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 No matter how you do it, feeding a baby is hard work. If you’re using formula, there are the added challenges of deciphering long lists of ingredients and distinguishing among the dozens of brands and types. And formulas can differ drastically in cost, which can create more confusion, not to mention worry. What to know
We spent more than 60 hours researching formulas, interviewing pediatricians and other experts, and reading more than 20 scientific studies and journal articles. And we learned that all FDA-approved formulas made for healthy, full-term infants are safe and nutritionally adequate for normal growth and development from birth through the first year. We then analyzed the ingredients of more than 60 formulas to find the ones that we think offer the best combination of evidence-backed benefits and value. Due to the ongoing formula shortage, several baby formulas are out of stock, including many of the picks in this guide. If you’re searching for formula, here’s what you should know about switching formula brands and types. When formulas are widely available, we recommend Costco’s Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula, Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark Infant, and Target’s Up & Up Advantage Infant Formula—all generic options that are just as nutritious as brand-name versions but much less expensive. We also recommend the generic Parent’s Choice Tender Infant Formula (the least expensive true “gentle” formula we’ve found), Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (the least expensive hypoallergenic formula we’ve found), and Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula (an affordable organic formula). And we have information about FDA-regulated “European-style” formulas, as well as what to know about so-called toddler formula for older babies (in short, medical experts say it’s unnecessary). Babies can have individual needs. Consider these recommendations as a starting point, and check out our full list of formulas for even more options. If you’re looking for other baby-feeding gear, consult our guide to the best baby bottles (and bottle brush). Our pickBecause traditional formulas are all required to meet the same basic nutritional standards, we looked for the most affordable formulas that offer the most additional potential benefits. Costco’s Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula (about 50¢ per ounce, and slightly less if you’re a Costco member) uses lactose, the sugar naturally found in human milk (breast milk). And this formula provides many of the same extra nutrients you’ll find in formulas that cost two or three times as much. Our pickSam’s Club’s Member’s Mark Infant (around 50¢ per ounce, and a little less if you’re a Sam’s Club member) includes expert-recommended ingredients, such as lactose (the carbohydrate found in human milk), as well as a few desirable extras. This formula is also sold as Up & Up Infant, Parent’s Choice Premium Infant, and Mama Bear Infant, among others, so it’s easy to find. Also greatThough slightly more expensive than our main picks, Up & Up Advantage (around 60¢ per ounce) is still one of the least expensive formulas we found. Unlike our main picks, this formula is available in a smaller, 35-ounce size. It’s also sold in grocery and drugstore chains, as CVS Advantage, Sam’s Club Advantage, and Walgreens Advantage, among others, as well as online as Amazon’s Mama Bear Advantage, so it’s also easy to find. Also greatMost babies do well on traditional formula, but if a pediatrician recommends giving your baby a “gentle,” “tender,” or partially hydrolyzed formula (containing partly broken-down milk proteins, which may be easier for some babies to digest), we suggest the generic Parent’s Choice Tender (around 60¢ per ounce). At two-thirds the price of brand-name formulas, it’s the cheapest partially hydrolyzed formula we found. But it has many of the same potentially beneficial additives as much more expensive brands. Also greatIf your doctor recommends a hypoallergenic formula, Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula is equivalent to Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum but available at a fraction of the price (roughly $1.46 per ounce). It’s also non-GMO and kosher. It’s the same as other store-brand hypoallergenic formulas, including CVS Health Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, Walgreens Well Beginnings Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, and Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, among others. Also greatIf you want a formula made from USDA-certified organic ingredients, we recommend Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula (around $1.15 per ounce). It’s the least expensive organic formula we found that has lactose as its only carbohydrate, and it contains extra nutrients. Everything we recommend
We also interviewed Bridget Young, PhD, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, who also runs an informational website on baby formula (which includes affiliate links for some formulas; Young donates the proceeds to the Graham's Foundation, a charity that supports families of premature babies). We spoke with Lars Bode, PhD, a professor of pediatrics at the University of California San Diego Medical School and director of a research lab that studies human milk. And we talked with formula-industry leaders, including Laura Modi, CEO and co-founder of Bobbie; Ron Belldegrun, CEO and co-founder of ByHeart; and Kristy Carr, founder and CEO of Aussie Bubs. We read more than a dozen scientific studies, journal articles, reports, and advances regarding baby formula in order to understand its ingredients, nutrients, and other components. We looked at information from the FDA and CDC to learn how formula is regulated and tested in the US. Finally, we analyzed the nutrition and ingredients labels of some 50 formulas to understand the differences and similarities among them. What to know about baby formulaAll babies require either human milk (breast milk), baby formula, or a combination of the two during the first year of life. This guide is intended as an introduction to baby formula. We focused our research on cow’s milk–based formulas for babies who are healthy, were born at full term, and don’t have any specialized nutritional or medical needs. You should talk to your baby’s pediatrician about any concerns related to feeding your baby. Four major companies manufacture baby formula for sale in the US: Mead Johnson (Enfamil); Abbott Nutrition (Similac); Nestlé (Gerber); and Perrigo (which makes generic formulas sold in many grocery and pharmacy chains and by other brands, including Earth’s Best and Bobbie). Our experts were clear: All infant formula sold in the US and labeled for healthy babies is safe and will support normal growth and development from birth through 12 months. The FDA tightly regulates and monitors baby formula and has strict requirements for its nutrients, ingredients, composition, and manufacturing processes. Regardless of a formula’s brand or type, most of the information on the nutrition label of a can or bottle of formula will be exactly the same. Generic formulas are just as highly regulated as brand-name formulas, and often the differences between brand-name formulas and generics are minor. “Brand-name and store-name formulas are nearly identical,” a 2017 article on infant feeding in the journal Pediatrics states. Pediatricians Thomas and Porto both told us that parents should feel comfortable using store-brand or generic infant formulas because they contain all of the same FDA-required nutrients and ingredients as formulas made by Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber (whose brands can cost two to three times as much). But if you’re choosing a generic, especially if you’ve had your baby on the brand-name equivalent, it may be worth comparing the ingredients lists. Within these regulations, formula companies have some latitude with regard to their specific combinations of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), as well as extra ingredients and nutrients. Bridget Young, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester who studies infant nutrition, explained that although “all formulas are definitely not the same,” much of what you’ll read on a formula container is “mostly just marketing,” and there’s little reason to select—or avoid—a certain formula based on these claims. “In terms of ‘this formula is for colic, this formula is for constipation’—all formulas have to meet the needs of all infants in the US, from 0 to 12 months. So you can’t have a formula that’s just for a baby who is also breastfed, or a 2-month-old baby who is constipated,” Young said. You will find some differences among the ingredients lists for various formula types, however: “The marketing does come from somewhere; they do have different ingredients. They’ve either added an ingredient or tweaked an ingredient that they think might help,” she explained. Young and pediatricians Porto and Thomas all agree that if your baby is feeding well and happily on a certain formula, there’s probably no reason to change it. On the other hand, some formula companies misleadingly suggest that changing brands could be bad for a baby. For example, see Similac’s response to the “frequently asked question” of whether it’s “safe to switch baby formula”: “If you are talking about switching brands of formula, you should know that not all formulas are the same and switching between them may be difficult for your baby to tolerate.” Thomas said this is untrue and that most babies will tolerate changing formula brands and formulations well: “Switching from formula to formula is not a hardship on the baby.” Some otherwise healthy babies without allergies do have trouble digesting certain formulas and can exhibit gassiness, spit-up, constipation, or fussiness. Porto said it can be hard to determine whether it’s the formula that might be causing trouble for your baby (and, if so, which component of the formula). If the formulas we recommend in this guide aren’t right for your baby, or you’re interested in what makes other formulas different, take a look at More baby formulas to consider. Understanding baby formula labelsThere is a dizzyingly long list of potential ingredients in formula, and understanding the label isn’t easy. Many of the ingredients that fulfill the FDA-required vitamins and minerals have complex names (“iron” might be listed as “ferrous sulfate”). And a formula might proclaim it “contains DHA” on the front, but to find it on the ingredients list, you’d need to know that DHA comes from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil. Here, we’ve listed the FDA-required ingredients you’ll find in all US formulas. Required nutrients, vitamins & minerals
We’ve also listed other common minerals and prebiotics, as well as other ingredients added to formulas. These “extras” are not required by the FDA, but they are all considered safe. Formula companies add these ingredients because they may confer potential benefits or are designed to make the formula more similar to human milk. And some ingredients act as emulsifiers or thickeners for the formula’s consistency. ExtrasDHA and ARA
Alpha-lactalbumin
Beta-carotene
Lactoferrin
L-carnitine
Lutein
Lycopene
Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)
Nucleotides
Prebiotics
Probiotics
Taurine
Non-nutritive ingredients
What’s in baby formula?Baby formula in the US is based on either non-fat cow’s milk or soy. Porto and Thomas told us they recommend soy-based formulas only if the baby has a medical need for it, or if parents want their baby to follow a vegan diet; this is also the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. For this guide, we looked only at cow’s milk–based formulas. Lactose is the carbohydrate occurring naturally in human milk and cow’s milk, and it is the most abundant component of human milk. Some formulas marketed as “sensitive” have reduced lactose or are lactose-free and instead use corn syrup, sucrose, or other sugars. A Pediatrics in Review article states that “primary lactose intolerance is rare in children,” and most healthy babies are able to tolerate lactose, whether from cow’s milk or human milk. Porto said that when a baby is having issues digesting a formula, it’s usually due to the protein and not the carbohydrate. Porto and Young both said they prefer babies to be on lactose-based formulas. Our research showed that each formula brand uses its own standard blend of fats in all of its formulas. Fat is the second-most-abundant component of human milk, after carbohydrates. But all US formulas use plant-based fats, the most common being coconut, soy, sunflower, safflower, or palm oil. Young says for some babies, palm oil might contribute to constipation, but “most infants are able to pass stool while consuming palm oil just fine.” Porto said if a formula-fed baby has hard stools, palm oil wouldn’t be the first thing he would consider as a culprit. He would first make sure that the baby was hydrated, and then maybe recommend a formula with hydrolyzed proteins, since, as we note above, some babies have difficulty digesting intact milk proteins. However, if you want a formula that doesn’t use palm oil—some people may also want to avoid it for environmental reasons—Kirkland Signature ProCare, all Similac formulas, and Bobbie formulas don’t include it. Aside from carbohydrates and fats, cow’s-milk formulas contain different forms of milk proteins:
For this guide, we considered only intact (traditional), intact organic, and partially hydrolyzed (sometimes called “tender” or “gentle”) formulas. Finally, in addition to the FDA-mandated 29 vitamins and nutrients that all infant formulas must include, we found that many formulas have added nutrients and ingredients (what we call “extras”), which are intended to make formulas more similar to—or to confer benefits associated with—human milk. All of the formulas we found have some of these “extras”; none have all of them. Here are details on some of the main “extras” you’ll find in baby formula (see the chart above for a full list):
Though these additives are all recognized as being safe by the FDA, a 2017 article on infant nutrition in Pediatrics in Review concluded: “The benefits of these additives are still under investigation.” Research into human milk is ongoing. And the makeup, role, and benefits of many of human milk’s bioactive components, like white blood cells, immunological proteins, beneficial microbes (probiotics), and prebiotics, among many others, are still being understood. “We have come ages in formula development. But [formula makers] are nowhere close to creating human milk,” Thomas said. “I don’t think that any of the newest additions to formula makes any one formula so great that you should stand up and say this is the one that you need.” Following the guidance of these experts and other medical sources, we considered these formula “extras” to be just that: safe to consume, maybe nice to have, but not yet conclusively beneficial. These ingredients are one of the reasons the cost of formulas can vary so widely, but Young said you don’t need to stretch your budget for them. And when it comes to formula companies touting certain ingredients as improving babies’ development or cognition, Young tells parents to be skeptical. Instead, she said: “Talk to your baby, make eye contact with your baby, snuggle with your baby, read to your child—all of those things together make such a bigger impact that there’s just no room for parents to feel any guilt if a formula is out of their financial reach.” How we picked
We started our research in 2017 by building a list of all infant formulas made by the four major US companies that make formula: Mead Johnson (Enfamil); Abbott Nutrition (Similac); Nestlé (Gerber); and Perrigo (which makes generic formulas). Each of these companies makes a half-dozen or more types of formula, and in 2017, we ended up with a list of over 50 formulas. For a 2021 update of this guide, we reanalyzed the formulas (some had been discontinued), and we scrutinized the compositions and ingredients of eight new formulas. In 2022, we looked at five new formulas that had become available. We focused on powdered formulas, because they are the most commonly used (PDF) and most economical, and they come in the most varieties. Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber offer some of their formulas in liquid concentrate (which must be diluted) and ready-to-feed versions. Ready-to-feed formulas, some of which come in 2-ounce or 8-ounce pre-portioned bottles, are the most convenient and foolproof option because they require no mixing or dilution. They are significantly more expensive than powdered formulas, though. Based on our extensive research and conversations with multiple experts, there were only a few criteria we used to narrow our list of contenders for best formulas: Traditional and organic formulas should have lactose as the sole carbohydrate. Since lactose is the energy-providing carbohydrate naturally found in human milk and cow’s milk, and because formula seeks to mimic human milk as closely as possible, Porto and Young said it’s preferable to choose a formula that has lactose as the sole sugar. Most healthy babies don’t have issues digesting lactose, and there is little evidence that reduced lactose or lactose-free formulas reduce colic. For this reason, we didn’t consider any “sensitive” formulas that were lactose-free. (All partially hydrolyzed formulas include another sweetener in addition to lactose, so this criterion doesn’t apply to them.) “Gentle,” or “tender,” formulas should contain only partially hydrolyzed proteins. If a pediatrician believes your baby would benefit from a “gentle” formula (which may be easier to digest), it should not contain “intact” proteins along with the partially hydrolyzed ones. (If the label lists milk in addition to hydrolyzed milk or hydrolyzed whey, then it contains both intact and partially hydrolyzed proteins.) This is because, according to Young (video), the presence of some intact proteins will negate any benefits the partially broken down proteins could offer. (Imagine you’re lactose-intolerant and you order an almond-milk latte but still put whipped cream on top.) Finally, we considered cost. Formulas can range from just under 50¢ to nearly $2 per ounce of powder or more; this translates to about 45¢ to $1.75 per 6-ounce bottle. We found that many cheaper formulas had most or all of the same extra nutrients as more expensive formulas. We did not look at European formulas like HiPP and Holle because they are some of the most expensive options, aren’t regulated by the FDA, and aren’t sold in US stores. Because European formulas are not FDA-regulated, and shipping them abroad carries risks, experts recommend against using them in the US. (If you want to learn more about why some parents are drawn to European formulas, read our article on this topic.) We also did not consider formulas intended for babies who are premature or who have certain other medical conditions, including formulas whose proteins come in the form of amino acids (such as Abbott’s EleCare or Enfamil PurAmino). We didn’t do any testing for this guide, because babies have minds of their own, and it would be impossible to control for all of the variables that might make a baby prefer one formula over another. Our pick: Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant FormulaOur pickAt about 50¢ per ounce (for a pack of four 42-ounce containers), Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula is among the least expensive traditional formulas we found. Yet it is just as safe and nutritious as formulas that cost much more. It uses lactose as the sole carbohydrate, and it has added whey protein, in addition to nonfat milk, to make the protein ratio more similar to that of human milk (close to 50% whey and 50% casein). It also includes the extra nutrients DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and two prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides and 2’-FL). This formula uses safflower oil, rather than palm oil, which may be a benefit if you are concerned about constipation (though our experts said palm oil is unlikely to impact a baby’s stool). Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula is a generic formula available only at Costco. The Costco representative we corresponded with said its policy is to not disclose the company that manufactures its formula, but Perrigo lists the Kirkland formula on its website. Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO has a similar ingredients list to the brand-name Similac Pro-Advance, which costs more than $1 per ounce. We previously recommended Kirkland Signature Non-GMO, which Costco discontinued in late 2019 and replaced with Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO. The old and new versions of Kirkland’s formula are virtually identical, with minor differences in the amounts and concentrations of certain ingredients. Flaws but not dealbreakersSome customer reviewers have complained that their babies experienced gassiness or spit-up when switching from the previous version of this formula, Kirkland Signature Non-GMO, to the new version, Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO. As noted above, most babies tolerate switching formulas well, and the ingredients in the old and new versions differ very little. Some reviewers have also complained that the ProCare formula comes with an opaque blue scoop, which makes it harder to gauge the measurement. This formula is available online only as a pack of four 42-ounce containers, enough for about 136 8-ounce bottles. If you want to buy smaller quantities of formula at a time, you can purchase individual Kirkland formula 42-ounce cans in-store, or try Member’s Mark Infant (which comes in a single 48-ounce container, enough for about 38 8-ounce bottles) or Up & Up Advantage (which comes in a single 35-ounce container, enough for about 28 8-ounce bottles). Though you don’t have to be a Costco member to buy this formula online, non-members pay a 5% surcharge. But even with that charge, this formula remains significantly less expensive than similar formulas from Similac and Enfamil. Our pick: Member’s Mark InfantOur pickLike Kirkland Signature ProCare, Member’s Mark Infant is produced by Perrigo. Its ingredients list is largely the same as that of Kirkland Signature ProCare, with protein from nonfat milk and added whey, and lactose as the sole carbohydrate (making this formula’s protein close to 60% whey and 40% casein). Member’s Mark Infant contains both galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides as prebiotics, and DHA and ARA. It also uses palm oil in addition to other vegetable oils. At about 44¢ an ounce (if you’re a Sam’s Club member; if not, you’ll pay a 10% upcharge), this formula is barely a third the cost of brand-name formulas, like Enfamil Premium Infant (which has a similar ingredients list). Member’s Mark comes in a smaller quantity than Kirkland Signature ProCare (one 48-ounce container, versus Kirkland’s four 42-ounce containers). Member’s Mark Infant is sold at Sam’s Club, and the exact same formula is also sold under other brands, including Up & Up Infant at Target, Parent’s Choice Premium Infant at Walmart, Little Journey Infant at Aldi, and Mama Bear Infant on Amazon (though these versions are often more expensive than the Member’s Mark version). Flaws but not dealbreakersMember’s Mark Infant doesn’t include lutein or 2’-FL (a human milk oligosaccharide), which Kirkland Signature ProCare does. (As noted above, the benefits of 2’-FL or other prebiotics currently added to infant formulas aren’t firmly established.) Unlike Kirkland Signature ProCare, Member’s Mark Infant contains palm oil, though this shouldn’t be a problem for the majority of babies. The same formula sold under other names (like Up & Up Infant, Parent’s Choice Premium Infant, and Mama Bear Infant) can be considerably more expensive. However, some of those options are sold in even smaller quantities, and this could allow caregivers to try the formula before buying a full 48 ounces from Sam’s Club. Also great: Up & Up Advantage Infant FormulaAlso greatThough slightly more expensive than Kirkland Signature ProCare and Member’s Mark Infant, Target’s Up & Up Advantage Infant Formula is still one of the least expensive formulas we found, yet it contains many of the same beneficial ingredients as much more expensive formulas. Like Kirkland Signature ProCare (and the brand-name Similac Pro-Advance), Up & Up Advantage uses lactose as the sole carbohydrate, the protein is from nonfat milk and whey protein (making the protein in this formula about 50% whey and 50% casein), and includes the extra nutrients DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and two prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides and 2’-FL). Unlike Kirkland’s formula, Up & Up Advantage does contain palm oil, though it shouldn’t be a problem for the majority of babies. Like ProCare and Member’s Mark, this formula is manufactured by Perrigo; it is also sold as CVS Advantage, Sam’s Club Advantage, Walgreens Advantage, Aldi’s Little Journey Advantage, and Amazon Brand Mama Bear Advantage, among others. Up & Up Advantage (and the equivalent generics) are available in smaller, 12.4-ounce and 23.2-ounce sizes, as well as in a 35-ounce size. The best gentle formula: Parent’s Choice Tender Infant FormulaAlso great“Gentle” or “tender” formulas use partially hydrolyzed milk proteins, which are partly broken down and may be easier for some babies to digest. If you or your child’s pediatrician thinks your baby might do well with a partially hydrolyzed formula, we suggest Parent’s Choice Tender Infant Formula, which is also manufactured by Perrigo. It’s the cheapest partially hydrolyzed formula we found, costing about two-thirds the price of partially hydrolyzed formulas by Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber. Parent’s Choice Tender uses only partially hydrolyzed milk protein, and it contains no intact proteins, as some formulas labeled “gentle” or “tender” do. (As we note above, our experts advised that if you’re choosing a partially hydrolyzed formula for your baby’s digestion, you should ensure that it doesn’t also include intact proteins, because those larger proteins would negate any benefits the broken-down proteins might have.) Like all partially hydrolyzed formulas currently available in the US, Parent’s Choice Tender has an additional sweetener (maltodextrin). But it’s also one of the few partially hydrolyzed formulas that contain some lactose, which experts recommend. (Parent’s Choice Tender, Gerber Good Start GentlePro, Burt’s Bees Baby Ultra Gentle Organic Formula, and Enfamil Reguline are the only partially hydrolyzed formulas that contain at least 50% lactose and no intact proteins.) This formula’s protein is 100% whey, with no casein. It also contains several potentially beneficial extra ingredients, including DHA and ARA, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and a prebiotic (2’-FL). The best hypoallergenic formula: Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant FormulaAlso greatHypoallergenic formula contains proteins that are fully hydrolyzed, or broken down, to make them suitable for babies with certain diagnoses, such as cow’s-milk protein allergy. If your doctor says you need to use a hypoallergenic formula, we recommend Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula. It’s equivalent to Similac Alimentum or Enfamil Nutramigen, but it’s a fraction of the price of those formulas. As with Alimentum or Nutramigen, its main carbohydrate is a corn-based sugar (corn-syrup solids), its protein is in the form of casein hydrolysate (a kind of hydrolyzed protein), and it contains soy oil. Unlike Similac Alimentum but like Nutramigen, it also contains palm oil. Like our other store-brand picks, it’s made by Perrigo, and it is also sold as CVS Health Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, Walgreens Well Beginnings Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, and Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, among others. The best organic formula: Earth’s Best Organic Infant FormulaAlso greatIf you want to feed your baby a formula made from USDA-certified organic ingredients, we recommend Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula. (Organic formulas use ingredients extracted from USDA-certified organic milk and other food products, but they may contain synthetic ingredients that are not approved by the National Organic Standards Board.) It’s the least expensive organic formula we found that has lactose as its only carbohydrate, and it includes added whey (making this formula’s protein 30% whey and 70% casein), as well as the extra nutrients DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, nucleotides, and a prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides). The mix of fats in the Earth’s Best formula does include palm oil. The Earth’s Best representative we corresponded with said its policy is not to disclose which company manufactures its formula. It’s made by Perrigo. What about Bobbie and ByHeart?In the past two years, two new formulas that aren’t made by the manufacturers behind the big three formula companies (Enfamil, Gerber, and Similac) have appeared: Bobbie, which launched in 2021, and ByHeart, introduced in 2022. Bobbie, manufactured by Perrigo, fashions itself as a “European-style” formula. Lactose is the sole carbohydrate, and the formula has added whey (making the protein ratio 60% whey and 40% casein). Bobbie’s blend of oils contains coconut, soy, and sunflower or safflower oils; it has no palm oil. Bobbie contains more DHA (at 20 mg/100 calories) than any other formula available in the US, aligning with European standards, according to a Bobbie spokesperson. This formula lacks some added ingredients that many other US formulas have, but they are ingredients that many European formulas leave out (a prebiotic, lutein, nucleotides, beta-carotene, taurine, and extra L-carnitine). In other words, Bobbie is designed to mimic European formulas while still meeting FDA requirements. Similar to many European formulas, it uses organic milk from pasture-raised cows. Also similar to European formulas, Bobbie has a shorter ingredients list because it omits those certain “extra” minerals and nutrients found in most US formulas. ByHeart, which manufactures its own formula, is currently the only formula in the US made with whole milk, which naturally contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), an ingredient added to some formulas. Lactose is the sole carbohydrate, and the protein is from organic whole milk, alpha-lactalbumin (a prominent protein in human milk), and hydrolyzed whey, making the protein ratio 80% whey and 20% casein. It also includes a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides). ByHeart contains DHA at a level that is higher than in many of the most common formulas in the US (18 mg/100 calories). And this formula leaves out some ingredients commonly added to US formulas, such as nucleotides, beta-carotene, and taurine (beta-carotene and taurine are naturally found in the milk used in many US formulas). It also lacks palm oil. Both Bobbie and ByHeart contain slightly less iron than many US formulas do but remain within FDA guidelines in that regard. (Both are also marketed as “gluten-free,” but most formulas do not contain gluten.) They’re also both Clean Label Project certified, which means the companies test for concerning chemicals including heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. However, the two brands' products also rank among the most expensive formulas sold in the US, as ByHeart costs about $1.60 per powdered ounce, and Bobbie costs about $1.80 per powdered ounce (around four times as much as our top picks). Both brands offer free shipping only if you subscribe to regular deliveries; for one-time purchases, you pay between $8 and $25 in shipping fees depending on how many cans you buy. In July 2022, Bobbie started selling its formula at Target as well as by subscription. Formula safety and recallsInfant formula is one of the most highly regulated foods, and manufacturers are required to test samples of each batch of formula for Cronobacter and Salmonella, bacteria that can contaminate dry foods like powdered formula and can make infants, especially newborns, sick. Recalls due to potential pathogens are rare, but they do happen, and sometimes recalls happen for other reasons (such as things ending up in the formula that don’t belong there). On February 17, 2022, Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled some of its Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan, factory. On February 28, Abbott also recalled one lot of Similac PM 60/40 formula. (Alimentum, EleCare, and Similac PM 60/40 powdered formulas are specialized formulas for babies with certain medical needs.) To find out whether a specific formula you’ve purchased has been recalled, check the lot numbers on Abbott’s website. The Abbott recall was prompted by reports that several infants had become sick with Cronobacter sakazakii infections after consuming the formula; two babies died. The FDA is still investigating the reports and Abbott’s manufacturing processes, but in a preliminary report on March 22, the FDA announced that the company had not taken certain steps to prevent products from becoming contaminated. Though sometimes potentially harmful bacteria can come from powdered infant formulas, they can also be introduced during the process of preparing formula and feeding a baby. To minimize the risk, the CDC recommends sterilizing bottles and feeding parts (such as the nipples), as well as washing your hands thoroughly before preparing formula or feeding. For at-risk babies (those who are under 3 months old or are immunocompromised), the CDC and the World Health Organization recommend using premixed liquid formula (often called “ready to feed”) or mixing powdered formula with very hot water (158 degrees Fahrenheit), being careful to let it cool before feeding. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says you don’t need to boil or otherwise heat the water before mixing in powdered formula, unless you are concerned about water safety. Talk to your doctor about any special instructions for preparing your baby’s formula. If a medical/specialty formula, which is typically recommended by a doctor, is affected by a recall, you have alternatives. If you need a formula with fully hydrolyzed proteins, for example, you can consider Enfamil Nutramigen, Gerber Extensive-HA, or a store-brand “hypoallergenic” formula (such as Target Up&Up Hypoallergenic, CVS Health Hypoallergenic, or Amazon’s Mama Bear Hypoallergenic, which are all made by Perrigo with ingredients modeled after those in Nutramigen), and Similac Alimentum. If you need an amino-acid-based formula, which contains only the building blocks of proteins, you can get Enfamil PurAmino, EleCare, or Neocate Infant. Ask your child’s pediatrician for guidance. We have more advice on switching formulas in this article. More baby formulas to considerAll FDA-regulated infant formula sold in the US is safe and promotes normal growth and development for healthy babies from birth through 12 months. We think our picks offer the best value and meet an array of caregiver preferences. But your baby’s needs may differ, and the list below includes nearly all formulas available in the US. We’ve noted which carbohydrate(s) and extra nutrients each formula includes, but for complete information, check nutrition and ingredients labels and refer to our charts and descriptions above. Enfamil traditionalEnfamil’s traditional formulas all cost more than our equivalent picks. Like our picks, all traditional Enfamil formulas have DHA and ARA, taurine, L-carnitine, and nucleotides, and many have polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides (prebiotics). Infant: lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein NeuroPro Infant: lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein Enspire: lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; lactoferrin; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein Premium A2: A2 milk; lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein from skim milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein NeuroPro Sensitive: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from milk protein isolate and whey is 55% whey and 45% casein A.R.: maltodextrin in addition to lactose; rice starch as a thickener (Young points out that there is no solid evidence that rice starch reduces painful spit-up); polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein is from nonfat milk and has no added whey Simply Organic: lactose and maltodextrin; galactooligosaccharides; the protein is from organic nonfat milk and does not contain added whey Enfamil partially hydrolyzedLike our picks, the Enfamil partially hydrolyzed formulas have DHA and ARA, taurine, and L-carnitine. But they cost more. NeuroPro Gentlease: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 70% whey and 30% casein before hydrolysis Gentlease: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein before hydrolysis Enspire Gentlease: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; lactoferrin; milk fat globule membrane (MFGM); the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 75% whey and 25% casein before hydrolysis Reguline: corn-syrup solids and lactose; polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides; the protein from partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey is 60% whey and 40% casein before hydrolysis Enfamil fully hydrolyzedNutramigen: hypoallergenic formula that contains fully hydrolyzed proteins and is meant for babies with milk intolerance and/or allergy Similac traditionalSimilac traditional formulas cost more than our picks, and some use other sugars instead of lactose (which our experts preferred since lactose best models human milk). All traditional Similac formulas have DHA and ARA, lutein, taurine, L-carnitine, and nucleotides. They also contain a prebiotic in the form of 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), fructooligosaccharides, and/or galactooligosaccharides. None of Similac’s formulas contain palm oil. Advance: lactose; lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein Pro-Advance: lactose; 2’-FL and fructooligosaccharides; protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein Organic: sucrose, maltodextrin, and lactose; lycopene; fructooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, only nonfat milk, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein Organic A2 (currently unavailable): sucrose, maltodextrin and lactose; lycopene; fructooligosaccharides; formula is made from A2 milk; this formula does not have added whey, only nonfat A2 milk, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein Pure Bliss: lactose; galactooligosaccharides; formula is made from milk from grass-fed cows; the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein 360 Total Care: lactose; five prebiotics (2’-Fucosyllactose, lacto-N-tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6’-Sialyllactose, 3’-Sialyllactose); the protein from nonfat milk and whey is 48% whey and 52% casein 360 Total Care Sensitive: corn syrup; five prebiotics (2’-Fucosyllactose, lacto-N-tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6’-Sialyllactose, 3’-Sialyllactose); the protein from milk protein isolate is 18% whey and 82% casein For Spit-Up (currently unavailable): corn syrup and sugar instead of lactose; rice starch as a thickener (Young points out that there is little evidence that rice starch helps with painful spit-up); lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, and it uses milk protein isolate as the protein source, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein Sensitive: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, and it uses milk protein isolate as the protein source, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein Pro-Sensitive: corn-syrup solids instead of lactose; lycopene, 2’-FL, and fructooligosaccharides; this formula does not have added whey, and uses milk protein isolate as the protein source, making the protein 18% whey and 82% casein For Supplementation: marketed as a formula for babies who are also fed human milk, but it meets the same criteria as all formulas; it has lactose, galactooligosaccharides, and lycopene, and the protein is 48% whey and 52% casein Similac partially hydrolyzedTotal Comfort: maltodextrin instead of lactose; lycopene; galactooligosaccharides; the protein is 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (no casein) Pro-Total Comfort: maltodextrin instead of lactose; lycopene; 2’-FL; the protein is 100% partially hydrolyzed whey (no casein) Similac fully hydrolyzedAlimentum: hypoallergenic formula that contains fully hydrolyzed proteins and is meant for babies with milk intolerance and/or allergy GerberGerber formulas all include DHA and ARA, taurine, nucleotides, and L-carnitine. Until fairly recently, the proteins in all Gerber formulas were partially hydrolyzed, but now only the Pro versions are partially hydrolyzed. They all contain 2’-O-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) as a prebiotic, and either B. lactis or L. reuteri as probiotics. Again, they cost more than our picks. Gerber Good Start Gentle: lactose and maltodextrin; 2’-FL (prebiotic), B. lactis cultures (probiotic); the protein from whey and nonfat milk is 70% whey and 30% casein Gerber Good Start GentlePro Stage 1 and GentlePro Stage 2: lactose and maltodextrin; 2’-FL (prebiotic), B. lactis cultures (probiotic); the protein from hydrolyzed whey is 100% whey (no casein) Gerber Good Start SoothePro: maltodextrin instead of lactose; 2’-FL (prebiotic), L. reuteri cultures (probiotic); protein is hydrolyzed and is 100% whey (no casein) Gerber Extensive HA: hypoallergenic formula that contains fully hydrolyzed proteins and is meant for babies with milk intolerance and/or allergy Other formulasLike our main picks, Happy Baby Organic relies on lactose and contains two prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides), as well as DHA and ARA, and the protein is from organic nonfat milk and whey (making its protein 30% whey and 70% casein). Like Earth’s Best, this formula contains palm oil. However, it does not include some of the added nutrients in Earth’s Best (lutein, L-carnitine, nucleotides), and Happy Baby costs a bit more. Burt’s Bees Baby Infant Milk Organic Formula also relies on lactose and contains a prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides), as well as DHA and ARA, and the protein is from organic nonfat milk and whey, making its protein 30% whey and 70% casein. It also contains palm oil and is a tiny bit more expensive than Earth’s Best. Parent’s Choice Organic (also sold under other store brands, and as Amazon’s Mama Bear Organic) is comparable to Similac Organic. Like Similac Organic, these generics contain sugars in addition to lactose as carbohydrates, plus fructooligosaccharides as a prebiotic; the protein is from organic nonfat milk and has no added whey. Unlike Similac formulas, these store brands have palm oil. At 80¢ an ounce, Parent’s Choice Organic is cheaper than our organic pick, but because lactose is not the sole carbohydrate in this formula, it did not make our top picks. Nestlé NAN Pro Infant Formula is a traditional milk-based formula made by Gerber’s parent company, Nestlé. It contains lactose and corn maltodextrin as carbohydrates (the maltodextrin is less than 2% of the formula); it also has 2’-FL as a prebiotic and L. reuteri as a probiotic. The protein comes from nonfat milk and whey, making its protein 70% whey and 30% casein. It does contain palm oil, as well as taurine, nucleotides, and L-carnitine. Happy Baby Sensitive is an organic reduced-lactose formula with maltodextrin and corn-syrup solids as the main carbohydrates. It contains palm oil, and the protein is from organic nonfat milk and whey. Up & Up Sensitivity is made by Perrigo, and it is also sold as Amazon’s Mama Bear Sensitivity, CVS Health Sensitivity, Aldi Little Journey Sensitivity, and Member’s Mark Sensitivity, among other store brands. It contains corn-syrup solids and sucrose instead of lactose, and the protein comes from milk protein isolate with no added whey. It is similar to Similac Pro-Sensitive, except that it contains palm oil. Up & Up Added Rice Starch, made by Perrigo, is also sold under other store brands as an “Added Rice Starch” formula. It contains rice starch as a thickener (Young points out that there isn’t good evidence that rice starch reduces painful reflux), and it also has maltodextrin and lactose as carbohydrates. The protein comes from nonfat milk, and it has no added whey. It is similar to Enfamil A.R. Burt’s Bees Baby Ultra Gentle Organic Formula uses 100% partially hydrolyzed whey proteins as its protein to make it easier to digest, and unlike Earth’s Best Organic Gentle, it does not contain intact proteins. It also has lactose as the main carbohydrate with no added sugars. If you are looking for an organic gentle formula, this is a great choice. Earth’s Best Organic Gentle contains partially hydrolyzed whey proteins, but it also contains intact proteins (in the nonfat milk), which, according to Young, counters the benefits that the partially broken-down proteins could offer. It also contains maltodextrin in addition to lactose, as well as palm oil. Up & Up Gentle, which is manufactured by Perrigo, is also sold as Parent’s Choice Gentle, CVS Health Gentle, Aldi Little Journey Gentle, Member’s Mark Gentle, and Amazon’s Mama Bear Gentle, among others. This formula contains intact proteins (in the nonfat milk) in addition to partially hydrolyzed whey proteins, which would negate any benefits the broken-down proteins might have. It also contains corn syrup as the main carbohydrate. Up & Up Complete Comfort, manufactured by Perrigo, is also sold under other store brands as “Complete Comfort” formulas. It is similar to Similac Pro-Total Comfort—both contain corn maltodextrin as the main carbohydrate, partially hydrolyzed whey as the source of protein, and 2’-FL as a prebiotic, and neither contains palm oil. Foreign formula brought in to alleviate the US shortageDue to the ongoing formula shortage, the FDA is temporarily allowing certain foreign formulas to be sold in the US. These include formulas from Aptamil (a Danone brand), Aussie Bubs, Bellamy’s Organic, Kendamil, and Nestlé. Some of these formulas come in “stages” or “steps.” Stage 1 or step 1 is intended for babies 0 to 6 months old, and stage 2 or step 2 is intended for babies 6 to 12 months old. Stage1/step 1 formulas may more closely align with US guidelines for formula, which are the same for babies 0 to 12 months old, and according to pediatrician Anthony Porto, they “can likely be safely used for 0-12 months.” Porto told us that stage 2/step 2 formulas should be used only for babies 6 months and older, as such formulas are generally intended for babies who are also eating other foods. Preparation instructions on imported formulas may be different than the standard in the US, so always read the label. Additionally, scoop sizes in different countries may be different, so be sure to always use the scoop that comes with the formula you’re preparing. Aussie BubsAussie Bubs formula is manufactured in Australia. The company has been in business for 17 years. Its formulas are Clean Label Project certified, which means the company tests for chemicals of concern including heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plasticizers. Measurements for Aussie Bubs formulas are in milliliters instead of ounces, and bottle preparation may differ from that of US formulas. Stage 1 can be used for babies 0 to 12 months old (though in Australia it is generally used for those 0 to 6 months old), whereas the Stage 2 version should be used only for babies 6 to 12 months old. Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1 (and Stage 2) is the first goat-milk-based infant formula to be available in the US. The carbohydrates are primarily in the form of lactose. It has a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides), it contains palm oil but no soy oil, and the protein is from whole goat milk and whey from goat’s milk (making the whey-to-casein ratio 60 to 40). Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1 (and Stage 2) is the first organic infant formula to be available in the US that’s made from grass-fed cow’s milk. The carbohydrate is primarily in the form of lactose. This formula contains a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides), it contains soy oil but no palm oil, and the protein is from grass-fed organic whole milk, organic whey, and organic nonfat milk, making the whey-to-casein ratio 60 to 40). Bubs Supreme Infant Formula Stage 1 (and Stage 2) is made from A2 milk; the carbohydrate is primarily in the form of lactose. It contains two prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides), it contains soy oil but no palm oil, and the protein is from whey protein and A2 whole milk (making the whey-to-casein ratio 60 to 40). Bellamy’s OrganicBellamy’s Organic formula is manufactured in Australia. The company was founded in 2000, and in 2019 it was acquired by China Mengniu Dairy Company. Measurements for the company’s formulas are in milliliters instead of ounces, and bottle preparation may differ from that of US formulas. Step 1 can be used for babies 0 to 12 months (though in Australia it is generally used for 0 to 6 months old), and Step 2 should be used only for babies 6 to 12 months old. Bellamy’s Organic Infant Formula Step 1 (and Step 2) is an organic-milk-based formula with carbohydrates primarily in the form of lactose. It has a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides), it contains palm and soy oils, and the protein is from whole and nonfat milk plus whey. Care A2+Care A2+ 0-12 Months, which the FDA has said will be available beginning August 2022, is a milk-based formula from an Australian company. Lactose is its primary carbohydrate. It contains lactoferrin, lutein, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. DanoneAptamil First Infant Milk Stage 1 is a milk-based formula from the parent company Danone that contains lactose as the primary carbohydrate. It contains two probiotics (galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides), it does not contain palm or soy oil, and the protein comes from skimmed milk powder and whey powder. Stage 1 can be used for babies 0 to 12 months. KendamilKendamil is a UK-based brand that has been in business for nearly 60 years. Measurements for Kendamil formulas are in milliliters instead of ounces, and bottle preparation may differ from that of US formulas. Stage 1 can be used for babies 0 to 12 months. Kendamil Stage 1 is a milk-based formula that contains carbohydrates in the form of lactose, as well as prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides). It has no soy or palm oils, and it contains protein from whole milk, whey protein, and nonfat milk. Kendamil Organic Stage 1 is an organic milk-based formula that contains carbohydrates in the form of lactose, plus a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides). It has no soy or palm oils, and it contains protein from organic whole milk, organic whey protein, and organic nonfat milk. NestléNestlé NAN SupremePro 1 is a milk-based formula that contains lactose as the primary carbohydrate plus two prebiotics (human milk oligosaccharides): 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). The protein is from hydrolyzed whey. The types of vegetable oils are not disclosed on the packaging. Nestlé SMA Nutrition Althéra is a hypoallergenic formula made with extensively hydrolyzed whey proteins. According to the FDA, this formula—meant for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk or who have other food allergies—is “intended for use under medical supervision.” What about toddler formula?Enfamil, Gerber, Similac, Perrigo Nutrition, Kabrita, Else, Serenity Kids, LittleOak, Baby’s Only, and a few other companies also produce toddler formula, or toddler milk, which is marketed for babies older than a year. Toddler formula is not regulated by the FDA in the same way infant formula is, and it is not meant for babies younger than 1 year old. When choosing formula for an infant under 1 year old, always be sure that the formula label specifies “infant formula.” For babies over a year old, toddler formula is unnecessary. There is no evidence that toddler formula is better than whole cow’s milk for growth and development for babies older than a year. In fact, the AAP says toddler formulas are not only unnecessary but could be harmful to young children, because they contain extra sugars compared with whole cow’s milk. Toddler formulas are significantly more expensive than cow’s milk. If you have questions about nutrition for older babies, talk to a pediatrician. This article was edited by Courtney Schley, Tracy Vence, and Kalee Thompson. Sources
About your guideChristina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.
Further reading
Can I switch from Enfamil to Gerber formula?1 Switching between formula brands is not a problem, even though many parents wonder if doing so may cause fussiness or stool changes in their baby. In fact, you can even mix different brands of the same type of formula together if you feel that your baby responds better to a mixture of one brand with another.
Is Enfamil made by Gerber?Gerber is owned by Nestlé, Enfamil is owned by Mead Johnson, Similac is owned by Abbott Laboratories, and Well Beginnings is owned by Walgreens.
What baby formula is most recommended by pediatricians?Best Baby Formulas, According to Pediatricians and Parents. Best Baby Formula Overall : Similac Pro-Advance.. Best Baby Formula Overall (Tie) : Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula.. Best Organic Baby Formula : Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula.. Best Affordable Baby Formula : Kirkland Signature ProCare.. Which brand of infant formula is best?Our Picks. Best Overall: Gerber Good Start GentlePro at Amazon.. Best Budget: Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula at Costco.com.. Best Organic: Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula at Amazon.. Best for Gassy/Fussy Baby: Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula at Amazon.. |
What is the difference between Gerber formula and Enfamil?
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