Is Similac Alimentum Infant Formula Worth It for a Colicky Baby?
Worth it, but only for the right kind of fussy
around $65price at time of review — check Amazon for current
- Worth it ifYour pediatrician has flagged a possible cow's milk protein allergy or sensitivity
- Skip it ifYour baby is feeding and settling fine on a standard formula
Amazon shoppers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 601 ratings. That is their number, not ours.
By Hannah Whitmore, baby & nursery · updated 2026-07-28
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Picture the 3 a.m. feed: your baby's back arches, knees pull up, and that little face scrunches into a cry that doesn't let up no matter how you rock. You've already swapped bottles, changed positions, burped twice as often, and it's the same tight, gassy misery every time. Somewhere in the pediatrician's office, someone mentioned a milk protein sensitivity and handed you a can of Similac infant formula that costs noticeably more than the one already in your pantry. The real question isn't whether it's pricier, it's whether it will actually make the crying stop.
Here's what's actually happening in that tiny gut. Regular formula uses whole cow's milk protein, and in some babies the immune system reads those protein molecules as intruders and mounts a small reaction, which shows up as colic, spit-up, or a rash. Similac Alimentum takes that same milk protein and breaks it down, extensively hydrolyzes it, into pieces so small the immune system mostly stops flagging them as a threat. That's the whole trick behind the word hypoallergenic on the can: it's not a different ingredient, it's the same protein cut down to a size your baby's body can wave through instead of fighting. Similac also adds 2'-FL HMO, an ingredient naturally found in breast milk that's thought to support gut and immune development, layered on top of the hydrolyzed base. Because digestion, not allergy management, is the actual mechanism, the brand's own testing suggests symptoms can start easing within about a day for babies whose colic is tied to protein sensitivity, not the general gas and overtiredness every newborn has anyway.
So you're not buying a fancier formula, you're buying a smaller protein, sized down until your baby's gut stops treating dinner like a threat. If the crying really is protein-driven, that's the whole ballgame. If it's just normal newborn gas and overtiredness, no amount of hydrolyzing will fix that.
Worth it if
- Your pediatrician has flagged a possible cow's milk protein allergy or sensitivity
- Your baby's colic and spit-up line up with protein intolerance rather than general newborn fussiness
- You want the immune-supporting 2'-FL HMO ingredient alongside the hydrolyzed protein
Skip it if
- Your baby is feeding and settling fine on a standard formula
- You haven't discussed a formula switch with your pediatrician yet
- Budget is tight and there's no diagnosed sensitivity driving the switch
Not for babies without a diagnosed or suspected milk protein sensitivity, standard formula is cheaper and works fine for typical newborn fussiness.
If your pediatrician suspects a milk protein sensitivity and wants you to try a hydrolyzed formula, this is a quiet yes, and it's worth sticking with it a full week before judging. If your baby is feeding and settling fine on a standard formula, save the extra cost and don't fix what isn't broken. Either way, treat a formula switch as something to run past your pediatrician first, not something to diagnose from one bad night.
Check price on Amazon · around $65 or Add it to your Amazon cart to sit on it
Before you go
Is Similac Alimentum good for newborns?
Yes, it's formulated for newborns and up, specifically aimed at babies whose colic or fussiness is tied to a cow's milk protein sensitivity rather than general newborn gas.
Which formula is better, Alimentum or Nutramigen?
Both are extensively hydrolyzed formulas built for milk protein sensitivity, and the difference usually comes down to how a specific baby tolerates each one's exact protein breakdown and taste, which is why pediatricians often suggest trying one before the other.
Why was Similac Alimentum recalled?
Similac's powder formulas have had voluntary recalls tied to manufacturing plant contamination concerns rather than the recipe itself, so it's worth checking the current lot number against Similac's recall page before buying.
Full spec sheet
| Package Dimensions | 5.12 x 5.12 x 4.49 inches; 1.46 pounds |
|---|---|
| Units | 19.8 Ounce |
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