If you are looking for a suitable alternative to breast milk, here's our list of the best baby formulas to assist y'all out. The World Wellness Organization (WHO) recommends mothers to breastfeed babies for the first vi months of their lives (ane). Notwithstanding, when breastfeeding may not be possible due to medical or non-medical reasons, parents should look for baby formulas to help their child run across the daily nutrient intake. Baby formulas are designed to substitute for breast milk, containing all the essential nutrients in appropriate amounts.

Different types and brands are bachelor, making it difficult for new parents to choose the right formula for their children. So, our list includes detailed information with the pros and cons of each product to aid y'all choice a suitable one for your little one. However, consult your child's pediatrician before choosing any product.

Prophylactic Tips To Follow While Giving Formula To Your Babe

Annotation that baby formula is only an alternative food source for infants whose mothers cannot breastfeed and not a substitute for breast milk. Here are some precautions to go along in heed while using baby formula.

  • Always consult your pediatrician earlier starting a new baby formula or switching to another.
  • Acquire the pace feeding technique so that you do non overfeed the baby.
  • Advisedly read all the ingredients and look for ingredients that might cause allergy to your baby.
  • Do an allergy examination past giving small-scale amounts of the formula before feeding it through a bottle.
  • If your infant shows signs of allergy, such equally rashes, diarrhea, or constipation, discontinue the formula and try a new one after giving a gap of three to 4 days.
  • Check the death date on the parcel.
  • Strictly follow the mixing table guidelines and ever mix information technology right.
  • Give only freshly mixed formulas.
  • If you want it a few hours later, refrigerate the already prepared formula bottles in an insulated container.
  • E'er wash the bottles and nipples in hot h2o.

It is besides important to know about the different types and forms of baby formulas to choose the right one for your infant.

Types Of Babe Formulas

Based on the ingredients and method of preparation, baby formulas are of half-dozen types.

  1. Dairy-based: You should not requite moo-cow'southward milk to babies less than 12 months erstwhile equally they would not digest it. However, some formulas incorporate moo-cow's milk protein that is modified to exist digestible for babies. Milk, sugar, vegetable oils, and iron are as well added to brand it close to breastmilk.
  1. Non-dairy: This type of formula is usually fabricated of soy milk and best for babies who are intolerant to cow's milk. It is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Such formulas are only prescribed in a handful of cases, so always consult your pediatrician before going for ane.
  1. Organic: Some formulas are fabricated from ingredients produced without using pesticides or fertilizers, and do not comprise antibiotics or artificial growth hormones. Nonetheless, a few of these may incorporate sucrose, which might cause molar decay. So, cheque the labels before purchasing.
  1. Lactose-gratis: For babies who could exist lactose intolerant, lactose-free formulas are recommended. In these, sugar lactose is substituted with corn starch.
  1. Hydrolyzed: These are the formulas for infants who take metabolic disorders, allergies or problem digesting not-hydrolyzed formula. The proteins in such formulas are cleaved downwards into smaller proteins to make them piece of cake for the baby to assimilate. Ever consult your pediatrician before switching to a pre-digested formula.
  1. Special: Some formulas are designed for premature babies with allergies. These formulas are more often than not non-dairy, lactose-gratis, and pre-digested. These are not recommended unless the md prescribes it.

Based on the class, infant formulas come in three forms:

  1. Powder concentrate: Y'all demand to mix the pulverisation with water that has been boiled and cooled. Add water to the bottle get-go and then the formula. Gently mix together and feed your baby. The packs come with specific mixing instructions.
  1. Liquid: These formulas come in liquid form and some crave additional water to exist mixed in. These besides come with specific mixing instructions.
  1. Ready-to-feed: The pre-mixed formula can be straight fed without any mixing or diluting.

How To Ready Infant Formulas? Do You Need Bottled H2o?

Each production has its own grooming process, so check the package for instructions. Simply these are the common steps for preparation:

  1. Wash your hands well with warm water and soap.
  2. Take a sterilized bottle. Remember to sterilize the bottle, nipple, caps and rings in humid h2o after each usage.
  3. Add the required amount of the formula into the bottle. Seal the remaining production well and store it abroad from moisture and sunlight.
    • You tin apply a gear up-to-feed formula direct after pouring it into the bottle.
    • For a liquid concentrate, dilute the formula with clean water equally per the manufacturer'southward instructions.
    • If using a powder, scoop the right amount into the bottle and pour water. Add h2o in batches for fifty-fifty distribution of the formula.
  1. Attach the nipple, tighten it.
  2. If the formula is cold, you could try placing the bottle in warm water. Do non warm it in a microwave.
  3. Feed your child and discard the remaining formula in the canteen after each feed. Do not store this half-fed formula equally information technology could have been contaminated.
  4. Store freshly prepared formula in the refrigerator in a fresh container and characterization them with dates. Discard the formula if information technology hasn't been used for 48 hours.

To prepare babe formula, yous must apply clean h2o. You may use bottled h2o after boiling it. Pour the required amount of h2o in a pan, comprehend it with a hat and let it boil for two to 3 minutes. Check that the water is at room temperature earlier using it.

If using tap water, check for its fluoride content and avoid using if the levels are high. Tap h2o should also be boiled before using in formula.

How To Choose The Right Babe Formula?

You need to pay the utmost attention while choosing a babe formula. Here are a few things you need to look at while shopping for one.

    • Consult your pediatrician: The first and foremost rule is to consult your pediatrician, who volition examine your condition and your babe'due south wellness to prescribe the right formula.
    • Check for allergens: If your baby is allergic to sure substances, check the labels, and avoid baby formulas that contain them. Too, bank check with your doctor for special formulas if your baby is premature, allergic, or has digestive bug.
    • Nutrients and atomic number 26: Cull a formula that contains the necessary nutrients and iron that assist in the development of your baby during the initial days.

xv Best Baby Formulas

one. Baby's Only Organic Formula

Blazon: Dairy and non-dairy/ organic

Style: Concentrated powder

If y'all are looking for a baby formula that is organic and safe, check the Baby's Only Organic Formula. It is said to be made using organic ingredients and is costless of hormones, harmful pesticides, or fertilizers.

Benefits: The manufacturer claims that this formula contains organic DHA and ARA derived from egg phospholipids that back up the child'south brain and center development.

Ingredients: Made from natural ingredients like soy, dairy, and coconut, this baby formula is said to exist close to breast milk. It also comes in dairy, whey+dairy, and non-dairy variations (for lactose intolerant babies).

Pros

  • Organic
  • Gluten-free
  • Not-GMO ingredients
  • No harmful pesticides or hormones
  • Does not contain corn/glucose syrup, palm oil, and Hexane-processed DHA
  • BPA-free packaging
  • Non-hexane processed DHA for better absorption

Cons

  • May not exist suitable for some babies
  • Becomes frothy upon shaking

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two. Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula

Type: Dairy

Way: Powder concentrate

Similac is a infant formula that is said to be shut to breast milk and could exist a good supplement when the mother is unable to produce plenty breast milk.

Benefits: According to the manufacturer, this baby formula contains 2'-FL HMO, an immunity-boosting probiotic found in breastmilk. It likewise contains healthy DHA levels, lutein, and vitamin E that promote encephalon, centre, and bone development. The manufacturer further claims that many mothers reported reduced fussiness, gassiness, and spit-up after one day of using this best formula milk for babies.

Ingredients: This baby formula is milk-based and fortified with atomic number 26; it besides contains fructooligosaccharides, nucleotides, a alloy of DHA, Lutein, Vitamin Due east, and a palm olein oil-free fatty blend that is skillful for calcium absorption.

Pros

  • Said to be shut to breast milk
  • Not-GMO ingredients
  • No artificial growth hormones
  • Reduces fussiness and gas

Cons

  • Might accept a slight odor

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3. Burt'southward Bees Baby Formula

Type: Dairy

Style: Powder concentrate

Burt's Bees Baby formula is a nourishing alloy of vitamins D, E, and K. It contains age-advisable, balanced nutrients, promoting overall growth and evolution of your little 1.

Benefits: According to the manufacturer, this baby formula is gluten free and is skillful breast milk alternative. This lactose-based formula is easily digestible and supports physical growth.

Ingredients: Organic lactose, organic partially hydrolyzed whey protein, organic palm oil or palm olein, organic soy oil, organic coconut oil, organic loftier oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil, less than 1%: mortierella alpina oil, schizochytrium sp. Oil, vitamins and minerals.

Pros

  • Easily digestible
  • Less gassy
  • Not GMO product

Cons

  • Not suitable for children with galactosemia

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four. Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula

Type: Dairy/ Organic

Style: Powder concentrate

This is an organic baby formula made from cow'south milk. It is said to contain whey and casein protein in a ratio that brings it pretty close to chest milk. Certified by USDA Organic, this could be one of the all-time formula milk for babies with insufficient mother's milk.

Benefits: The manufacturer says this baby formula contains all the necessary nutrients required for the baby'south growth during the initial months. This best formula milk for babies contains Omega 3 DHA and Omega 6 ARA fatty acids that occur naturally in chest milk and support brain and eye development. It is also said to enhance immunity due to its fructooligosaccharides content.

Ingredients: Organic reduced mineral whey, organic nonfat milk, organic lactose, glucose syrup solids, organic palm oil, organic kokosnoot oil, organic soy oil, etc.

Pros

  • Easy to digest
  • Organic
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • No constructed growth hormones, pesticides, or fertilizers.
  • Kosher-friendly

Cons

  • Some babies may feel constipation
  • Can have a peculiar odour

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5. Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Milk

Type: Dairy

Style: Powder concentrate

This new formula milk for infants from Enfamil is said to exist fortified with brain-building nutrition that is found in chest milk. The manufacturer claims that information technology has been formulated through clinical research and is one of the best baby formulas for infants through 12 months whose mothers cannot breastfeed.

Benefits: According to the manufacturer, this babe formula contains a unique blend of brain nourishing DHA and MFGM in clinically recommended amounts. This formula is as well said to contain a dual prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS that supports your baby's immune organization.

Ingredients: Nonfat milk, Lactose, vegetable oil, whey poly peptide concentrate, essential minerals, and vitamins.

Pros

  • Comes in different forms of packaging to suit the needs of different users
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Easy-to-digest proteins

Cons

  • Tin cause constipation in some babies

vi. Enfamil Neuro Pro Gentlease Baby Formula

Type: Dairy/ hydrolyzed

Style: Powder concentrate

This is another variant of Enfamil designed to ease gas, fussiness, and crying in babies. It is formulated for infants up to 12 months.

Benefits: Similar to other Enfamil baby formulas, the Gentlease variant contains MFGM and DHA that support brain development. It also contains a probiotic blend that helps in the growth of your baby's immune system. Additionally, the manufacturer claims that Gentlease formula milk for newborns might help ease feeding issues like fussiness and gas in but 24 hours.

Ingredients: Corn Syrup solids, vegetable oils, partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk, whey poly peptide concentrate, whey protein-lipid concentrate, other essential vitamins, and minerals.

Pros

  • Comes in different packages for ease of utilize
  • Easily digestible ingredients
  • Gentle on your baby'due south stomach

Cons

  • Formula might be bubbly
  • May accept a peculiar odor

7. Similac Go & Grow

Type: Dairy/ Hydrolyzed

Style: Pulverization concentrate

If you have weaned your baby from breast milk and are looking for a balanced formula for your growing toddler, and then the Similac Become & Grow formula might just exist the ane.

Benefits: The manufacturer claims that this babe formula is 1 of the best toddler drinks with 25 vital nutrients, including iron, DHA, and vitamins C and Eastward that assistance in your toddler'southward brain and centre development. It also contains allowed-nourishing 2'- FL HMO.

Ingredients: Corn Maltodextrin, whey protein hydrolysate, high oleic sunflower oil, saccharide, soy oil, coconut oil, other essential minerals, and proteins.

Pros

  • Prebiotics to support digestion
  • Has vitamins establish in fish, spinach, and broccoli
  • Platonic for switching from baby formula to toddler formula
  • No artificial growth hormones
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Taste may not be agreeable to all toddlers

viii. Happy Baby Organic Babe Formula

Type: Dairy/Organic

Style: Pulverisation concentrate

This baby formula is said to be made of organic ingredients and formulated for babies of six months and higher up. Certified organic by the USDA, the Happy Babe Organic Infant Formula could be ideal for babies whose mothers cannot breastfeed them.

Benefits: It is made from organic ingredients and contains lactose, which is like to that found in breast milk. It also includes key vitamins and minerals that are found naturally in breast milk. This formula comes with a blend of four or more prebiotics, to promote a healthy gut.

Ingredients: Organic lactose, organic nonfat milk, organic palm olein, organic soy oil, organic coconut oil, organic whey poly peptide concentrate, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Pros

  • Made of organically sourced ingredients
  • Gentle on your baby's breadbasket
  • Formulated to be similar breast milk
  • Non-GMO and gluten-gratis ingredients
  • No corn syrup solids

Cons

  • Formula might be too bubbly
  • May have a peculiar odor

9. Similac Advance Infant Formula

Type: Dairy

Style: Powder concentrate

Similac infant formula could exist your pick if you are looking for a complete nutrition-based formula for your baby's initial years.

Benefits: The manufacturer claims that this formula contains no artificial hormones. It also contains OptiGRO, an exclusive blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E that supports the encephalon, eye, and cell development.

Ingredients: Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, loftier oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and other essential minerals and vitamins.

Pros

  • No artificial growth hormones
  • Nutritionally complete formula
  • Exclusive alloy of nutrients found in breast milk

Cons

  • May non suit all babies

10. Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Infant Formula

Blazon: Not-dairy/ Hydrolyzed

Mode: Powder concentrate

If you lot cannot breastfeed your baby, this baby formula might aid. The make claims that the formula is clinically proven to relieve allergy symptoms acquired past cow'southward milk.

Benefits: According to the manufacturer, the Enfamil baby formula contains a baby probiotic named LGG, which is known for managing allergy and supporting digestive health. This formula is too known to provide immune support without any allergic response when the baby goes back to consuming cow's milk. It is lactose-costless and contains important nutrients similar omega 3 DHA, ARA, and Choline that support encephalon development.

Ingredients: Corn syrup solids, vegetable oil, casein hydrolysate, modified corn starch, mortierella Alpina oil, Crypthecodinium cohnii oil, and other vitamins and minerals.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic baby formula
  • Lactose and sucrose-complimentary
  • Fast relief from colic due to cow's milk
  • No artificial growth hormones

Cons

  • Formula might have a peculiar odor
  • A little expensive than the rest

11. Neocate Infant Babe Formula

Blazon: Non-dairy

Style: Pulverisation concentrate

This formula is for babies who are hypoallergenic to cow's milk and accept other food allergies as well. It is a non-dairy formula made in a dairy-free facility.

Benefits: This infant formula could exist the best baby milk formula if you are unable to breastfeed and if your baby is hypoallergenic to cow'south milk. According to the manufacturer, the Neocate infant formula is less allergenic than other formulas and also contains all the essentials for your baby'south growth and evolution.

Ingredients: Corn syrup solids, refined vegetable oil, high oleic sunflower oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dairy-free
  • Soy oil-free
  • No artificial colors or flavors

Cons

  • Formula may exist too thick to pass through the bottle nipples
  • May have a peculiar aroma

12. Gerber Good Showtime Pulverization Infant Formula

Type: Dairy

Style: Pulverisation concentrate

Formulated for infants aged zero to twelve months, this babe formula is designed to be close to breast milk composition. The manufacturer also claims that this formula might assistance in relieving fussiness and colic in babies.

Benefits: Available in pulverization concentrate, this baby formula might exist able to provide the necessary nutrients to babies who are not able to breastfeed. The product contains prebiotics that help in growth of beneficial gut microbes. It contains specially designed proteins and probiotics that are easily digestible; it also contains DHA, 2' FL- HMO, and other nutrients that support the allowed arrangement, middle, and brain development.

Ingredients: Corn Maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate, vegetable oils, and other nutrients and minerals.

Pros

  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • No artificial growth hormones
  • No genetically engineered ingredients
  • Specially designed chapeau to lock the freshness

Cons

  • Some babies may experience constipation

13. Love & Care Gentle Infant Formula

Blazon: Dairy/Hydrolyzed

Style: Powder concentrate

Looking for formula milk that is gentle on your baby's stomach? Then endeavor the Dearest & Care formula that contains easily digestible proteins.

Benefits: The manufacturer says this infant formula contains all the nutrients needed for your baby's growth during the first 12 months. Information technology is designed to exist close to breast milk and contains nutrients like DHA, omega-3 fat acids, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. It also contains moo-cow's milk proteins cleaved into smaller parts to make them easily digestible for babies.

Ingredients: Corn syrup, nonfat milk, palm olein, partially hydrolyzed whey, soy oil, coconut oil, high oleic oil, Mortierella Alpina oil, crypthecodinium cohnii oil, and other necessary minerals and nutrients.

Pros

  • Triple-care formula for brain development, amnesty, and growth
  • Easy-to-digest; helps in reducing colic and fussiness
  • 25% less lactose than other formulas
  • Non-GMO ingredients

Cons

  • Might have a peculiar aroma

14. Alfamino Baby Formula

Type: Non-dairy

Style: Pulverisation concentrate

This hypoallergenic infant formula could be one of the best formula milk options for babies who are allergic to cow's proteins or have multiple allergies and malabsorptive atmospheric condition. It is designed for babies aged zilch to 12 months of historic period.

Benefits: According to the manufacturer, this baby formula is dairy-free and is suitable for babies with allergies. It is also said to be nutrient-rich to support your baby'due south growth. The formula'due south unique fatty blend contains medium-chain triglycerides to assist fat assimilation.

Ingredients: Corn syrup solids, medium-concatenation triglycerides, vegetable oils, potato starch, and other important nutrients and minerals.

Pros

  • Lactose- and gluten-free
  • Easy-to-digest
  • Helpful for babies with allergies

Cons

  • May not be suitable for some babies

15. Mama Carry Gentle Babe Formula Milk

Type: Dairy/ Hydrolyzed

Style: Pulverization concentrate

If you lot are not able to breastfeed your baby, and then this babe formula might assistance y'all provide the required nutrients during the initial months. This infant formula is gentle on your Baby's developing digestive system and meets the diet and quality standards of the FDA.

Benefits: According to the manufacturer, this babe formula is said to exist shut to chest milk and is also easy-to-digest by newborns. Information technology contains DHA, vitamins, and minerals that help in brain development and besides supports the immune organisation and growth.

Ingredients: Corn syrup, nonfat milk, palm olein, partially hydrolyzed whey, soy oil, coconut oil, high oleic oil, and other nutrients and minerals.

Pros

  • Helps reduce colic, fussiness, and crying
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Meets quality standards set by the FDA
  • Comes in an easy-to-store bundle

Cons

  • May not suit all babies

Oftentimes Asked Questions

1. Can formula cause constipation?

Baby formula may cause constipation in a few babies equally information technology contains larger proteins. These larger proteins may crusade GI disturbances with constipation existence one of them. Constipation may also occur with a change in the feeding formula.

2. Is it safe to mix breastmilk and formula in the same bottle?

Although you tin mix breastmilk and formula, it is a wastage of the former. Breast milk is customized diet for the baby. Also, both have different shelf-life and by combining you may contaminate either of them.

3. How much formula should I feed my infant?

During the showtime month, a baby may consume upward to ii to four ounces with six to 8 feedings a day. Their requirement may gradually increase by one or two ounces from the second month. Afterwards the 6th month, the formula feeding is to be supplemented with solid foods (1).

iii. How to find baby formula when your store is out of stock in this pandemic time?

If there's been a shortage of formula at your local store, bank check the manufacturer's website. Apart from local stores, drug stores and baby stores take infant formulas. If yous cannot find the aforementioned brand or type, consult your pediatrician to know the alternatives. Yous may as well try checking the online stores.

Baby formula can exist a boon when the mother is unable to breastfeed. Yet, it should never be used as a substitute for mother'south milk. In instance your pediatrician prescribes a baby formula for your child, make sure you check all the ingredients and follow the instructions earlier feeding the baby. Also, closely monitor your baby if it is the get-go time yous are giving formula or changing the brand.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Vibha Navarathna is a certified author, with special prowess in informative content, she enjoys learning new things to curate well-researched manufactures for our readers. Her experience as a female parent adds value to her articles on infant products and wellness. For new parents, Vibha has compiled this listing of the best baby formulas and also included safety tips, ownership guide, types of formulas, and a preparation guide to help you through the process. The products listed here have been added after careful consideration to ensure your child's prophylactic and proficient health.

References:

MomJunction'due south manufactures are written after analyzing the research works of skilful authors and institutions. Our references consist of resource established by authorities in their respective fields. You can larn more about the authenticity of the data we present in our editorial policy.

  1. Feeding Guide For The First Year.
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/feeding-guide-for-the-first-year

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Mindy Cockeram is a Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educator currently residing in Southern California, where she teaches at a non-profit hospital. Her career began after the nascence of her second child when she inverse career direction and trained as an antenatal teacher with the National Childbirth Trust in London, England. She taught childbirth classes for both the Wimbledon & Wandsworth Branch... more

Vibha is a coder turned content writer. She holds a Masters degree in Estimator Applications and a certificate in 'Introduction To Child Psychology'. Her passion for writing fresh and informative content made her a total-time writer. Holding certifications in content writing and creative writing, she writes on electronics and baby products for MomJunction. Apart from work, Vibha is plant reading... more