The Best Baby Formula

Similac Pro-Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula with Iron

Always on Hand

This option gives you plenty of formula at a great price to ensure that your baby has their nutritional needs met.

Best Bulk Buy

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When it comes to trusted baby formula brands, Similac is consistently at the top. Similac’s Pro-Sensitive formula is specifically designed for infants with sensitive tummies. In fact, if your little one is sensitive to lactose and suffers from gassy pain, this formula is ideal. Without any artificial growth hormones, this milk-based powder has DHA, lutein, and vitamin E — all of which are nutrients found in human breastmilk. These key ingredients are essential to a baby’s development, and Similac’s formula will help keep your little one well-fed and growing on target.

Pros:

• One-month supply of formula
• SNAP-benefit eligible
• Immune support formula

Cons:

• This formula foams
• Large containers need extra storage space

Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron

Only Formula

Without any harmful additives, you can feel good knowing you're giving your baby only formula, and nothing else.

Best Organic

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If you want to go the organic route, this milk-based powder formula from Earth’s Best is a sure bet. This formula is specifically formulated to offer complete nutritional needs for the first 12 months of life. It’s fortified with iron, essential fatty acids, and other vital nutrients, and it’s made to be easily digestible, which is key for a newly developing digestive system. Plus, this organic formula contains absolutely no artificial growth hormones, pesticides, or fertilizers, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your little one.

Pros:

• Contains no corn syrup solids
• Kosher formula
• Easy to digest

Cons:

• Contains soy as well as palm oil
• Not appropriate for babies with dairy sensitivities

Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

The Bottle for the Bag

This small bottle of ready-to-feed formula is ready to go when you are.

Best for the Diaper Bag

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Those big tubs of baby formula are certainly cost-effective, but they can be a pain when packing the diaper bag. That’s why we stock up on this convenient pick from Similac. Each bottle is small enough to pop in your bag while remaining complete as a ready-to-feed formula. Containing essential nutrients and free from lactose and corn, this isn’t just some run-of-the-mill formula. Just attach a nipple and shake for quick and easy feeding.

Pros:

• Small size that turns into a bottle for feeding
• May help to improve quality of sleep
• Excellent for sensitive tummies

Cons:

• Nipple is sold separately
• These bottles are on the small side

Similac NeoSure Infant Formula

Preemie Love

For those extra-snuggly preemies, this formula helps ensure a fair start.

Best for Preemies

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Sweet little preemies need special care, and that applies to their nutritional needs, too. Specifically formulated to promote extra gains and work for sensitive systems, Similac’s NeoSure formula contains all the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to give them a little something extra. All around, it’s a super gentle formula that’s excellent for preemie development and growth.

Pros:

• Enriched formula for better nutritional content
• Provides all the essential nutrients for the first year of life
• Includes special nutrients found in human breastmilk

Cons:

• Contains milk, which some preemies can be sensitive to
• Contains corn syrup solids

Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula

Nutrition for the Toddler

For busy little ones who need some extra nutritional support, this toddler-friendly formula is a popular one.

Best for Toddlers

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Although many youngsters stop using formula around the 12-month mark, plenty of toddlers still need the extra nutritional boost. This goat-milk-based formula from Kabrita is an excellent formula for this age range. And although goat milk does contain lactose, it is typically much easier to digest than cow’s milk. Nutritionally fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin D, your busy toddler will have more of their nutritional needs met with this formula than without. For picky toddlers, that’s is a definite pro.

Pros:

• Contains no added preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and is certified to be glyphosate-free
• For those with cow’s milk sensitivities, goat milk is often tolerated well
• Formulated for a toddler’s nutritional needs

Cons:

• Can cause some constipation in more sensitive toddlers
• A bit on the pricier side

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if my baby is having a reaction?
From pain to actual hives, it can be pretty clear when a little one is having a bad reaction to formula. Look specifically for bloated, uncomfortable bellies with excessive gas, vomiting, and a more fussy baby overall. Other symptoms include hives, eczema, and even difficulty breathing. If your baby has more mild symptoms, discontinue use and speak with your pediatrician. However, if your baby experiences more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing and turning blue, seek emergency care immediately.

What ingredients should I avoid?
While it does depend on your child’s specific needs, there are a few ingredients that one should try to avoid in baby formula. These ingredients include sugar of any kind, industrial vegetable oils, preservatives, and faux iron, among other possibly harmful ingredients. If you’re unsure, talk with your pediatrician to troubleshoot formula concerns and come up with the right blend for your bundle of joy.