Keep in mind that breast milk is the best food for babies in the first year of life. It helps them grow healthy and strong and protects them from infections and illness. For example: Breast milk has hormones and the right amount of protein, sugar, fat and most vitamins to help your baby grow and develop.

Are you a mother trying to find a formula for your infant? Are you confused which baby formula is the best to choose? If these concerns are bothering you, then you should read our article about the best formula milks for babies.

Whole milk? Cow milk? Soy? Retailers contain a large array of baby formula selections. Some formulas are iron-fortified whereas others contain essential fatty acids like ARA and DHA. Some are for babies with milk intolerance and some are for babies who need higher nutrients.

Different Types Of Formula

If you would like to decide on the best formula milk for your baby, then you must know the completely different forms. Baby formulas are available in 3 forms: Ready-to-use, powder and ready-to-drink.

1. Ready-To-Use Formula

The ready-to-use baby formula is the most convenient type. It doesn’t need intermixture or measurement. You only got to open and serve. Most hospitals serve ready-to-use formulas to newborns. It is safe, healthful and useful if you are disturbed regarding tap water safety. Ready-to-use formulas have a limited shelf-life. You need to use them within forty eight hours.

2. Powdered Formula

Powdered baby formula is the most economical and environmentally friendly baby formula. Out of all 3 formulas, it will take the least amount of space in your kitchen. However, powdered formulas are more complex to prepare than alternative formulas. It is important to follow all directions well.

3. Ready-To-Drink Formula

The ready-to-drink formula needs mixing formula and water equally. Read the directions carefully. If you compare ready-to-drink formula, the liquid concentrate is cheaper and takes up less space for storing. However, if you compare it to a powdered, then it’s costly.

Different Forms Of  Formula Milk For Babies

There are multiple kinds of formula milk powders to suit each baby’s requirements. Some are:

1. Cow’s Milk Formula

Most of the infant formulas have cow milk as the core ingredient. The manufacturers enhance the protein of the milk to make it easier for children to digest.

2. Soy Formula

In soy formulas, the brand alters the plant protein to ease its digestion. A doctor may recommend soy-based formulas if you are a vegan, or your child faces difficulty in digesting milk formula from cows.

3. Lactose-Free Formula

Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest lactose, is a rare condition in babies. But if found, the pediatrician may recommend a formula that has corn syrup instead of lactose.

4. Hydrolysed Formula

The protein is brown down into finer components to make it easier to digest for babies. A doctor may recommend this kind of milk powder for infants who have problems absorbing nutrients or babies with multiple allergies.

5. Metabolic Formula

If your baby is ill and requires a specialty nutrition, then the doctor may recommend a metabolic infant formula milk powder.

10 Best Baby Formulas

Infant milk powders are continually improving to develop nutritional profiles close to breast milk. Usually brands use a blend of protein, fats macro and micronutrients as well as carbohydrates. In a market with hundreds of different brands, it can get confusing for mothers. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best formula milk powders for babies:

1. Aptamil First Milk Infant Formula

Danone’s Infant Formula brand Aptamil contains contains DHA and ARA which are very important in providing support to the brain and immune system of the baby. Ideal for infants from 0 to 24 months, this baby formula also contains lactose and maltodextrin which further helps in the digestive health of the infant. The whey-based power packed formula overall brings the right amount of nutrition for the overall physical growth and development of the baby.

Available in: 28.21 oz / 800 g – $22.86.
Price as of January 2022.

2. Gerber Gentle Infant Formula

If your baby has a sensitive stomach, then you should pick Gerber Good Start Gentle Powder Infant Formula for her. A baby’s digestive system develops throughout the first year of life, so it is important to give the nutrition that it gentle on your baby. Gerber Good Start Gentle Powder Infant Formula provides the nutrition of breast milk while being gentle on your baby’s developing body. The small proteins are easy to digest and even promote soft stools. The fatty acids in the formula will support your baby’s brain and eye development.

Available in: 20 oz / 566 g – $19.23.
Price as of January 2022.

3. Aneia Infant Formula

Aneia formula milk is a specially tailored nutrition that helps to nourish overall development at any age from newborn to infant. From birth to 3 months it provides the closest formula to breast milk. Aneia supports newborn and infant milestones with individually tailored baby formulas that help nourish physical as well as brain development at any age. From 1 to 2 years, tailored for toddlers 12 months and older, each serving helps nourish the brain as well as has nutrients found in foods toddlers might not get enough of, such as DHA.

Available in: 14.10 oz / 400 g – $13.92 and 28.21 oz / 800 g – $24.63.
Price as of January 2022.

4. Nestle NAN OPTIPRO Infant Formula

The Nestlé NAN OPTIPRO Beginning Milk 1 from birth is tailored to the special nutritional needs of your baby from birth and supports its healthy development. It is suitable as sole food, if not breastfed, and for feeding. It can be fed as long as you want to give your baby some initial nutrition. The formula has dual prebiotics that help babies support their natural defenses. Moreover, the presence of nutrients like choline and DHA will play a crucial role in your baby’s brain development.

Available in: 28.21 oz / 800 g – $14.78.
Price as of January 2022.

5. Enfagrow Toddler Next Step Milk

We know how challenging it can be to make your toddler eat healthy foods. Even the non-picky eater may miss critical nutrients from his diet. It is here where Enfagrow Toddler Next Step Milk Drink will come to your aid. Enfagrow Toddler Next Step Milk Drink is a formula for kids aged 1 to 3 years. It has a balance of 22 nutrients required for a healthy growth. The natural defense dual prebiotics help support the child’s digestive health. Vitamin D and calcium in the formula will promote strong teeth and bones. The formula is available in two delicious flavors- vanilla and natural milk.

Available in: 23.98 oz / 680 g – $21.99.
Price as of January 2022.

6. Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula

The Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula is a formula rich in high-quality protein, mineral, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. It contains DHA and ARA, nutrients that are naturally available in breast milk. These nutrients promote the baby’s brain and eye development. Even its whey and casein ratio is identical to mother’s milk. The brand also uses organic glucose solids and organic lactose as a carbohydrate source. It contains no antibiotics, growth hormones, steroids or harmful herbicides or pesticides. And it meets the FDA requirements for infant nutrition.

Available in: 23.21 oz / 658 g – $31.18.
Price as of January 2022.

7. Similac NeoSure Infant Formula

Similac NeoSure is a nutrient dense formula for children born prematurely. It is a preterm post-discharge formula. The increased vitamin and mineral content in the formula will support your baby’s growth. The company also claims to support better weight gain and head circumference as compared to other baby formulas. It also supports early language development. Similac NeoSure is also gluten free! In short, Similac NeoSure has everything that you would want in a formula.

Available in: 13.08 oz / 371 g – $19.27.
Price as of January 2022.

8. Cow & Gate First Infant Milk

Cow & Gate first infant milk from birth is a nutritionally complete breastmilk substitute suitable from birth onwards. Cow & Gate specialist milks are designed for babies with specific dietary needs or feeding problems. Discover our range of Cow & Gate specialist milks. Between 6 and 12 months you’ll really see your baby’s personality shine through. Your baby is growing and developing, meaning their nutritional needs change too. Cow & Gate Follow-on milk helps provide key nutrients for babies from 6-12 months.

Available in: 28.21 oz / 800 g – $20.19.
Price as of January 2022.

9. Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Infant Formula

If your child older than one year and is prone to allergies, then Baby’s Only Organic Dairy with DHA & ARA Formula should be your pick. The formula is totally gluten free. It contains no corn syrup or any other GMO ingredients. It contains DHA and ARA lipids, derived from the egg phospholipids. It gives the formula a more natural fatty acid profile. The brand also claims that it does not include any artificial growth hormone, antibiotics, and steroids in the formula.

Available in: 12.69 oz / 360 g – $27.70.
Price as of January 2022.

10. Holle Organic Infant Formula Milk

We often forget that dietary fibers are an important part of this instant baby formula. Fiber is vital when it comes to developing and keeping the immune system healthy. No preservatives or other artificial ingredients are in the Holle Organic Infant Formula which is one of the reasons it is so perfect for babies. All the milk in the Holle Organic Infant Formula comes from cows raised on biodynamic farms. This is as important to many moms. Knowing that you are giving your baby a product that’s produced naturally gives you extra peace of mind as a parent.

Available in: 14.2 oz / 400 g – $7.84.
Price as of January 2022.

Safety Profile

It is advised to stick to one type of infant formula milk powder. Do not change from one formula to another. Spitting, colic, and gas are regular problems that your child may experience during or after consumption. However, since your baby’s gastrointestinal tract is still developing this is normal. An infant formula milk powder of choice should be tried for at least several weeks. Consult your doctor if the above described problem persists.