Gerber GoodStart GentlePro vs Gerber GoodStart SoothePro (2026): Which Formula Is Better?
These are two of the most similar formulas on the market. Both use Gerber's Comfort Proteins (partially hydrolyzed whey), both include probiotic L. reuteri, and both contain HMOs. The differences are subtle but matter if your baby has colic specifically. Here's when to use each one.
By TeachToddler Editorial Team · Updated April 11, 2026 · Formula Comparison
🍼 Quick Snapshot: GentlePro vs SoothePro
If you put these two formulas side by side, you would struggle to find major differences. They share the same protein type, the same probiotic strain, and the same HMO. The distinction is primarily in the degree of protein hydrolysis, the carbohydrate blend, and the intended clinical use.
- GentlePro: ~$28 per 20 oz tub. 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (Comfort Proteins). Probiotic L. reuteri DSM 17938. 2'-FL HMO. DHA + ARA. Lactose + corn maltodextrin. Designed for mild fussiness, gas, and everyday digestive comfort.
- SoothePro: ~$32 per 20 oz tub. 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (Comfort Proteins). Probiotic L. reuteri DSM 17938. 2'-FL HMO. DHA + ARA. Corn maltodextrin + lactose (maltodextrin listed first, suggesting a higher proportion). Designed specifically for colic and excessive crying.
- Price difference: SoothePro costs about $4 more per tub (~$0.20/oz more). Over a year, that adds up to roughly $75–$100 extra.
- Similarity level: These formulas share approximately 90%+ of their ingredient list. The differences are in ratios and degrees, not in fundamental composition.
The Simple Rule: Start with GentlePro for mild fussiness and gas. Step up to SoothePro only if your baby meets the criteria for colic (excessive crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week) and GentlePro alone is not providing enough relief. There is no need to start with SoothePro if your baby's discomfort is mild.
🔍 What They Share (Almost Everything)
Understanding what these formulas have in common is essential to understanding why the choice between them is often less important than parents think.
- Comfort Proteins: Both use 100% whey protein that has been partially hydrolyzed (broken into smaller peptides). This is Gerber's core gentle-digestion technology. The smaller protein fragments form a softer curd in the stomach, reducing gas and digestive strain.
- Probiotic L. reuteri DSM 17938: Both contain the exact same probiotic strain at comparable levels. L. reuteri is clinically proven to reduce crying time in colicky infants and improve overall gut microbiome balance.
- 2'-FL HMO: Both include this human milk oligosaccharide, which acts as a prebiotic — feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting immune development.
- DHA and ARA: Both include DHA (from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil) and ARA (from Mortierella alpina oil) for brain and eye development.
- Fat blend: Both use palm olein, soy, coconut, and high-oleic safflower oils.
- Vitamins and minerals: Both meet the same FDA-required levels for iron, calcium, vitamin D, and all other essential nutrients.
🔬 The Subtle Differences That Matter
Despite the overwhelming similarities, there are real differences between GentlePro and SoothePro that explain why Gerber sells them as separate products.
- Degree of protein hydrolysis: SoothePro's whey protein may be broken into slightly smaller peptide fragments than GentlePro's. While both are "partially hydrolyzed," the hydrolysis process is a spectrum — SoothePro sits slightly further along it. Smaller peptides can be even easier to digest for babies with more severe discomfort.
- Carbohydrate balance: GentlePro lists lactose before corn maltodextrin in its ingredient list, meaning lactose is the primary carbohydrate. SoothePro lists corn maltodextrin before lactose, meaning it has a higher proportion of maltodextrin and less lactose. Maltodextrin is easier to digest than lactose for babies with mild lactose sensitivity and produces less gas during fermentation.
- Clinical positioning: GentlePro is marketed for "everyday fussiness, crying, and gas." SoothePro is marketed for "excessive crying and colic" — a more severe clinical condition. This positioning reflects the slightly more aggressive digestive-comfort profile of SoothePro.
- Price: SoothePro's ~$32 vs GentlePro's ~$28 reflects its specialty positioning and potentially higher manufacturing cost for more intensive hydrolysis.
😢 Understanding Colic vs General Fussiness
The choice between GentlePro and SoothePro hinges on whether your baby has everyday fussiness or true colic. These are different conditions that warrant different intervention levels.
- General fussiness (GentlePro territory): Your baby cries more than you expected but is generally consolable. Gas is noticeable — grunting, straining, drawing up legs — but passes. Spit-up is present but not excessive. Your baby is gaining weight normally and has periods of contentment between fussy episodes.
- Colic (SoothePro territory): Defined by the Wessel criteria — crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks. Crying episodes are intense, often in the evening, and your baby is difficult to console. Between episodes, your baby may be perfectly fine — which is maddening but actually a good sign (it rules out more serious conditions).
- When it is neither (doctor territory): If your baby is losing weight, has blood in stool, vomits forcefully, or has severe eczema alongside crying, the issue may be cow's milk protein allergy rather than colic. Neither GentlePro nor SoothePro is sufficient for CMPA — you would need Gerber Extensive HA or a similar hypoallergenic formula.
✅ Which Formula Should You Choose?
Given how similar these formulas are, the decision framework is straightforward.
- Start with GentlePro if: Your baby is fussy, gassy, or uncomfortable but does not have severe, inconsolable crying episodes. GentlePro costs $4 less per tub and provides the same core ingredients. It resolves digestive discomfort for the majority of mildly fussy babies.
- Step up to SoothePro if: Your baby has true colic — intense, prolonged crying episodes that GentlePro has not adequately resolved after 1 to 2 weeks. The slightly more hydrolyzed protein and higher maltodextrin ratio in SoothePro may provide the extra digestive relief that pushes your baby past the threshold of comfort.
- If SoothePro does not work either: After 2 weeks on SoothePro with no improvement, talk to your pediatrician. The next steps typically include ruling out CMPA with an elimination trial on an extensively hydrolyzed formula (Gerber Extensive HA, Nutramigen, or Alimentum) or investigating non-formula causes of colic.
- If GentlePro works fine: There is no reason to "upgrade" to SoothePro. You are spending more money for marginal differences that your baby does not need. Stick with what works.
Parent Reality Check: Colic peaks around 6 weeks of age and typically resolves by 3 to 4 months regardless of formula choice. While SoothePro can reduce symptom severity during this period, colic is ultimately a self-limiting condition. If your baby is gaining weight, producing adequate wet and dirty diapers, and is content between crying episodes, the prognosis is excellent — even if the current phase feels endless.
📋 Quick Decision Checklist
Use this checklist to determine which Gerber formula fits your baby's current situation.
- Baby is mildly fussy with occasional gas? GentlePro.
- Baby cries more than 3 hours/day, more than 3 days/week? SoothePro.
- Baby was on GentlePro for 2+ weeks with no improvement? Try SoothePro.
- Baby was on SoothePro for 2+ weeks with no improvement? Consult pediatrician — may need Extensive HA.
- Baby has blood in stool, severe eczema, or vomiting? Skip both — see your pediatrician about hypoallergenic formula.
- Baby is happy and gaining weight on either formula? Stay on whichever one you are using. Do not switch for the sake of switching.