Baby feeding milk powder

10 Best Baby Formulas

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Breast milk vs. formula

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life.

That said, not all parents breastfeed, whether by necessity or choice — and it is a personal decision. For more on the subject, read:

guide to breastfeeding
benefits of breastfeeding
breastfeeding vs. formula
World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations
the AAP on breastfeeding and baby’s immune system

Best baby formula for colic: Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powder Infant Formula
Best baby formula for reflux: Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula
Best baby formula for gas: Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula
Best baby formula for constipation: Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula
Most similar to breast milk: Similac 360 Total Care Non-GMO Infant Formula Powder
Best baby formula for preemies: Similac NeoSure
Best baby formula for allergies: Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Powder Infant Formula
Best organic baby formula: Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula
Best plant-based baby formula: Gerber Good Start Soy Powder Infant Formula
Best budget baby formula: Up&Up Advantage HMO Infant Formula

When we select the “best” options, we aren’t saying that one brand has necessarily been proven better or more effective than all the others. In fact, this isn’t true at all.

A comprehensive review of formula feeding in American Family Physician reveals that there’s no reason to recommend one formula brand over another. Instead, they’re described as “nutritionally interchangeable.”

So, in making this list, the following formulas earn high marks from parents for things like helping baby’s tummy issues, ease of use, store availability, and overall value.

Your baby may do well on one formula and not another due to reasons that are very individual and hard to pin down. As always, we recommend speaking with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s nutrition or digestion.

So what else should you be looking for in infant formula?

Well, the good news is that in the U.S., infant formulas are required to meet FDA nutritional standards. Baby formulas made in Europe are required to meet the European Food Safety Agency standards. So any formula you choose should meet the minimum nutritional requirements for your baby.

The FDA requires minimum amounts of 29 key nutrients and gives maximum quantities for 9 of the nutrients required in baby formulas.

The key nutrients a baby needs are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There will also be a bunch of vitamins and micronutrients, such as iron (crucial for development), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (beneficial for brain health), lutein (beneficial for eyes), prebiotics/probiotics (for digestive and immune health), and choline (beneficial for the nervous system).

There are some key things to look for as you’re choosing a formula:

The ingredient list: The front label can say almost anything the company wants it to and isn’t actually that helpful when choosing a formula. The ingredients, especially the first few, will tell you the most.
Type of protein: What type of protein is the base for the formula — cow’s milk, soy milk, or goat’s milk?
Size of the protein: Standard formulas made with cow’s milk or soy milk have big proteins that are a little harder for many babies to digest. Partially hydrolyzed proteins are smaller, while fully hydrolyzed proteins are the smallest. Partially and fully hydrolyzed protein formulas are closer to the size of proteins found in breast milk, and are often labeled “gentle” or “hypoallergenic.” Fully hydrolyzed protein formulas are usually only necessary in the case of severe allergies or digestive issues, so check with your doctor before going this route.
Type of carbohydrate: The main types are lactose (the sugar found in milk, including human breast milk), sucrose (table sugar), and glucose (corn syrup, brown rice syrup, glucose syrup, and maltodextrin).
A broken seal: If the seal on the container is broken or missing, you should not purchase, or should return, that container of formula, as it could be contaminated.
Product recalls: Periodically check for product recalls before purchasing formula.
Expiration date: Check the container before purchasing (and before using if you have a stash built up).
Preparation instructions: Double-check the preparation instructions, especially if you’re switching to a new formula. This is particularly important if you are switching to a European formula, as the units of measurement may be different.
Pediatrician’s expertise: Always check with your pediatrician if there’s a formula you want to use that seems very niche or off-market, has significantly fewer nutrients (check the nutrition info label) than other formulas, or you have any concerns about choosing a formula.

A note about the baby formula shortages

Due to supply chain issues secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recent safety recalls from major formula companies, many baby formulas are currently out of stock. It is much more difficult to find the variety and quantity of baby formulas that used to be available.

If you are struggling to find the baby formula you need, try giving your pediatrician’s office a call. They may have sample cans available or be able to advise you on the closest match for your baby’s formula. Other resources may include your local WIC office (a federal assistance nutrition program for women, infants, and children), social media infant feeding groups, or large online grocery retailers.

If your baby isn’t on a specialty formula for metabolic disorders, they should be able to safely switch between formula types. If you are unsure whether the type of formula you found is right for your baby, give your pediatrician a call.

While it may be tempting, the FDA and AAP both strongly advise against making homemade baby formulas.

Price guide

$ = under $1 per ounce
$$ = $1 – $2 per ounce
$$$ = Over $2 per ounce

Best baby formula for colic

Unfortunately, there’s no solid evidence to suggest that a certain formula is a solution to colic. Most medical experts agree that colic is most likely caused by a combination of infant temperament and environment.

However, some babies (up to 7% of formula-fed babies, according to this 2016 study) do have a cow’s milk protein allergy that contributes to their crying. A true allergy will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as runny or bloody stools or chronic nasal congestion.

If you’re at your wit’s end trying to help soothe your baby, it may not hurt to try a different formula, such as one with a more easily digestible form of protein. Check in with your pediatrician. If your baby does have a cow’s milk protein allergy, a hydrolyzed (hypoallergenic) formula may provide them with a lot of relief.

Typically, colic tends to ease up between your baby’s 4- and 6-month birthday. Even though colic can be incredibly challenging as a parent, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powder Infant Formula

Price: $$

Key features: Gerber claims that Good Start SoothePro has the “gentleness of breast milk” and helps with anything from excessive crying episodes to fussiness and gas. It contains just 30% lactose, which the brand says may ease baby’s stomach (though research into this is lacking, and lactose is actually the same sugar found in human breast milk). It also contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics.

Considerations: Parents generally like this formula, but some feel it can be a bit clumpy and hard to dissolve in the bottle. A few say that SoothePro smells bad and that their babies don’t love the taste and occasionally refuse to drink it.

Pros

easy to find in stores (although current shortage issues may change this)
prebiotic and probiotic blend may help with digestion
claims to be very gentle on baby tummies

Cons

can be clumpy and challenging to mix
unpleasant smell and taste for some babies
low lactose

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Best baby formula for reflux

Is spit-up becoming more than just a laundry issue in your house? Formula-fed babies actually have higher rates of reflux than breastfed babies. These issues tend to peak around the 4-month mark.

There are formulas on the market that are thickened by rice. They may help decrease the frequency of spit-ups but should be used with the guidance of your pediatrician, as it’s not always recommended.

Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula

Price: $$

Key features: As with other thickened formulas, Enfamil’s A.R. formula contains rice starch to help thicken and settle better in baby’s stomach. The manufacturers of this formula supported a study in 2003 that showed it can reduce babies’ spit-up episodes by up to 50%. Anecdotally, many grandmothers will also tell you that they added rice cereal to their baby’s bottles to reduce spit-up “back in the day”.

Considerations: You’ll want to speak with your pediatrician before offering thickened formula to your baby. While some parents swear this is the best formula they’ve ever tried, others share that this mix really didn’t help their baby’s spit-up issue enough. A thickened formula could be more difficult for certain babies to digest.

Some parents may also be tempted to add rice cereal to bottles to thicken the formula, but this is not recommended due to safety concerns like choking, allergies, and excessive weight gain.

Pros

may reduce incidence of spit-up or reflux pain in infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can have a big impact on quality of life for the family
no known long-term risks to adding rice starch to infant formula

Cons

may not help some babies
could be more difficult for some babies to digest

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Best baby formula for gas

Those toots might be cute at first. But your baby may have a lot of discomfort with gas. Keep in mind that severe gas may be a sign of allergy or other medical issue. So, if switching formulas doesn’t help, head in for a check-up.

Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula

Price: $$

Key features: Enfamil claims that in clinical trials this partially-hydrolyzed formula reduced gas and associated fussiness and crying in just one day. This formula also contains a high amount of DHA to help nourish and develop your baby’s brain. (It’s worth noting that there is some conflicting research about how much DHA is actually beneficial for babies).

Considerations: Many parents are pleased with this formula and feel it does seem to help their babies. A few noted that they didn’t like the packaging and that the formula left an oily residue in the bottle after feeding.

Pros

partially hydrolyzed proteins may be easier for many babies to digest, reducing gas and fussiness
contains DHA, choline, and prebiotics to help support baby’s brain and immune system
very positive parent reviews, as well as some support from clinical research

Cons

does contain milk and soy proteins, so may not be suitable for infants with a true allergy
may leave residue in bottles

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Best baby formula for constipation

There aren’t many formulas specifically marketed to help with constipation, since constipation isn’t terribly common in infants.

However, constipation is more common in formula-fed babies than in breastfed babies, since breast milk is easier to digest. Often, formula-fed babies have stools between two and three times a day before starting solids, and two times a day after starting solids.

Or, your baby might have a different routine.

But if they seem to be straining and passing hard stools, or suddenly start going longer and longer without a dirty diaper, they may be constipated. You can try a different formula, and speak to your doctor about other ways to get things moving.

Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula

Price: $$

Key features: Enfamil claims this formula will help your little one poop more comfortably within a week of use. It contains a special blend of prebiotics that Enfamil says aids with digestion. Like other varieties, this formula is gentle enough that it can be used every day. While iron can be constipating for babies, this formula does still contain iron, which is essential to healthy development.

Considerations: Reviews are mixed on whether or not this formula is a magic fix for constipation. A few parents note that their child’s stools turned dark green while using this formula. Others say it gave their babies diarrhea and more gas.

Pros

contains a blend of prebiotics that may help keep bowel movements regular
still contains iron and other essential nutrients

Cons

gets mixed reviews from parents
some parents said this made their baby’s bowel issues worse

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Most similar to breast milk

Maybe your baby will receive formula only part-time in combination with nursing. In this case, you may want a formula that’s as similar to breast milk as possible. We’ve called out our top pick below.

That being said, you can use any infant formula for supplementing a breastfed baby. The differences between formulas are mainly related to the protein size and type, not whether they interact well with breast milk. So, monitor what works best for your baby.

Similac 360 Total Care Non-GMO Infant Formula Powder

Price: $$

Key features: Similac claims that this formula is their closest in composition to human breast milk. It includes a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E — all nutrients found in breast milk. It also includes more prebiotics than any other type of Similac formula on the market.

In fact, it contains 5 HMO (human milk oligosaccharides) prebiotics, which is why the company claims it is more similar to breast milk than other formulas.

Considerations: A good number of parents share very positive reviews of this formula. It is worth noting that it contains cow’s milk protein that has not been hydrolyzed (broken down), so it is a larger protein than those found in human breast milk.

Pros

contains nutrients found in breast milk
contains a large amount of prebiotics
claims to be a gentle formula with a nutritional profile similar to breast milk

Cons

it has not been scientifically proven that this formula is better than other infant formulas
it contains larger cow’s milk proteins, which some babies may have trouble digesting

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Best baby formula for preemies

Human milk is the ideal choice for preemies; however, it may not always be available. Babies born prematurely may need additional support nutritionally.

As a result, formulas for preemies focus on higher calories — usually 22 to 24 per ounce versus the standard 20 — to help boost weight gain. They may also contain nutrients geared at promoting long-term growth and development.

Similac NeoSure

Price: $$

Key features: This product includes additional calories — as well as nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus — to help baby grow in the first year. Specifically, the enriched formula aims to help premature babies “catch up” in growth better than they might with standard term formulas.

Considerations: While most parents explain that this formula truly did help their babies catch up, some shared it came at a price of constipation, gas, and other digestive issues. This formula isn’t sold at all stores, so you may need to order it online.

And talk with your doctor about whether to use formula with extra calories and how long to continue with it — some recommend switching to term formulas after a few months.

Specialty formulas such as this one are especially important to use under medical supervision. It’s also important to follow the formula preparation instructions exactly to reduce the risk of infection from a certain bacteria called Cronobacter sakazakii.

Other options: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that liquid forms of formula may be safer for preemies and babies with compromised immune systems. Why? In rare cases, powdered formula may harbor a germ called Cronobacter sakazakii that can lead to infection (and is riskier for preemie babies). Speak with your doctor if you have concerns and for specific formula suggestions.

Pros

higher calories and nutrient enrichment may be beneficial for preterm infants
preemie babies typically start life at a lower birth weight, and an enriched formula may help them “catch up” on their growth curve

Cons

may cause digestive issues
must be used under medical supervision
not as widely available as standard infant formulas
powdered formulas could be more prone to contamination, which is a bigger risk for preemies

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Best baby formula for allergies

Some babies may be allergic to cow’s milk protein and need hypoallergenic formula — specifically, one where the protein has been broken down either partially or extensively. These formulas are also called protein hydrolysate formulas. They’re for babies who can’t drink standard milk- or soy-based varieties.

Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Powder Infant Formula

Price: $$$

Key features: This formula is free of lactose and sucrose. Enfamil boasts “fast management of colic” right on the label. Some 90% of babies experienced relief from their symptoms within 48 hours of switching, at least according to Enfamil’s own research.

This formula may reduce future allergy issues — again, according to Enfamil-sponsored research. The brand claims it reduced crying in 90% of babies within 48 hours. Speaking anecdotally, we know a number of parents who found huge relief in their baby’s eczema, colicky crying, and runny stools after switching to Nutramigen.

Considerations: Keep in mind that Nutramigen may not help your baby if their issues aren’t caused by an allergy. This formula is also on the higher end of cost per ounce. Some parents share that the formula smells and tastes bad.

Other options: You can also find Nutramigen in a liquid concentrate form. This means that you’ll mix the liquid with water for bottles instead of using powder. Some parents find this method more convenient.

Pros

hydrolyzed protein is much smaller and easier to digest, as it is a more similar size to breast milk proteins
broken down proteins won’t trigger an allergic reaction in baby’s with a cow’s milk protein or soy protein allergy
may provide significant relief of colic or allergy symptoms

Cons

unpleasant taste and smell
quite expensive

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Best organic baby formula

Formulas labeled organic must meet certain standards, like being made without contaminants such as prohibited synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic formulas are also free from artificial flavors and colors, growth hormones, preservatives, and other additives.

Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula

Price: $$

Key features: Earth’s Best’s Sensitivity blend is made with 95% less lactose than standard formulas. This means it may be more easily digested by babies who are sensitive to lactose (which is very uncommon). Its dairy ingredients are organic, coming from grass-fed cows, and the formula also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lutein, and prebiotics to support your baby’s immune system.

Additionally, this formula uses water-extracted DHA (many DHA sources in formulas are hexane-extracted, which involves more chemicals).

Considerations: Some parents explain that they like the formula, but that it can be inconsistent from batch to batch (some more foamy, for example). Others like that this formula tastes like milk, but a few note that they’re unhappy with the high corn syrup solids content. It’s worth noting, though, that corn syrup solids, also sometimes called “maltodextrin,” is a common ingredient in most infant formulas.

Pros

organic dairy may mean exposing your baby to fewer harmful chemicals
still contains fatty acids and prebiotics to support baby’s immune system, just like standard formulas
relatively affordable for an organic formula
better taste than many formulas

Cons

may be inconsistent texture
higher corn syrup solids content than some formulas
lower lactose is not necessarily beneficial, as lactose intolerance is extremely uncommon in infants

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Best plant-based baby formula

Fun fact: Around 25% of all formula sold in the U.S. is soy-based. These formulas are free of both lactose and cow’s milk protein, and may be better digested by some babies with certain medical conditions.

Talk with your doctor before switching to soy, however. Some studies show that preterm babies fed soy gain significantly less weight than those on standard formulas. And unfortunately, many babies with true cow’s milk allergies are also allergic to soy protein.

Gerber Good Start Soy Powder Infant Formula

Price: $

Key features: Gerber claims that their soy formula can help ease the fussiness and gas babies experience with cow milk allergies. The formula includes soy protein, vitamin D, DHA, and added calcium to support growth and development.

Considerations: Soy may not be the magic answer for all babies, particularly as many babies with cow’s milk allergies also have soy allergies. Plant-based proteins are not necessarily easier for babies to digest. Some parents share that this formula made gas and colic issues worse with their little ones. Others say the powder is lumpy and difficult to mix.

Pros

plant-based soy formula does not have animal protein
relatively affordable
contains added calcium

Cons

many babies who are allergic to cow’s milk protein are also allergic to soy protein
some parents found this worsened digestive issues
some parents reported this formula is difficult to mix well

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Best budget baby formula

Your baby drinks a ton of formula in the first year, and many formulas are quite pricey. 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 for a fraction of the cost.

Up&Up Advantage HMO Infant Formula

Price: $

Key features: Target’s Advantage formula is modeled after Similac Advance, and also contains 2′-FL human milk oligosaccharide. This non-GMO dairy formula has DHA, lutein, vitamin E, and choline. Typically, it’s widely available either in-store or online at Target, although finding it online is harder in the current climate.

Considerations: Many parents give this formula high marks for mixing easily and not upsetting baby’s tummy. One reviewer noticed some brown clumps in the bottle after mixing. Keep in mind that many of the online reviews you’ll find are part of a promotion program, so they should be taken with a grain of salt.

Pros

ingredient profile is very similar to brand-name competitors
typically pretty widely available at Target stores
easy to mix
well tolerated by babies
much more affordable than many formulas

Cons

some parents noticed brown clumps even after mixing
lesser-known production company

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Products	Price	Key ingredients	Pros	Cons
Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powder Infant Formula	$$	2′-FL HMO (prebiotic), L. reuteri (probiotic), partially hydrolyzed (smaller) milk protein, DHA	may be easier for babies to digest, relieving tummy discomfort and crying	some babies may object to taste
Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula	$$	milk protein, DHA, rice starch (for thickening)	thicker texture may reduce spit-up	may be harder to feed, or for some babies to digest
Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula	$$	partially broken down (hydrolyzed) milk protein, DHA, choline, prebiotics	smaller proteins may be easier for some babies to digest; prebiotics may promote gut health	not suitable for babies with cow’s milk or soy allergies
Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula	$$	partially hydrolyzed whey (milk) protein, blend of several prebiotics	may promote regular stools in babies who are constipated	could alternatively cause tummy upset for some babies
Similac 360 Total Care Non-GMO Infant Formula Powder	$$	whey (milk) protein, more HMO prebiotics than other formulas, lutein, DHA, choline	may be more similar to breast milk, given higher concentration of prebiotics (which breast milk also has)	not necessarily better than other formulas
Similac NeoSure	$$	milk protein, DHA, lutein, vitamin E	more calories per ounce to help preemie babies grow	must be used under medical supervision
Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Powder Infant Formula	$$$	completely hydrolyzed proteins, DHA, probiotics, vitamins	completely broken down proteins can be digested by babies with cow’s milk allergy (or other allergies) to relieve bloody stools, crying, etc.	more expensive than standard formulas
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula	$$	organic, reduced-lactose milk, prebiotic fiber, DHA, water-extracted DHA	may contain fewer chemicals or harmful ingredients than non-organic formulas	inconsistent texture, low lactose may not be beneficial
Gerber Good Start Soy Powder Infant Formula	$	soy proteins, DHA, vitamins	may be a good source of protein for babies who can’t tolerate cow’s milk	many babies with cow’s milk allergies are also allergic to soy
Up&Up Advantage HMO Infant Formula	$	2′-FL HMO, DHA, lutein, vitamin E, choline	a very similar ingredient profile to more expensive big-brand formulas	some inconsistency with texture

At the most basic level, there’s really no wrong choice when it comes to formula. Since everything you’ll find is technically safe to use, that means that what you put in your cart is really up to you, your preferences, your budget, and what you can find.

You might ask yourself if a certain brand or type:

is easy to find at a local store or online
has a price point that fits within your budget
meets your need for convenience (powder vs. liquid or pre-portioned)
is appropriate for your child’s special needs (allergy, prematurity, etc.)

Beyond that, you’ll need to see what works best for your baby. 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.

Anything else that’s added to the formula, like fatty acids and other ingredients “found in breast milk,” are completely safe, but they may or may not provide the benefits written on the box.

Once you’ve chosen your formula, you’ll want to make sure you prepare it in a safe way.

Always use the measuring scoop that comes with your formula. The AAP recommends cooling boiled water for 5 minutes before mixing with formula and then allowing the bottle to cool to room temperature before serving.

Wash your hands with soap and water before grabbing bottles and preparing your formula. While you’re at it, make sure your bottles are clean and nipples intact.
Check the date on your formula container to make sure it’s not expired. Examine the container for breaks in the seal, rust marks, leaks, and other signs that the formula is compromised.
Use water from a safe source. You might consider boiling water for a minute and cooling before mixing bottles as well. And if you don’t think your tap water is safe to use, you may want to purchase bottled water.
Measure out the water first before adding powder or liquid concentrate. It’s very important to follow the directions on the box for how much water you’ll use. Diluting formula with too much water or too little water can lead to serious health problems for your baby.
If you choose to warm your baby’s bottle, do so by putting the bottle in a pot of warm water on the stove or use a bottle warmer. Heat to body temperature. Never use a microwave to heat formula.
Use prepared formula within 2 hours or store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. And discard any formula your baby doesn’t finish after a feeding.
Feed your baby in an upright position and burp often to help relieve symptoms of colic. You may also want to look into curved bottles or those that use collapsible bags to reduce air intake.
If your baby is under 3 months old, was born prematurely, or has other health issues, your doctor may have additional guidelines for preparing formula.

Looking to switch formulas?

While it’s safe to switch between brands and types, you may not want to switch frequently, and it’s not recommended. If there’s an allergy or some kind of adverse reaction, it will be difficult to identify the source if they were used too close together.

In other words, try giving your baby one type of formula for 1 to 2 weeks before switching.

Which baby formula is the closest formula to breast milk?

The reality is that no formula can completely mimic human breast milk. However, scientific and nutritional advances have come a long way in recent years, and there are some great options.

Any of the formulas on our list should meet your baby’s nutritional needs for the first year of life, providing they don’t have a special medical condition.

The formula most structurally similar to human breast milk is Similac 360 Total Care. This formula contains an unprecedented 5 HMOs, which are prebiotics found in breast milk that should help babies digest and absorb nutrients. It also contains DHA (which is found in varying amounts in human milk), ARA, carbs, fats, and vitamins that are meant to mimic those found in breast milk.

This formula also contains cow’s milk proteins that are not hydrolyzed, so they are still quite a bit larger than the proteins found in human milk.

What are the 3 types of baby formula?

The three main types of infant formulas include:

cow’s milk protein-based formulas
soy protein-based formulas
protein hydrolysate (broken down) formulas

These types of formulas can come prepared three ways:

Powdered formula: must be mixed with water before feeding
Liquid concentrate formula: must also be mixed with water before feeding
Ready-to-use formula: comes already mixed to the correct ratio

Why is there a formula shortage in 2022?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect supply chains across a number of industries, as well as the number of people in the workforce. Additionally, there have been some recent product recalls and factory closures at large formula manufacturers due to suspected unsafe or contaminated formulas.

These factors have combined to result in a much lower availability of infant formula.

There are many formula options available. Breast milk is always recommended as the first choice for a baby’s optimal health, but all formulas will meet the basic nutritional needs of your baby. The key is preparing them in a safe way.

Still don’t know which formula to choose? Ask your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor may be able to point you in the right direction based on your baby’s health history or your personal preferences. Same goes with switching formula brands or types.

As an added bonus, your pediatrician’s office may even have coupons or free samples so you can try before you buy.

Is it Right For You?

Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding: Is it Right For You?

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Medically reviewed by Meredith Wallis, MS, APRN, CNM, IBCLC — By Rena Goldman — Updated on July 29, 2020

Choosing to breastfeed or bottle-feed is a personal decision. It’s one of the first important decisions you’ll make as a new parent. Both have pros and cons.

Over the years, the issue has been controversial, often leading to parents feeling judged for choosing bottle-fed formula over breast milk. Don’t let the haters get you down either way.

There’s no right or wrong choice, just the healthiest choice for you and your baby. Before settling on one or the other, you’ll want to have all the facts.

If you’re unsure of how you’d like to feed your baby, read on to learn more about each method.

Trusted health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continuing after solid foods are introduced, until at least the age of 1 or longer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until the age of 2 or longer. It may sound like a long time, but there are great reasons for it.

Most experts agree that breastfeeding is the best way for newborns and infants to get nutrition and big health benefits. Starting to breastfeed within 1 hour after giving birth affords even more benefits.

Pros

Breastfeeding is good for both your health and your baby’s health. Here are some of the benefits for you and your baby.

Availability

Breastfeeding is free — barring the cost of any lactation consultants and accessories like nursing bras. Pumps, bottles, formula, and other bottle-feeding products can be costly.
Breast milk doesn’t require any prep work. It’s ready when your baby is ready. Aren’t bodies amazing?

Boost for baby

Has all the nutrients: Breast milk has all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and stay healthy, including in the first few days when nutrient-rich colostrum is produced.
Promotes a healthy digestive system: Breastfed babies are less likely to have diarrhea and upset stomach.
Strengthens baby’s immune system: Breast milk helps protect against ear infections, pneumonia, bacterial, and viral infections.
Might boost IQ: Research suggests that breastfed babies, especially exclusively breastfed babies, may have a somewhat higher IQ than if they were formula-fed.
Prevents SIDS: Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially exclusive breastfeeding.
Benefits preemie health: Feeding human milk to preterm infants or other medically fragile babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) lowers the rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which increases survival chances and decreases the length of NICU stays.
Lowers risk for other conditions: Breastfeeding potentially protects against conditions like asthma and allergies, diabetes, and obesity.

Good for you

Helps with recovery: It can help your uterus get back to prepregnancy size faster.
May help with weight loss: Your body’s production of milk burns extra calories that can lead to weight loss. (Though not always!)
Can help you retain iron: Breastfeeding keeps your period from returning, which can prevent an iron deficiency after giving birth.
Promotes good hormones: Allows your body to release hormones (like oxytocin) that help you bond with your baby.
Lowers risk of some diseases: Reduces your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Lowers risk of postpartum depression: A 2012 study indicated that the benefits were even greater when you breastfeed for longer than 4 months.

If you choose to breastfeed, your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you do it for as long as you’re able and still feel comfortable.

The longer you breastfeed, the greater these health benefits are for you and your baby.

Cons

Although breastfeeding is healthier and more beneficial for you and your baby, it can also come with challenges. Many of them can be overcome with the help of a lactation consultant and some perseverance.

Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to get it right. Here are some common challenges:

You may feel discomfort, particularly during the first few days or weeks.
There isn’t a way to measure how much your baby is eating.
You’ll need to watch your medication use, caffeine, and alcohol intake. Some substances that go into your body are passed to the baby through your milk.
Newborns eat frequently. Keeping up with a feeding schedule may be difficult if you need to return to work or run errands. (Though pumping can help!).

Bottle-feeding can mean either feeding your baby breast milk from a bottle, or using formula in a bottle. Breast milk given from a bottle still has similar nutrients, but can give you more flexibility because the baby isn’t only relying on your body for food.

Freezing breast milk has been shown to reduce a bit of its nutritive and immunologic value compared to fresh, but it’s still going to retain its antibodies that are oh-so beneficial to your baby (and not found in formula).

Formula is manufactured, and while it’s regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does contain lots of nutrients, it’s still not a perfect match for the benefits breast milk provides.

Pros

A family member or caretaker can feed your baby when you aren’t able to be there.
You can see how much your baby is eating at each feeding.
Babies eating formula don’t need to eat as often as breastfed babies.
Fathers, siblings, and other family members get the chance to bond with baby during feeding time.

Cons

Formula doesn’t provide the same protection against infections, diseases, and conditions as breast milk.
You need to mix and prepare formula to make sure it’s the correct temperature.
Bottles, formula, rubber nipples, and breast pumps can be expensive.
Formula can cause digestive trouble like constipation and gas.
Powdered formula requires access to clean water, which may be a health issue depending on where you live.

Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you’ll eventually still need to begin the process of weaning, which means to completely stop breast milk or formula.

This is usually not done until 9 to 12 months or later. The general rule is that babies should have only breast milk or a fortified formula for the first 6 months of life.

Even after introducing other foods, your doctor will likely advise allowing the baby to breastfeed for as long as it feels comfortable for both of you. The WHO recommends continuing breastfeeding as an additional food source, up to age 2 or longer.

If you’re breastfeeding, the weaning process should be done carefully, but it doesn’t have to be hard.

Some parents follow the baby’s lead, letting them decide when to reduce breastfeeding. Other parents begin the weaning process themselves. This method can be more difficult, especially if your baby is still really attached to breastfeeding. (If this is the case, consider if it’s necessary to stop at that point at all. )

Start slowly, gradually reducing the amount you’re feeding over time. Not only will this help baby, it’ll also help your body get used to producing less milk and eventually stopping altogether.

You might eliminate one daytime feeding at first, but continue morning and bedtime feedings. Babies tend to be more attached to the first and last feedings of the day.

There’s no clear medical recommendation regarding which food or foods babies should have first. Starting with whole foods like puréed vegetables, mashed avocado, and mashed sweet potato is recommended.

A traditional starter food, rice cereal, has little nutritional value and has been associated with arsenic content. The FDA notes that iron-fortified, single grain, white rice cereal shouldn’t be your baby’s only source of food, nor does it need to be the first source. Whole foods are probably your best bet.

After your baby has adjusted to their first food, you can start adding others, including whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Make sure there is no added salt, sugar, or seasoning in the foods.

Introduce one food at a time and wait a few days to make sure your baby isn’t having an allergic reaction or trouble digesting it.

Sometimes moms aren’t able to breastfeed for medical reasons. You might also have a demanding schedule that doesn’t allow for flexibility needed to breastfeed.

But the benefits of breastfeeding are pretty huge, so if you can, give it a try. It may just become your favorite part of the day.

Getting the facts ahead of time and coming up with your own plan can help ease any stress and anxiety around feeding baby. Remember that this is your decision. You should do what feels best for your family.

If you’re having trouble making a decision, talking to your doctor, midwife, or lactation professional may help.

Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2020

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Medically reviewed by Meredith Wallis, MS, APRN, CNM, IBCLC — By Rena Goldman — Updated on July 29, 2020

Pediatrician lists foods that should not be fed to babies - Moscow 24, 12/19/2019

December 19, 2019, 11:04

Society

Photo: depositphotos/studioM

according to the site "Arguments and Facts".

She reminded that newborns must be fed according to certain laws and rules, and deviation from them can lead to serious health problems for children, which can even end in death.

The pediatrician says that children should not be given powdered milk. According to her, replacing them with formula is a bad idea. She advises in the absence of breast milk to contact a specialist to choose the best option for the mixture.

Butskaya warned that "milk dry mix" and "milk powder" are not the same thing. She drew attention to the fact that whole milk powder includes oxysterol components, substances based on cholesterol.

Also cow's and goat's milk should not be given to newborns. According to the expert, this is the most serious allergen, which also contains a huge amount of proteins. The most aggressive is beta-lactoglobulin. Doctors noted that in babies its intolerance is caused by enzyme deficiency and high permeability of the intestinal walls. You can introduce such milk into the diet of a child at the age of about a year.

Another prohibited product is kefir. It has an "aggressive" acidity and can lead to a violation of the acid-base balance in the child's body, create an additional load on the kidneys, as well as cause anemia and food intolerance. This product can be slowly introduced into the diet no earlier than 8 months. Yogurts, which should also not be given to children, operate on a similar principle.

It is forbidden to feed babies with semolina. Previously, if the child was initially on breast milk and for some reason it ended, the child could also be fed liquid porridge. The pediatrician notes that this option is acceptable, but when the child is older. “At six months, it’s not as scary as in the first months of birth,” she stressed.

During the neonatal period, cereals should not be given to children, and when the child is 6 months old, gluten-free cereals - rice, corn and buckwheat - can be given.

Earlier it became known which names for newborns in Moscow stood out in November. Last month, girls with the names Juliet and Spring were born.

In October and November children were called by old and unusual names. In November, one Lucian, Luchezar, Clement, Ignatius, Theodore and Jaromir were born. October 29girls were named Stephanie, and 22 babies were named Olivia.

However, the most common name among boys is Michael. So named more than 470 children. 450 girls were named Anna. The list of popular names also includes Alexander, Maxim, Maria and Sofia.

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Why can't you feed your baby powdered milk instead of formula? | Child health | Health

12/14/2019 00:15

Anna Shatokhina

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Category: Children

Newborn infants and children under 4-6 months of age are fed predominantly with breast milk or specially adapted formulas. However, not all parents do the right thing. Just the other day in Russia, a young woman who recently became a mother came under investigation. Her baby died at the age of five months. The reason turned out to be feeding the baby with a regular dry milk replacer diluted with water, which many people use for baking or as an additive to tea or coffee. Why is such a product deadly for babies?

Answer Head of the All-Russian public movement "Council of Mothers", pediatrician Tatiana Butskaya :

— Breast milk is the best food for a child. If for some reason the mother does not have milk, she should contact the pediatrician for advice on choosing the right food for the baby. You don't have to choose the mixture yourself. The mixture (I emphasize!) Works like a medicine. That is why, when prescribing it, the doctor is guided by the individual data of the child: his age, weight, the presence or absence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

The incident in Primorsky Krai shocked me. Now there is a huge selection of mixtures in stores. There is no shortage! Artificial milk substitutes can be bought at any children's store or pharmacy. Moreover, we live in the information age, when experts non-stop talk about the fact that children should not be fed cereals and cow's milk during the neonatal period. These foods can harm your baby. Powdered milk even more so. Whole milk powder contains oxysterols (substances containing mainly cholesterol). They are formed during the drying of whole milk and are considered harmful not only for children, but also for adults. In addition, milk concentrate contains a lot of fats and proteins:

Whole milk powder is 1/4 protein and 1/4 fat.

Skimmed milk powder contains 1% fat and 37% protein.

When diluted with water, of course, the amount of these substances decreases, but it is still very large. The amount of proteins exceeds the norm by 2-3 times. For the gastrointestinal tract of the child and his kidneys, this is a very serious burden. It happens that even children of one year of age cannot cope with it, and what can we say about a newborn! For such a child, powdered milk is a metabolic disaster. Its introduction into the diet causes a violation of the acid-base balance in the body, as well as problems with the kidneys and the hematopoietic system.

The fact is that there are a lot of proteins and they are very heavy. Due to the deficiency of enzymes, the infant body cannot break them down. Proteins in unchanged form are absorbed through the intestinal wall and provoke microdiapedetic bleeding in the intestine. The body loses iron, and these losses exceed the norm by 4-5 times. So the child develops anemia.

Kidneys suffer. They are functionally not fully mature, have a limited filtration rate. An excess of proteins, sodium, potassium, chlorides leads to water and electrolyte disorders. At the initial stage, the development of this problem is signaled by the thirst of the child. He screams, asks for water, but usually in such situations, parents give the baby another portion of the mixture (food), which makes the problem worse.