Best Baby Formulas to Keep Your Newborn Happy
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Enfamil A+ Formula -
Enfamil A+ 2, Powder Tub, 550g Formula -
NESTLÉ GOOD START PLUS 1 Formula -
Similac Pro-Advance® Step 1 Formula -
Enfamil A+ EnfaCare Powder, 363g Formula -
Similac Pro-Advance® Step 1 Formula -
Enfamil A+ 2, Powder Tub, 550g Formula -
Similac Isomil with DHA Non-GMO Formula -
Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula -
Enfamil Prosobee Soy Infant Formula Powder with Iron -
Buyer's Guide
Formula can provide your infant with the essential nutrients necessary for growth and development. But with so many varieties on the grocery store shelves, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a formula for your baby. While it's always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician first, our lists of the best infant formulas in 2022 highlight the benefits of some of the top-rated formulas to help you choose the best option for your baby.
Give Your Baby the Best With These Newborn Formulas
Enfamil A+ Formula - Best Baby Formula Overall
Enfamil’s Newborn formula was created especially for babies from 0-3 months. This milk-based formula is made up of easily digestible proteins and fortified with DHA, which is essential for brain development. It also provides your baby with 400 international units of vitamin D per 27 ounces (the daily dosage recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics), which aids in the development of bone strength. This newborn formula also contains a prebiotic blend to support a healthy immune system. For convenience, this formula is offered in powder cans or ready-to-use nursette bottles, which online reviewers say are exceptionally convenient.
Enfamil A+ 2, Powder Tub, 550g Formula - Runner Up
The Gerber Good Start formula was a previous pick on our best infant and best newborn formula lists, and this newest formula scores extra points because it is formulated to be extra gentle on a baby’s digestive system. This formula is a good option for babies prone to allergies and studies have shown that Gerber Good Start Gentle may reduce eczema.
Gerber Good Start Gentle contains added nutrients similar to those found in breast milk, including Vitamins A, C, and E, which all help support a strong immune system. The prebiotic blend makes this formula easy to digest and mild on baby’s tummy. Gerber’s Good Start Gentle also contains comfort proteins that are partially hydrolyzed which may be easier for young babies to digest, making it an ideal choice for gassy babies or little ones with acid reflux.
NESTLÉ GOOD START PLUS 1 Formula - Honorable Mention
At less than $25 for a 40 ounce container, this formula (sold exclusively at Target and Target.com) is one of the most affordable options on the market. However, the quality of ingredients found in this formula are similar to those in top name brands. Up & Up Infant Formula contains DHA and ARA, which help to support optimum growth and development. Online reviewers say they notice little difference in their babies when switching from a more expensive brand. They also say this formula mixes easily and has a taste that newborns seem to love.
Similac Pro-Advance® Step 1 Formula - Consider
Designed for babies from birth until 12 months, Similac Advance is a milk-based formula which contains lutein, a nutrient present in breast milk which promotes eye health. It’s also fortified with DHA for brain development, as well as nucleotides and prebiotics to support a healthy immune and digestive system. Similac Advance can be purchased in powder form as well as ready-to-feed bottles. It is also available in the Similac SimplePac which is designed to make scooping and measuring more convenient for parents.
Enfamil A+ EnfaCare Powder, 363g Formula - Best Newborn Formula
Enfamil EnfaCare is the only formula on this list designed specifically for premature babies. This milk-based formula is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals for growth and development. It also contains DHA and RHA (present in breast milk) for healthy brain and eye development. Studies show premature infants who were fed Enfamil EnfaCare maintained a catch-up growth rate comparable to babies who were breastfed. Online reviewers attest to the benefits of this formula, making it a top choice among parents of pre-mature infants.
Similac Pro-Advance® Step 1 Formula - Consider
Designed for babies from birth until 12 months, Similac Advance is a milk-based formula which contains lutein, a nutrient present in breast milk which promotes eye health. It’s also fortified with DHA for brain development, as well as nucleotides and prebiotics to support a healthy immune and digestive system. Similac Advance can be purchased in powder form as well as ready-to-feed bottles. It is also available in the Similac SimplePac which is designed to make scooping and measuring more convenient for parents.
Enfamil A+ 2, Powder Tub, 550g Formula - Runner Up
The Gerber Good Start formula was a previous pick on our best infant and best newborn formula lists, and this newest formula scores extra points because it is formulated to be extra gentle on a baby’s digestive system. This formula is a good option for babies prone to allergies and studies have shown that Gerber Good Start Gentle may reduce eczema.
Gerber Good Start Gentle contains added nutrients similar to those found in breast milk, including Vitamins A, C, and E, which all help support a strong immune system. The prebiotic blend makes this formula easy to digest and mild on baby’s tummy. Gerber’s Good Start Gentle also contains comfort proteins that are partially hydrolyzed which may be easier for young babies to digest, making it an ideal choice for gassy babies or little ones with acid reflux.
Similac Isomil with DHA Non-GMO Formula - Best Infant Formula
Just as its name suggests, Similac For Spit-Up is a milk-based formula containing rice starch to help reduce the frequency of spit-up in babies by up to 54 percent. Fortified for growth and development, too, this infant formula is formulated with DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development. This formula also contains nutrients found in breast milk, like lutein for healthy eye support. Online reviewers give this product rave reviews, saying that in addition to decreasing spit-up, Similac For Spit-Up also helps with fussiness and gas.
Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula - Best Infant Formula
Earth’s Best Infant Formula is USDA Organic, meaning it’s free of growth hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. This formula is patterned after breast milk with a blend of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals while also fortified with DHA for brain development. Online reviewers report that this formula is easy for their babies to digest and also love the fact this affordable formula is readily available at grocery stores.
Enfamil Prosobee Soy Infant Formula Powder with Iron - Best Infant Formula
This Enfamil ProSobee formula gets starred reviews from online reviewers and also because it’s a soy-based formula, making it an ideal choice for babies who are sensitive or allergic to milk. This formula doesn’t contain lactose-based ingredients, making it extra gentle on young digestive systems; online reviewers have noticed a decrease in their babies spitting up, gas and fussiness. They also say Enfamil ProSobee has a sweeter taste that most infants just love. The Neuro Complete formulation is designed to foster cognitive development as well as motor skills and since this formula is soy-based, it’s a great alternative for parents who want a plant-based diet for baby.
Buyer's Guide
For the wellbeing of your baby, it is essential that you feed him/her the best baby formula. Since a lot of babies are allergic to cow milk, parents often look for healthy alternate formulas that are easily digestible by babies. The best formulas provide babies with all the necessary nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
However, with so many different types of baby formulas available in the market, choosing the right one can get a little confusing. In this article, we are going to talk about the important factors that you should know in order to choose the best baby formula in 2021. Let’s have a look.
Read down below to find out all about baby formula.
Ingredients
The ingredients of the formula is the most important thing that you need to consider to pick the best baby formula. The two main ingredients that are present in all best baby feeds are carbohydrates and proteins. However, some brands also include extra ingredients such as HMOs, DHA, lactoferrin, and MFGM. Though these are safe and healthy to be consumed by the baby, these are not essential.
The main focus should be to look for formulas that are rich in proteins and carbohydrates, looking for extra ingredients should always be the second priority. Moreover, most of the baby formulas with extra ingredients are more expensive as compared to the ones with simple ingredients.
Brand
As far as proteins, carbohydrates, energy, minerals, and vitamins are concerned, there is not a lot of difference in the brands, since most of them use a similar formula. Hence, the main deciding factors are availability and price.
When you switch to a new brand, check how many scoops are required and whether there is a difference in the scoop to water ratio. Other than this, you might want to avoid frequently changing the baby formula since it can upset the feeding routine of your baby. If you do switch, give your baby some time to adjust to the formula.
Cost
The cost of the baby formula is another factor that you might need to consider. Before you head out to buy baby’s formula, have a rough estimate in your mind about how much you are willing to spend.
- If you can’t afford expensive baby formulas, then your best option is to opt for powdered formula since it is the least expensive. It is also easier to store. However, the amount of baby formula needs to be measured each time you use it.
- Concentrated formula costs more as compared to powdered formula. For preparing your baby's feed, this formula needs to be mixed with water. As compared to powdered formula this one is easier to prepare.
- Ready-to-feed formula costs the most among all options. Since it does not need any water or other soluble to be made it is a convenient option.
What are the different types of baby formulas?
There are different types of baby formulas available in the market. The best baby formula for your baby is the one that it can easily digest. The four most common types of best baby formulas are:
Cow milk formula
Cow milk is the most widely used type of baby feed around the world. It also makes up 80% of all the baby formulas available. Since raw cow milk is not safe for babies, the milk used for cow milk formulas for babies is modified to make it healthy for them. Moreover, some babies don’t digest milk because of being allergic to cow milk’s protein. These babies should be fed alternatives instead.
Hydrolyzed formula
This formula is usually used for babies that are allergic to cow milk. Hydrolyzed formula consists of hydrolyzed protein. The protein is broken down so it is more digestible by babies. Moreover, there are two types of hydrolyzed formulas; partially hydrolyzed and extensively hydrolyzed.
Soy formula
Soy formulas consist of carbohydrates such as sucrose or glucose and a protein (soy). This formula is a great option for lactose intolerant babies and babies that don’t easily digest animal milk. Other than this, soy formula can also be fed to babies that are non-allergic. It can be introduced to the baby's diet between 6 months and 1 year.
Speciality formulae
This is another choice for babies that can't break down the nutrients in baby formulas because of allergies or an immature digestive system. You can find a variety of different types of speciality formulas that are made to help babies with different digestive issues such as bloating, colic, acid reflux, and more.
Conclusion
Not choosing the right baby formula for you baby can lead to health complications later on, which is why it is very important that you keep all the above mentioned factors in your mind while choosing the best baby formula for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to change baby formulas?
Yes, most of the time it is safe to change the baby’s formula as long as you don’t change the ‘type of the formula. Though there is always the possibility that you baby might not adjust to the new formula, it’s very unlikely to appen.
Which baby’s formula is the best for babies that have been breastfed?
For babies that have been partially breastfed, the best option is to go for iron fortified cow-milk based formula. Formulas that don’t have sufficient iron can cause iron deficiency in babies.
How long should a baby formula be tried before switching?
You might want to give your baby at least 3-4 days to try the formula before you change it. A lot of babies adjust to a new formula right away. However, if your baby is not adjusting to it, then you might want to switch it.
