reactions to an iron-fortified formula, consult with your doctor right away!
Most baby formulas come in powder or ready-to-feed types. While powdered formula comes with the risk of measurement errors and clumping, it also has the longest shelf-life and good cost performance.
On the other hand, ready-to-feed formula is a great option if you're too busy to mix powdered formula. It can be expensive, but this liquid formula doesn't need to be your baby's main source of food. Besides, ready-to-feed formula is also a great option for travel.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lactose-Free | Non-GMO | Iron | Ingredients | DHA | ARA | |||||
1 | Enfamil Nutramigen® with Probiotic LGG® Hypoallergenic Infant Formula|Powder - 12.6 oz Can | ![]() | Clinically Proven to Manage Colic and Support Development in Lactose-Intolerant Infants | 1.8 mg | Corn Syrup Solids, Vegetable Oil, Coconut, Soy | |||||
2 | Similac® Similac®|360 Total Care® Sensitive* Infant Formula Powder [20.1oz] | ![]() | Designed to Ease Fussiness and Gas Due to Lactose Sensitivity | 1.8 mg | Corn Syrup, Milk Protein, Soy | |||||
3 | Happy Baby®️ Organics Happy Baby®️ Organics|Organic Infant Formula, Stage 1 Sensitive | ![]() | Designed for Infants with Sensitive Stomachs to Ease Fussiness and Gas | unknown | Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic Maltodextrin, Soy | |||||
4 | Enfamil® Enfamil|ProSobee® Plant-based Infant Formula | ![]() | A Plant-Based Infant Formula for Lactose Intolerance and Dietary Needs | unknown | 1.8 mg | Soy | ||||
5 | Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers | ![]() | A Plant-Based, Dairy-Free Nutrition Option for Toddlers with Sensitive Stomachs | unknown | Tree Nuts, Wheat | |||||
6 | ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula | ![]() | Certified Clean Infant Formula with Organic, Grass-Fed Whole Milk for Balanced Nutrition | unknown | 1 mg | Organic Whole Milk, Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils | ||||
7 | Baby's Only Organic Complete Nutrition Infant Formula | ![]() | Organic Infant Formula Made with American Milk and Clean Ingredients for Balanced Nutrition | unknown | 1.8 mg | Organic Lactose | ||||
8 | Growth Spurt Goat Milk Toddler Formula | ![]() | Goat Milk-Based Toddler Formula for Easier Digestion and Comprehensive Nutrition | 1 mg | Full Cream Goat Milk Powder, Organic Coconut Oil Powder, Organic Lactose | |||||
9 | Nestlé Health Science Extensive HA® | ![]() | Hypoallergenic, Lactose-Free Formula for Babies with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy | unknown | 1.8 mg | unknown | ||||
10 | Baby's Only Organic Sensitive Toddler Drink | ![]() | Organic Toddler Drink Supporting Lactose Sensitivities with No Soy or Palm Oil | 1.4 mg | Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Milk Protein Concentrate, Organic Canola Oil |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | 1.8 mg |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | 1.8 mg |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Happy Baby® Organics Stage 1 Sensitive Infant Formula is formulated for infants aged 0–12 months with lactose sensitivity, offering a nutrient-rich option that is gentle on developing digestive systems. With lactose reduced by 75%, this formula is designed to help alleviate common issues like fussiness and gas. Inspired by breast milk, it includes organic ingredients such as nonfat milk, maltodextrin, and prebiotics like GOS and FOS to support healthy digestion and overall development.
The formula is certified organic, non-GMO, and free from antibiotics and artificial growth hormones, aligning with a commitment to clean, safe nutrition for babies. In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, it contains DHA and ARA, important for brain and eye development. Happy Baby® Organics Stage 1 Sensitive is also free from common allergens like gluten, eggs, and nuts, making it suitable for infants with specific dietary needs.
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | unknown |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | unknown |
---|---|
Iron | 1.8 mg |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers is a dairy- and soy-free formula designed for toddlers with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. This product is ideal for plant-based lifestyles and supports healthy growth and development. Made with over 90% minimally processed whole-food ingredients, including organic almond butter, buckwheat flour, and tapioca, it provides a balanced source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. The formula is gentle on sensitive stomachs and is gluten-free, non-GMO, and USDA Organic certified, ensuring a clean and nutritious option for young children.
This toddler formula can be incorporated daily or occasionally alongside breast milk, cow’s milk, or solid foods, making it versatile for various dietary plans. Additionally, it has been shown to support healthy weight gain, with 4 out of 5 children who struggled with gaining weight experiencing improvements after switching to this formula.
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | unknown |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | unknown |
---|---|
Iron | 1 mg |
Lactose-Free | unknown |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | 1.8 mg |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | 1 mg |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Non-GMO | unknown |
---|---|
Iron | 1.8 mg |
Lactose-Free | |
---|---|
DHA | |
ARA |
Baby's Only Organic Sensitive Toddler Drink is an organic formula designed specifically for toddlers with lactose sensitivities. This non-GMO formula contains organic milk protein concentrate and a blend of organic oils, including canola, high oleic sunflower, and coconut oils. It is free from soy, palm oil, and corn syrup, making it suitable for those with specific dietary preferences or needs. The drink also includes DHA and ARA, sourced from egg lecithin, to support healthy brain and eye development in growing toddlers.
In addition to its nutritional profile, Baby's Only Organic Sensitive Toddler Drink is manufactured in Ohio without the use of prohibited pesticides or added growth hormones. Each serving provides essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, calcium, and iron, to support overall growth and development. This product is made with a commitment to supporting U.S. jobs and maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring it meets the needs of sensitive toddlers.
Non-GMO | |
---|---|
Iron | 1.4 mg |
While our top three choices are objectively great, here are some other runners-up that we think are worth considering.
If your baby has symptoms of lactose sensitivity but no severe allergies, you may want to try a lactose-reduced formula instead. Lactose-reduced formulas contain minimal amounts of lactose and are suitable for infants with mild lactose intolerance and or lactose sensitivity.
It's important to keep in mind that these formulas aren't good for children with galactosemia, or the inability to metabolize the sugar galactose properly. Still, if you're trying to build up a lactose tolerance in your child and have consulted with your pediatrician, these could be great options for you.
Your little precious deserves a lot of care and attention, so check out our recommended products that can give your baby some extra pampering!
No. 1: Enfamil |Nutramigen® with Probiotic LGG® Hypoallergenic Infant Formula|Powder - 12.6 oz Can
No. 2: Similac®|Similac®|360 Total Care® Sensitive* Infant Formula Powder [20.1oz]
No. 3: Happy Baby®️ Organics|Happy Baby®️ Organics|Organic Infant Formula, Stage 1 Sensitive
No. 4: Enfamil®|Enfamil|ProSobee® Plant-based Infant Formula
No. 5: Else Nutrition|Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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