ByHeart Formula vs Gerber Good Start SoothePro (2026): Which Formula Is Better?

📚 What Makes These Formulas Different

ByHeart Whole Milk Infant Formula (~$36 for 24 oz) is a premium standard formula. It uses intact whole milk protein processed gently to preserve milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), adds lactoferrin — a key immune protein found in breast milk — and uses 100% organic lactose as its carbohydrate. ByHeart is designed for healthy, full-term infants whose parents want top-tier ingredients.

Gerber Good Start SoothePro (~$32 for 30.6 oz) is a comfort formula designed specifically for colic, excessive crying, fussiness, and gas. Its defining feature is 100% whey protein that has been partially hydrolyzed — enzymatically broken into smaller peptide chains that are faster and easier to digest than intact proteins. SoothePro also contains the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri DSM 17938), which has clinical evidence for reducing colic symptoms.

• ByHeart's focus: Premium ingredients (MFGM, lactoferrin, organic lactose) for overall nutrition quality
• SoothePro's focus: Digestive comfort through pre-broken protein and a clinically studied probiotic
• Both are standard cow's milk formulas — neither is hypoallergenic or suitable for confirmed CMPA

🔬 Ingredient Breakdown

Understanding exactly what's in each can helps you make an informed choice based on your baby's specific digestive needs.

• Protein: ByHeart uses intact whole milk protein with added whey protein concentrate — proteins in their natural, unmodified form. SoothePro uses 100% whey protein that has been partially hydrolyzed into smaller peptides. Both contain cow's milk protein; SoothePro's is just pre-broken for easier digestion.
• Fat: ByHeart includes MFGM from whole milk (a complex lipid linked to brain development in studies) plus DHA/ARA from algal and fungal oils. SoothePro uses a blend of palm olein, soy, coconut, and high-oleic safflower oils with added DHA and ARA. No MFGM in SoothePro.
• Carbohydrate: ByHeart uses 100% organic lactose — closest to breast milk's sugar profile. SoothePro uses 30% lactose and 70% corn maltodextrin. The reduced lactose helps babies who experience temporary lactose sensitivity during digestive upset.
• Probiotic: ByHeart contains no probiotics. SoothePro includes L. reuteri DSM 17938, the most-studied probiotic strain for infant colic, with evidence from over 12 randomized controlled trials.
• Special addition: ByHeart adds lactoferrin (1.2 mg per fl oz), an iron-binding breast milk protein with antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties. SoothePro adds 2'-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharide), a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

💰 Price and Value Comparison

SoothePro is actually the more budget-friendly option here, which matters if you're buying formula every week for months.

• ByHeart: ~$36 for 24 oz. Makes approximately 175 fl oz of prepared formula. Cost per prepared fl oz: ~$0.21. Monthly cost: ~$145–$160.
• Gerber SoothePro: ~$32 for 30.6 oz. Makes approximately 214 fl oz of prepared formula. Cost per prepared fl oz: ~$0.15. Monthly cost: ~$105–$120.
• Savings with SoothePro: About $40–$50/month cheaper than ByHeart, or roughly $480–$600 saved over a year of formula feeding
• Availability: Both are widely available at US retailers. SoothePro is stocked at virtually every grocery store, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. ByHeart is available at Target, Amazon, Walmart.com, and direct from byheart.com.

🍼 Digestibility: How Each Formula Performs in Real Life

Parents' day-to-day experience with each formula's digestibility varies based on their baby's age and gut maturity.

• ByHeart stool pattern: Many parents report soft, seedy, mustard-yellow stools — similar to breastfed babies — thanks to the 100% lactose and MFGM. Stool frequency is typically 1–4 times per day in the first few months.
• SoothePro stool pattern: Stools tend to be looser and greenish due to the hydrolyzed protein and reduced lactose content. This is completely normal for comfort formulas and not a sign of illness.
• Gas and fussiness: SoothePro's pre-broken protein is digested faster, which can reduce gas bubble formation in the gut. The L. reuteri probiotic takes 7–14 days to colonize and show effects — give it at least 2 weeks before deciding it isn't working.
• Spit-up: Neither formula is specifically anti-reflux (neither contains rice starch thickener). If reflux is the primary concern, ask your pediatrician about Enfamil AR or adding rice cereal to formula under medical supervision.

🏆 Which Formula Should You Choose?

The decision comes down to whether your baby is generally comfortable or actively struggling with digestive symptoms.

• Choose ByHeart if: Your baby is feeding well without excessive crying, gas, or discomfort. You want premium ingredients — MFGM, lactoferrin, 100% lactose — and your baby's digestion doesn't need extra help. ByHeart is the higher-quality formula from a pure nutrition standpoint.
• Choose Gerber SoothePro if: Your baby shows signs of colic (extended inconsolable crying), excessive gas, or visible feeding discomfort. The partially hydrolyzed protein, L. reuteri probiotic, and reduced lactose are all designed to address these specific issues. It's also $40–$50/month cheaper.
• Consider starting with ByHeart and switching to SoothePro only if digestive issues emerge. Most babies (85%+) do fine on standard intact-protein formulas. There's no benefit to partially hydrolyzed protein for a baby without digestive symptoms.
• Consider starting with SoothePro if your baby is already showing colic symptoms or if there's a family history of formula intolerance. Once colic resolves (typically by 3–4 months), you can transition to ByHeart for its superior ingredient profile.