Written by Chad Birt on Wed Jun 18 2025.
Using a hypoallergenic formula is crucial if your baby is one of the 4.9% of children with a cow’s milk allergy. These formulas contain predigested milk proteins, making them easier to absorb. They also reduce the risk of common food allergy side effects, including diarrhea, vomiting, and colic. We carry several types of hypoallergenic formulas at Carewell. This buying guide highlights our five favorite formulas and features pros, cons, and real customer feedback.
There are three types of hypoallergenic formulas:
Partially hydrolyzed formula contains partially broken-down cow’s milk proteins. Smaller milk proteins are easier to digest.
Extensively hydrolyzed formula also contains broken-down cow’s milk proteins. The difference is that the proteins are even smaller, so they’re less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Free amino acid-based formula contains the building blocks of cow’s milk proteins, called amino acids. In other words, it contains no cow’s milk protein. Your child’s pediatrician might recommend this formula if they continue experiencing gastrointestinal problems after switching to hypoallergenic formula.
Consider using a hypoallergenic formula if your baby has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy. Hypoallergenic formulas contain the same vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as traditional baby formula, but are easier for children with allergies to digest.
The formulas featured in this buying guide are a mix of our highest-rated and best-selling hypoallergenic formulas. We’ve included real user feedback under the heading: Hear it From a Parent, whenever possible.
Alfamino’s infant formula is designed for children on gluten-free and lactose-free diets. It can also support specific health problems, including cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), multiple food allergies, malabsorptive conditions, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, and short bowel syndrome. Talk to your child’s pediatrician before buying this formula. It should be used under a doctor’s supervision. Contact your doctor for approval before starting this formula.
Key Benefits & Features
Contains essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients children need to grow
Suitable for lactose-free and gluten-free diets
Formulated for children with digestive and gastrointestinal disorders
Customer review of Alfamino Infant Formula With Iron, Amino Acid Based Powder: “We can’t find this medicated formula just anywhere. Most places have it marked up so much [that] it breaks the bank. We’re so glad we can have it autoshipped, and it’s cheaper here!” - Dara
This Neocate baby formula is unique because it contains prebiotics and probiotics proven to balance the gut microbiome of food-allergic infants. Since it’s amino-acid-based, it’s a great choice if your little one has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy. The patented blend is easily digestible and includes essential nutrients to support growth and development.
Key Benefits & Features
Effectively resolves food allergy symptoms
Formulated for infants with cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies, and related GI and allergic conditions
Contains a patented blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support the gut microbiome
Customer review of Nutricia Neocate Syneo Infant Hypoallergenic Amino-Based Infant Formula: “My son has a soy allergy. This formula is the best!” - Sarah
Did you know babies with cow’s milk allergy are also more likely to develop asthma and eczema? An extensively hydrolyzed formula, like Enfamil Nutramigen, may help reduce some of this risk. The formula also contains DHA and ARA, two nutrients found in breast milk that support eye and brain development.
Key Benefits & Features
#1 pediatrician-recommended formula brand for infants with cow’s milk allergy
Made with extensively hydrolyzed proteins less likely to trigger an allergic response
Reduces excessive, colic-related crying in less than 24 hours
Consider this hypoallergenic formula if your child is lactose intolerant and has special dietary restrictions (for example, vegetarian or kosher). Even though ProSobee is plant-based, it contains the same amount of brain-nourishing DHA as other Enfamil formulas. Furthermore, it comes in single-serve bottles; no mixing or pre-prep is involved.
Key Benefits & Features
Suitable for infants with lactose intolerance
Vegetarian, Kosher, and dairy-free
Alleviates fussiness and gas caused by sensitivity to milk-based formulas
Customer review of Enfamil ProSobee Soy Infant Formula: "It's been really hard to find small bottles of soy baby formula. Carewell has them and got them to us quickly. Very happy with the service." - Rachel
Caring for a new baby is hard work, and Carewell is here to help! Keeping your pantry stocked with hypoallergenic baby formula can alleviate feeding-time stress and help you keep your baby comfortable and nourished.
We offer fast, free shipping on all orders over $49. Plus, when you sign up for Autoship, you'll receive an additional 5% off each recurring order.
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Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
