Best Dairy Free Formula for babies: Milk-Free And Lactose-Free Choices For Your Little One

What Are The Best Alternative Options For Dairy Free Formula For Babies? 

It is not easy to deal with a newborn who develops a rash or has gastrointestinal issues after consuming cow's milk. It can be a daunting task to determine the cause of these newborns' trouble, but there are brands that are developing formulas to alleviate their symptoms. It is important to carefully consider your options before settling on a different formula. Not to mention that low-lactose and non cow milk based formulas could cost more. 

So, avoid giving your newborn cow's milk unless your doctor approves of one of these alternatives. To help you choose the right formula for your child, we have compiled a list of nine options across three categories. When you've settled on the correct formula and stocked up on useful items like a portable baby bottle warmer to make bottle feedings easier, you can rest easy knowing your baby is receiving the appropriate food.

1. Soy-Based Formulas 

For babies who have issues with cow's milk, such as sensitivities, allergies, or lactose intolerance, soy-based formulas are a common alternative. These complete-protein formulas are derived from soy protein extracts. These dairy free formulas for infants offer a similar balance of nutrients to their cow's milk-based counterparts. They normally include nutrients that are important for a baby's development, including proteins, lipids, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Remember that many babies with cow's milk allergies may also have soy protein sensitivity. On the other hand, some babies find the soy based protein formula easy to digest. So make sure to pay close attention to how your baby reacts to milk free formula.

This formula is also available in various forms, including ready-to-feed, concentrate, and powder.

The following are examples of soy-based formulas that are very popular and provide complete nutrition to babies who have lactose intolerance or sensitivity to cow's milk.

• Enfamil ProSobee Soy Infant Formula
• Similac Soy Isomil Infant Formula
• Gerber, Good Start Soy Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula
• Deciphering Soy Formulas

2. Hydrolyzed Non-Dairy Formula

Hydrolyzed formulas are a specialized option designed for infants who struggle with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) or other digestive sensitivities like lactase intolerance. To make them easier to digest for the sensitive digestive systems of babies, these non-cow's milk formulas go through a process that breaks down proteins into smaller pieces. 

Moreover, there are primarily two kinds of hydrolyzed non-dairy formulas: those that partially hydrolyze proteins into smaller pieces—which are still somewhat allergenic but are easier to digest than whole proteins—and those that extensively hydrolyzed proteins into peptides, greatly reducing their allergenic potential. This is why formulas that have been hydrolyzed extensively are great for babies who have really severe allergies because the baby's system no longer recognizes the cow’s milk protein, and most times there's no allergic response. 

Here are some popular hydrolyzed non-dairy formulas that offer complete nutrition for babies sensitive to cow's milk or lactose intolerance.

• Nutramigen by Enfamil (contains DHA and ARA)
• Alimentum by Similac (contains OptiGRO, a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E)
• PurAmino by Nutricia (Good for babies with multiple food allergies)

3. Specialized Non-Dairy Formula

Some dairy-free formulas are fortified with probiotics, prebiotics, or other nutrients to support digestive health and immunity. These are called specialized formulas. When regular formulas don't work for a baby's diet or health issue, specialized formulas step in. So, these specialized non-dairy formulas are tailor-made with special ingredients to address issues like severe allergies, gastrointestinal problems, or developmental delays. 

There are the following types of specialized no cow's milk formulas:

i. Hypoallergenic Formulas

These milk and soy free formulas are designed for infants with allergies to cow's milk protein or soy protein. Surprisingly, hypoallergenic formulations usually contain milk from cows. On the other hand, they undergo processing that breaks down the allergy-causing protein beforehand, making them easier to digest. When shopping for a formula, look for the words "hypoallergenic" rather than "partially hydrolyzed."

Examples of this formula are:

1. Nutramigen by Enfamil
2. Alimentum by Similac. 

ii. Elemental, Prebiotics and Probiotics Formula

Elemental formulas, crafted from individual amino acids, are designed for infants with severe food allergies or gastrointestinal issues. While prebiotic and probiotic formulas contain added prebiotics (such as oligosaccharides) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to support digestive health,. The following are examples of these formulas without cow's milk:

1. Neocate Syneo Infant Hypoallergenic Amino-Acid-Based (Elemental formula)
2. Enfamil Reguline (prebiotic and probiotic formula)

4. Lactose Free Non Dairy Formula

Your infant isn't on board with lactose—perhaps you're experiencing the familiar symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Their small digestive system may not be making enough lactase to process the milk sugar, leading to a diagnosis of lactose intolerance. And here's the worst part: those "lactose-free" formulas? Yes, they have reduced or eliminated lactose, but otherwise, they are still dairy-based.

The number of infants who truly require these lactose-free formulas is a matter of some debate. However, if your infant isn't receptive to traditional cow's milk formulas, you might want to try the best lactose free formula:

1. Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Reduced Lactose Formula
2. Similac Pro-Sensitive Formula
3. HappyBaby Organic Reduced Lactose

Consult The Babies’ Pediatrician

Most infants don't mind trying the initial formula that comes in the bottle, which is often a generic cow's milk formula. On the other hand, some babies seem to develop severe skin problems or stomach aches as if they were preparing for a sumo bout.