7 Best Soy-Free Baby Formulas: Gentle on Your Baby's Digestive System
Explore gentle, nourishing formulas for a happier, healthier baby
Updated November 26, 2024.
Your baby's digestive system is incredibly delicate. When standard formulas don't agree with their sensitive tummy, it can lead to discomfort, fussiness, and disrupted sleep.
A soy-free formula offers a gentle alternative. It provides the essential nutrients your baby needs without the potential irritants found in soy-based formulas.
» Prioritize your baby's well-being with a gentle, soy-free formula
Our Pick: Best Soy-Free Baby Formulas
- Best soy-free baby formula overall: Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Formula
- Best soy-free baby formula that mimics breast milk: By Heart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
- Best soy-free baby formula for multiple allergies: Similac Alimentum
- Best immune-boosting soy-free baby formula: PurAmino DHA & ARA Formula
- Best soy-free baby formula for sensitive tummies: Abbott Nutrition EleCare
- Best soy-free baby formula for colic and reflux: Enfamil Nutramigen with Probiotic LGG Formula
- Best lactose- and soy-free formula: Baby’s Only Organic Sensitive Toddler Drink
Best soy-free baby formula overall
1
Superior
10
Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Formula
Nature's gentlest nutrition for your little one
Best soy-free baby formula that mimics breast milk
2
Outstanding
9.7
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
Nourishing little ones, one bottle at a time
Best soy-free baby formula for multiple allergies
3
Excellent
9.6
Similac Alimentum
The perfect blend of nutrition and love
Show more
Understanding Soy Sensitivities in Babies
Many parents are surprised to learn how common soy sensitivities can be in babies. Soy allergies and intolerances can present through various symptoms:
- Hives or skin rashes that appear shortly after feeding indicate a potential allergic response to soy proteins.
- Breathing difficulties that can range from mild congestion to more serious respiratory challenges suggest a more severe allergic reaction.
- Digestive issues like vomiting, persistent diarrhea, and excessive gas can signal that your baby's system is struggling to process soy-based ingredients.
» Discover the signs that indicate feeding issues in your baby
Why Use Soy-Free Formulas?
Soy-free formulas have several advantages for infants with sensitive digestive systems:
- Balanced Nutrition: Soy-free formulas are carefully crafted to meet an infant's nutritional needs, providing essential proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in easily digestible forms.
- Reduced Allergenic Potential: These formulas significantly lower the risk of allergic reactions and digestive discomfort by eliminating soy proteins.
- Enhanced Digestibility: Many soy-free formulas incorporate hydrolyzed proteins, broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed elements that are gentler on an infant's developing digestive system.
» Ready to switch to from breastfeeding? Check out these healthy formulas
7 Best Soy-Free Baby Formulas
Best soy-free baby formula overall
1
Superior
10
Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Formula
Nature's gentlest nutrition for your little one
Price
$34.99
Volume
22 oz / 623 g
Age
12+ months
Why it's a top pick
This innovative formula is designed for parents seeking a pure, minimally processed nutritional solution. By using 90% minimally processed ingredients, Else Nutrition minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and digestive discomfort often associated with traditional formulas.
This gentle approach ensures that babies receive the essential nutrients they need for optimal growth and development without the potential irritants found in conventional options.
Pros and cons
90% minimally processed ingredients
Free of gluten, soy, and dairy
Contains 20+ vitamins and minerals
Supports healthy growth and gut health
Not suitable for kids under 12 months
Contains nuts
Best soy-free baby formula that mimics breast milk
2
Outstanding
9.7
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
Price
$42
Volume
24 oz / 680 g
Age
0–12 months
Why it's a top pick
Meticulously crafted to closely mimic the composition of human milk, By Heart offers a superior nutritional solution for infants.
With proteins like alpha-lactalbumin and lactoferrin at levels similar to breast milk, By Heart provides the closest possible alternative to breastfeeding, supporting optimal growth and development.
Pros and cons
Proteins identical to breast milk
Contains lactoferrin
Partially hydrolyzed proteins
Not suitable for babies with dairy allergies
More costly than other options
Best soy-free baby formula for multiple allergies
3
Excellent
9.6
Similac Alimentum
Price
$49
Volume
14.1 oz / 400 g
Age
0–12 months
Why it's a top pick
Engineered to break down milk proteins into their most digestible form, Similac Alimentum provides a lifeline for parents dealing with challenging dietary restrictions.
Its unique formula not only addresses protein sensitivities but also promises rapid relief from colic symptoms.
Pros and cons
Broken-down milk proteins
Lactose-free
Widely available
Contains soy oil
Potentially unpleasant taste
Best immune-boosting soy-free baby formula
4
Great
9.4
PurAmino DHA & ARA Formula
Price
$59.96
Volume
14.01 oz / 400g
Age
0–24 months
Why it's a top pick
Designed for babies with multiple food allergies, PurAmino provides a comprehensive nutritional solution that supports immune health and ensures proper growth.
Its unique ability to support both oral and tube feeding makes it an incredibly versatile option for families facing complex nutritional challenges.
Pros and cons
Amino-acid based formula
Amino-acid based formula
DHA for brain development
Contains soy oil
More costly than other options
Best soy-free baby formula for sensitive tummies
5
Very good
9.2
Abbott Nutrition EleCare
Price
$49
Volume
14 oz / 396 g
Age
0–12 months
Why it's a top pick
EleCare offers a specialized, amino acid-based formula designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of infants with severe food allergies or digestive disorders.
By breaking down proteins into their most basic building blocks, EleCare minimizes digestive stress and supports optimal growth and development.
Pros and cons
Amino-acid based formula
DHA and ARA for development
Supports brain and eye development
Contains soy oil
Mixed taste reviews
Best soy-free baby formula for colic and reflux
6
Impressive
9
Enfamil Nutramigen with Probiotic LGG Formula
Price
$37.99
Volume
12.06 oz / 357 g
Age
0–12 months
Why it's a top pick
Nutramigen offers a hypoallergenic formula with LGG probiotic, specifically targeting babies with cow's milk protein allergies. It claims to reduce colic symptoms within 24 hours and supports gut health through its unique probiotic composition.
Pros and cons
Hypoallergenic proteins
Reduces colic symptoms quickly
Widely available
Contains soy oil
Unpleasant smell
Best lactose- and soy-free formula
7
Notable
8.9
Baby's Only Organic Sensitive Toddler Drink
Price
$45.98 for 2 cans
Volume
12.07 oz / 360 g
Age
12+ months
Why it's a top pick
Lactose, a sugar found in milk, can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. By eliminating both lactose and soy, Baby's Organic significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions, especially for infants with multiple food allergies.
Plus, it's formulated to provide all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that infants need for healthy growth and development.
Pros and cons
Organic ingredients
Organic DHA and ARA
Soy-free
Contains milk and egg
Not for severe allergies
Is Soy Oil the Same As Soy Protein?
Soy proteins and soy oil are often confused, but they're different. While soy proteins can cause allergies and digestive problems, soy oil is generally better tolerated by infants.
But it's important to note that "tolerable" doesn't mean "optimal." Soy oil, though less allergenic than whole soy products, is highly processed and may contain inflammatory compounds. This makes it a less-than-ideal choice for infant nutrition, even for those without soy allergies.
» Tired of commercial formulas? Check out these alternatives
How to Choose a Soy-Free Formula
Selecting the right soy-free formula is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Here's what to consider:
- Ingredient Transparency: The formula should have a clear, concise ingredient list that features whole, recognizable components. Avoid formulas with complex chemical additives or overly processed ingredients. Look for formulas that explicitly state their protein and oil sources.
- Protein Source Quality: Opt for formulas with easily digestible protein sources to support optimal nutrient absorption. Partially hydrolyzed milk proteins, goat's milk proteins, or plant-based protein blends from peas and almonds are excellent choices.
- Plant-Based Advantages: These formulas are scientifically designed to reduce inflammatory potential and provide comprehensive nutrient delivery. They typically include essential amino acids, crucial fatty acids, and gut-supporting prebiotics and probiotics.
- Nutritional Completeness: Ensure the formula meets daily nutritional requirements. This includes a balanced ratio of macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—and essential micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, iron, and calcium.
- Family Health History: When selecting a formula, consider your family's genetic profile. Food allergies, enzyme deficiencies, and digestive sensitivities can influence your baby's nutritional needs.
» Learn why plant-based formula helps your baby’s digestive system
A Gentle Approach to Infant Nutrition
Soy-free formulas aren't just for babies with diagnosed allergies—they're a thoughtful nutrition solution for every infant. While these formulas are particularly helpful for children with sensitivities, they offer advanced nutritional support that can benefit all babies.
If your baby struggles with traditional formulas or you're seeking a more natural approach, formulas like Else Nutrition' s Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Formula offers an alternative that supports optimal growth and digestive comfort.
The content and advice provided in this article are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice for specific medical conditions.
Always consult a pediatrician to understand your child's needs. The article expresses the views of the article's editor.
