Infant formula, Gerber Good Start Gentle, Stage 1, powder, made with tap water
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a gentle, easy-to-digest infant formula powder designed to be mixed with tap water, creating a complete meal for babies. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a smooth, non-gritty texture when properly mixed. Nutritionally, it provides a balanced profile of 66 kcal per 100g, with carbohydrates from lactose and a blend of whey and casein proteins.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 45% carbs · 46% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents appreciate its reputation for reducing fussiness and gas in sensitive infants. The reliable, consistent nutrition and ease of preparation make it a trusted staple in many households.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a formula, it lacks the unique antibodies and live enzymes found in breast milk. Some babies may have sensitivities to its specific protein blend or added sugars, so consulting a pediatrician is advised if digestive issues persist.
Key benefits
- Gentle on sensitive tummies with partially hydrolyzed proteins
- Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
- Fortified with iron, calcium, and essential vitamins
- Designed to mimic the nutrient profile of breast milk
- Convenient and shelf-stable powder format
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Gentle' in its name refers to the use of partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which is broken down into smaller pieces to make it easier for a baby's developing digestive system to process.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.4 g |
| Energy | 66.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 47.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.99 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 25.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 71.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 21.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.53 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 6.5 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 0.69 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 17.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.22 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.22 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 60.0 ug |
| Retinol | 60.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.58 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.58 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.3 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.4 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.74 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.13 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.65 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.56 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Can I use distilled or purified water instead of tap water?
Yes, you can use distilled, purified, or previously boiled and cooled water. The label specifies tap water for general preparation, but any safe drinking water is acceptable.
How long does prepared formula last?
Once mixed, it should be used within 1 hour at room temperature or stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Discard any unused formula after that time.
Is this formula suitable for lactose-intolerant infants?
No, this formula contains lactose as its primary carbohydrate source. For lactose intolerance, a specialized lactose-free formula would be required.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.66 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 7.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.30 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.