Selecting formula can be a tricky task since there are dozens of them on the market and many special variations such as being lactose-free and formulas designed for premature babies. We created this top 10 list to discover the best baby formula available today. Our criteria focused on the quality of nutrients, vitamins, and proteins found in each formula, and how well it supports a baby’s growth compared to consuming breast milk.
10. Similac NeoSure Infant Formula with Iron
What we like:
- Extra vitamins/proteins.
- Good for weight gain.
- Recommended by hospitals/doctors.
What we don’t like:
- Can cause constipation/gas.
- Tends to clump in bottles.
- Small can.
Recommendation: Used in many hospitals, this Similac product is one of the best baby formulas for premature infants with a 4.5 online user rating. It features OptiGRO™, a blend of important ingredients found in breast milk that provides vital nutrients and vitamins. Although it helps with weight gain, it’s known to cause some digestive issues.
9. Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Baby Formula
What we like:
- Helps build a tolerance to cow’s milk.
- Quickly manages colic.
- Easy on stomachs.
What we don’t like:
-
- Bad/bitter tasting.
May cause frequent bowel movementsThe smell
- ll can turn people off.
Recommendation: A good hypoallergenic blend, this formula can ease fussiness in babies with an aversion to cow’s milk. Some users have even noted an improvement in other areas such as reflux and skin conditions like eczema. Though the formula can have a strong smell and taste that some babies may or may not get over.
8. Gerber Good Start Formula
What we like:
- Close to breast milk.
- Reduces gas.
- Good use of proteins.
What we don’t like:
- Leaves clumps.
- Doesn’t help with spit-up much.
- Harsh smell.
Recommendation: Good Start formula is designed to resemble breast milk as close as possible. The prebiotics and probiotics found in it promote brain and eye development. It’s easy on sensitive stomachs also. Mixing it can take some time as it leaves behind clumps. In addition, there may be a strong smell in both the formula itself and in your baby’s gas/bowels.
7. Enfamil Infant Baby Formula
What we like:
- Prebiotic support.
- A good formula for gassy babies.
- Soothes fussy babies.
What we don’t like:
- Not easy to reseal.
- Strong smell.
- Can get foamy.
Recommendation: The Enfamil Infant formula is made with Neuro Complete™ to give vital developing nutrients. It’s close to breast milk and recommended by many pediatricians as it supports immune health. The formula has a tendency to dry out though as it’s tough to seal it after opening. Price also fluctuates often, so it may or may not be on sale at any given time.
6. Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula
What we like:
- Immune-nourishing prebiotic.
- Good for supplementing breast milk.
- Easy to mix.
What we don’t like:
- May cause digestive issues.
- Cause strong-smelling bowels.
- Can leave stains.
Recommendation: This formula is the first of its kind to use 2′-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO), a synthetic blend of an immune prebiotic found in breast milk. HMO helps develop a stronger immune system. However, as it contains soy, iron, and milk, some babies may have digestive issues such as constipation. The price can change as it goes on sale, and it can be bought online with free shipping.
5. Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula
What we like:
- Patterned after breast milk.
- Mixes well.
- Good for those with allergies.
What we don’t like:
- High levels of sugar.
- Strong smell/taste of iron.
- May cause constipation.
Recommendation: This Earth’s Best formula is modeled after breast milk to provide optimal nutrients and vitamins for immunity support. It mixes well compared to other formulas, but it does have a high sugar count which may be too sweet for some. Also, due to the iron, it may have a metallic-like smell and taste.
4. Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
What we like:
- Certified organic.
- Good use of carbohydrates.
- Works for the transition from breastfeeding.
What we don’t like:
- Cause constipation.
- Not palatable for all babies.
- Can get a lot of bubbles.
Recommendation: In our search for the best baby formula in terms of seeking something truly organic, we have this Plum Organics formula. It’s been certified by the USDA, but it does contain a number of ingredients that can cause some constipation and other digestive complications. Even so, it has critical nutrients found in breast milk to aid in development.
3. Gerber Good Start Soothe Infant Formula
What we like:
- Small proteins for easy digestion.
- Ease fussiness & gas.
- Doesn’t foam/bubble up.
What we don’t like:
- Some constipation issues.
- Form clumps.
- Leave stains behind.
Recommendation: Good Start Soothe is next on our best baby formula list, this formula is best especially for colicky babies. It contains much-needed probiotics to ease the digestion process to rid gas and fussiness, and help comfort crying babies. The packaging also received praise thanks to the scoop holder inside. However, it may clump while mixing, which can clog the nipple in the bottles. Buy it with free shipping.
2. Enfamil ProSobee Soy Infant Formula
What we like:
- Good for lactose sensitivity.
- Plant-sourced soy protein.
- Not much of a smell.
What we don’t like:
- Hard to mix.
- May cause constipation.
- Used up quickly.
Recommendation: Another top runner for the best baby formula, this Enfamil product uses a plant-sourced soy protein to aid those with a lactose sensitivity. As such, users note it as working gently on babies with milk allergies. It’s sometimes hard to mix, but that may only be in room temperature water. Also, it’s easy to go through the can fast.
1. Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula
What we like:
- Good for gluten/corn allergies.
- USDA certified organic.
- Aids weight gain.
What we don’t like:
- Constipation issues.
- Might cause vomiting.
- High sugar content.
Recommendation: This formula is gluten free and USDA certified, a good solution for those looking for quality, safe ingredients. In spite of it not having any corn syrup, it does have high sugar content. Additionally, it can cause some strong constipation problems.
Conclusion
Choosing the best baby formula may require some experimentation, and our list is meant to provide you with some options. Let us know in the comments if there are any other formulas you feel should be added to the list. Also, be sure to always consult with your doctor before switching formulas.
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