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Editor's note, March i, 2022: Abbot Laboratories has recalled 4 types of powdered baby formula: Similac PM 60/40, Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. If you accept whatever of these formulas at habitation, information technology's important to check the lot number at similacrecall.com. Learn more near the formula recollect.
For the first 4 to 6 months, formula or breast milk will meet all of your baby'due south nutritional needs. Simply in a time when the chief message seems to be "breast is best," parents who cull to formula-feed understandably take plenty of questions — like how does formula differ from chest milk?
Kickoff, it's important to notation that while formula and breast milk are inherently different, one isn't necessarily better than the other. "Formula is completely safe and a healthy alternative for babies," says Carmen Del Cid MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, nurse practitioner at Lurie Children's Primary Care Town & Country Pediatrics. At the end of the day, the nigh important thing is that your infant is fairly fed. And there is little bear witness that breastfed and formula-fed babies develop at unlike speeds.
While there is some evidence that breastfed babies have better immune protection and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, your baby will be getting all of the proper nutrients in the right amounts, says Dr. Arunima Agarwal, a pediatrician in New York City.
But parents who opt for formula may feel overwhelmed by all of the choices. The bulk of infant formulas are moo-cow'south milk-based — and, for healthy term infants, this is the generally recommended type, says Dr. Agarwal. Other types include soy-based and special hydrolyzed formulas, though these are generally simply recommended for premature babies and those with special diets, she explains.
Formula likewise comes in three forms:
- Powder that you mix with h2o
- Liquid concentrate that'south likewise mixed with h2o
- Pre-mixed and set up-to-feed bottles.
"Most formulas are non dramatically dissimilar — approved formulas all incorporate iron, vitamin D, and other bones nutrients baby needs," says Dr. Agarwal.
In other words: As long as your kid isn't on any special dietary restrictions dictated past their pediatrician, feel free to pluck only almost whatever formula off the shelf — including store brands, she says.
How we chose the best baby formulas
Every bit noted, unless your child has special feeding needs, most formulas will probably work for your baby. Simply the best formulas accept subtle differences that put them over the meridian, such as special ingredients, or gentle formulations that may help them be tolerated improve or may deliver easier-to-admission nutrients.
There are also formulas that are specially designed for babies with reflux, soy allergies, lactose sensitivities, or other needs. And in any case, choosing from a bunch of like looking formulas on a virtual or real-world store shelf tin can exist confusing and stressful.
So when we started our search for the best infant formulas, we went looking first onBabyCenter's Customs, searching through millions of posts for positive formula mentions. Once we plant the formulas parents buy and recommend to each other, we had our expert editorial team research each selection to find the formulations that meet recommendations from advocacy groups similar the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as experts like Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Del Cid.
Keep reading to find the best baby formula for newborns, for babies with reflux, and more than. And if yous're looking for more baby feeding products, our favorite baby bottles can help.
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Similac is a trusted brand that offers standard formula, formula for sensitive tummies, formula for babies needing specialized diet, and organic and non-GMO options. The Similac website can assistance you lot narrow your choices with a helpful Formula Finder tool. Similac formulas contain no artificial growth hormones. Parents especially like the brand's Pro-Advance and Pro-Sensitive varieties. And yous can get savings and other benefits by joining Similac's StrongMoms rewards program.
Heads up
Some parents say the powdered formula clumps upwardly. And others say that the Pro-Sensitive was much easier on their babies' tummies than the Pro-Accelerate.
Parents say
"My son has taken this formula since he was nearly 1 month old. He'southward almost 11 months now. He hasn't been gassy and barely spit upwardly."
"Some other fan of the Pro-Advance here! My daughter used information technology from about 5 weeks erstwhile till nosotros weaned her to whole milk at 1 yr. We never had any problems with it."
"I used this for my daughter. She wouldn't beverage whatsoever other formula. On this formula she never had any stomach or gas problems. I loved it! As well, you tin can sign up with Similac and they transport yous coupons."
"When my supply dropped and I had to supplement with formula, my son refused every kind except Similac. It's the best!"
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA, lutein, and vitamin E
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Enfamil applies decades of research to its products and categorizes its formulas into iv chief groups: everyday diet, stomach troubles, allergy issues, and toddler nutrition. Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Enspire are the "everyday nutrition" options for babies. NeuroPro contains a blend of brain-building MFGM and DHA. Enspire has allowed-supporting lactoferrin, a protein also institute in colostrum and breast milk, likewise as MFGM and omega 3 DHA. For coupons and samples, join the Enfamil Family Beginnings programme.
Heads up
Enfamil has non-GMO formulas only doesn't offering organic versions.
Parents say
"Nosotros used Enfamil to supplement when my milk supply started to drop with my daughter. She was actually a much happier baby compared to when she was but having my breast milk. It helped with all her gas bubbling."
"I honey this Enfamil formula considering it has a few key ingredients that aren't bachelor in any other formulas out there. I experience very good near giving this to my daughter!"
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA, lactoferrin, and MFGM
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Gerber Good Starting time GentlePro'due south formula has DHA for brain evolution, probiotics, and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), which supports digestive health. Parents like the specially designed packaging, which ensures the lid will stay closed and has a handy spot for the formula scoop. Gerber Skillful Showtime has no GMO ingredients or artificial growth hormones, and comes with a coin-back guarantee. You tin can bring together MyGerber to get coupons and special offers on Gerber products.
Heads up
If y'all're interested in organic formula, go along in mind that GentlePro isn't organic – merely Gerber's Natura formula is.
Parents say
"This formula mixes well and my girl is thriving on information technology. She rarely spits up, she poops great, and she seems to similar the taste."
"My daughter loves this formula. We tried other brands but she would spit information technology up after eating. She'south never spit or burped upward this formula; the difference is amazing. Information technology'southward really easy to prepare a bottle since information technology includes the scoop and scoop holder in the lid."
"My son has reflux and struggles with other tiptop-brand pulverization formulas, so I tried this one. This has been the best formula we've tried! This helps his reflux, he doesn't choke while drinking information technology, and he has much less – niggling to no – spit-up."
Specs
- Contains probiotics
- Has DHA and HMO
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Earth's Best is a pioneer of organic formula and baby food. Its formulas are made from organic moo-cow's milk and comprise no GMOs, artificial growth hormones, or corn syrup solids. They contain DHA and ARA, two fat acids found in chest milk that assist support encephalon and eye health. Earth'due south Best also contains lutein for middle evolution, along with prebiotics. You tin can join the Earth'due south Best Family for coupons and deals.
Heads upward
Some parents say that this formula can be foamy or frothy when mixed.
Parents say
"We switched to Globe'south Best, because on a previous formula my babe was constipated and her gas smelled really bad. Since nosotros switched she has had much more than regular poops, less gas, and she seems happier. I besides like that Globe's Best is less sticky."
"Earth's Best fits the bill for my son. He has had no troubles and, in fact, his tum troubles decreased and his eczema cleared up. It mixes up much easier and seems to be less gluey, and isn't yucky smelling. I experience better knowing it'southward organic."
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has lutein, DHA, and ARA
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Happy Infant's formulas are made with organic cow'southward milk and contain no GMOs or corn syrup solids. They're available in a two-stage system for babies 0 to vi months and 6 to 12 months, and there is also a sensitive formula for babies 0 to 12 months who take fussiness and gas. The formulas include DHA and ARA, plus prebiotics. You tin sign up on the company's website for coupons and offers.
Heads up
Some parents say the formula pulverization has a fishy smell.
Parents say
"My infant loves it. He doesn't get constipated. He spits up less. I can't say enough skillful things!"
"Best formula around. My infant has had no digestive bug at all, no gas, no constipation, and his poops don't even smell that bad."
"My daughter simply turned three months, and we were exclusively breastfeeding until about two weeks ago. She's now completely on this formula and is doing really well."
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA and ARA
If your baby has a cow's milk allergy, other nutrient allergies, or gastrointestinal weather, Neocate may exist the respond for you. Information technology'south hypoallergenic and is made from individual amino acids instead of whole proteins so it'due south easier for the body to blot. Neocate is costless of GMOs, dairy, and soy oil, and contains DHA and ARA.
Heads up
This formula should only exist used with the supervision of your baby's doctor. Also, it's expensive, but some insurance providers will cover information technology.
Editors say
"Neocate is the only formula that some babies with severe allergies can tolerate. I've heard from parents who say they've tried everything with no luck until they heard about this."
Neocate Infant Specs
- Hypoallergenic, free of dairy and soy oil
- Contains DHA and ARA
Designed especially for babies who endure from gas and fussiness acquired by a lactose sensitivity issue, Similac Pro-Sensitive contains milk proteins that are "hydrolyzed," or cleaved downwardly into smaller parts so they're easier to digest. Pro-Sensitive also has omega-3 fatty acrid DHA, lutein, and vitamin E for your baby's growth, brain, and eye development, as well as Human Milk Oligosaccharide or HMO, a prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria.
Heads upward
Similar other types of Similac formula, Pro-Sensitive can clump when mixed.
Parents say
"My baby girl has been using Similac Pro-Sensitive, the 1 with the gold lid, since she was a few days old! We love it; she's hardly ever fussy due to colic."
"I saw a HUGE deviation...happier baby, less dramatic feeding times."
Similac Pro-Sensitive Formula Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA, lutein, and vitamin E
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Fabricated for babies who are allergic to the moo-cow's milk poly peptide in most infant formulas, Nutramigen is still milk-, and non soy-based, merely Enfamil extensively hydrolyzes the proteins in the milk so they're easier to assimilate, and includes Enflora LGG probiotics to promote digestive system health. The result? Reduced colic and easier feedings overall.
Heads up
Nutramigen nonetheless contains milk, and so babies who are allergic will need a different formula.
Parents say
"From the starting time twenty-four hour period we started the Nutramigen she was a unlike baby. No longer always crying, she stopped gulping and sucking in air while she was taking her canteen, and the weird caprine animal noises she would make later on a canteen...gone. She is much happier!"
"My son was put on it when he was most a month old because of his colic; it was a life saver -- his colic stopped."
Specs
- Lactose- and sucrose-free
- Contains DHA and ARA
Though pediatricians only recommend soy-based formulas for babies with specific dietary issues — like an intolerance to moo-cow'southward milk — this is a solid option. Because information technology'southward vegan, information technology's too something establish-based families may exist drawn to. The powder formula is rich in vitamins necessary for development, including vitamins A, C, and East, as well as DHA. The gentle powdered formula is too fortified with iron. And considering there's absolutely no lactose or artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors, the powder formula is exceptionally gentle on troubled tummies prone to gas and other reflux issues that can lead to extreme fussiness.
Heads up
Some parents say it causes constipation.
Parents say
"Inside ii days, she was having regular bms and has been a super happy baby since then. We've never had whatever trouble with this formula, she seems to really dear it. She's gaining the proper weight, hitting all her developmental milestones, etc."
"My first daughter was on it from 8 weeks. It was a miracle for the states. The only matter is it constipated her."
"Simply switched my son to Prosobee from Gentlease considering of extra gas and fussiness as PP said and we take had more poops now than earlier!"
Specs
- Dairy- and lactose-free
- Contains DHA
Baby formula is designed to feed babies, as a substitute for or supplement to breast milk. There are a lot of formula options, so talk to your baby's doctor about the brand and type of formula yous're considering for your baby.
However, you can rest assured that all infant formulas have the same five primary components: carbohydrates, poly peptide, fatty, vitamins, and minerals. And all formulas marketed in the United states of america must see the FDA's requirements for nutrients. And then while specific ingredients and formulations may vary from brand to brand, all baby formulas have the basics your baby needs.
Some parents wonder well-nigh the all-time formula for newborns versus the best formula for infants or older babies. The truth is that all baby formulas have essentially the aforementioned ingredients. No affair how they're labeled, newborn and infant formulas are minimally unlike and interchangeable. So don't worry nearly buying a unlike formula for a different stage of your baby'south kickoff twelvemonth.
It depends on what works best for your baby. Most babies do well with formula that's cow's-milk-based – the milk protein is contradistinct to make information technology easier for your baby to digest. There are also partially and extensively hydrolyzed formulas, soy-based formula, lactose-complimentary formula, organic formula, and several specialty formulas. Ask your baby's doctor for recommendations.
Formula comes in three forms: powdered, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-use. Powdered formula is the most economical and eco-friendly option, but it takes longer to prepare since you'll need to measure it out and mix it with water to make bottles for your infant. Once y'all open a can, it's good for a month.
Liquid concentrate is a little quicker to set, but it'south more expensive. Ready-to-use formula is the nigh convenient (merely open up and serve, no mixing required), but information technology's as well the well-nigh expensive option. And once yous open a container of concentrate or fix-to-utilize formula, you'll need to use it within 48 hours.
In general, traditional infant formula — i.e. moo-cow'southward milk — will arrange the infant merely fine, says Dr. Del Cid. But if your child is showing signs of intolerance, like farthermost gas, constipation, or fussiness, the conversation can always go along with your pediatrician.
If your baby has extreme gas and reflux, your pediatrician may recommend a hydrolyzed formula, says Dr. Agarwal. In these formulas, the nutrients are broken downwardly into smaller parts, so they're easier to digest. Because these formulas tend to be very expensive, your doctor may also recommend a soy-based formula.
According to the AAP, your baby should take in an boilerplate of nigh 2½ ounces of formula a solar day for every pound of body weight. After the offset few days, this translates to about two to 3 ounces of formula every three to four hours. By the end of the first month, your baby will consume at to the lowest degree 4 ounces every four hours. And by six months your babe will eat 6 to 8 ounces at each of four or five feedings in 24 hours.
Yes. All formula brands must run into the FDA's requirements for nutrients in formula, so in many instances, the only departure between generic and brand proper name is the price. (The FDA's requirements for infant formula include minimum amounts for 29 nutrients and maximum amounts for ix nutrients.)
Whether you're buying generic or name brand, accept a minute to look at the label earlier you buy the formula. Specific ingredients do vary from brand to make, and this can make a deviation to your baby.
You should never feed your baby homemade formula, says Agarwal, who notes that these mixes can be food-deficient and even toxic. According to the AAP, "formula mixtures made from online or other resource may not have vital components, such every bit enough atomic number 26 or vitamins for a babe. Or, they may take as well much salt or other nutrients that your babe's kidneys and liver cannot handle in large amounts."
In general, it's best to stick with one type and resist the urge to switch, fifty-fifty if your baby is having bug similar spitting upwardly, gas, and colic. About of the fourth dimension, these problems have to do with your baby's immature gastrointestinal tract, non diet. Endeavor the formula for at least a couple weeks. After that, if your babe's nevertheless having problem, talk to your baby's medico nearly switching.
According to the AAP, if your tap h2o is safety, you lot tin simply mix powdered formula with room temperature tap water. If your tap water is non prophylactic or you're unsure, use bottled h2o or bring cold tap h2o to a rolling eddy for no longer than ane minute. (Humid for more than one infinitesimal could increase the concentration of impurities in the water.) And so permit the water to cool to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to mixing information technology.
When your baby turns 1, you tin transition from giving formula to giving whole moo-cow's milk in a canteen or sippy cup. Until and so, detect out how much formula your baby needs by age and weight.
Ingredients in baby formula
- Hydrolyzed proteins: There are two types of hydrolyzed formulas: partially and extensively. According to the AAP, in partially hydrolyzed moo-cow's milk formulas, the proteins are merely partially broken down and are not intended to be used to treat cow's milk allergy. In extensively hydrolyzed formulas, on the other mitt, proteins are further broken downwardly to such a minor percentage that many (xc percent) infants who are allergic to cow's milk can tolerate them.
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs): These are non-digestible carbohydrates found in breast milk that have a range of physiological benefits comparable to probiotics.
- DHA and ARA: Co-ordinate to the FDA, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are both long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that may play a role in brain and eye development (more inquiry is needed to prove the connection).
- Iron: All FDA-canonical formulas are fortified with iron, says Dr. Agarwal.
- MFGM: In one study, infants who consumed formula containing MFGM, or milk fat globule membrane, scored higher in cognitive, linguistic communication and motor development.
- Lactoferrin: Lactoferrin is an iron transport protein that has immune benefits.
- Choline: Choline is an essential nutrient that plays an important office in brain and eye development.
- Lutein: Baby formulas are sometimes fortified with this carotenoid, but studies don't suggest any significant difference in development.
- Zinc: Some toddler formulas incorporate more of this trace element to help in development.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin — sometimes supplemented in preterm infants — is necessary for encephalon and eye development.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are added strains of "good bacteria" that promote gut wellness. According to the AAP, the most common types of probiotics are strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Some research has shown these probiotics may prevent or treat disorders such as diarrhea and eczema, merely the connection is equally all the same unproven.
- Prebiotics: Prebiotics likewise encourage gut health, only work a bit differently. They are supplements or foods that contain a nondigestible ingredient that may stimulate the growth of natural probiotics.
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