Every now and then, a brand will decide to change its product name. A well-known baby formula brand, Gerber has done exactly that. The result? Parents asking if Gerber Gentle vs Gentle Pro are the same or different formulas.
If you used to bottle feed with Gerber Gentle a few years back and want to use it again for a new baby on the way, you’re more likely to find GentlePro on the shelves. Does this mean the formula has changed? Read on as I share what my research uncovered.
Is Gerber Gentle Pro the same as Gerber Gentle?
Gerber Good Start GentlePro is slightly different from Gerber Good Start Gentle. GentlePro offers advanced complete nutrition compared to Gentle complete nutrition. In 2019 Gerber announced the name change and packaging graphic changes with slight differences in the ingredients.
Some more details on the change
The main difference between Gerber Good Start GentlePro and Gentle, besides the graphics and name change, is the protein source. This has changed from all whey protein to a mix of protein and casein. The ratio of Gentle powder infant formula is now 70% protein and 30% casein. GentlePro is 100% whey partially hydrolyzed. Otherwise, the list of ingredients stays the same for all Good Start infant formulas.
When the announcement was made in September 2019, Gerber also announced the change from Soothe to SoothePro. While graphic and label changes were made to both GentlePro and SoothePro packaging, the canister ounces remained the same.
Gerber Good Start GentlePro Reviewed
Gerber Good Start GentlePro is available as powdered infant formula for babies from newborn to toddlerhood. It also comes as a “ready to feed” infant formula and concentrated liquid infant formula.
Types of Gerber Good Start products based on child’s milestones
When looking for the right formula for your child’s milestone, make sure you select the stage relevant to your baby’s age. Gerber Good Start GentlePro powder infant formula is available in the following stages:
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro Stage 1: Suitable for babies from 0 to 12 months old.
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro 2: Suitable for babies from 6 to 12 months old.
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro Toddler/Stage 3: Specially designed for toddlers from 12 to 24 months old.
Special note: Gerber Good Start range also includes SoothePro, Gentle Supreme, and Gentle Soy products which are specially designed for different needs. These products are completely different to GentlePro in the following ways:
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro: Specially designed for fussy babies battling with colic, gas, and reflux.
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Supreme: Provides advanced digestive support.
- Gerber Gentle Soy: Specially designed for babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk.
I went into detail on the differences between Gerber Soothe and Soothe Pro.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Gerber Good Start SoothePro range for your extra-sensitive baby, check out my article on Gerber Soothe Pro compared to Enfamil Gentlease. Other popular brands to compare are Similac Sensitive / Enfamil Gentlease for sensitive babies.
Ingredients of GentlePro
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The GentlePro Stage 1 and 2 ingredients include whey protein concentrate, vegetable oils, carbohydrates, water, linoleic acid, 15 vitamins, and 12 minerals. The nutritional quantities differ slightly depending on the stage. The product does contain milk and soy.
The GentlePro Toddler has different ingredients, with the nutrition formula specially tailored for this milestone. The list includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium plus a combination of 17 vitamins and minerals.
The Gerber Good Start GentlePro Ready to Feed Infant Formula has the same combination of ingredients. But, it comes fully prepared and all you have to do is transfer the contents into your baby’s bottle when you’re ready to feed. No water needs to be added to this pre-prepared formula.
The Gerber Good Start GentlePro Concentrated Liquid Formula has the same list of ingredients but you do need to add water to the mix before feeding your baby. Both of these products are specially designed for babies from newborn to 12 months old.
Features
Gerber Good Start formulas are specially designed to ensure your baby gets complete nutrition that supports your little one’s digestive health. Gerber Good Start GentlePro stands out for its formula being the closest to breastmilk.
Other features of GentlePro include:
- Small proteins make it easier for the baby’s tummy to digest.
- Contains a blend of DHA, probiotics (B. lactis)and prebiotics such as 2’- FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharide) that closely resembles human breast milk.
- Probiotics improve good bacteria in the stomach, encouraging a healthy gut.
- DHA promotes good eye and brain development.
- Non-GMO.
- Available in recyclable packaging with resealable lid.
- Formula promotes soft stools.
- Toddler formula includes the right balance of iron and DHA for optimal brain development.
Why consider it
If you’re looking for an infant formula that closely resembles breast milk, GentlePro is your best pick. It’s also specially designed to help your tiny baby’s digestive system to digest while minimizing side effects such as constipation.
The blend of ingredients supports both eye and brain development according to your little one’s milestone. And, the inclusion of probiotics promotes good gut health, lowering the risk of allergies while supporting your baby’s immune system.
The big advantage of using Gerber Good Start GentlePro powder infant formulas is that you can use them from newborn to when your toddler reaches two years old. This avoids the hassles of finding a new formula should your little one do well on GentlePro. You can also have peace of mind that your child is being fed with a balanced, complete nutritional formula that supports all their milestones up to 24 months old.
Pros
- Reduces gassiness and fussiness
- Reduces constipation and encourages regular movements
- Includes feeding scoop
- Good supplement to breastfeeding
Cons
- Feeding scoop too wide for some bottles
- Some babies don’t like the taste
Watch this video which highlights the benefits of adding probiotics to your newborn’s diet in the first three weeks.
FAQ
Is it OK to switch baby formula back and forth?
While some parents worry that their baby will battle with the switching of infant formula back and forth, in most cases few problems are experienced. It’s okay to switch baby formula especially if your little one isn’t doing as well on one formula compared to another.
Stool changes and some fussiness is normal until your baby adjusts to the change. However, if your baby continues to niggle when you introduce a new baby formula., consider a different product.
How long should you wait before switching formulas?
Your baby normally takes one to two weeks to adjust to a new formula. If after two weeks, they’re not settling down with the introduction of new baby formula, you can switch to another one. You can also switch cold turkey if a formula has been recalled for health and safety reasons. The best way to do this is to replace it with a formula as close to the one you’ve been using.
How do you know if the formula isn’t agreeing with the baby?
Your baby will show the following signs if a formula doesn’t agree with them:
- Excessive fussiness after feeding
- More spit up than usual
- Slower weight gain
- Bad constipation or excessively runny stools
- Development of allergies
Is Gerber Good Start GentlePro a good formula?
You can’t go wrong with Gerber Good Start GentlePro. It’s been carefully formulated to match the mother’s breastmilk. This means your baby is getting all the right nutrients for healthy growth and development.
It also includes probiotics and prebiotics for supporting digestion, giving your little one a headstart with a strong immune system and healthy gut. The GentlePro infant formula is also specially designed for different milestones, giving you peace of mind your baby has a balanced diet from newborn to toddlerhood. With all these pros, isn’t this what you expect from an infant formula?
Last update on 2024-07-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
