Enfamil A2 vs Gerber Good Start GentlePro (2026): Which Formula Is Better?
Two popular gentle formulas that tackle digestive discomfort differently — Enfamil A2 changes the protein source, while Gerber GentlePro breaks standard protein down and adds a probiotic.
📋 Quick Snapshot: Enfamil A2 vs Gerber GentlePro
Both Enfamil A2 and Gerber Good Start GentlePro are designed for babies who are fussy, gassy, or uncomfortable on standard formula. But they use completely different strategies to address that discomfort. Understanding the mechanism behind each one helps you make a more targeted choice for your baby.
- Enfamil A2: ~$35 for 27 oz (~$1.30/oz). Uses A2 beta-casein protein from DNA-tested cows, partially hydrolyzed. Includes 2'-FL HMO prebiotic. Carbs: lactose + corn syrup solids
- Gerber GentlePro: ~$28 for 20 oz (~$1.40/oz). Uses standard whey protein, partially hydrolyzed into "comfort proteins." Includes Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic and 2'-FL HMO. Carbs: 70% lactose + 30% corn maltodextrin
- Key distinction: Enfamil A2 targets the protein type (A2 vs A1). Gerber GentlePro targets protein size (hydrolyzed into smaller pieces) plus gut flora (probiotic)
- Both are partially hydrolyzed — neither is suitable for babies with diagnosed CMPA (cow's milk protein allergy)
🧬 How Enfamil A2's Protein Approach Works
Enfamil A2 focuses on the source of the protein. Most cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein. When A1 beta-casein is digested, it can release BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7), a bioactive peptide linked to slower gut transit, increased inflammation, and digestive discomfort in some individuals. A2 beta-casein has a proline at position 67 instead of histidine, which prevents BCM-7 from forming.
- A2-only protein source: Milk comes from cows DNA-verified to produce exclusively A2 beta-casein
- Partially hydrolyzed on top of A2: The A2 casein is also broken into medium-sized peptides for additional digestive ease
- 2'-FL HMO prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacteria) — but no added probiotic bacteria
- Best for babies whose discomfort is specifically triggered by A1 protein — if removing A1 resolves symptoms, you've found the cause
🦠 How Gerber GentlePro's Comfort Protein + Probiotic Works
Gerber GentlePro takes a two-pronged approach. First, it partially hydrolyzes standard whey protein into what Gerber brands as "comfort proteins" — smaller peptide chains that require less digestive work. Second, it adds Lactobacillus reuteri, a well-studied probiotic strain clinically shown to reduce crying time in colicky infants.
- Comfort Proteins: Standard whey protein broken into smaller peptides through partial hydrolysis — easier to digest but still contains both A1 and A2 protein fragments
- L. reuteri DSM 17938 probiotic: This specific strain has been studied in multiple randomized controlled trials. A 2014 Pediatrics meta-analysis found it reduced crying time by an average of 51 minutes per day in colicky breastfed infants
- 2'-FL HMO prebiotic works alongside the probiotic — the prebiotic feeds beneficial bacteria while the probiotic adds more of them
- Whey-dominant protein (rather than casein-dominant) — whey digests faster than casein, spending less time in the stomach
- 70% lactose / 30% corn maltodextrin carb blend — retains most of the lactose found in breast milk while using maltodextrin for easy calorie delivery
💰 Price and Value Comparison
Both formulas are competitively priced in the gentle formula category — significantly cheaper than hypoallergenic options like Nutramigen (~$45/19.8 oz) but moderately more than standard formulas.
- Enfamil A2: ~$35 for 27 oz ($1.30/oz). Subscribe-and-save on Amazon drops it to ~$30. Available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Walgreens
- Gerber GentlePro: ~$28 for 20 oz ($1.40/oz). Frequent coupons and Gerber MyGerber+ rewards program. Available at nearly every US grocery store, pharmacy, and mass retailer
- Monthly cost: Enfamil A2 ~$140-175/month. Gerber GentlePro ~$145-185/month. Nearly identical on a monthly basis
- WIC coverage: Both are WIC-eligible in most states. Gerber GentlePro has slightly wider WIC acceptance due to Gerber's existing WIC contracts
- Store-brand equivalent: Several store brands mimic GentlePro's partially hydrolyzed whey + probiotic formula at 20-30% less. No store brands currently replicate Enfamil A2's A2-specific protein
⚖️ Nutritional Comparison
Both are nutritionally complete and provide 20 kcal per fluid ounce. The meaningful differences are in protein type, carbohydrate source, and probiotic/prebiotic content.
- Protein: Enfamil A2 — A2 casein, partially hydrolyzed. Gerber GentlePro — standard whey, partially hydrolyzed. Neither is suitable for confirmed CMPA
- Carbs: Enfamil A2 uses lactose + corn syrup solids. Gerber GentlePro uses 70% lactose + 30% corn maltodextrin. GentlePro retains more lactose (closer to breast milk)
- Fat: Both use similar vegetable oil blends (palm olein, soy, coconut, high-oleic sunflower)
- Prebiotics: Both include 2'-FL HMO
- Probiotics: Only Gerber GentlePro contains L. reuteri. Enfamil A2 has no added probiotic
- DHA/ARA: Both included at comparable levels for brain and eye development
🏆 Which Formula Should You Choose?
The right pick depends on what you think is causing your baby's discomfort and what gentle approach you want to try first.
- Choose Gerber GentlePro if: You want a broad-spectrum gentle formula. The combination of hydrolyzed protein + L. reuteri probiotic + HMO addresses multiple potential causes of fussiness (protein digestion, gut flora, and immune function) simultaneously
- Choose Enfamil A2 if: Your baby tried a partially hydrolyzed formula (like GentlePro) without improvement, and you suspect the A1 protein type itself is the issue. Or if you specifically want A2-sourced milk based on family digestive history with A1 dairy
- For colicky babies: Gerber GentlePro's L. reuteri probiotic has the stronger clinical evidence for reducing colic-related crying
- For gassy babies on standard Enfamil: Try Enfamil A2 first since you're already in the Enfamil ecosystem — the transition is smoother between same-brand formulas
- For budget-conscious families: Both cost roughly the same monthly. Gerber GentlePro edges ahead with more frequent coupons, store-brand alternatives, and broader WIC coverage
🔄 What If Neither Works?
If your baby remains uncomfortable after 2-week trials on both Enfamil A2 and Gerber GentlePro, the issue likely goes beyond protein type or mild sensitivity. Here's the next step ladder.
- Discuss with your pediatrician before further formula changes — persistent symptoms may warrant testing for CMPA, lactose intolerance, or reflux
- Extensively hydrolyzed formula (Nutramigen or Alimentum) is the next step up — protein broken down to under 3 kDa for babies with true protein allergy
- Amino acid formula (EleCare, PurAmino) is the final tier for the 5-10% of CMPA babies who don't tolerate even extensively hydrolyzed formulas
- Consider non-protein causes: Reflux (may need thickened formula or medication), true lactose intolerance (rare in infants but possible), or overfeeding (common and easily fixed with pacing)