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What formula should i feed my baby


Formula Feeding FAQs: Getting Started (for Parents)

Whether you plan to formula feed your baby from the start, want to supplement your breast milk with formula, or are switching from breast milk to formula, you probably have questions.

Here are answers to some common questions about formula feeding.

What Supplies Do I Need?

Start with the basics:

  • formula
  • water (tap water is fine, but use bottled if you are concerned about water safety)
  • bottles
  • nipples

Keep burp cloths and a bottle/nipple brush handy.

You don’t need a bottle sterilizer, but do sterilize bottles and nipples by boiling them for 5 minutes before the first use.

What Kind of Bottle Should I Use?

Bottles come in different shapes and sizes. They can be made of glass, plastic, silicone, or stainless steel. Here are some differences:

Plastic bottles are now "BPA-free"— meaning they don't contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical may be harmful and is found in some plastics, but is banned from baby bottles. Years ago, some plastic baby bottles had BPA in them, but none do now.

Glass bottles. Glass bottles can cause injury if broken, but silicone sleeves make them easier to grip and help prevent breaks.

Silicone bottles and stainless steel bottles are newer options. They are unbreakable but tend to be more expensive than plastic or glass.

Some babies do better with certain bottle shapes, vented bottles, or bottles with liners on the inside. You may need to try a few kinds before you find what works best for you and your baby.

To get you through the first week or so, be sure to have enough formula, water, bottles, and nipples.

Over time, you may want to buy more or different kinds of bottles. You also may find it's worth getting other supplies, like a bottle drying rack or special dishwasher basket.

What Kind of Nipple Should I Use?

Nipples can be made of silicone (clear) or latex (brown) with many different shapes. The varieties include standard or traditional nipples, orthodontic nipples, wide-based nipples, and flat-top nipples. Use whatever type your baby seems to prefer.

Nipples also often come in different numbers, "stages," or "flow rates" to reflect the size of the nipple's hole, which affects the flow (i.e., slow, medium, or fast) of formula or breast milk. The holes get bigger as babies get older and are ready to handle faster flows of milk. Flows that are too fast can make younger babies gag by giving them more milk than they can handle. Slower flows may frustrate some babies and make them suck harder and gulp too much air.

Start your newborn on the slowest flow nipple. As your baby gets older, you can increase the flow if you want to. Some babies may be content throughout infancy to use the same kind and size of nipple. If your baby seems fussy or frustrated with the nipple, try a different kind (like one with a larger hole) to see if it makes a difference.

How Often Should Nipples Be Replaced?

That depends on how the nipples you use hold up to cleaning and everyday use. Check them regularly for signs of wear and replace them about every 2 months or sooner if you notice tears or damage.

What Type of Formula Should I Use?

Many different formulas are available these days. Ask your doctor which kind is best for your baby.

Do not try to make your own formula at home. Online recipes may look healthy and promise to be nutritionally complete, but they can have too little — or too much — of important nutrients and cause serious health problems for your baby.

There are many different brands of formula, and all that are made in the United States (name brands, store brands, and generic) must meet strict nutrition and safety standards.

Formula types include:

  • cow's milk-based formulas. Most formulas are made from cow's milk. These formulas have added iron, which babies need. Use only iron-fortified formula, unless your doctor advises you not to.
  • soy-based formulas. These are for babies born with congenital lactase deficiency or galactosemia. This type of formula is also used by parents who do not want their babies to eat animal protein. Give only iron-fortified soy formula, unless your doctor says otherwise. (Many babies who are allergic to cow's milk also are allergic to the protein in soy formulas, so soy-based formulas generally don't help with milk-protein allergies.)
  • hypoallergenic formulas for babies who can't tolerate cow’s milk or soy formulas, like those with allergies to milk or soy proteins. The proteins in hypoallergenic formulas are broken down so they are easier to digest.
  • specialized formulas. These are designed for premature babies.

How Do I Prepare Formula?

Formula comes in three basic forms:

  • powders that require mixing with water and cost the least
  • concentrates, which are liquids that require diluting with water
  • ready-to-use (or ready-to-feed) liquids that can be poured right into bottles. These are the most expensive but are convenient if you're traveling or can't get to a clean water supply.

Carefully follow directions on the label when preparing formula. Do not add more water than directed.

Whatever formula you choose, check the expiration date on all cans and bottles of formula, and don't use formula from leaky, dented, or otherwise damaged containers. Do not water-down formula — this is dangerous, as it reduces the amount of nutrients in each bottle.

Formula Can Be Pricey. How Can I Save Money?

Shop around for the best deals on the formula you've chosen:

  • Take advantage of the free samples and coupons sent to you in the first few months after your baby is born.
  • Clip coupons and sign up for online coupon clubs and apps that let you print and save coupons.
  • Sign up for formula companies' clubs and special programs (through the mail or online) that may offer discounts, coupons, and/or free formula and other products.
  • Compare prices on formula at online retailers. Some online stores have special "mom" clubs that let you save regularly on some products every month.
  • Check for specials at your grocery store, baby store retailer, or local wholesale/bulk items store.

What if I Need Help Paying for Formula?

If you can't afford formula, talk to your doctor or call 211 to help you find local resources. You and your family may be eligible for assistance through:

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Choosing Formula for Your Baby: A Guide

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A mom of two with a doctorate in perinatal nutrition, I’m known as the “Baby Formula Expert” — here to help demystify the process of choosing a formula and the ingredients that really matter.

Standing in the baby formula aisle for the first time can feel like a game of Russian roulette.

I know firsthand the overwhelming intensity of that choice and how high the stakes are. We’re talking about your precious baby’s nutrition and comfort! Parenting is hard enough — and then you find yourself in the formula aisle.

Many parents admit feeling anxious about how to go about choosing a formula. Maybe they’re totally overwhelmed by the choices. Or they’ve tried a formula and wonder if it’s causing their baby digestive distress. Or breastfeeding isn’t working out how they’d hoped, and this isn’t what they expected.

No parent deserves all that anxiety over feeding. So first, take a deep breath. There is no wrong choice! There is no perfect formula. There is no “bad” formula. There are just different options within ingredient categories. Understanding these options will help you make a choice based on your unique baby.

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.

If you’re having difficulty finding the baby formula you need, call your pediatrician’s office. They may have sample cans available or be able to advise you on the closest match to 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.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both strongly advise against making homemade baby formulas.

Protein, carbohydrates, and fat make up 98% of infant formula. Protein and carbohydrates have the most impact on your baby’s comfort while digesting, so I always recommend parents choose a formula based on these ingredients.

You can literally ignore the front of the formula label. What a relief! These labels are full of competing messages. Words like “sensitive” and “gentle” are not regulated and don’t mean anything.

Instead, flip over the can and look at the list of ingredients. Focus on the first few ingredients before the “less than 2%” long list of vitamins and minerals. Those first few ingredients will tell you what type of protein and carbohydrates are used in that formula.

Yes, there are both dairy-based and soy-based formulas. But the more important digestion question is: How BIG are the proteins your baby is drinking?

Standard (full-size) protein formula

Standard formulas do not break down the protein at all. They are exactly the size they were when they came out of the cow or soybean. That size is big. Cow’s milk and soy proteins are much bigger than breast milk proteins. If they were a car, they’d be a monster truck.

You will see full-size proteins on the list of ingredients as: “nonfat milk”, or “milk protein isolate,” or “whey protein” (a component of cow’s milk protein), or “soy protein isolate” in soy formulas. These formulas are the standard formulas with full-size proteins.

Most healthy babies handle these big proteins just fine! However, they do take more digestive work to absorb.

Examples of standard protein formula

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  • Similac Advance
  • Enfamil Infant
  • Enfamil ProSobee
  • Similac Soy Isomil

Partially hydrolyzed protein formula

Partially hydrolyzed protein is smaller. Hydrolyzed literally means “broken apart.” The proteins in partially hydrolyzed formulas are broken down to be smaller in size, closer to the size of breast milk proteins. If these proteins were a car, they’d be a Honda Civic.

On the list of ingredients, you will see the words “partially hydrolyzed” in front of the protein. For example, Enfamil Gentlease is a partially hydrolyzed formula, and the list of ingredients includes “partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk.”

The only real way to know if a formula is partially hydrolyzed is to look for those words on the ingredients list. For instance, Gerber Good Start Soy formula is a partially hydrolyzed protein, which is different than the full-size soy protein in Enfamil ProSobee and Similac Soy Isomil.

Examples of partially hydrolyzed protein formulas

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  • Enfamil Gentlease
  • Gerber Good Start SoothePro
  • Gerber Good Start GentlePro
  • Similac Pro-Total Comfort
  • Enfamil Reguline
  • Gerber Good Start Soy

Because partially hydrolyzed proteins take less digestion to be absorbed, they may be a good choice for some newborn infants or infants who are experiencing discomfort digesting the full-size proteins, or who have a history of digestive issues.

Fully hydrolyzed protein formula

Fully hydrolyzed proteins are tiny. If you can partially hydrolyze a protein, then (you guessed it) you can fully hydrolyze a protein! In our car analogy, fully hydrolyzed proteins are more like a skateboard.

Fully hydrolyzed proteins are also hypoallergenic. These protein pieces are so small that they won’t trigger an allergy in a child who is allergic to full-size cow’s milk protein. You’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” clearly on the front of the can.

These formulas are for infants with a cow’s milk allergy or babies who have had severe digestive issues. But these are not common issues. For that reason, fully hydrolyzed formulas are specialized enough that you should not just try them without a doctor specifically recommending it.

Fully hydrolyzed protein formula

These formulas should only be used after your doctor has given the OK.

  • Similac Alimentum
  • Enfamil Nutramigen
  • Gerber Good Start Extensive HA

Lactose is the carbohydrate source in breast milk, and all healthy babies are able to digest lactose. If your healthy baby is starting off on formula for the first time, I say start with a lactose-based formula and see how it goes.

There are reasons that some babies thrive on a formula that is lactose-reduced. Babies who were born early or who have immature or irritated digestive tracts may make less of the enzyme that digests lactose.

Babies recovering from diarrhea or babies who have been consuming low-lactose formulas for a long time will also have less lactose-digesting enzymes and may be more comfortable on a lactose-reduced formula.

If lactose is removed from a formula, some other carbohydrate must be added to ensure babies get enough carbohydrate energy. There are only two other carbohydrates small enough that infants can digest them well. These are sucrose (table sugar) and glucose sugars.

While both are deemed safe for babies, my personal preference is glucose sugars. There are several different types of glucose sugars used in formulas these days, including corn syrup, corn syrup solids, brown rice syrup, glucose syrup, and maltodextrin.

The only way to know if a formula is lactose-reduced is to look for these other carbohydrate sources on the list of ingredients.

The variety of protein options layered on top of the variety of carbohydrate options results in the large number of formulas that overwhelm you at Target. But now you know how to choose your formula based on the protein and carbohydrate ingredients.

Prioritize your protein choice first since protein is the most likely factor affecting digestibility and comfort. From options with the protein source you are looking for, pick the formula with the carbohydrate blend closest to what you want. Then give it a shot.

You made your decision based on science. If you need to change formulas in the future, you know how to select your next formula the same way. That’s the best you can do.

I can’t emphasize enough that there is no “perfect” formula. Every baby is unique! This means the “best” formula for your baby is likely totally different than the “best” formula for your neighbor’s kid or your favorite celebrity.

If you want to start or switch formulas, talk to your pediatrician. Here are some suggestions that might help that conversation.

If your baby has reflux

Acid reflux — or chronic spitting up — is rough! There is sadly no magic pill to make it go away. But you might consider a formula with a high whey content.

Milk proteins come in two categories: whey and casein. Whey proteins stay liquid in the stomach and so empty out of the stomach more quickly. Enfamil Infant is a full-size protein formula that is 60% whey — the highest whey in the full-size protein category.

Gerber Good Start GentlePro, Gerber Good Start SoothePro, and Similac Pro-Total Comfort are all formulas in the partially hydrolyzed category that are each 100% whey.

You could also consider a thickened formula for acid reflux. Enfamil AR adds thickeners to the formula so that gravity works with the baby to help keep contents in the stomach.

These formulas are each full-size protein formulas that are mostly casein protein. Thus, thickened formulas may potentially help reflux symptoms for a different reason than whey-predominant formulas.

If you’re dealing with baby eczema

Partially hydrolyzed protein formula has been shown to help infant eczema. Similac Pro-Total Comfort and Gerber Good Start GentlePro and Gerber Good Start SoothePro all have the same protein base – partially hydrolyzed whey.

Enfamil Gentlease and Enfamil Reguline use a partially hydrolyzed mix of two types of proteins found in cow’s milk — whey and casein proteins. One is not better than the other. They are just different, and different babies may thrive on one versus the other.

So if you start with Gerber Good Start GentlePro and things improve but you think your baby can be even more comfortable, then consider trying Enfamil Gentlease to see if that difference in protein source helps your baby digest more easily.

Be careful with generic brands!

Pro tip: Some generic brands of partially hydrolyzed formula use a blend of partially hydrolyzed and full-size proteins, and could be harder for your baby to digest. So while you may think you’re getting the same formula at a savings, they’re actually pretty different.

The generic brands of Gerber Good Start GentlePro, on the other hand, typically do use a protein that is partially hydrolyzed. So if you need a budget-friendly, partially hydrolyzed formula, stick with the generic version of Gerber Good Start GentlePro.

If you’re not sure, look for the protein on the label (often called whey, casein, or milk protein) and see if it says “partially hydrolyzed. ” If it doesn’t, there may be some full-size proteins in the formula.

If you’re not sure whether a specific generic product is a good fit for your baby, run it by your pediatrician. You can also check out my specific guide on brand-name versus generic formulas here.

If your baby is constantly constipated

If your baby really suffers from constipation, then ask your doctor about switching to a formula that does not contain palm oil.

Palm oil can cause babies’ stool to be more firm and can increase constipation. Currently, only Similac brand formulas do not use palm oil in their ingredients. Similac offers many options, so you can get the protein size you want.

Extra ingredients are… well, extra. This article focused on the main ingredients (protein and carbohydrate) since they impact digestion the most.

However, we’ve all noticed that most formula marketing focuses on all the other sexy, extra ingredients (DHA, MFGM, lactoferrin, HMOs…. to name a few). While these are all nice to have, they are all nonessential extras. And they will not be the deciding factor in whether or not your baby gets into Harvard.

When considering these extras, I suggest parents first focus on finding a protein and carbohydrate blend that keeps their baby comfortable and happy.

Once there, if there is an option with that blend and some sexy extras, and you can easily afford it… go for it! If these ingredients are out of your price range, then do not give them another thought.

Now you know that ingredients should be the number one factor in a formula choice. If you can find your dream ingredients in a store-brand formula… celebrate! That’s what I call shoe money! But let’s be honest, we both know you’ll spend it on diapers.

Similarly, organic ingredients are desirable to many families. However, the ingredients matter more. If full-size proteins cause your infant to be uncomfortable and sleep less, then an organic full-size protein formula is not the best choice for your unique baby. The ingredients are all that matter.

If you are switching formulas, I always recommend going slowly. Over a few days, slowly decrease the amount of old formula in each bottle as you increase the amount of new formula.

This is especially important if the new formula has a larger protein or more lactose. Your baby will have to make more digestive enzymes to digest bigger proteins and more lactose.

Don’t worry — your baby is a rock star — they can totally do that. But giving them a few days to ramp up these enzymes will help the transition go more smoothly.

Most importantly, love your baby and yourself. All babies have gas. All babies fuss. Is your baby loved, fed, and cared for? Then you are doing an amazing job. Be kind to yourself. Trust your intuition… and parent on!

How do I know which formula is right for my baby?

The good news is that according to the AAP, all formulas sold in the United States have to meet FDA standards and should provide adequate nutrition for your baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “No brand of infant formula is best for all babies.”

As daunting as it can be, finding the right formula for your individual baby is often a process of trial and error. If your baby has a known milk protein allergy, colic, gas, or other specific concerns, you can start with a formula made for those issues and see how your baby reacts.

Otherwise, you can choose a formula that fits your budget and ingredient preferences and see how your baby tolerates it.

Things to watch for as your baby starts a new formula include:

  • changes in sleep pattern
  • changes in stool
  • daytime fussiness
  • spit up
  • acceptance of bottles

If you’re not sure where to start, call your pediatrician and ask for a recommendation.

What is the closest formula to breast milk?

In reality, 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 available.

The formulas sold in the United States should be FDA approved and meet your baby’s nutritional needs for the first year of life, providing your baby doesn’t have a special medical condition.

Generally speaking, the formula with ingredients most similar to human breast milk is Similac 360 Total Care. This formula contains an unprecedented five HMOs, which are prebiotics found in breast milk that should help babies digest and absorb nutrients.

The formula 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.

However, this formula does contain cow’s milk proteins that aren’t hydrolyzed, so they are still quite a bit larger than the proteins found in human milk. A formula with high lactose content and partially hydrolyzed whey protein, such as Gerber GoodStart GentlePro, may better mimic the digestibility of human breast milk.

What is the most recommended formula?

Cow’s milk-based formulas, such as Similac Advance and Gerber GoodStart GentlePro, are among the most commonly recommended.

Often, pediatricians’ offices are provided with free samples of Similac and Enfamil formulas, so these tend to be among the top recommended products.

These companies have a long history of researching and producing quality infant formulas. They also offer many types for you to try (such as full-size cow’s milk protein formulas, formulas with partially broken down proteins, and hypoallergenic formulas).

However, it’s worth noting that the ingredients in a formula are much more important than the brand, or even how many people recommend the formula. If you do a little research (like reading this article!) and read the ingredient labels on the container, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a great formula for your baby.

Your pediatrician may be able to give a more specific recommendation for your little one, too.

Bridget Young, PhD, CLC, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester where she studies how variation in breast milk composition and infant formula ingredients impact infant growth and development. As the founder of BabyFormulaExpert.com, she has supported countless families working through formula tolerance issues, helping them find the perfect feeding solution for their baby. You can learn more about working directly with Dr. Young here.

Mixed feeding of newborns: how to organize breastfeeding

No young mother is immune from the situation when a baby will need to be transferred from exclusive breastfeeding to a mixed one. When is it necessary and how to properly organize a new regime?

Dry initial milk formula adapted by Valio Baby 1 NutriValio for feeding children from birth to 6 months Read more

Follow-up dry milk formula adapted by Valio Baby 2 NutriValio for feeding children from 6 to 12 months More

Dry milk drink "Baby milk" Valio Baby 3 NutriValio for feeding children over 12 months Read more


In our pediatric practice, the term "mixed feeding" refers to the combination of breast milk feeding (at least 250-200 ml) with its artificial substitutes (supplementary feeding, which is introduced if necessary up to 4 months).

First of all, it should be said that the decision to transfer the baby to mixed feeding (both breastfeeding and artificial mixture) must be made together with the pediatrician. If you decide to supplement the baby with a formula on your own, without good reason, you will only violate lactation.

As a rule, a woman is forced to introduce supplementary feeding with a mixture for one of two reasons - the baby does not have enough breast milk or the mother needs to go to work or study. And if everything is clear with the second situation without comment, then it is better to talk about the first in more detail.

Hypogalactia is a decrease in lactation. How to understand that the child does not have enough milk?

  • The infant rarely urinates (reduced daily urine volume is also called "dry diaper syndrome"). The liquid usually becomes concentrated, with a pungent odor.

  • Stool - rare or atypical (too liquid or thick, discolored).

  • The child is not gaining weight well. In the first 6 months, the baby should recover by 150-200 g per week, after six months - by 100-150 g. Of course, these are average figures, but you can focus on them.

If you notice these symptoms, then you need to take action. First of all, a woman is recommended to try all the ways to improve lactation (no matter how wonderful the mixture is, breast milk for a child is the most valuable food). If milk is still not enough, you need to introduce artificial nutrition.

There are two types of mixed feeding:

Remember that milk should remain the main food for the baby - offer the baby the breast as often as possible (this is a necessary condition for lactation to increase, because mixed feeding is often a temporary measure, and under favorable conditions, the mother can return to natural feeding).

You can feed your baby with a mixture not only from a bottle (the fact is that it is easier for a child to suck from a nipple and often babies refuse to breastfeed, realizing this). You can feed the baby from a special silicone spoon - in this case, put the mixture on the cheek, and not on the tongue. You can use a "syringe" (for example, a medicine dispenser) or a pipette. There are SNS systems - a bottle with a thin tube that is fixed on the mother's nipple. When a baby suckles, he receives both breast milk and formula. This is the ideal solution for hypogalactia as it helps to maintain close skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, which has a beneficial effect on restoring lactation. If you are switching to mixed feeding due to the fact that you need to leave home, it is better for your assistant to accustom the child to the bottle - so the child will not smell you and reach for the breast.

#PROMO_BLOCK#

For supplementary feeding, choose a high-quality, balanced mixture. Valio Baby baby food is made from the highest quality natural cow's milk and is as close as possible to the composition of breast milk. It will help the baby gain weight and strengthen the body.

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