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Editor's annotation, March 1, 2022: Abbot Laboratories has recalled four types of powdered infant formula: Similac PM 60/40, Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. If you have whatever of these formulas at home, it's important to check the lot number at similacrecall.com. Acquire more about the formula recall.
For the first four to 6 months, formula or breast milk will encounter all of your baby's nutritional needs. But in a fourth dimension when the master bulletin seems to be "breast is all-time," parents who choose to formula-feed understandably have enough of questions — like how does formula differ from breast milk?
First, it's of import to note that while formula and chest milk are inherently unlike, i isn't necessarily better than the other. "Formula is completely safe and a healthy alternative for babies," says Carmen Del Cid MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, nurse practitioner at Lurie Children's Primary Care Town & State Pediatrics. At the end of the day, the well-nigh important affair is that your babe is adequately fed. And there is little prove that breastfed and formula-fed babies develop at different speeds.
While there is some evidence that breastfed babies have improve immune protection and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, your infant will be getting all of the proper nutrients in the right amounts, says Dr. Arunima Agarwal, a pediatrician in New York City.
Just parents who opt for formula may feel overwhelmed by all of the choices. The majority of infant formulas are cow's milk-based — and, for healthy term infants, this is the generally recommended type, says Dr. Agarwal. Other types include soy-based and special hydrolyzed formulas, though these are more often than not only recommended for premature babies and those with special diets, she explains.
Formula also comes in three forms:
- Powder that you mix with water
- Liquid concentrate that'southward also mixed with water
- Pre-mixed and ready-to-feed bottles.
"Most formulas are not dramatically dissimilar — approved formulas all contain fe, vitamin D, and other basic nutrients baby needs," says Dr. Agarwal.
In other words: As long as your kid isn't on whatever special dietary restrictions dictated by their pediatrician, feel free to pluck just virtually any formula off the shelf — including store brands, she says.
How we chose the best baby formulas
As noted, unless your kid has special feeding needs, most formulas will probably piece of work for your baby. But the best formulas take subtle differences that put them over the top, such equally special ingredients, or gentle formulations that may assistance them be tolerated better or may evangelize easier-to-access nutrients.
There are likewise formulas that are particularly designed for babies with reflux, soy allergies, lactose sensitivities, or other needs. And in whatever case, choosing from a bunch of similar looking formulas on a virtual or real-world shop shelf tin be confusing and stressful.
So when nosotros started our search for the best baby formulas, we went looking first onBabyCenter's Customs, searching through millions of posts for positive formula mentions. Once we found the formulas parents buy and recommend to each other, we had our expert editorial team research each pick to observe the formulations that come across recommendations from advancement groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics as well equally experts like Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Del Cid.
Continue reading to find the all-time babe formula for newborns, for babies with reflux, and more. And if you're looking for more than baby feeding products, our favorite infant bottles can assistance.
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Similac is a trusted brand that offers standard formula, formula for sensitive tummies, formula for babies needing specialized nutrition, and organic and non-GMO options. The Similac website can help you narrow your choices with a helpful Formula Finder tool. Similac formulas contain no artificial growth hormones. Parents specially similar the brand's Pro-Advance and Pro-Sensitive varieties. And you can become savings and other benefits past joining Similac's StrongMoms rewards program.
Heads up
Some parents say the powdered formula clumps up. And others say that the Pro-Sensitive was much easier on their babies' tummies than the Pro-Advance.
Parents say
"My son has taken this formula since he was near 1 month onetime. He's about xi months now. He hasn't been gassy and barely spit up."
"Another fan of the Pro-Advance here! My girl used information technology from nearly 5 weeks former till nosotros weaned her to whole milk at 1 year. We never had any bug with it."
"I used this for my daughter. She wouldn't drink any other formula. On this formula she never had any tummy or gas problems. I loved it! Also, you tin can sign up with Similac and they send you coupons."
"When my supply dropped and I had to supplement with formula, my son refused every kind except Similac. It's the best!"
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA, lutein, and vitamin E
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Enfamil applies decades of research to its products and categorizes its formulas into 4 master groups: everyday diet, tummy troubles, allergy issues, and toddler diet. Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Enspire are the "everyday diet" options for babies. NeuroPro contains a blend of brain-building MFGM and DHA. Enspire has immune-supporting lactoferrin, a poly peptide also found in colostrum and breast milk, too equally MFGM and omega three DHA. For coupons and samples, bring together the Enfamil Family unit Beginnings program.
Heads up
Enfamil has non-GMO formulas but doesn't offering organic versions.
Parents say
"We used Enfamil to supplement when my milk supply started to drop with my daughter. She was actually a much happier baby compared to when she was only having my breast milk. It helped with all her gas bubbles."
"I love this Enfamil formula because it has a few cardinal ingredients that aren't bachelor in whatsoever other formulas out there. I experience very good about giving this to my daughter!"
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA, lactoferrin, and MFGM
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Gerber Skillful Start GentlePro's formula has DHA for brain evolution, probiotics, and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), which supports digestive health. Parents like the especially designed packaging, which ensures the lid will stay closed and has a handy spot for the formula scoop. Gerber Expert Starting time has no GMO ingredients or bogus growth hormones, and comes with a coin-back guarantee. You can bring together MyGerber to go coupons and special offers on Gerber products.
Heads upwardly
If yous're interested in organic formula, continue in heed that GentlePro isn't organic – simply Gerber's Natura formula is.
Parents say
"This formula mixes well and my daughter is thriving on information technology. She rarely spits upward, she poops great, and she seems to like the gustatory modality."
"My daughter loves this formula. We tried other brands but she would spit information technology upward after eating. She's never spit or burped up this formula; the difference is amazing. Information technology's really easy to ready a bottle since it includes the scoop and scoop holder in the lid."
"My son has reflux and struggles with other superlative-brand powder formulas, so I tried this one. This has been the all-time formula we've tried! This helps his reflux, he doesn't choke while drinking information technology, and he has much less – fiddling to no – spit-up."
Specs
- Contains probiotics
- Has DHA and HMO
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Earth's Best is a pioneer of organic formula and baby food. Its formulas are made from organic moo-cow's milk and comprise no GMOs, artificial growth hormones, or corn syrup solids. They contain DHA and ARA, two fat acids found in breast milk that help support brain and eye health. World'southward All-time also contains lutein for centre evolution, along with prebiotics. You tin can join the Earth'south Best Family for coupons and deals.
Heads up
Some parents say that this formula can be foamy or frothy when mixed.
Parents say
"We switched to World's All-time, because on a previous formula my baby was constipated and her gas smelled actually bad. Since nosotros switched she has had much more than regular poops, less gas, and she seems happier. I also like that Earth'south Best is less sticky."
"Earth's Best fits the bill for my son. He has had no troubles and, in fact, his tummy troubles decreased and his eczema cleared upwards. It mixes up much easier and seems to exist less mucilaginous, and isn't yucky smelling. I feel improve knowing it's organic."
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has lutein, DHA, and ARA
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Happy Baby's formulas are made with organic cow's milk and contain no GMOs or corn syrup solids. They're available in a two-phase organisation for babies 0 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months, and there is too a sensitive formula for babies 0 to 12 months who have fussiness and gas. The formulas include DHA and ARA, plus prebiotics. You lot tin can sign upwards on the visitor's website for coupons and offers.
Heads up
Some parents say the formula pulverisation has a fishy smell.
Parents say
"My baby loves information technology. He doesn't get constipated. He spits up less. I can't say enough proficient things!"
"Best formula effectually. My baby has had no digestive issues at all, no gas, no constipation, and his poops don't even smell that bad."
"My girl but turned 3 months, and we were exclusively breastfeeding until about two weeks ago. She'due south now completely on this formula and is doing really well."
Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA and ARA
If your baby has a cow's milk allergy, other food allergies, or gastrointestinal conditions, Neocate may exist the answer for yous. It's hypoallergenic and is made from private amino acids instead of whole proteins so it's easier for the torso to absorb. Neocate is complimentary of GMOs, dairy, and soy oil, and contains DHA and ARA.
Heads upward
This formula should but be used with the supervision of your baby'southward doctor. Also, it'south expensive, simply some insurance providers volition cover it.
Editors say
"Neocate is the only formula that some babies with astringent allergies can tolerate. I've heard from parents who say they've tried everything with no luck until they heard about this."
Neocate Infant Specs
- Hypoallergenic, free of dairy and soy oil
- Contains DHA and ARA
Designed especially for babies who endure from gas and fussiness acquired past a lactose sensitivity consequence, Similac Pro-Sensitive contains milk proteins that are "hydrolyzed," or broken downwardly into smaller parts so they're easier to digest. Pro-Sensitive also has omega-iii fat acid DHA, lutein, and vitamin E for your baby's growth, brain, and eye development, too equally Human Milk Oligosaccharide or HMO, a prebiotic that feeds skillful gut bacteria.
Heads up
Like other types of Similac formula, Pro-Sensitive can clump when mixed.
Parents say
"My baby girl has been using Similac Pro-Sensitive, the one with the gold chapeau, since she was a few days old! We honey information technology; she's inappreciably always fussy due to colic."
"I saw a HUGE deviation...happier baby, less dramatic feeding times."
Similac Pro-Sensitive Formula Specs
- Contains prebiotics
- Has DHA, lutein, and vitamin Due east
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Made for babies who are allergic to the cow's milk protein in virtually baby formulas, Nutramigen is still milk-, and not soy-based, but Enfamil extensively hydrolyzes the proteins in the milk so they're easier to digest, and includes Enflora LGG probiotics to promote digestive organisation wellness. The upshot? Reduced colic and easier feedings overall.
Heads up
Nutramigen still contains milk, and so babies who are allergic will need a unlike formula.
Parents say
"From the first day we started the Nutramigen she was a different baby. No longer e'er crying, she stopped gulping and sucking in air while she was taking her bottle, and the weird goat noises she would make after a bottle...gone. She is much happier!"
"My son was put on it when he was nearly a month sometime because of his colic; information technology was a life saver -- his colic stopped."
Specs
- Lactose- and sucrose-costless
- Contains DHA and ARA
Though pediatricians just recommend soy-based formulas for babies with specific dietary issues — like an intolerance to cow's milk — this is a solid choice. Considering information technology'southward vegan, it'south also something plant-based families may be drawn to. The pulverisation formula is rich in vitamins necessary for development, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well equally DHA. The gentle powdered formula is also fortified with iron. And because there'south absolutely no lactose or artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors, the powder formula is exceptionally gentle on troubled tummies prone to gas and other reflux issues that can atomic number 82 to extreme fussiness.
Heads upwardly
Some parents say information technology causes constipation.
Parents say
"Within ii days, she was having regular bms and has been a super happy baby since and so. We've never had any trouble with this formula, she seems to really love it. She's gaining the proper weight, hitting all her developmental milestones, etc."
"My first daughter was on it from 8 weeks. Information technology was a miracle for us. The merely thing is information technology constipated her."
"Just switched my son to Prosobee from Gentlease considering of actress gas and fussiness every bit PP said and nosotros accept had more poops now than earlier!"
Specs
- Dairy- and lactose-complimentary
- Contains DHA
Infant formula is designed to feed babies, as a substitute for or supplement to breast milk. There are a lot of formula options, so talk to your baby's doctor about the brand and type of formula you're considering for your infant.
However, yous tin rest assured that all baby formulas have the aforementioned 5 master components: carbohydrates, poly peptide, fatty, vitamins, and minerals. And all formulas marketed in the Us must see the FDA'southward requirements for nutrients. So while specific ingredients and formulations may vary from make to brand, all baby formulas have the nuts your baby needs.
Some parents wonder near the best formula for newborns versus the all-time formula for infants or older babies. The truth is that all baby formulas have essentially the same ingredients. No matter how they're labeled, newborn and infant formulas are minimally different and interchangeable. And so don't worry about ownership a different formula for a different stage of your infant's start year.
It depends on what works all-time for your infant. Most babies practice well with formula that'southward cow'due south-milk-based – the milk protein is altered to brand it easier for your baby to digest. There are likewise partially and extensively hydrolyzed formulas, soy-based formula, lactose-free formula, organic formula, and several specialty formulas. Ask your babe'south doctor for recommendations.
Formula comes in three forms: powdered, liquid concentrate, and fix-to-use. Powdered formula is the virtually economical and eco-friendly choice, but information technology takes longer to prepare since you'll need to mensurate it out and mix information technology with water to make bottles for your baby. In one case you open up a tin, it's good for a month.
Liquid concentrate is a trivial quicker to set, merely it's more expensive. Ready-to-use formula is the most convenient (just open and serve, no mixing required), merely it's also the most expensive pick. And once you open up a container of concentrate or ready-to-use formula, you lot'll need to use it within 48 hours.
In general, traditional infant formula — i.due east. cow's milk — will adjust the infant just fine, says Dr. Del Cid. Simply if your child is showing signs of intolerance, like extreme gas, constipation, or fussiness, the conversation can always continue with your pediatrician.
If your baby has farthermost gas and reflux, your pediatrician may recommend a hydrolyzed formula, says Dr. Agarwal. In these formulas, the nutrients are cleaved down into smaller parts, and then they're easier to digest. Because these formulas tend to be very expensive, your doctor may also recommend a soy-based formula.
According to the AAP, your baby should have in an boilerplate of about ii½ ounces of formula a twenty-four hour period for every pound of body weight. After the first few days, this translates to about 2 to 3 ounces of formula every three to 4 hours. By the end of the commencement month, your infant will consume at to the lowest degree four ounces every iv hours. And past six months your infant will swallow 6 to 8 ounces at each of 4 or five feedings in 24 hours.
Yep. All formula brands must meet the FDA's requirements for nutrients in formula, so in many instances, the but difference betwixt generic and brand proper name is the toll. (The FDA'south requirements for baby formula include minimum amounts for 29 nutrients and maximum amounts for nine nutrients.)
Whether you're buying generic or name brand, take a minute to look at the characterization before yous purchase the formula. Specific ingredients practice vary from brand to make, and this can make a difference to your infant.
You should never feed your baby homemade formula, says Agarwal, who notes that these mixes tin can be food-deficient and even toxic. According to the AAP, "formula mixtures made from online or other resource may not have vital components, such as plenty iron or vitamins for a baby. Or, they may accept too much salt or other nutrients that your infant'southward kidneys and liver cannot handle in big amounts."
In general, it's all-time to stick with one type and resist the urge to switch, fifty-fifty if your baby is having problems like spitting upwards, gas, and colic. Most of the time, these bug have to practice with your infant's young gastrointestinal tract, not diet. Endeavor the formula for at least a couple weeks. Subsequently that, if your baby's notwithstanding having trouble, talk to your baby's doctor about switching.
According to the AAP, if your tap water is safe, you can only mix powdered formula with room temperature tap water. If your tap water is non safe or you lot're unsure, use bottled h2o or bring cold tap water to a rolling boil for no longer than one infinitesimal. (Boiling for more than than one minute could increment the concentration of impurities in the water.) Then allow the water to cool to room temperature for xxx minutes prior to mixing it.
When your baby turns ane, you tin can transition from giving formula to giving whole cow's milk in a bottle or sippy cup. Until and so, notice out how much formula your baby needs by historic period and weight.
Ingredients in baby formula
- Hydrolyzed proteins: There are two types of hydrolyzed formulas: partially and extensively. Co-ordinate to the AAP, in partially hydrolyzed moo-cow's milk formulas, the proteins are only partially broken down and are non intended to exist used to treat cow'south milk allergy. In extensively hydrolyzed formulas, on the other hand, proteins are farther broken downwards to such a pocket-size percentage that many (90 percent) infants who are allergic to cow's milk can tolerate them.
- Man milk oligosaccharides (HMOs): These are non-digestible carbohydrates found in breast milk that have a range of physiological benefits comparable to probiotics.
- DHA and ARA: Co-ordinate to the FDA, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acrid) are both long-concatenation polyunsaturated fat acids that may play a function in brain and eye development (more than research is needed to prove the connection).
- Atomic number 26: All FDA-canonical formulas are fortified with iron, says Dr. Agarwal.
- MFGM: In one report, infants who consumed formula containing MFGM, or milk fat globule membrane, scored higher in cerebral, language and motor development.
- Lactoferrin: Lactoferrin is an iron ship protein that has allowed benefits.
- Choline: Choline is an essential food that plays an of import role in brain and eye evolution.
- Lutein: Babe formulas are sometimes fortified with this carotenoid, but studies don't suggest whatever significant difference in development.
- Zinc: Some toddler formulas comprise more of this trace element to help in development.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin — sometimes supplemented in preterm infants — is necessary for brain and eye development.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are added strains of "good bacteria" that promote gut health. According to the AAP, the near common types of probiotics are strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Some research has shown these probiotics may prevent or treat disorders such as diarrhea and eczema, just the connection is every bit yet unproven.
- Prebiotics: Prebiotics likewise encourage gut health, but work a flake differently. They are supplements or foods that contain a nondigestible ingredient that may stimulate the growth of natural probiotics.
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