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Best Baby Formula – How To Choose + Products Recommendations

Best Baby Formula – How To Choose + Products Recommendations
Shweta Chaubey

5 Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the best baby formula is essential for your baby's health and well-being. It requires considering factors like allergies, digestive issues, and nutritional requirements.
  • There are various types of baby formula available, such as cow's milk-based, hypoallergenic, soy-based, and specialized formulas for premature babies or those with lactose intolerance.
  • It would help if you also considered the consistency of the formula, whether it's powder, liquid, or ready-to-feed, and choose one that suits your lifestyle and budget.
  • It's recommended to consult your pediatrician for guidance on choosing the best formula for your baby's individual needs. They can also provide samples to try before committing to a purchase.
  • Remember, the most important thing is to select a formula that your baby tolerates well and provides them with the necessary nutrients to thrive.

 

Choosing the right baby formula is a big deal for parents because it directly affects the health and well-being of their little ones. But with so many options and a plethora of different types of infant formula out there, it can be a confusing and overwhelming process. You might have to think about what your baby likes to eat, any allergies they might have, and what ingredients are in the formula.

Products Why Choose It?
1. Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease Ready To Use Infant Formula Gentle on the tummy
2. Abbott Similac Expert Care Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula with Iron Safe for babies with food allergies
3. Mead Johnson PurAmino DHA & ARA Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Supports brain development of your baby
4. Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro Infant Formula Contains probiotics that help digestive health
5. Mead Johnson Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula Powder Relieves constipation and gassiness in infants
6. Abbott Similac NeoSure Infant Formula with Iron Helps premature infants to gain weight rapidly
7. Abbott Similac Soy Isomil Infant Formula with Iron Perfect for babies with lactose-intolerance

To help you make the best choice for your baby, let's take a closer look at what you should consider when choosing an infant formula and break down the different available types.

How to choose the right baby formula?

While some brands may contain different additives or extras, the basic proteins, carbohydrates, and micronutrients are very similar in most formulas. Here are some things that you must consider while choosing the best baby formula - 

1. The types of baby formula

There are many types of baby formulas you can pick from, such as - 

  • Cow's Milk-Based Formula - Most of the formula available in the market is cow's milk-based. The milk in these formulas is heated and treated in various ways to make it easily digestible for infants. Also, lactose, the milk sugar, is added to match the amount found in breast milk. However, some infants do not have sufficient natural reserves of iron in their bodies. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends iron-fortified formulas for infants who are not breastfed or partially breastfed, starting from birth until the age of one.
  • Extensively hydrolyzed baby formula - If your baby is having trouble digesting regular formula, consider extensively hydrolyzed baby formula. These types of formula have smaller proteins that are easier for babies to digest. Although it is more expensive than traditional formula, it may be necessary for babies with certain allergies or conditions that require a hypoallergenic formula.
  • Soy-based formula - Infants who are unable to digest lactose, the primary carbohydrate found in cow's milk formulas, or are allergic to milk may find soy-based formulas beneficial. Soy protein and carbohydrates from either glucose or sucrose are used in these formulas. Parents who strictly follow vegan and vegetarian practices may also choose lactose-free formula as it contains no animal products.

2. Consistency 

There are three consistency factors of baby formula available on the market, namely - powder formula, concentrated liquid formula, and ready-to-feed baby formula.

  • Powder formula is a dry mixture of nutrients that you mix with water to create a liquid formula.
  • The concentrated liquid formula is a more condensed form of the powdered formula and needs to be mixed with water before it can be fed to the baby.
  • Ready-to-feed formula is a premixed formula that doesn't need any preparation and can be fed directly to the baby.

It's important to note that each type of formula has its own set of pros and cons, and consulting with your pediatrician can help you make the best decision for your baby's nutrition needs.

3. Cost and convenience

When you're looking for the best baby formula, it's important to think about how much it will cost.

4. Allergies or intolerance

It's important to consider any potential intolerances, allergies, or medical conditions your child might be experiencing. These factors can largely impact your baby's health and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of them and take any necessary precautions. Whether it's a food allergy, lactose intolerance, or a chronic medical condition, understanding your child's unique needs and working closely with their pediatrician can help ensure that they get the care and support they need.

5. Take help in the decision-making process

When it comes to deciding on infant formula, it can be tempting to go ahead with advice from sources like family members, friends, social media, or Google. However, the best source of guidance for your baby's specific needs is always your pediatrician. As your child's health specialist, they are familiar with their medical history and can offer expert advice tailored to your baby's individual needs. Additionally, your pediatrician may also provide free samples of infant formula for you to try.

Now that you know how to choose the right formula for your child, here are 7 best baby formulas that you must consider.

7 Best Baby Formulas for Your Baby's Growth & Development

1. Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease Ready To Use Infant Formula

As one of the best baby formulas available in the market, Enfamil baby formula is an MFGM, which stands for Milk Fat Globule Membrane. It is a complex structure surrounding fat globules in milk, especially in breast milk. The Milk Fat Globule Membrane consists of various lipids (fats), proteins, and carbohydrates. This membrane plays a vital role in the structure and function of milk. The DHA-based fat-protein blend provides nutrients essential for brain development. This infant formula is convenient to use, fortified with minerals and vitamins that support immune function, and is easy to digest.

Why is it on the list?

  • Premixed, ready-to-use formula
  • Provides 24-hour, intestinal relief
  • Has clinically advised amount of DHA
  • Contains easy-to-digest proteins
  • Source of comprehensive nutrition for infants up to 12 months

Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease Ready To Use Infant Formula

 

2. Abbott Similac Expert Care Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula with Iron

The next product to consider is the Alimentum Similac Baby Formula with Iron. It is a nutrient-rich formula that is hypoallergenic and suitable for infants who suffer from colic due to protein sensitivity, food allergies, or sensitivity to intact protein. This formula is also a good option for children who have food allergies or are sensitive to intact protein. It features a unique carbohydrate blend that uses two different pathways to maximize absorption while minimizing malabsorption risks. Additionally, it contains 2'-FL HMO, which is a rare immune-boosting prebiotic found in breast milk.

Why is it on the list?

  • Contains a predigested protein
  • A unique blend of carbohydrates to maximize the absorption of nutrients
  • Reduces excessive crying
  • The formula is lactose-free and has no palm olein oil
  • Minimizes colic symptoms
  • Has DHA and ARA special nutrition for brain development
  • Gluten-free

Abbott Similac Expert Care Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula with Iron

 

3. Mead Johnson PurAmino DHA & ARA Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

This baby formula is hypoallergenic and contains amino acids and iron to provide your baby with the necessary nutrition. The PurAmino infant formula is specifically designed for infants who suffer from severe cow's milk protein allergy that cannot be managed using an extensively hydrolyzed formula. This formula can be used as the only source of nutrition up to six months of age and as a major source of nutrition up to 24 months (about 2 years). Additionally, PurAmino DHA & ARA hypoallergenic infant formula contains essential nutrients that are also found in breast milk and are important for promoting brain and eye development.

Why is it on the list?

  • Formulated with 33% medium-chain triglycerides oil for fat absorption.
  • Contains DHA and ARA, important nutrients also found in breast milk that promote brain and eye development
  • Supports normal growth in healthy infants
  • The sole source of nutrition for infants up to age six months
  • A major source of nutrition through 24 months of age (if prescribed)

Mead Johnson PurAmino DHA & ARA Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

 

4. Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro Infant Formula

Another in the list of best baby formulas is the Gerber Baby Formula. It is formulated to fulfill the dietary requirements of infants. It comprises a combination of nutrients that aid in the development of the digestive and immune systems. It contains B. lactis, a probiotic similar to those present in breast milk. These everyday probiotics promote a healthy digestive tract and provide DHA, which aids in brain and eye development.

Why is it on the list?

  • Ideal for infants 0-12 months
  • Promotes softer stools
  • Offers complete nutrition and gentleness of breast milk for comfortable and happy feeding
  • Includes HMO to support digestive health and develop the immune system
  • Premixed formula

Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro Infant Formula

 

5. Mead Johnson Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula Powder

Next in line is the Reguline Sensitive Baby Formula. It is a special formula that helps support gut health and ensures easy and comfortable bowel movements for infants within just one week of use. This formula is ideal for parents who are worried about their babies' occasional difficulty in passing stools. Enfamil Reguline contains a special Natural Defense Dual Prebiotic blend that acts like fiber, consistently promoting soft stools if the baby consumes the formula. The Enfamil Reguline formula is designed with easily digestible proteins that are partially hydrolyzed and DHA recommended by experts. It addresses parental concerns and promotes overall digestive well-being for infants.

Why is it on the list?

  • It is a proprietary blend with brain-nourishing DHA and 30 growth nutrients
  • Supports cognitive and visual development
  • Promotes long-term cognitive outcomes up to 5 years of age
  • Promotes soft stools akin to breastfed infants
  • Provides complete nutrition for infants up to 12 months
  • Supports gut health throughout the first year

Mead Johnson Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula Powder

 

6. Abbott Similac NeoSure Infant Formula With Iron

Abbott Similac NeoSure Infant Formula with Iron is specially designed to aid the growth and development of premature or low birth weight infants. This formula includes higher levels of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals compared to standard infant formulas to fulfill the unique nutritional requirements of these vulnerable infants. Similac NeoSure is enriched with iron, which is an essential mineral and plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. It also contains nucleotides, which are the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA and are vital for cell growth and repair.

Why is it on the list?

  • Suitable for halal and kosher diets
  • The 25% fat blend is easily digested medium-chain triglycerides
  • Supports excellent growth in the baby's first year
  • Higher levels of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals compared to term infant formula
  • Extra calories are provided for optimal growth
  • Includes calcium and phosphorus for growing baby bones
  • Preterm infants fed NeoSure showed increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass at 12 months
  • Improved visual acuity at six months
  • Enhanced early language development at 14 months

Abbott Similac NeoSure Infant Formula With Iron

 

7. Abbott Similac Soy Isomil Infant Formula with Iron

Abbott Similac Soy Isomil Infant Formula with Iron is a specially designed lactose-free baby formula that is gentle on the tummy. It is fortified with iron and is ideal for infants who experience feeding issues like fussiness and gas. Parents who prefer a milk-free formula as a first feeding or as a supplement to breastfeeding can choose this product. Also, it is a lactose-free option for infants with lactose intolerance.

Why is it on the list?

  • Supports excellent growth during the baby's first year
  • Clinically proven to support the developing immune system
  • Contains soy protein isolates to help manage cow-milk-protein allergy or sensitivity.
  • Has DHA for brain development
  • The lutein supports eye health

Abbott Similac Soy Isomil Infant Formula with Iron

 

Where can you buy the best baby formulas online?

HPFY has been online since 2002. We carry a wide range of medical and health products, including baby formula and other pediatric supplies. Explore our catalog today to find all that you need to keep your baby healthy and happy. 

Reference

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Shweta Chaubey

Shweta Chaubey

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Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...

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