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Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is designed to provide comfort for sensitive tummies while also providing complete and balanced nutrition.

INGREDIENTS | Small Proteins and Probiotics

High Points

Gerber is a very popular brand among Americans. It’s been used and trusted by parents of many generations and has always delivered solid nutrition for newborns up to toddlerhood. One of the more popular formulas produced by Gerber is Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula. This formula is marketed towards families that have babies that have more sensitive tummies.

This formula is marketed towards families that have babies that have more sensitive tummies.

The sensitive tummy, gas, and colic issue can often be solved by using a formula with smaller proteins in it. Cow’s milk (and even soy) have larger protein chains than human milk does, so some babies have a harder time breaking down these proteins for easy digestion. This results in gas, fussiness, colic, spit up, and constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms are often signs of a milk protein sensitivity, NOT lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance in babies is a rare genetic disorder. So how does Gerber Good Start Soothe fit into the picture?

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula has hydrolyzed proteins, which means that the proteins are already broken down into smaller pieces for easier digestion. Hydrolyzed proteins are also less allergenic and reduce the likelihood of food allergies or immune disease in a baby’s future. This is especially good for babies that might be at risk for allergies or immune diseases based on a family’s health history. Gerber Good Start Soothe only has partially hydrolyzed proteins, though, so for babies with a severe cow milk protein sensitivity or allergy, completely hydrolyzed proteins found in true hypoallergenic formulas are the best way to go, but should only be used as a last resort.

Another unique feature of Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is the use of probiotics.

Another unique feature of Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is the use of probiotics. Probiotics are found in breast milk, especially L. Reuteri, the same probiotic that is used in Gerber Good Start Soothe. Many formulas often contain prebiotics, but not many actually contain probiotics. Prebiotics (which promote the growth of good bacteria and are different from probiotics) are found in large amounts in breast milk, and probiotics (which ARE the good bacteria) are found in smaller amounts but are just as important. Current research is pointing more and more that having healthy gut microbiome is extremely important for overall health and the immune system.

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula

Low Points

Although Gerber markets that this formula has a good amount of lactose in it, corn maltodextrin (or corn sugar) is listed as the first ingredient…not a good thing! This formula has a sugar ratio of 70% Corn Maltodextrin to 30% Lactose. One nutritionist compared a popular formula similar to Gerber that also had corn syrup solids for a sweetener. This formula had 10g of Corn Syrup Solids per 5 ounces.  For a baby drinking 28 ounces daily, this equals out to about 56 grams of corn syrup solids every day, which is more than the amount of corn syrup in a 16 ounce can of Coco-Cola! Remember, formulas that use corn solids for sweetening will vary their amounts, but this example gives a good picture of how artificial and dangerous sweeteners in seemingly small amounts can add of up fast.

…corn maltodextrin (or corn sugar) is listed as the first ingredient…

Another downside to Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is the use of palm olein oil as an added fat. This oil has been shown to reduce the rate of calcium and fat absorption in babies, a big no-no when we want babies with healthy bones and fat levels! Also, palm olein oil has been proven to harden stools which can lead to constipation and digestive issues, also a big no-no when we want babies to have a healthy gut and immune system. This is also a questionable ingredient because this formula is meant for babies who are having digestive issues, and palm olein oil is shown to cause…digestive issues! Some babies might be more sensitive to this ingredient, while others might tolerate it well.

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula Ingredients

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is also not organic and does not hold the ingredients used in this formula to high organic standards. This means they can source their ingredients from plants and animals that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, antibiotics or steroids. These are all ingredients we should try to steer clear from when choosing nutrition for our babies, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

The other controversial thing that Gerber uses to extract their ingredients is hexane.

The other controversial thing that Gerber uses to extract their ingredients is hexane. DHA and ARA are two types of fatty acids that are similar to the fatty acids found in breast milk that are shown to be beneficial for brain and eye development. Therefore, many formula companies try to mimic this combination of fatty acids. However, the extraction method that is used to acquire these fatty acids is something that has concerned parents for some time. There is a chemical called hexane that is used in the extraction method of DHA and ARA, and it can be toxic to humans. Many say that the trace amount of hexane in formulas are way too small to ever harm a baby. Still, it’s important to be vigilant about what is being used in our food today, especially for little ones who are more sensitive to such things.

TASTE | Average Taste and Smell

Parents say that Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula doesn’t have any crazy tastes or smells like other formulas that are a little heavy on the iron or oils. Babies seem to really enjoy the taste of Gerber Good Start Soothe. A small downside is that some parents have said that this formula can be lumpy when mixed.

TOLERANCE | Helps Sensitive Tummies

A huge majority of parents have nothing but good things to say about Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula. There are a couple of features with this formula that aid in digestion, especially for babies that might have a harder time digesting milk proteins. Due to the hydrolyzed milk proteins (the milk proteins are made smaller and easier to digest) Good Start Soothe is much easier on the tummy. Cow proteins are larger than breast milk proteins, so some babies might need a little extra help breaking down those proteins.

There are a couple of features with this formula that aid in digestion, especially for babies that might have a harder time digesting milk proteins.

Also, the inclusion of probiotics has been shown to help with colic and fussiness. With probiotics naturally occurring in breast milk, it is always a plus when they can be added to the formula. Due to the combination of these features, many parents say their once very colicky and fussy babies that couldn’t handle other formulas became much more happy and content when switched to Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula. There are always a handful of babies who have a hard time with certain types of formulas, and some babies have had issues with constipation using this formula (most likely due to the palm oil).

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula mixing instructions

Mixing instructions

PRICE + LONGEVITY | Reasonable Price, Quality Ingredients

Longevity

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula can be used from day one up until twelve months of age. There is a second stage (Stage 2) that can also be used for ages 6-12 months. Gerber does this to ensure your baby is getting the most appropriate amounts of nutrition for their age. Also, this is a nice big tub of formula 22.2 ounces) that will last longer than smaller tubs of formula.

Price

When looking at the full MSRP for Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula at $28.99, the price per ounce comes to around $1.30/oz. This is reasonable considering that the ingredients are made to be easier on sensitive tummies, especially the hydrolyzed milk proteins and probiotics. It’s also very comparable to other good quality formulas we’ve reviewed.

…the price per ounce comes to around $1.30/oz (Check Price Here!)

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula Review Size

PROS

  • Includes smaller proteins for easier digestion
  • Has probiotics that promote stomach and immune health
  • Non-GMO
  • Great for babies with milk sensitivity, colic, gas, or fussiness

CONS

  • Hexane used to extract ingredients
  • Corn syrup used as sweetener
  • Palm olein oil used for added fat
  • Not organic

THE BOTTOM LINE | Best for Sensitive Tummies

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is a great option for babies that may have gas, fussiness, colic, or milk protein sensitivities. This formula has hydrolyzed proteins, or proteins broken down into smaller pieces, for easier digestion and tolerability. Also, the inclusion of probiotics is a great plus that will help baby to develop a healthier gut and immune system.

There are a few downsides to Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula with the use of corn syrups and palm olein oil. Corn syrups for a sweetener are shown to cause health problems in not only baby formulas but for all kinds of other foods that we eat. Corn syrup is taxing on the liver, pancreas, and immune system. Also, palm olein oil is known to reduce calcium and fat absorption in babies and can cause constipation. Gerber also uses hexane to extract their ingredients, something that has been concerning with many formula companies for a long time.

In the end, Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is best for babies who can’t tolerate milk protein as well and is a great option for those fussy and colicky babies. It’s designed to provide comfort for sensitive tummies while also providing complete and balanced nutrition.