Best Baby Formulas of 2024
Whether you're supplementing or using it full-time, here are the best baby formulas, according to experts.
By Jen LaBracio, CPST | Medically Reviewed by Dahlia Rimmon MS, RDN
There are many benefits to breastfeeding, and it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as the optimal source of nutrition throughout your baby’s first year of life. But breastfeeding doesn’t work for every family, and you may need or choose to use formula full-time or give it in addition to breast milk.
Even a quick search for baby formula reveals many, many options. There’s also a whole new vocabulary to learn: partially hydrolized, DHA, ready-to-feed, USDA and so much more. So how do you know what’s what and who to trust? We spoke to a pediatrician to find out what’s what when it comes to baby formula, how to choose the best baby formula for your little one, European versus US formulas and more, whether you’re switching to formula for the first time, or switching from one formula to another.
Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Baby Formula
- Best European: Kendamil Organic Infant Formula Powder
- Best Store Brand: Parent’s Choice Advantage Premium Powder Baby Formula with Iron
- Best for Breastfed Babies: ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
- Best Name Brand: Similac Advance Infant Formula with Iron
- Best Organic: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Starter Bundle
- Best Gentle: Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula
- Most Affordable: Kirkland Signature ProCare Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron
- Best Hypoallergenic: Enfamil Nutramigen LGG Hypoallergenic Powder Infant Formula
- Best for Gas: Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula
- Best Ready-to-Feed: Enfamil NeuroPro Ready to Feed Baby Formula
In This Article
Babylist’s Picks for the Best Baby Formula
Best European Baby Formula
What Our Experts Say
Relatively newly approved for the US market, Kendamil is a European Certified Organic formula from the UK designed for infants from birth to 12 months. It contains whole milk fats (similar to those found in breast milk) from grass-fed cows combined with a whey-to-casein protein ratio that supports softer stools and less stomach discomfort. It also includes DHA and ARA for healthy brain and vision development and a custom prebiotic blend of HMOs to support a healthy immune system.
What’s Worth Considering
Kendamil doesn’t contain palm oil, soy, corn syrup, gluten or GMOs.
Best Store Brand Baby Formula
What Our Experts Say
Since generic baby formulas must meet the same FDA-regulated nutrient specifications as their name-brand counterparts, this affordable formula is a solid choice. Like many baby formulas, it’s designed to mimic breast milk and contains HMOs to support your baby’s immune system and digestive health. There’s also DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E and Choline for brain and eye development.
What’s Worth Considering
Rest easy: There’s no palm oil in this baby formula, which may cause constipation in some babies (though experts say this isn’t an issue for the majority of them).
Best Formula for Breastfed Babies
What Our Experts Say
Five years of product development, an ecosystem of experts and the largest clinical trial by a new infant formula brand in 25 years went into the making of ByHeart, a new-to-the-scene baby formula that launched in 2021. With proven benefits like easier digestion, less spit-up, more efficient weight gain and enhanced nutrient absorption as compared to a leading infant formula, ByHeart prides itself on being the closest-to-breast-milk formula on the market. It uses a patented blend of both whole and broken-down proteins and includes alpha-lac, the number one protein in breast milk, and lactoferrin, the number one protein in colostrum. It’s also the only US-made infant formula to use organic, grass-fed whole milk.
What’s Worth Considering
ByHeart also comes in larger bundles if you need to stock up. They don’t currently make any specialized formulas.
Best Name-Brand Baby Formula
What Our Experts Say
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the right baby formula, and this one covers all the bases. It’s an iron-fortified formula made with an exclusive blend of nutrients are designed to support brain development, eye health and your baby’s immune system. It contains DHA and lutein, which are also found in breast milk, and no artificial growth hormones. There’s also a good chance it’s the same baby formula that you may have received in the hospital, as it’s the number one hospital brand.
What’s Worth Considering
In February of 2022, Abbott Nutrition recalled certain lots of Similac powdered infant formula produced at a Michigan facility. (You can find more information on how to check a formula’s lot number on Abbott’s recall notice page.) Since that time, the FDA has launched and closed an investigation surrounding the recall and continues to work on supply chain and food safety issues.
Best Gentle Formula
What Our Experts Say
Enfamil’s NeuroPro line is backed by years of research on breast milk and clinical studies around its brain-building nutritional qualities. The formula is the only one to contain milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a three-layered membrane that surrounds milk fat globules, previously found only in breast milk and that’s been proven to support brain development. NeuroPro also contains DHA, proteins and baby probiotics for immune support. Parents love the gentle formula that helps reduce fussiness, colic and gas.
What’s Worth Considering
If a sensitive belly isn’t an issue, the brand also makes a standard Enfamil Neuro-Pro formula, as well as the Enspire line, the first and only formula to contain MFGM and Lactoferrin (two components of breast milk that support brain and immune development).
Most Affordable Baby Formula
What Our Experts Say
If you love Costco as much as we do, it will come as no surprise to you that the brand’s generic formula stacks up nicely against major brands—and at a price that’s much more affordable. Modeled after breast milk, the Kirkland formula is non-GMO, has no artificial growth hormones, and contains 2’-FL and LNnt HMOs for immune support as well as DHA and Lutein for brain and eye development. It’s most likely aligned to Similac Pro-Advance and Enfamil formula if you’re looking to do a side-by-side comparison with major brands.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll have to be a member of Costco to unlock these great deals, but who are you kidding—what else are you doing on a Saturday afternoon, anyway?
Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
What Our Experts Say
On December 30, 2023, a voluntary recall was issued for select batches of Nutramigen specialty infant formula due to a possibility of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. Consumers who purchased Nutramigen should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected, dispose of any affected cans and contact the manufacturer for a refund.
A hypoallergenic formula has cow’s milk proteins that are pre-digested and broken down into small protein molecules so that it’s easier for baby to digest. Nutramigen is one such hypoallergenic formula—this lactose-free specialized formula contains hydrolyzed protein to provide colic relief and probiotics for immune support. It’s easy to digest, is designed to support brain development and immune support and has been proven to provide fast relief for infants with sensitivities or intolerance to cow’s milk.
What’s Worth Considering
Milk protein allergies are fairly rare among infants; (studies show about a two to three percent prevalence rate), but milk sensitivities and intolerances, however, are more common. These intolerances don’t always require a hypoallergenic formula, so always talk to your pediatrician before making the switch.
Best Formula For Gassy Babies
What Our Experts Say
A gassy baby usually equals a fussy baby. This popular baby formula is made from an exclusive blend of five HMO prebiotics similar to those found in breast milk. (Human Milk Oligosaccharide—HMO for short—is an immune-system nourishing prebiotic that’s important because it feeds good bacteria to the gut, where the majority of the immune system exists.) It’s gentle on babies’ tummies and designed to support the immune system, brain development and overall digestive health.
What’s Worth Considering
Other buzzwords to look for when you’re shopping for an easy-on-the-belly baby formula: hydrolyzed, partially hydrolyzed, calm and gentle.
Best Ready-to-Feed Formula
What Our Experts Say
Ready-to-feed formula is premixed and ready to go—no added water needed. Enfamil’s NeuroPro is one of the most popular ready-to-feed formulas on the market. It contains DHA (for brain-building nutrition), an exclusive blend of prebiotics and MFGM, a fat molecule also found in breast milk. Parents report that it’s easy to digest for most babies and love the convenience factor.
What’s Worth Considering
Ready-to-feed is the most convenient type of baby formula; it’s perfect for feeding on-the-go or for late-night feeds when you don’t feel like mixing a powdered formula bottle. But it’s also the most expensive type of baby formula.
How We Chose Our Best Baby Formula
- We consulted experts Kelly Fradin, MD, a pediatrician, writer and New York City-based public health advocate and Rebekah Wheeler, Certified Nurse-Midwife and Lead Family Guide at Cleo, an online health and wellness service.
- We researched information on formula and formula safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
- We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products.
- We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of parents.
Types of Baby Formula
There are four main types of formula for babies:
- Cow’s milk formula, as its name implies, uses cow’s milk as its main ingredient, but the milk has been treated to make the protein more easily digestible. According to the AAP, cow’s milk formula is the most prevalent type of formula on the market and makes up about 80% of all formulas sold.
- Hydrolyzed formula contains protein that has been broken down (hydrolyzed) into smaller proteins, making it more easily digested. Hydrolyzed formulas may be either partially or exclusively hydrolyzed and are often marketed as “calm” or “gentle.” These types of formulas are designed for babies who can’t tolerate cow’s milk.
- Soy formula is made from soy and contains a protein source (soy) and a carbohydrate. Soy formulas may be recommended if you’re looking to exclude animal products from your baby’s diet or if your baby is allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk formula or lactose.
- Specialized formula is designed for babies who have particular medical needs or medical conditions, such as premature babies or babies with a high risk of developing allergies.
Baby formula comes in three forms:
- Powder formula that you mix with water;
- Concentrated liquid formula, also mixed with water;
- Ready-to-feed formula, sometimes called ready-to-use, that is premixed and doesn’t require adding water.
How to Choose the Best Baby Formula
According to Kelly Fradin, MD, a pediatrician, writer and New York City-based public health advocate for evidence-based information, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best formula for your baby.
- Accessibility. “I recommend families prioritize having an infant formula that’s accessible,” says Dr. Fradin. “If it’s hard to obtain from a local store or if you travel, that may cause unnecessary stress.” And don’t spend too much time stressing over a store brand formula versus a name brand, or whether or not the formula is organic. Store brand formulas, according to Dr. Fradin, are essentially the same as name brands, since all infant formulas marketed in the US must meet the nutrient specifications listed in FDA regulations. And while organic formulas may be less likely to contain traces of pesticides or growth hormones, the evidence for benefit from organic baby formula is slim. “Certainly I would prefer a baby be fed non-organic formula than a family be stressed and rationing a more costly organic formula.”
- Cost and convenience. Choose a baby formula that fits most easily into your budget. Powdered formula is the least expensive type of baby formula and the most convenient to store. Concentrated formula is more expensive, but is a bit less messy to prepare than powder (but if you do use powder, a formula maker can help). And ready-to-feed is the most expensive and has the most waste, but it’s also the most convenient.
- Use science, not marketing. Take marketing claims like “boosts brain development” or “helps soothe a fussy baby” with a grain of salt, says Dr. Fradin. “Many of these claims are based in scientifically valid theories,” she says. “However, at best, there is indirect evidence of benefit.”
Check out How to Choose a Baby Formula for more information on selecting the best formula for your baby and your family.
What to Know About European Baby Formula
Since the formula shortage began, the FDA has approved several European formulas and additional formulas made outside of the United States: Kendamil (UK), Bubs (Australia), Nestle (Gerber/Germany), and a version of Similac produced for Spain. These formulas meet US safety standards for production and labeling and are valid options to feed your baby.
“The biggest difference between these formulas versus the formula produced in the US is iron content; formula produced abroad contains about half of the iron content as its US counterparts,” explains Dr. Fradin, although she also notes that different preparations of iron may predispose to better absorption.
“We know iron is a critical nutrient for brain and liver growth in babies, especially for babies born preterm or after pregnancies with certain complications like preeclampsia. If you’re using one of these formulas and are worried about anemia or iron deficiency, talk to your pediatrician,” she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baby formula FDA-regulated?
Yes, the FDA regulates both the production and sale of infant formulas in the US. That’s because infant formula is food, so the same laws and regulations that govern food production and sales also govern infant formula. (There are even additional safety requirements on baby formula since it’s used for a very vulnerable population.) The FDA also has requirements around nutrients in infant formulas, including minimum amounts of 29 nutrients and maximum amounts of 9 of those nutrients.
What baby formula is most recommended by pediatricians?
There’s no one formula that pediatricians recommend across the board. Instead, talk with your pediatrician about which brand and type is best for your baby. The best choice will be the formula your doctor supports and that your baby accepts and that is accessible and affordable for your family.
Is organic formula better than conventional?
Since all formulas marketed in the US must meet the nutrient specifications set forth by the FDA, most pediatricians will note the evidence of any benefits from organic baby formula is fairly slim. Organic baby formulas are also often more costly that non-organic options.
What water is best for baby formula?
In most cases, tap water is usually fine for mixing baby formula—but always check with your pediatrician first about your town or city’s water just to be sure.
“In most parts of the U.S., tap water works great to mix formula,” she says. Some water labeled “baby water” doesn’t contain fluoride, and may actually do more harm than good.
What formula is best for breastfed babies?
If you’re breastfeeding your baby and looking to supplement with formula, or trying to make the switch altogether, you’ll probably notice lots of formula marketed toward breastfed babies with claims like “closest formula to breastmilk.” According to Dr. Fradin, that type of messaging is just that: marketing.
“Formulas marketed for supplementation purposes are essentially no different than other infant formulas,” she says. “This is because the nutrient requirements for all formulas are the same, so supplemental formula doesn’t have special ratios or different nutrients. Because of this and because “supplemental” formulas are typically less accessible, I’d recommend you choose the formula you use based on other qualifications.”
What should I do if I can’t find my baby’s formula?
In general, try to stick with a formula that is similar to the one that you’ve been using, advises Rebekah Wheeler, Certified Nurse-Midwife and Lead Family Guide at Cleo, an online health and wellness service. If you can’t find your favorite formula, it’s safe to switch formulas unless your child requires a special type of formula (in that case, check with your pediatrician first).
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) do not recommend making infant formula at home, as this can lead to serious health problems for your baby.
Can I switch baby formulas?
Most babies will do fine with different formulas if they are the same type, says the AAP. If you’re noticing that your baby is having trouble tolerating a new formula or simply doesn’t like the taste, they recommend easing into the switch. Try gradually introducing small amounts of the new formula by mixing it with their usual formula, and be patient.
When do babies stop drinking formula?
A healthy baby should drink formula until they are one year old, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Toddler formulas are not necessary and don’t meet the nutritional needs of young children, per the CDC. You should never give toddler formula to infants under 12 months of age.
Jen LaBracio,
Senior Gear Editor, CPST
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). When she’s not geeking out over car seats, testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, do all things Peloton, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.