Crying, gas, and frequent fussiness can make formula feeding feel unpredictable, especially during long nights and demanding days. The right formula for a colicky baby depends on age, ingredients, preparation, and how your little one responds over time. These six options cover A2 milk, organic formulas, probiotics and prebiotics, HMO blends, and symptom-focused nutrition.
The Main Contenders
Mama Bear Advantage Premium Baby Formula 2′-FL HMO 23.2 oz Tub
Baby’s Only A2 Organic Milk Infant Formula Newborn to 12 Months 21 oz
Happy Baby Stage 1 A2 Organic Infant Formula 22.9 oz
Mama Bear Gentle Premium Baby Formula 2′-FL HMO Fussiness and Gas 21.5 oz
Happy Baby Stage 2 Organic Infant Formula 22.9 oz 3 Pack
Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula DHA and MFGM 20.7 oz
Inside Each Recommended Option
The Mama Bear Advantage combines everyday nutrition with 2′-FL HMO, a human milk oligosaccharide found in human milk. That makes it a practical comparison point for families weighing a milk-based formula with prebiotic nutrition against the A2 and probiotic blends farther down the list.
The 23.2-ounce tub also includes iron, DHA, lutein, vitamin E, and 27 vitamins and minerals. It is a value-oriented general formula rather than one marketed primarily around gas or crying, so your baby’s response and feeding tolerance matter more than the feature count.
The Helpful Details
- 2′-FL HMO adds a prebiotic component associated with immune and digestive support.
- DHA, lutein, and vitamin E round out the nutrition for growth, brain, and eye development.
- The 23.2-ounce container provides a practical size for regular bottle or prepared-cup feeding.
- Milk comes from cows raised without artificial growth hormones, and the ingredients are non-GMO.
Small Caveats
- It is not specifically positioned for gas, fussiness, or crying, so symptom-focused families may prefer Mama Bear Gentle.
- You must confirm the age label and prepare every serving exactly as directed on the package.
At A Glance
Made For
This formula suits families seeking broad everyday nutrition and prebiotic HMO support without focusing only on gas or fussiness.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Happy Baby Stage 1 A2 fits you better when probiotics, prebiotics, and A2 milk matter more than the lower-cost 23.2-ounce format.
Baby’s Only A2 uses A2 beta-casein, a type of protein naturally present in mammal milk, as the central reason to consider it. The formula also uses an organic fat blend and avoids corn syrup, palm oil, GMOs, artificial colors, sweeteners, and growth hormones.
Preparation is refreshingly straightforward: one unpacked, level scoop goes into each 2 fluid ounces of water. For families new to powdered formula, that clear ratio and the newborn-to-12-month range keep the decision focused, although a baby’s personal tolerance remains the deciding factor.
What It Does Well
- A2 milk gives families a clearly defined protein focus for everyday formula feeding.
- The ingredient list omits several sweeteners, artificial colors, and palm oil.
- Small-batch production at a facility in Ohio provides useful sourcing context.
Trade Offs
- The 21-ounce tub is smaller than the 23.2-ounce Mama Bear Advantage container, which may increase replenishment frequency.
- A2 milk is not a symptom-specific answer; fussiness can have several feeding and developmental causes.
- Organic sourcing and the proprietary fat blend do not guarantee a particular response to gas or crying.
The Right Fit
This option fits you best when A2 milk, a short ingredient profile, and uncomplicated powder preparation are your main priorities.
Another Choice May Suit
Happy Baby Stage 1 A2 suits you more when you want A2 milk combined with added probiotics and prebiotics.
Happy Baby Stage 1 A2 brings together A2 milk, probiotics, and prebiotics for the first year. Probiotics introduce live microorganisms, while prebiotics act as fermentable fibers that can encourage beneficial gut bacteria; the formula also provides DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid linked with brain and eye development.
Compared with Baby’s Only A2, this option adds a targeted digestive feature set while remaining in the same 0-to-12-month stage. For you, the added blend may make more sense when digestive regularity is the central concern, though each baby responds differently.
Points In Its Favor
- Combines A2 milk with both probiotics and prebiotics.
- The prebiotic levels are designed to resemble levels found in human milk more closely than standard organic formulas.
- Soft stools and regular bowel movements are specific goals of the patented blend.
- DHA levels are designed around those found in human milk.
- Made in Europe and labeled USDA Organic for families seeking an organic Stage 1 formula.
Possible Compromises
- Check the Stage 1 label carefully, since this formula is intended for babies from birth through 12 months.
Quick Facts
Who Will Love This
This formula fits you best when your baby is in the first year and you prioritize A2 milk with added probiotics and prebiotics.
Look Elsewhere When
Mama Bear Gentle fits you better when fussiness, gas, and crying are the symptoms you most want the formula to address.
Mama Bear Gentle is the most symptom-focused formula in this group, with its name and formulation aimed at babies prone to fussiness, gas, and crying. It provides 2′-FL HMO plus DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and choline, both associated with brain development support.
The Mama Bear Advantage also uses 2′-FL HMO, but Gentle narrows the positioning around digestive discomfort and includes choline. That makes this tub the more relevant starting point for you when those specific concerns dominate the feeding decision.
Advantages To Know
- Formulated specifically around fussiness, gas, and crying rather than general nutrition alone.
- 2′-FL HMO provides a prebiotic ingredient associated with digestive and immune support.
- DHA and choline cover two nutrients commonly included for early brain development support.
Things To Weigh
- Its symptom-focused positioning does not establish that fussiness comes from formula or that this formula will resolve it.
- The 21.5-ounce tub is slightly smaller than the Mama Bear Advantage tub, so storage and replenishment frequency deserve attention.
Feature Snapshot
Built With In Mind
This formula suits you best when fussiness, gas, and crying are your main reasons for considering a new milk-based formula.
Swap It Out When
Happy Baby Stage 1 A2 is a better fit for you when probiotics and prebiotics matter more than symptom-specific positioning.
Happy Baby Stage 2 is the relevant option once your baby reaches six months, with higher calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, and selenium levels than its Stage 1 formula. It retains the probiotics and prebiotics that make the Stage 1 A2 formula appealing for digestive-oriented feeding.
The three-pack offers 68.7 ounces across three 22.9-ounce containers. That format is useful for regular feeding, though you will need enough cabinet space for three tubs and should open each one according to its storage directions.
Where It Delivers
- Stage 2 adjusts key minerals for babies from six through 12 months.
- Probiotics and prebiotics retain a digestive-focused role in the feeding routine.
- DHA levels meet the stated European requirements for this stage.
- Three tubs reduce the frequency of ordering powdered formula.
Details To Watch
- Stage 2 is not intended for the first six months, so confirm your baby’s feeding stage before ordering.
- Three separate tubs require more storage room than a single container, and opened powder should follow the package directions.
The Right Fit
This option fits you best for a baby aged six to 12 months who benefits from Stage 2 nutrition and regular powdered formula use.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Happy Baby Stage 1 A2 fits you better for a newborn through 12 months because its nutrient profile is tailored to the earlier stage.
Enfamil NeuroPro centers on DHA and MFGM components. DHA is docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid involved in brain and eye development, while MFGM refers to milk fat globule membrane components found in milk fat.
Unlike the A2 and prebiotic options, this formula leads with those developmental components. Its listing describes research involving feeding during the first year, making it most relevant to you when brain-development nutrition outweighs symptom-specific positioning.
The Upside
- MFGM components distinguish it from the other formulas in this list.
- DHA provides a defined omega-3 nutrient associated with early brain and eye development.
- The product’s stated research focus extends beyond the immediate feeding period.
Less-Strong Areas
- The 20.7-ounce container is the smallest tub among the options here, so refill frequency may be higher.
- It is not positioned around gas, fussiness, or crying in the way Mama Bear Gentle is.
- Its development-focused ingredient story does not address the possible causes of ongoing colic symptoms.
Core Details
Who Should Grab It
This formula suits you best when DHA and MFGM components are your main priorities and digestive symptoms are not the deciding factor.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Mama Bear Gentle is a better fit for you when fussiness, gas, and crying require a symptom-focused comparison.
Matching Formula Features to Your Baby’s Needs
Start With the Feeding Stage
Stage selection comes before ingredient preferences. Baby’s Only A2 and Happy Baby Stage 1 cover the first year, while Happy Baby Stage 2 is formulated for ages six through 12 months. Choosing the correct stage helps you compare formulas on like features instead of overlooking a basic age mismatch.
Consider the Ingredient Focus
A2 milk, HMO, probiotics, prebiotics, DHA, and MFGM each serve a different purpose. A2 formulas center on protein type, while Happy Baby emphasizes its probiotic and prebiotic blend; Enfamil NeuroPro focuses on DHA and MFGM. For you, the most useful distinction is the symptom or nutrition priority that matters in daily life.
Account for Preparation and Storage
Powdered formula requires accurate measuring and careful preparation. Baby’s Only specifies one level, unpacked scoop per 2 fluid ounces of water, and the three-pack from Happy Baby Stage 2 requires space for three containers. Compare your available cabinet space, feeding volume, and package directions before settling on a size.
Discuss Changes With the Pediatrician
Formula can contribute to gas, fussiness, or feeding discomfort, but persistent crying can also have other causes. A pediatrician can help you assess your baby’s growth and feeding pattern before making repeated changes, especially when symptoms continue or feeding becomes difficult.
Where Formula Premiums Really Go
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Do not assume organic or A2 labeling automatically means a formula will ease colic symptoms. The stage, preparation accuracy, feeding amount, and your baby’s response all matter. Repeatedly switching without a clear plan can also make it harder to notice which formula agrees with your baby.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Higher-tier formulas often emphasize specialized ingredients, development research, organic sourcing, or a larger total package. A smaller premium tub may offer relevant features without extra shelf space, while a three-pack can suit regular feeding despite requiring more storage. Pay for the attribute that addresses your baby’s needs, not the more elaborate label alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which formula fits a colicky baby best?
The best fit is the age-appropriate formula your baby accepts and tolerates consistently. Compare symptom-focused formulas, A2 options, and prebiotic or probiotic blends while tracking your baby’s feeding and stools.
Does A2 milk help with gas or fussiness?
A2 milk is a protein type, not a diagnosed answer to digestive symptoms. Your baby’s response can vary, so any formula change should be discussed with the pediatrician and assessed over time.
Are probiotics and prebiotics the same?
No. Probiotics are live microorganisms, while prebiotics are fermentable fibers that support beneficial gut bacteria. Happy Baby Stage 1 and Stage 2 include both.
Can I change formulas gradually?
A gradual transition can make feeding changes easier to manage by introducing the new formula in stages. Follow the new product’s preparation directions and your pediatrician’s guidance.
When should persistent crying prompt medical advice?
Persistent crying, feeding difficulty, vomiting, or concerns about growth deserve prompt discussion with the pediatrician. The professional can assess your baby rather than leaving you to navigate formula labels alone.
Closing Remarks
Begin with the formula that matches your baby’s age and your most pressing concern, not the longest ingredient list. A2 milk, HMO, probiotics, prebiotics, DHA, and MFGM each offer a different angle, so paying close attention to your baby’s response matters most. The most suitable formula is the one your baby accepts and your pediatrician supports.
