Quick Summary: Selecting the best formula milk for babies can sometimes prove to be a daunting task, especially during the first six months after giving birth. Generally, choosing the right formula will help you offer your best baby formula. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula works the best for your child since it is organic and easy to digest, doesn’t contain synthetic growth hormones, fertilizers, or pesticides, and contains ingredients that are not genetically modified.
Although health professionals believe breast milk has the best nutrition for an infant, breastfeeding is not always possible for every woman. The decision to use formula milk or breastfeed is mostly based on particular medical situations, lifestyles, or comfort levels. That’s why we have come up with the 10 best baby formulas. Read on to find out more.
When choosing your baby’s formula, you first need to decide on the type of base ingredients your baby needs. To ensure you offer your infant the right base ingredients, contact your doctor for guidance.
Some common base ingredients include cow milk, soy milk, and lactose-free milk. Dairy milk is generally the least expensive and the most commonly used type of baby formula. Besides a formula’s base ingredients, you need to consider the formula style and additional benefits and nutrition.
Formula styles vary to increase the convenience of use. The best organic baby formula available for infant formulas include powder concentrate formula, ready-to-use baby formula, and liquid concentrated formula. Powder concentrate formula comes in a canister and needs to be mixed with some water before feeding your baby.
It’s the most economical and widely used infant formula. As the name suggests, the ready-to-use baby formula is highly convenient for use – you don’t need to add anything. Liquid concentrated formula is a bit easy to prepare compared to powder formula – you only need to add some water to it.
Quick Navigation:
- 10 Best Formula Milk for Babies Comparison
- Reviews of 10 Top Formula Milk for Babies
- When Does Your Baby Need Supplemental?
- How To Choose A Good Formula Milk for Babies
- Our Recommendation
Reviews of 10 Top Formula Milk for Babies
Below we have compiled the top 10 formula milk for babies reviews to make it easy for you to reach a decision when shopping for the formula milk that will meet the nutritional needs of your child.
1. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron, Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA
The most suitable food for your baby during the first few months of life is breast milk.
Breast milk is sweet, gentle, natural, safe and nutritious, helping in the overall growth and development of your little one.
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula is patterned after human breast milk, containing all the nutrients that your infant may need.
The formula milk supplies high-quality proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. This makes it nutritionally complete and easy to digest. The product is also organic to guarantee the safety and health of your baby.
Pros:
- Organic and easy to digest
- Doesn’t contain synthetic growth hormones, fertilizers, or pesticides
- Contains ingredients that are not genetically modified
Cons:
- It is associated with constipation in some infants.
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2. Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Baby Formula Milk Powder
In addition to having the necessary nutrients for the development of your baby, the infant formula can help to manage colic as a result of proteins in dairy.
When you feed your little one the formula milk, you will be able to address problems such as frequent crying, gas, and sleeping troubles, all of which could be a result of allergic reactions to the proteins.
This product is designed for parents who want to support the health of the developing digestive system of their children. Some other benefits both you and your baby will enjoy include increased tolerance to proteins in cow’s milk and ease of digestion.
Pros:
- Sucrose and lactose free
- The best hypoallergenic formula for infants
- Doesn’t contain artificial growth hormones
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other types of formula milk
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3. Enfamil Reguline Constipation Baby Formula Milk Powder to Promote Soft Stools
Constipation and the related difficulty in passing bowel movements can be troubling for both you and your little one.
Enfamil Reguline offers a lasting solution to this problem by promoting soft and comfortable stools. This is because the formula milk contains a type of carbohydrate that is found in human breast milk.
The proteins in the formula powder are also easy to digest while the blend of prebiotics supports the health of your baby’s digestive system.
The everyday formula produces results in the first week of use, promoting brain development as well as cognitive, social and communication.
Pros:
- Promote soft stool
- Relieves digestive problems within a short period
- Easy-to-digest milk protein
Cons:
- A bit expensive compared to other baby formulas
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4. EleCare Hypoallergenic Formula, Complete Nutrition For Severe Food Allergies
EleCare Baby formula is not only nutritionally complete but also hypoallergenic. This makes it great for feeding your baby if they have intolerance for hydrolyzed proteins.
The product is also effective in addressing digestive issues such as malabsorption, protein maldigestion, severe food allergies and short-bowel syndrome.
With the fat blend found in the baby formula powder, digestion will be easy and absorption seamless. The product is a great source of protein and has been found to support the growth of infants who are exclusively formula-fed.
This means that feeding your baby the formula will ensure that they are happy and healthy around the clock.
Pros:
- Nutritionally complete
- Best for infants with severe allergies and GI disorders
- Promotes development and growth
Cons:
- Non-vegetarian and has a bland taste
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5. Gerber Good Start Gentle (HMO) Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula, Stage 1
The formula is inspired by how nutritious and gentle human breast milk is on the developing body.
For babies below the age of one, the period during which this formula works effectively, there is need to supply the digestive system with the nutrients it needs to develop.
Gerber Good Start will not only supply the nutrients but will also be gentle on the developing system. The comfort proteins found in the formula are easily digestible by the little tummy of your baby, producing soft stools and preventing constipation.
The composition of the formula milk promotes brain and eye development, making it ideal for babies between 0 to 12 months.
Pros:
- Doesn’t contain artificial growth hormones
- Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) ingredients
- Locks freshness with a well-designed lid
Cons:
- May cause constipation in some babies
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6. Nestle NIDO Kinder Formula Milk for Babies
As your baby grows and their nutritional needs expand, you will need to find formula milk that meets these needs.
By the time baby is one year old, their digestive system has developed significantly and can handle a variety solid foods.
Nestle NIDO provides a balanced diet for children between the ages of one and three, as well as those who are on transit from breast milk or formula milk to conventional family diet.
The powdered formula milk contains 13 vitamins and minerals that support the growth and development of your little one. It also contains fiber to relieve constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system.
Pros:
- Contains all minerals and vitamins, just like breast milk
- Has a delicious taste of honey
- Promotes a healthy and normally-functioning digestive system
Cons:
- Too sweet for some babies
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7. Enfamil Enfagrow Natural Milk Powder Formula For Babie
Although the main ingredient in the formula milk is milk, the product contains a blend of important nutrients like DHA and iron.
These nutrients are responsible for nourishing the brain and promoting its development, growth that takes place within the first three years of life.
With a total of 22 nutrients, the formula milk is tailored to support the digestive health of toddlers aged between one and three years old.
When you feed your baby this formula milk, you will fill the DHA nutritional gap and complement their diet. The product is available in natural milk and vanilla flavors, both of which allow you to introduce your baby to new nutrients.
Pros:
- Easy-to-digest proteins
- Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) ingredients
- Comes in a wide variety of packages
Cons:
- Can sometimes cause constipation in some infants
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8. Baby’s Only Organic Dairy with DHA and ARA Clean Label Project Verified Formula Milk
Baby’s Only Organic Dairy is both organic and gluten free. This means that it does not contain genetically modified ingredients that could affect the health of your little one.
The DHA and ARA oils in the formula milk are organic-compliant, making the fatty acid profile of the baby formula safer and more natural.
Organic also means that the cows from which the milk comes are not given antibiotics, growth hormones, or steroids and that your baby will not be exposed to the substances. Baby’s Organic Dairy is a good choice if your baby has corn or gluten allergies.
Pros:
- Doesn’t contain glucose or corn syrup, Hexane-processed DHA, or palm oil
- Gluten-free
- Free from harmful hormones and pesticides
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Usually becomes frothy after shaking
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9. PurAmino Hypoallergenic Amino Acid Based Formula Milk
This formula milk for babies is hypoallergenic, iron-fortified and amino acid-based. It is more suitable for feeding babies with allergic reactions to dairy milk proteins or those with multiple protein allergies.
When you have just introduced baby to solid foods and they exhibit signs of allergy, you can use the formula as an alternative to milk in the child’s diet.
PurAmino Hypoallergenic formula contains the recommended levels of DHA and ARA to support the development of your baby’s eyes and brain.
Due to the calcium content of the product, it will be necessary to consult your doctor before giving it to the baby.
Pros:
- Best for children with cow’s milk allergies
- Contains all nutrients, like breast milk, that an infant can require for the first one year
Cons:
- Has an intolerable taste for some infants
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10. Enfamil Gentlease Easy- to-Digest Baby Formula 27.7 oz Can For Easing Gas, Fussiness & Crying in 24 Hours
What you will love: It helps ease fussiness, gas, and crying in almost every infant within 24 hours.
Enfamil Gentlease is a trusted formula that is formulated for babies below one year. All of its nutrients are geared towards helping an infant’s brain develop.
It is one of the closest and best baby formulas you can compare to a mother’s breast milk.
Gentlease infant formula is clinically proven in helping infants reduce gas, fussiness, and crying in infants. Just like breast milk, it also has Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) components.
Enfamil Gentlease infant Formula contains milk proteins that have been partially broken down to ensure they remain gently in a baby’s stomach. That’s why this formula is highly recommended for infants with stomach problems.
Contains brain-building fatty acids that help infants’ brains mature pretty fast. It also has several essential nutrients that are required for the general growth of an infant.
Pros:
- Gentle on an infant’s stomach, just like breast milk
- Contains easily digestible ingredients
- Comes in a wide variety of packages to meet different consumers’ preferences
Cons:
- Can sometimes have a peculiar odor
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When Does Your Baby Need Supplemental Formula?
With the different formula milk brands available in the market, it will take time and effort to find the product that meets the needs of your little one.
The best formulas should be as close as possible to breast milk. It should also be able to meet the everyday nutritional needs of babies until they are 12 months old.
For the first six months of life, breast milk alone is the ideal food for your baby. In case you stop breastfeeding too early, you may experience breast engorgement.
However, you can decide to supplement breast milk with formula milk, but you may want to wait until the baby is at least three weeks old.
It is recommended that you feed your baby the best formula whenever they are hungry. This is commonly known as demand feeding. The formula for newborns needs to be fed after every two or three hours.
Nevertheless, the tummies of older babies can hold more milk, a factor that stretches the feeding time to after 3 to 4 hours.
The Different Forms of Baby Formula
After settling on the brand to buy, you will need to choose the form of your preferred baby formula. Since the three forms offer the same nutritional value, the decision on which one to buy will boil down to cost and personal preference.
Liquid concentrate
This preparation can be poured from the holding container. Before giving it to your baby, you will have to add some water to it.
Ready-to-use formula
Although this form of formula milk is expensive, it is designed to offer you great convenience. It is not only thick and nutritionally rich but also will not require you to add water to it before feeding your baby. One of the advantages of this formula is that it rarely causes constipation.
Powdered formula
The most economical formula milk in the market needs to be mixed with water before it can be fed to a child.In order to avoid instances of constipation, you need to mix the formula with a lot of water.
The Types of Baby Milk Formula
There are 4 main types of baby formula from which you will have to choose. The choice you make should be guided by the age of your child, whether they have allergies, and their nutritional needs.
Cow’s milk-based formula
This type of formula milk is based on modified cow’s milk. There are two main types of this kind of formula milk: first milk and milk for hungry babies.
While first milk is designed for babies below the age of one, milk for hungry babies is meant to keep your baby full for longer. There is also a special type for premature babies.
Goat’s milk-based formula
Goat’s milk formula and cow’s milk formula have the same nutritional standards. However, goat’s milk cannot be used as an alternative to cow’s milk formula if your baby is allergic to the proteins in dairy milk. This is because goat’s milk contains similar proteins as those in cow’s milk.
Hydrolyzed protein formula
This type of formula milk is designed for babies who have allergic reactions or intolerance to milk. The milk is lactose-free to make it easy for your baby’s digestive system to break them down and avoid constipation.
Soya-based formula
As the name suggests, this formula is made from soya beans. Although it is modified with minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, you should only give it to the baby on the advice of your doctor. If your baby is sensitive to milk, there is a good chance that they will be sensitive to soy too.
How to Choose A Good Formula Milk for Babies?
Although choosing the best baby formulas may seem like an overwhelming undertaking, it does not have to be difficult.
By keeping several factors in mind, you will be able to choose the most appropriate baby formula for your child’s nutritional needs and healthy development.
Organic Baby Formula Milk
Choosing organic over conventional formula will help to reduce exposure to traces of pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, genetically modified ingredients, growth hormones and other artificial substances. While some organic baby formula milk may contain yucky ingredients, they tend to be a safer alternative.
Essential Fatty Acids
When choosing the baby formulas, it is recommended that you settle to the one that is closest to breast milk. This will ensure that the daily nutritional needs of your baby are met effectively.
While some formulas will claim to have essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA, some of these oils are extracted using neurotoxic hexane. You should ensure that the naturally occurring healthy fats in breast milk will benefit your baby.
The Type of Formula Milk
There are four different types of formula milk, a factor that makes it important to choose the one that is most appropriate for your little one. Soy formula is made from highly processed soybeans.
The chemical alteration that the beans go through makes the formula milk very dissimilar to natural breast milk. That is why soy formula should only be fed to your baby if the little one suffers from a dairy intolerance or when recommended by a doctor.
The Form of the Formula Milk
There are different baby formula brands in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While your choice will boil down to personal preference, you should pick the preparation that offers you convenience without compromising on nutritional value.
Additional Synthetic Nutrients
Some formula milk for babies contain synthetic nutrients that are not only illegal but my affect the health and development of your baby. When choosing the best formula milk for your little one, you should look out for harmful synthetic nutrients.
The Type of Sugar
Since human breast milk is naturally sweet, some baby formula brands will try to mimic what is found in breast milk by adding sugars. With the high prices associated with cow’s milk-based sweeteners, some manufacturers opt to use artificial sweeteners.
Most of the artificial sweeteners can lead to conditions like obesity and overfeeding. This is why you should settle on baby formula milk that does not contain plant-based sweeteners.
Our Recommendation: Best Formula Milk for Babies
Based on the compiled baby formulas, the product that is likely to meet the dietary and nutritional needs of your baby is Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron.
What makes the formula milk stand out is the fact that it is the closest to human breast milk. This means that it contains all the nutrients that your baby needs at this critical stage of development.
The formula milk will also be gentle on the developing digestive system of your little one and help in avoiding constipation. The product is safe and natural and is unlikely to result in health complications for your baby.
