She is a regular contributor to KidsHealth. Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here.
We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Have you ever ventured to the infant formula section of your local pharmacy or grocery store? If you have, particularly as an exhausted new parent, chances are you left a little overwhelmed. The great news is that all infant formulas are tightly regulated by the FDA, so they are all safe choices for your little one. However, it is challenging as a parent to feel that you're making the "right" choice.
Rest assured that you do not need to make this choice alone. Always speak with your child's pediatrician to determine which formula—and how much to feed—is appropriate for your child. While the infant formula market is certainly saturated, it is important to remember a few key details when shopping for formulas. Formula ingredients are tightly regulated by the FDA. There are certain criteria that all infant formulas have to meet, including a certain percentage from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and a very specific vitamin and mineral profile.
Whey and casein are the most common protein sources. Vegetable oils such as coconut, corn, soy, palm olein, palm kernel, palm, and high oleic safflower are common fat sources. Maltodextrin and lactose a sugar found in human breastmilk are frequently used as carbohydrates. Which formula you choose should depend on the nutrition needs of your child. Some children cannot tolerate whey or casein from cow's milk and do better on a goat milk formula. Always look at the ingredient list, and discuss your infant's nutrient needs with their pediatrician.
According to the AAP, all full-term healthy babies receive enough iron from their mothers to last for the first four months of life. If a baby is fed a mixture of breastmilk and formula, speak with your pediatrician to determine whether iron supplementation is needed.
Probiotics healthy bacteria and prebiotics food for probiotics are not required in infant formula, but may improve the gut microflora of the formula-fed infant. A clinical report published by AAP states that probiotics and prebiotics added to infant formula do not appear to be harmful for healthy infants, but "the clinical efficacy for their addition is insufficient to recommend routine use in these formulas. Formula comes in powder and pre-mixed, ready-to-feed liquid.
Powder formula usually requires mixing with water, while liquid formulas do not necessitate preparation. Some formulas come in both forms, which is convenient, especially if you prefer pre-mixed formula for on-the-go, and powder for at-home use.
Price is not directly correlated with quality. Be sure to speak with your pediatrician to do your research on what brand and product is most appropriate for your infant. Powder formula is generally less expensive than ready-to-feed, pre-mixed formula. Some supplements have generic counterparts, which may be less expensive.
Here, the best infant formulas:. Gerber Good Start GentlePro is an excellent overall formula. However, Gerber Good Start GentlePro is percent whey with a portion of the proteins predigested or hydrolyzed. Why does this matter? Casein is historically the more difficult protein to digest, at times, curdling in the stomach acid. With predigested whey protein, we are giving those little bellies the most gentle introductory food.
In addition to the partially hydrolyzed whey protein, this formula contains a mix of vegetable oils derived from palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic safflower or sunflower oil , lactose, corn maltodextrin, 2'-O-Fucosyllactose a prebiotic , ARA, DHA, and all necessary vitamins and minerals.
There is not a "one size fits all" when it comes to infant formula, and an infant's needs change over time. You may need to do a bit of trial and error—with your pediatrician's approval—before finding the infant formula that works best for your child.
The budget-friendly formula offers complete infant nutrition that's made with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial growth hormones. The predominant carbohydrate source is corn maltodextrin, while the majority of the fat content comes from high oleic safflower or sunflower, soy, and coconut oils. While the pediatric nutrition market is, admittedly, saturated with brands—few stand out like Happy Baby. The brand known for its fruit and veggie purees is highly regarded because of its commitment to affordable, organic nutrition.
Happy Baby currently has three organic infant formulas on the market—two standard products and one sensitive product comparable to Similac Sensitive. The blend includes DHA and ARA to support your infant's brain and eye development, as well as probiotics to promote optimal digestive health. Of note, this product does not contain any corn syrup solids or maltodextrin.
Instead, the formula uses organic lactose, nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, and a blend of palm, soy, coconut, and high oleic oils. The USDA-Certified Organic Formula is produced from organic milk from cows that are fed certified organic grain and hay grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The ingredients are non-GMO, and the product is free of added corn syrup solids. The formula is fortified with iron, contains prebiotic fiber to boost immunity, and includes lutein for eye health.
The primary carbohydrate source is lactose, while protein comes mostly from organic nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate. Fat sources include organic palm, soy, coconut, and high oleic oils. Many hospitals provide you with formula to take home, which is helpful to have on hand, even for parents who plan to breastfeed in case of supply or feeding issues. A little bit of acid reflux is normal for everyone, babies included. For some infants, however, gastrointestinal reflux can not only impair intake but impair growth.
Symptoms of significant infant reflux include vomiting up breastmilk or formula after feeds, back-arching, irritability, and food refusal. Historically, physicians would recommend adding rice or oatmeal cereal to baby bottles to help thicken the consistency and weigh the product down in the baby's belly.
The AAP recommends against adding cereal directly to baby's bottles, but there may be an alternative formula option on the market that works similarly if your pediatrician approves. The thickened formula holds down in the belly, preventing it from refluxing up the esophagus and into the mouth , allowing for a more comfortable feeding experience. Enfamil AR contains a variety of carbohydrates, including rice starch, lactose, maltodextrin, galactooligosaccharides, and polydextrose.
Galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose are also sources of probiotics. The primary protein source is nonfat milk, and the majority of the fat is derived from palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils. Similac Sensitive is a unique lactose-free formula designed for healthy babies who are simply fussy.
Lactose intolerance is very rare in infants , but lactose does go through a fermentation process to digest and absorb, which can cause gas and discomfort for the baby. This formula is most appropriate when a baby is fussy and gassy but otherwise growing well. The main protein source is milk protein isolate, and the majority of the carbohydrates come from corn syrup, sugar, and galactooligosaccharides. A few others say this mix made their babies constipated more than other soy brands.
Your baby drinks a ton of formula in the first year. So, you may just be thinking of the bottom line. Good news for you — beyond the well-known formula manufacturers, there are some solid generic options that provide the same nutrition and safety on a dime.
The dairy-based formula comes from cows that were not treated with artificial growth hormones. Considerations: Some parents share that this formula is a bit more chalky and foamy than Similac. With older children, this new non-GMO formula may cause more gassiness. One reviewer noticed some brown clumps in the bottle after mixing. It combines prebiotics and DHA — all without artificial growth hormones or genetic engineering.
Many parents share that this formula helps with constipation issues. Considerations: Your local Walmart may not carry this product, so you may have to buy it online. And a few said this formula made their babies gassy.
Know that most formulas contain 20 calories per ounce. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should choose a brand that contains iron most do to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Related: Weaning Starting your baby on food. You can offer one at one feed and another at the next. You can even mix two types, provided you dilute them appropriately with water. There are many formula options available. The key is preparing them in a safe way. Ask your pediatrician.
Same goes with switching formula brands or types. You may have questions about feeding your baby. How much should they eat? How often should they eat? Will they ever be on a schedule? Here is what you…. We've reviewed the best baby monitors for a range of uses and budgets. Check out our detailed report, along with tips on how to choose a baby monitor…. It may not be simple to figure out why, but there are several common possibilities.
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Here are our top tips. Gripe water is a remedy available in liquid form. It contains a mixture of herbs and is often used to soothe colicky babies. Baby teeth, or primary teeth, usually start coming in between 6 and 12 months. This timeline can vary widely, though. Experts say the science still isn't clear about the health effects on infants of cannabis in breast milk, so they recommend new mothers avoid the drug.
Can you spoil a newborn baby? This can lead to a reduction in fussiness, gas and crying. The lactose is made from cows raised on organic farms and the formula is non-GMO and free of corn syrup. Once your little one is ready to move on from formula to solid foods, Happy Baby also has a huge variety of organic purees, pouches, snacks and more. While selecting a baby formula may feel like a super-weighty decision, the reality is that every formula has the key ingredients your child needs to thrive.
Best Baby Formulas of Best Baby Formulas of Whether you are supplementing with formula or using it full-time, here are the best baby formulas. Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you. If you buy something through links on our site, Babylist may earn a commission.
Photo by melissagaylephoto. Is there a formula shortage? Where can you find baby formula in the meantime? Here are direct links to formula on popular retailers: Target Walmart Amazon Honest NOTE: There are social media rumors telling people that if they call the phone number on the back of the formula container, the manufacturer will send you formula free-of-charge.
Specialized formula provides sustenance for children who have particular needs, such as premature babies or babies with a high risk of developing allergies. Add to Babylist Buy Now. Keep in Mind The brand also makes gentle formula for sensitive tummies, a reduced lactose formula and a plant-based soy formula.
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