Best Baby Formulas of 2023

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.

In this article:

• Babylist’s Best Formula Picks
• Types of Baby Formula
• How to Choose a Baby Formula
• What to Know About European Baby Formula
• How We Chose Our Best Baby Formula
• Baby Formula FAQs

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 or soy-based formulas or for babies with a protein allergy.
• 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. 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.

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 analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled almost 3,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We researched information on formula and formula safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

Best Baby Formulas

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.

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 do 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. 

What about toddler formula?

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.