The Best Baby Formula for Your Child’s Needs

Keeping baby happy, healthy and nourished is top priority for new parents. And in an ideal world, all parents would be able to breastfeed their little one up to baby’s first birthday, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In this ideal world, parents would also have a posse of helpers to fetch groceries and take care of the chores, money would grow on trees and our breasts would spout milk like fountains. But in the real world, that’s just not the case.

Yes, the nutrient-rich contents of breast milk provides babies with exactly what they need, when they need it. But—for a variety of reasons—many parents chose to combi-feed or solely rely on baby formula to meet their infant’s nutritional needs. Baby formula is engineered to resemble the nutritional composition of breast milk, and contains an assorted array of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates these core components, so you can rest assured baby formula is safe and nutritious.

So what are the different types of baby formula available—and when it comes down to it, is there such a thing as the best baby formula? Below find expert advice on how to find the right formula to suit your lifestyle as well as your child’s nutritional needs.

Types of Baby Formula

Baby formula comes in different consistencies, and small variations in the recipe might make a difference in special circumstances, says Bridget Young, PhD, a breast milk researcher at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Anschutz and founder of BabyFormulaExpert.com. While there’s a wide range of baby formula brands to choose from, there are only three overall types of baby formula: powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed. Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each type of baby formula.

• Powder baby formula. Typically sold in canisters or cartons, powdered baby formula needs to be mixed with a specific amount of water before it can be given to baby. On the plus side, it’s the least expensive of the three options. The powder also lasts a long time, as long as you don’t mix it with water. But always check the expiration date to ensure that the formula is still safe to use. On the other hand, powdered baby formula can be messy and isn’t the most convenient option for travel. With that said, some brands offer single-use travel packets, but they tend to be more expensive. In terms of preparation, it is essential that powder formula is mixed with safe drinking water. Finally, this type of formula is not recommended for premature newborns whose immune systems are still forming, since powdered food isn’t sterile.
• Liquid concentrate baby formula. This option also requires some mixing and shaking with water but because it’s liquid you skip the scoop, which means less mess. However, it’s more expensive than powder formula. And, once opened, you need to refrigerate and use the entire container within 48 hours, which might not be realistic if you’re using formula as a supplement to breastfeeding.
• Ready-to-feed baby formula. The name says it all: This type of baby formula is premixed; simply open, pour and feed to baby. Ready-to-feed formula comes in single-serve bottles or larger volumes that can be decanted into a baby bottle. There’s little danger of contamination and no chance of any errors in preparation. You don’t need to refrigerate unopened bottles. However, once the ready-to-feed bottle is cracked open, it needs to be finished or discarded after 48 hours of refrigeration. Keep in mind that this type comes in single-use packaging, so it’s a less sustainable option.

What To Look For in Baby Formula

Still not sure where to begin when it comes to choosing the best baby formula for your child? Ultimately, choosing the best formula is about paying close attention to how your child’s body responds to the formula you try. It’s also essential that you purchase your baby formula safely: Make sure that it’s not expired, that it’s sealed correctly and that the packaging is in good condition. Below, find expert-backed tips on the best formula for babies of all ages, needs and dietary requirements.

Best baby formula for newborns

Breast milk is especially important for brand-new babies. As Steven Abrams, MD, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition explains, breast milk ingredients are dynamic: They constantly change to fulfill a growing infant’s needs, from bolstering their developing immune system to building muscle strength.

Given that baby formula is a set formulation, it’s hard for it to be truly complete. Still, in a pinch, most standard formulas will work for healthy newborns, Arévalo says. The exception is very premature babies (born at 28 to 32 weeks), who would receive specific feeding recommendations from the NICU that could potentially include donor breast milk. Once baby arrives home, your doctor will recommend the appropriate feeding regimen. For older preemies (born at 32 to 37 weeks) or underweight term babies, baby formula options may open up more.

Best organic baby formula

Organic baby formula is sourced from cows raised on an organic diet (no pesticides, no antibiotics), and uses naturally derived vitamins instead of those made from petroleum. Remember though, just because it’s organic doesn’t mean it’s automatically free of other controversial ingredients, such as corn syrup, palm oil or hexane-sourced DHA and ARA. (Hexane, a byproduct of petroleum refining, doesn’t sit well with some parents, though the FDA has deemed its use as a processing agent safe.)

From a strictly scientific standpoint, it’s not certain that organic baby formula is better than conventional. What is certain is that it’s pricier and according to Arévalo “there’s no difference nutrition-wise.” Still, if your wallet can handle it—and going organic gives you peace of mind—give it a try, Young says.

Whatever you decide, remember that the best organic baby formula is one that answers the needs of your child. If you can’t find an option that checks all the boxes (for example, baby needs hydrolyzed proteins for digestive issues), then Arévalo says it’s better to go with the formulation baby requires, whether it’s organic or not. After all, the best formula for baby is one that fulfills all of their nutritional and dietary needs.

Best baby formula for breastfed babies

Many brands market particular products as supplementary formula for breastfed babies. However, Young says there’s no need to buy a special formula if you’re supplementing your breast milk with formula.

Most importantly, the best baby formula for breastfed babies is less about the product and more about the protocol. Each time you don’t feed baby from the breast, your milk ducts get the signal that there’s less demand, and produce less milk. To avoid a dip in your supply, pump when you can to make up for the missed breastfeeding session.

Best baby formula for gassy babies

“All babies have gas,” says Young and “babies eventually learn how to eliminate it themselves.” So before searching for the best formula for gassy babies, make sure your child isn’t excessively gassy for other reasons. Feed baby upright, always with their head above their tummy. Choose a bottle nipple that flows slowly and burp baby frequently. If you’re using powder formula, let the bubbles settle before the feeding starts, or try using a liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formulation. Angled and vented bottles can also help reduce gas in infants.

In rare cases, gassy babies may be sensitive to lactose, a sugar naturally found in cow’s milk (and therefore most baby formulas). Lactose is also in breast milk, but breast milk contains other compounds that help baby digest it, explains Young. In this case, the best baby formula for gas may be a partially hydrolyzed option with little to no lactose.

That said, even a “no lactose” baby formula typically contains a smidge of this substance, so if your child is completely intolerant, talk to your pediatrician about a soy formula, adds Melanie Greifer, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City. However, it’s important to note that the AAP doesn’t recommend a soy formula for babies that weigh less than 3.96 pounds.

Best baby formula for constipation

It’s not easy to poop lying down, so if baby looks like they’re putting in a lot of effort, just know that it’s completely normal. However, if they’re straining for more than 10 minutes—or if they’re pooping noticeably less than before—your little one might be constipated. Other clues include fussiness, hard stools and unusually frequent spit-up.

Before you switch formulas, try to help baby poop by laying them on their back and “bicycling” their legs or giving them a warm bath. Contrary to popular belief, iron-fortified baby formula doesn’t cause constipation (and, in fact, is helpful to baby’s growth), according to the AAP.

Best baby formula for colic

A colicky baby is defined as an otherwise healthy infant under 3 months of age who cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week and for more than three weeks in a row for no apparent reason. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes colic, but it’s natural to wonder whether baby formula has something to do with it. (And yes, gastrointestinal issues could be a part of the problem.)

But before you switch your baby formula, Arévalo says to “give it at least a week or two,” and see if any tips and tricks for relieving a gassy or constipated baby help. That said, if your child is also vomiting; coughing and wheezing; has trouble breathing; breaks out in a rash; gets diarrhea and/or has itchy, watery or swollen eyes, they might be sensitive to the protein in formula or—in the case of the more severe symptoms—an all-out milk-protein allergy, says Greifer. If you suspect digestive troubles are the cause for extreme fussiness, Young advises parents to talk to a pediatrician about trying partially hydrolyzed proteins.

If a baby formula specifically designed for colic doesn’t work, you may need to try an option made with thoroughly hydrolyzed proteins. The proteins in these formulas are broken down into even smaller units so baby’s immune system won’t revolt against them. A switch to a fully hydrolyzed option shouldn’t be taken lightly though, since these types of baby formula tend to taste bitter and have an unpleasant odor, says Young. To warrant this step, baby should be diagnosed as having a full-on milk protein allergy. Keep in mind that switching to a soy-based formula wouldn’t necessarily help either, because as many as half of all infants allergic to milk protein are also allergic to soy protein.

All in all, be aware that special formulas that feature bonus ingredients, such as probiotics or DHA, are touted as offering particular benefits for baby, but experts say this is largely just marketing. “Take it with a hefty grain of salt,” says Kimberly Gronsman Lee, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. “Any infant formula that’s sold in the US should be FDA regulated and acceptable in terms of nutrition.”

The Best Baby Formulas for Your Child’s Needs

For most healthy babies, the formula that’s in the baby-care package that your hospital sends you home with will probably do just fine, says Sandra Arévalo, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. But when it’s time to restock, you may want to try something different. So how do you know what the best baby formula for your child will be? Start with your pediatrician. Discuss any allergies or dietary issues you might have, along with any nutritional concerns or worries about allergies for baby. From there, your pediatrician can give you guidance to help you choose the best formula for your little one. If you try a formula and baby doesn’t seem to be reacting well, contact your pediatrician to discuss what to do next. Now that you have all the facts, you’re well-equipped to pick out the best baby formula for your little one. Below, browse top-rated baby formula options for every age, need and dietary restriction.

How To Find Baby Formula When Your Store Is Out

If you run out of formula and can’t find it at your regular stores, call around to pharmacies and baby supply stores in your area. These places aren’t often top-of-mind for shoppers on the hunt for formula, and they may still have some in stock. You can also ask your pediatrician if they have any samples to tide you over. If you typically receive and use WIC or SNAP benefits to purchase formula and don’t see your WIC products, contact your local food bank or women’s shelter. (Your state may also allow you to use WIC for a larger selection of products when certain formulas are out of stock.)

If you can’t find your typical brand and type of baby formula, consider switching to whatever is available. While changing brands and types of formula can be okay for some babies, others might experience discomfort as they adjust to the new formula. If you’re concerned that baby won’t handle a new formula well, or if baby has special dietary needs and you’re not sure what to get, contact your pediatrician. The AAP warns against feeding baby cow’s milk or watered-down formula, or trying to make your own homemade version of formula as a replacement, as that could be dangerous for baby’s health. (For more resources on navigating the baby formula shortage, click here.)

How We Chose the Best Baby Formula

We get it—feeding baby can feel like a minefield. Whether you’re exclusively bottle feeding baby or supplementing breast milk with formula, it can be hard to find the best fit for your family. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers and forums. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing baby formula, including age rating, ingredients list, formulation and preparation options as well as value for money. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable food source that will meet your child’s nutritional needs.

To decide which baby formula options are the best on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we spoke with a range of medical and nutritional experts to understand safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also follow the safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and look for certifications and seals of approval from key organizations.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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When and How to Sterilize Baby Bottles

The Best Glass Baby Bottles

What to Do When Baby Refuses the Bottle