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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Infant and baby formulas can replace breast milk. They can also supplement it, extending the nursing relationship or making nursing possible. Share on PinterestEvery baby is different. It is a good idea to consult a pediatrician for help choosing the right formula, especially if a baby has special needs, including dietary restrictions. A quick look at the 9 best formulas for babiesBest overall Enfamil Infant FormulaBest for exclusive formula feeding Similac Pro-AdvanceBest for newborns Enfamil NeuroProBest for reflux reduction Enfamil A R Best gluten-free Happy Baby OrganicBest organic Earth s Best Organic DairyBest soy formula Parent s Choice SoyBest for allergies Similac AlimentumBest for sensitive stomachs: Gerber Good Start Baby Formula How we chose Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:Price: Formulas suit a wide range of budgets.Ingredients: Formulas list all ingredients clearly, with manufacturing processes outlined.Safety: Products are suitable for babies ages 0–12 months and clearly label any potential allergens.Reputation: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and have numerous positive customer reviews. Top baby formulas Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best overall Enfamil Infant FormulaPricing: $18.49–38.99 for single cansAge range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: choline, omega-3 DHA, two-prebiotic blendPros: affordableCons: may have an unpleasant smell This basic formula is a milk-based powder with iron. It comes as a liquid concentrate and is available in different sizes. It is suitable for babies up to 12 months of age, and it is available at many stores. Reviews suggest that it may help reduce gas, colic, and other common issues.SHOP NOW Best for exclusive formula feeding Similac Pro-AdvancePricing: $36.96 for 30.8 ounces (oz)Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: human milk oligosaccharide, lutein, omega-3 DHA, ironPros: contains prebiotics found in breast milkCons: may have an unpleasant smell This formula may be useful when parents and caregivers cannot nurse. It contains human milk oligosaccharide, a prebiotic found in breast milk. It provides a range of nutrients, including lutein, which may aid eye development, and an omega-3 called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).SHOP NOW Best for newborns Enfamil NeuroProPricing: $17.99 for 8 fl ozAge range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: human milk oligosaccharide, omega-3 DHAPros: contains non-GMO (genetically modified organism) ingredientsCons: priced at a slightly higher price point than competitors This formula is available in powder or liquid forms. Liquid formulas may be a safer choice for newborns. The makers market the liquid version as a suitable choice for very young babies, including those who also have breast milk. Enfamil made the formula with non-GMO ingredients. It contains probiotics, which may benefit digestion in adults, though the benefits in children and babies are unknown, and the research is limited.SHOP NOW Best for reflux reduction Enfamil A R Pricing: $35.99Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: rice starchPros: may help reduce refluxCons: may be more difficult to mix due to thicker consistency This formula contains milk thickened with rice starch, which the makers say may help reduce reflux and spitting up. The company also advertises it as safe for babies younger than 1 year. The maker’s data suggest that the formula reduces spitting up by half in the first week of use.SHOP NOW Best gluten-free Happy Baby OrganicPricing: $31.49Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: lactose, iron, prebioticsPros: organic and gluten-freeCons: formula may be slightly foamy This formula contains lactose and is rich in iron. It also contains more prebiotics than many other options. The makers highlight that this product is free from gluten, GMOs, and corn syrup solids. The milk is from cows living on organic farms. SHOP NOW Best organic Earth s Best Organic DairyPricing: $33.43Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: omega fatty acids, lutein, prebioticsPros: USDA-certified organicCons: may contain high levels of sugar This formula is rich in omega fatty acids and has no corn syrup additives. It is kosher, non-GMO, and contains no artificial growth hormones. The formula contains lutein, which may support eye development. The makers say it also contains a prebiotic that can aid digestion. The organic classification is not well regulated, so it is important to read labels carefully to distinguish what “organic” means in the context of each formula.SHOP NOW Best soy formula Parent s Choice SoyPricing: $13.82Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: omega-3 DHA, lutein, vitamin EPros: affordable priceCons: soy may pose some risks to babies This lactose-free formula features DHA, an omega-3, as well as lutein and vitamin E. It is kosher and gluten-free but does contain corn syrup. The company says it is safe for babies younger than 1 year, reporting that it may also reduce fussiness in children with lactose sensitivity.SHOP NOW Best for allergies Similac AlimentumPricing: $13.19Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: milk protein, omega-6Pros: affordableCons: ingredients come from milk, so may not be suitable for anyone who is completely dairy-free The makers say that is has designed this formula for babies with food allergies, colic, and lactose intolerance. They also report it is hypoallergenic and can reduce crying and stomach issues. The milk protein in this product has undergone predigestion, making it easier for babies with sensitive systems to metabolize. SHOP NOW Best for sensitive stomachs Gerber Good Start Baby Formula PowderPricing: $29.99Age range: 0–12 monthsIngredients: small proteins, prebiotics, probioticsPros: suitable for babies with sensitive stomachsCons: reportedly, a reduced scoop size due to a redesign Some babies may have more sensitive stomachs than others. This may mean they have difficulty digesting regular baby formulas. This formula contains probiotics that improve “good” bacteria. This helps sensitive stomachs and softens stools. It also contains small proteins that are gentle on the stomach. The company recommends this formula for babies with colic, excessive crying, fussiness, mild spit-ups, stool problems, and gas.SHOP NOW Comparison table Below is a table comparing these baby formulas. All the formulas in this article are suitable for babies 0-12 months.PriceSizePrice per ozFormMilk-based?Enfamil Infant Formulafrom $18.49from 12.5 ozfrom $1.48powder or liquidyesSimilac Pro-Advance$36.9630.8 oz$1.20powderyesEnfamil NeuroProfrom $17.99from 8 fl ozfrom $0.38powder or liquidyesEnfamil A.R.from $35.99from 19.5 ozfrom $1.85powder or liquidyesHappy Baby Organic$31.4921 oz$1.50powderyesEarth’s Best Organic Dairy$33.4323.2 oz$1.44powderyesParent’s Choice Soy$13.8222 oz$0.68powdernoSimilac Alimentum$13.1932 fl oz$0.37powderyesGerber Good Start$29.9919.4 oz$1.55powderyes What to look for in baby formula These tips can help with choosing the right formula: Know when formula is a good idea: All babies under 1 year need breast milk, formula, or a combination.Plan strategically: A formula-fed infant needs around 25–30 oz of formula per day. Try combination feeding: This involves supplementing formula feeds with breast milk, as some breast milk is more healthful for a baby than none. Also, consider choosing a liquid formula, especially for infants under 2 months. This is because dangerous Cronobacter bacteria can grow in powdered formula. However, powdered formula is usually less expensive, and when a person prepares it correctly, it is a safe choice for most babies. Some caregivers believe that homemade infant formulas are safe, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that they may not contain the right nutrients and could harbor dangerous contaminants. Commercial formulas must pass rigorous tests, making them a safer option than homemade formula. Babies with lactose intolerance and vegan babies need lactose-free formulas. Some caregivers opt for soy formulas, but it is important to explore other options first, as soy is a common allergen. Anyone who thinks their infant may have an allergy should speak with a pediatrician about testing. A pediatrician may recommend a specialized formula if a baby has a diagnosed medical condition. It is important to know that specialized formulas may come with higher price points, and the baby may not take to them easily. The doctor can provide guidance, including information about financial support and potential alternatives. Safety and considerations When trying to find the safest formula for each baby, a person should:Use soy and lactose alternatives only if there is a medical reason.Never use a formula that has expired, comes having been opened, or smells bad.Never use a formula that a manufacturer has recalled. Avoid switching formulas frequently, if possible, as babies can have adverse reactions to sudden changes. Use clean water. This may require boiling the water first or filtering it.When supplementing, try to nurse first and then offer formula. Only give formula supplements if there is a medical reason.Check formula ingredients carefully rather than relying on marketing materials. This can help a person learn why a baby reacts differently to different formulas. It is important that a person who prepares any baby formula washes their hands frequently and thoroughly and has good overall hygiene. Anyone concerned about risks associated with formulas, including formula preparation, should consult the baby’s pediatrician. This is especially important if the baby was born prematurely or has a compromised immune system. Explore more about toddler formula. Frequently asked questions Below we answer some frequently asked questions: What is the best formula for breastfed babies The type of formula that is best varies between infants. All formulas from legitimate brands are suitable substitutes for breastfeeding or combination feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that an iron-fortified formula is suitable as an alternative to nursing or for those using a combination of nursing and formula feeding. How much formula should I feed my infant The CDC recommends the following amounts of formula for different age ranges: First days: 1–2 oz every 2–3 hours0–5 months: 1–2 oz every 3–4 hours6–12 months: 1–2 oz about 5–6 times a day or when hungry How do I prepare infant formula The CDC states that a person should follow these steps to prepare infant formula: Wash hands and sanitize the preparation space.Clean and sanitize the baby bottle.If a person wants to warm the bottle, they can do so by running the outside of it under a warm tap.Fill the bottle with the required amount of water as per the packet instructions, ensuring the water is safe to use and clean.Add the required amount of powder to the water (as per packet instructions) and mix. Summary No single formula is right for every baby. All commercially available formulas meet most babies’ basic nutritional needs, so parents and caregivers should focus on their child’s specific needs. If a baby has an adverse reaction to a formula, contact a pediatrician. In addition to evaluating the baby, they can also provide treatment and offer advice about the best formula alternative. Last medically reviewed on September 27, 2022Nutrition / DietPediatrics / Children's HealthParenthoodMedically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — By Zawn Villines and Suzy Davenport — Updated on September 27, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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