This post is in partnership with Bobbie. We only endorse products we use with our families.

If your baby is having tummy troubles, feeding time can quickly turn into cranky time. As a parent, it’s hard to know exactly what’s behind the fussiness. It could be gas, exhaustion, or even a growth spurt. But sometimes, the root cause lies in what your baby is eating—and if you’re formula-feeding, choosing the right formula can make all the difference. With so many infant formulas on the market, how do you know which one is best for your sensitive baby? I’m breaking down two of the top gentle formulas—Bobbie Organic Gentle and Enfamil GentleEase—to help you decide which one might be the right fit for your baby’s feeding journey.

What makes a formula gentle? And why use one?

Gentle infant formulas are formulated with partially hydrolyzed proteins—proteins that are broken down for easier digestion. Babies have developing digestive systems and some may need a little extra help digesting. Gentle formulas are designed to provide that support.

If your baby seems especially fussy, gassy, or cries frequently after feedings, they might be having trouble with standard infant formula, which contains fully intact milk proteins. In those cases, switching to a gentle formula may help ease their discomfort and make feeding time more comfortable for both you and your baby.

Consideration #1: Nutrition

Breast milk and/or infant formula is a baby’s primary source of nutrition during their first year of life. Choosing a formula with high-quality sources of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) helps ensure your baby gets a strong nutritional foundation. Though remember, all infant formulas sold in the U.S. meet FDA nutritional requirements. When it comes to selecting a gentle formula, here’s what I specifically prioritize:

• 100% partially-hydrolyzed whey protein: Whey stays in liquid form during digestion, making it easier for babies to digest compared to casein, which forms curds and can be more difficult to break down. While some babies can digest these proteins effectively from the start, others may take a little more time to adjust as their digestive systems mature.
• No palm olein oil: For some infants, palm and/or palm olein oil may contribute to firmer stools.
• 100% lactose as the carbohydrate source: Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk and what babies are naturally designed to digest. 
• No corn syrup: Corn syrup is a type of carbohydrate I choose to avoid. While it’s a safe and functional source of necessary carbs for babies, I prefer formulas that use lactose.

Bobbie Organic Gentle

• Carbohydrate source: 100% lactose, which is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk.
• Protein source: 100% partially-hydrolyzed whey, stays liquid during digestion and is easier to digest. 
• Fat source: A blend of expeller-pressed, organic plant-based oils including high oleic sunflower oil, low erucic acid rapeseed oil, and coconut oil.
• Extras: EU-recommended levels of omega-3 DHA fatty acids to support brain development. 

Enfamil GentleEase

• Carbohydrate source: 80% corn syrup solids and 20% lactose. 
• Protein source: Partially-hydrolyzed nonfat milk (includes both whey and casein) and partially-hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate.
• Fat source: Palm olein oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and high oleic sunflower oil.
• Extras: Prebiotics and omega-3 DHA fatty acids and Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) from whey to support brain development. 

Nutrition winner: Bobbie Organic Gentle

Consideration # 2: Ingredient quality & safety

Beyond avoiding palm and palm olein oil and corn syrup, I also look for infant formulas made without soy and prioritize options that are USDA Organic. 

Bobbie Organic Gentle

• Soy?: Contains no soy allergens, making it suitable for infants with soy sensitivities, as well as for parents who prefer to avoid soy in their baby’s diet.
• Organic?: Yes, USDA Organic and EU Organic*, which means no GMOs, antibiotics, hormones, and synthetic pesticides (like glyphosate).
• Certifications: Clean Label Project Purity Award and Clean Label Project Certified Pesticide Free
• Manufacturing: Manufactured in Vermont with over 2,000 safety and quality checks per batch
• Additional quality and safety measures: The recipe is tested and backed by clinical studies, includes third-party heavy metal testing, and transparent ingredient sourcing.

*Recognition by the EU is via the US/EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement

Enfamil GentleEase

• Soy?: Yes.
• Organic?: No.
• Certifications: Ingredients not genetically engineered
• Manufacturing: Produced in the USA.
• Additional quality and safety measures: Clinically tested and backed by research.

Ingredient quality & safety winner: Bobbie Organic Gentle

Consideration # 3: Consistency and mixability

When preparing infant formula, smooth mixing is key. Ideally, formula should dissolve easily in water without clumping, which ensures an even distribution of nutrients in every bottle. Clumping can lead to inconsistent feeding and can cause clogged bottle nipples.

Bobbie Organic Gentle

When I tested Bobbie’s Organic Gentle formula, I was impressed with how easily it mixed. After mixing it with water and shaking the bottle, there were no clumps and very little foam. 

Enfamil GentleEase

Similarly, Enfamil’s Gentlease mixed quickly and smoothly, with no clumping.

Consistency and mixability winner: Tied

Consideration # 4: Cost and convenience

Price and accessibility are important when choosing an infant formula—especially if you're hoping to stick with one consistent option throughout your baby’s first year. Personally, I’m willing to pay more for a premium formula if it delivers high-quality organic nutrition, is Clean-Label Project Certified, and comes with transparent manufacturing practices.

Bobbie Organic Gentle

• $1.91 per fl. oz (subscription price).
• Available at hibobbie.com, Target, Whole Foods Market, Thrive Market and more.
• Subscription benefits:
  • 10% off every recurring order
  • Shortage-proof supply for baby's first year
  • Flexible delivery (skip, update, pause, or cancel anytime)
  • Free access to expert-led support
  • Discounts on trusted brands like Coterie, Perelel, and more 
• Can Size: 14.1 oz, great for combo feeders and easy to throw into a diaper bag on the go. 
• Purchases support Bobbie for Change, Bobbie’s social impact and policy arm that drives mission-led advocacy, giveback, and community-focused initiatives, like paid parental leave.

Enfamil GentleEase

• $1.90 per fl. oz (Target price).
• Available at enfamil.com, and many nationwide grocery stores and retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
• No subscription available.

Cost and convenience winner: Bobbie Organic Gentle

Bobbie Organic Gentle is my pick for a gentle formula!

I’m a huge fan of Bobbie’s Organic Gentle infant formula and it’s my top choice for babies with sensitive tummies.

✅ 100% partially-hydrolyzed whey protein for easier digestion

✅ 100% organic lactose as the carbohydrate source

✅ No palm or palm olein oil, corn syrup, or soy allergens

✅ EU-recommended levels of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid  

✅ USDA Organic + EU Organic (via equivalency agreement)

✅ Clean Label Project Purity Award + Clean Label Project Certified Pesticide Free 

✅ Smooth, easy-to-mix consistency

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