When you’re about to welcome a new baby into your life, it’s vital to plan ahead. One of the most crucial steps that you should take early on is selecting the best formula for your little one. Whether you choose to exclusively feed your baby with formula or supplement formula feeding with breastfeeding, it’s wise to choose the best brand in advance so that you’re prepared for your baby’s arrival.

The first thing you should do while considering your options is to examine the ingredients. Do you prefer an organic formula? Are you on the lookout for probiotics or iron to keep your baby strong? Whatever your needs are, it’s important to ensure that the formula you choose addresses all of them.

If you’re struggling to make the right choice, we’re here to help. This list of the best formulas of the year contains all the information you need to make an informed decision. No matter which type of formula you ultimately choose, each of these products emulates the effects of breast milk and provides babies with the strength they need to develop into healthy children.

One of the most trusted baby care brands out there, Gerber offers a winning formula for babies with their Good Start Powder Infant Formula. This product, which is modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breast milk, provides optimal nutrition for babies up to 12 months old. Each aspect of this formula is carefully designed to ensure that your baby reaches their full potential one sip at a time.

What sets this infant formula apart from the crowd is its combination of wholesome and nourishing ingredients. Gerber formula features easy-to-digest comfort proteins, prebiotics, and DHA to support brain and eye development in growing children. In addition, this product is the only baby formula that contains HMO and probiotics to comfort and soothe tiny tummies. Because this product is carefully formulated to help promote soft stool, you can also be sure that your little one will be free of constipation troubles.

Not only is this formula full of the best ingredients for your child, but it’s also incredibly easy to use. The lid is specifically designed to be safe and lock in freshness, helping the formula last longer and maintain optimal quality. When using this formula, you’ll also find that the product mixes quickly and easily, allowing you to save precious time and effort. However, the benefits of Gerber infant formula don’t end there. This product has such a powerful effect on your baby that they’ll even sleep more soundly after you feed it to them.

A potential drawback of this formula is that the scooper may be too wide for certain types of baby bottles. Overall, Gerber Good Start Powder Infant Formula is one of the best formulas that you can find if you need a reliable solution for fussiness, stomach discomfort, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Key Features
  • Modeled after the complete nutrition & gentleness of breast milk
  • Offers optimal nutrition for babies up to 12 months old
  • Features easy-to-digest comfort proteins, prebiotics, & DHA to support brain & eye development
  • The only formula with HMO & probiotics to comfort tiny tummies
  • Carefully formulated to help promote soft stool
  • Lid is designed to be safe & lock in freshness
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: DHA, HMO, probiotics
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Gerber
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • Free of corn syrup
  • Mixes quickly & easily
  • Improves quality of baby's sleep
  • Keeps stomach discomfort at bay
Cons
  • Scooper may be too wide for some bottles
Buy This Product
Gerber Good Start Powder Infant Formula

If your little one suffers from food allergies or acid reflux, EleCare Hypoallergenic Infant Formula is the best formula for your needs. This product is the number one chosen protein source for infants who are unable to tolerate intact or hydrolyzed protein. With help from this formula, you can be sure that your child will find relief from dairy or soy allergies while staying happy and healthy.

EleCare infant formula has been shown to improve the symptoms of severe food allergies and other GI conditions. At the same time, it provides complete nutrition that’s specially formulated to support growth and development in infants who need it most. Additionally, parents can rely on this formula to provide their children with the strength they need every single day. EleCare’s trusted amino acid-based, hypoallergenic formula is fortified with DHA and ARA, which are both vital ingredients that support mental development in infants. This product has even been recommended by pediatric gastroenterologists, assuring parents that they’re making the right choice.

EleCare Hypoallergenic Infant Formula is specifically created to protect your little one from unpleasant GI symptoms. While many other formula brands may lead to constipation or an upset stomach, EleCare is gentle on your child’s belly and ensures that they can enjoy their formula peacefully. In addition to providing relief from allergies, this infant formula helps to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, keeping your baby’s stomach settled all day long.

When feeding this formula to your baby, you may find that it doesn’t always mix very easily. However, most buyers agree that EleCare’s hypoallergenic infant formula is their go-to product for protecting their children against gastrointestinal pain and discomfort.

Key Features
  • Complete nutrition specially formulated to help growth & development in infants who need it most
  • #1 chosen protein source for infants who can't tolerate intact or hydrolyzed protein
  • Helps improve symptoms of severe food allergies & other GI conditions
  • Clinically shown to support growth & development in infants
  • A trusted amino acid-based, hypoallergenic formula with DHA & ARA
  • Recommended by pediatric gastroenterologists
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: Amino acids, DHA, ARA
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: EleCare
  • Bluetooth : No
Pros
  • Helps provide relief for dairy & soy allergies
  • Alleviates symptoms of acid reflux
  • Gentle on baby's stomach
Cons
  • May not mix well
Buy This Product
EleCare Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

This simple but powerful formula from Love & Care is packed with all the essential ingredients your little one needs to grow and develop properly. This milk-based product, which contains complete nutrition for a baby's first year, helps ensure that your child stays strong and healthy through the first twelve months of their life.

To provide your baby with the optimal care they need, this infant formula is made with a number of vital nutrients that are similar to those found in breast milk. Some key examples of these nutrients include DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, all of which are included in Love & Care’s Advantage Infant Formula. In addition, this product contains prebiotic 2'-FL HMO, an essential ingredient that is very similar to a prebiotic commonly found in breast milk. Thanks to these powerful elements, Love & Care formula helps support growth, brain, and eye development in your child.

However, there’s even more to this formula that keeps your little one going. This product is fortified with iron to give your baby the strength they need as they grow and develop each day. Additionally, each ingredient in this formula helps support digestion and immunity in infants. If you’re concerned about potentially harmful ingredients in your formula, you can have peace of mind when you choose Love & Care. This product is kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and completely free of artificial growth hormones.

When using this formula, some parents may find that the tub does not contain enough formula for their needs. However, Love & Care Advantage Infant Formula is overall a safe and effective formula that supplies your baby with everything they need to facilitate the development process.

Key Features
  • Milk-based infant formula with complete nutrition for a baby's first year
  • Contains nutrients like those found in breast milk, such as DHA, lutein, & vitamin E
  • Made with prebiotic 2'-FL HMO, similar to a prebiotic commonly found in breast milk
  • Carefully designed to support growth, brain, & eye development
  • Fortified with iron to keep your little one strong
  • Helps support digestion & immunity in infants
  • Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, & free of artificial growth hormones
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: Iron, DHA, lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Love & Care
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • No foaming
  • Dissolves quickly
  • Relieves gas
  • Well-designed tub
Cons
  • Not enough product
Buy This Product
Love & Care Advantage Infant Formula

When you’re searching for the best formula for your baby, it can be difficult to find a product that closely resembles natural breast milk. However, Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula contains a whey/casein ratio that is almost identical to mother's milk, making it one of the most reliable options for natural formula feeding. This organic infant formula is also easy to digest and nutritionally complete for your baby's first 12 months.

Inside this product, you’ll find a slew of ingredients that are similar to those found in breast milk. Earth’s Best formula is made with omega-3 DHA and omega-6 ARA fatty acids that naturally occur in breast milk, helping to support your baby’s brain development. This product also includes lutein, which is for optimal eye health, and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides for strong immunity. Finally, Earth’s Best infant formula is fortified with iron to ensure healthy development in your little one.

If you choose to feed your baby with this organic powder formula, you won’t be feeding them any harmful ingredients. This product does not contain any fertilizers, artificial growth hormones, corn syrup solids, or prohibited synthetic pesticides. In addition, this formula is kosher and free of GMOs, which allows your little one to digest the product easily and without any discomfort. Your baby is also sure to enjoy the taste of this formula, which is similar to the taste of breast milk.

Although it has a pleasant taste and plenty of beneficial ingredients, this formula may have a bit of a clumpy or frothy consistency. In some cases, the formula also might not dissolve easily. However, Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula provides babies with everything they need to grow and develop properly without the use of harmful ingredients.

Key Features
  • Organic formula that's easy to digest & nutritionally complete for baby's first 12 months
  • 100% lactose milk based powder formulation
  • Has a whey/casein ratio that is almost identical to mother's milk
  • Contains omega-3 DHA & omega-6 ARA fatty acids naturally found in breast milk
  • Fortified with iron for healthy development
  • Includes lutein for eye health & prebiotic fructooligosaccharides for strong immunity
  • No fertilizers, artificial growth hormones, corn syrup solids, or prohibited synthetic pesticides
  • Kosher & non-GMO formula
Specifications
  • Brand: Yes
  • Development Platform: Omega-3 DHA, Omega-6 ARA, Vitamin D, Vitamin E
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Earth's Best
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Easily digestible
  • Similar taste to breast milk
Cons
  • Clumpy/frothy consistency
  • May not dissolve easily
Buy This Product
Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula

One of the closest formulas to breast milk available, Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula is the best formula that you can feed to your baby. This product is the very first infant formula that contains 2’- FL human milk oligosaccharide, the most abundant HMO found in breast milk. With this essential ingredient in your formula, you can be sure that you’re providing your little one with the vital nutrition they need.

When you choose Similac formula, you’ll observe the results you want in a short amount of time. Parents have reported reduced fussiness, gassiness, and spit-up after switching to Similac, proving that this product addresses all of your baby’s needs. In addition to all this, this formula goes the extra mile in terms of supporting your child’s growth and development. Each ingredient is specifically included to promote immune support as well as brain and eye development. This product also works to feed good bacteria into your baby’s gut, where 70 percent of the immune system exists.

In this formula, you’ll find plenty of ingredients that support various aspects of your baby’s growth. Similac is fortified with vitamin E, a key nutrient that supports developing cells in infants. As a parent, you’ll also be happy to know that this product is free of artificial growth hormones and completely safe for kids with food sensitivities.

Unfortunately, this product does not come with a scoop that allows you to measure the formula. However, Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula is overall a trusted product that all parents can rely on to help their babies reach their full potential.

Key Features
  • First infant formula with 2’- FL human milk oligosaccharide, making it the closest formula to breast milk
  • Does not contain any artificial growth hormones
  • Parents reported reduced fussiness, gassiness, & spit-up after switching to Similac
  • Promotes immune support & brain/eye development
  • Feeds good bacteria into the gut, where 70% of the immune system exists
  • Fortified with vitamin E, a key nutrient that supports developing cells
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Similac
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • Supports baby's growth
  • Safe for kids with food sensitivities
  • No adverse effects on digestive system
Cons
  • No scoop to measure formula
Buy This Product
Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula

If you’re looking for a trusted formula that’s guaranteed to support your baby’s growth and development, Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Milk Powder is one of the best formulas you can find. This product is the only baby formula with a fat-protein blend of MFGM and DHA, which are essential ingredients previously only found in breast milk. Enfamil is also the number one trusted brand for brain-building and immune support, so you can have peace of mind in knowing that you’re giving your baby the optimal care and nutrition.

Each ingredient in this infant formula is designed to keep your baby strong and healthy in every way. According to emerging evidence, MFGM in baby formula helps to support cognitive development in a similar way to breast milk. Along with this critical ingredient, Enfamil Baby Formula Milk Powder is packed with easy-to-digest proteins and dual prebiotics. This helps to ensure that your little one receives the immune support they need in the early stages of development.

Not only is this product fortified with beneficial ingredients, but it’s also free of any potentially harmful elements. Enfamil formula is made only with non-GMO ingredients, and it doesn’t contain any items that may cause digestive problems for your baby. Additionally, you’ll be happy to know that this formula is very easy to use and clean. The tub is reusable and dishwasher-safe, making it simpler than ever to get the most out of your formula and to keep it clean.

In some cases, the lid on this product may be difficult to seal. Overall, though, Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Milk Powder offers everything a developing baby needs to achieve proper physical and mental growth.

Key Features
  • The only formula with a fat-protein blend of MFGM & DHA, previously only found in breast milk
  • #1 trusted brand for brain-building & immune support
  • Emerging evidence demonstrates that MFGM in formula supports cognitive development similar to breast milk
  • Provides complete nutrition for babies up to 12 months old
  • Packed with easy-to-digest proteins & dual prebiotics for immune health
  • Made only with non-GMO ingredients
  • Tub is reusable & dishwasher-safe
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: Milk, DHA
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Enfamil
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • Promotes easy digestion
  • Gentle on baby's belly
  • Dissolves easily
  • Helps babies sleep better
Cons
  • Lid may be difficult to seal
Buy This Product
Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula Milk Powder

If you’re a parent who prefers an organic formula to feed to their little one, Baby's Only Dairy Toddler Formula is just what you’re looking for. Baby’s Only is the first and only formula that uses Organic Certified DHA and ARA derived from organic egg phospholipids. Thanks to this effective combination of ingredients, you can be assured that this formula is a powerful nutritional choice to ensure strong growth and development in your child.

While some formulas simply offer a list of healthy ingredients for your child, this product is carefully designed to emulate the effects of real breast milk. Baby’s Only toddler formula provides the optimal amount of protein, essential fats, vitamins, and carbs that are needed to fuel your little one’s growth. In addition, this product has been shown to help support proper brain and eye development in toddlers.

Because this toddler formula is packed with some of the best ingredients you can find, it’s easy on your child’s stomach and helps promote healthy stool. Baby’s Only formula does not contain any GMOs, corn or glucose syrup, palm oil, or hexane processed DHA. This product is also completely free of hormones, antibiotics, harmful pesticides, and fertilizer. As a bonus, Baby’s Only is certified USDA organic, which ensures that it’s made with only the most wholesome ingredients.

When feeding this product to their children, some parents may note that the formula stains easily on clothing. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the product has a bit of a foamy consistency. All things considered, Baby's Only Dairy Toddler Formula is one of the most trusted organic formulas that you can depend on for your child’s health.

Key Features
  • 1st & only formula using Organic Certified DHA & ARA derived from organic egg phospholipids
  • Good nutritional choice to assure continuation of strong growth & development
  • Does not contain any GMOs, corn/glucose syrup, palm oil, or hexane processed DHA
  • Free of hormones, antibiotics, harmful pesticides, & fertilizer
  • Helps support brain & eye development in toddlers
  • Provides the optimal amount of protein, essential fats, vitamins, & carbs needed to fuel growth
  • Certified USDA organic
Specifications
  • Brand: Yes
  • Development Platform: DHA, ARA, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A
  • Components: 12-24 months
  • Screen: Baby's Only
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • Easy on baby's stomach
  • Mixes easily
  • Helps promote healthy stool
  • Healthy & clean ingredients
Cons
  • May stain easily
  • Foamy consistency
Buy This Product
Baby's Only Dairy Toddler Formula

If your child is unable to consume milk products due to a food allergy, Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula is the best formula for your baby’s needs. This premium non-GMO goat milk formula is ideal for weaning and supplementing, and it may even be a solution for children with cow milk sensitivities.

This product is fortified with 22 vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, DHA, ARA, and iron. This powerful combination of ingredients makes Kabrita formula a safe, effective, and nutritious alternative to homemade goat milk formula. However, that’s not all this product has to offer. Inside this goat milk formula, you’ll also find a casein protein composition that's close to mother’s milk, ensuring that your little one gets the same benefits of real breast milk. In addition, this formula contains high levels of gut-supportive oligosaccharide prebiotics to strengthen your child’s digestive system.

Parents also trust this toddler formula for its clean, safe ingredients. Kabrita goat milk formula is free of hormones, antibiotics, and heavy metals, and it only contains ingredients that are easy for your child to digest. Not only is this product a highly nutritious option for your baby, but it’s also sure to keep them satisfied. The formula features a mild, sweet, and fresh taste that babies will love, and it blends well with breast milk to allow for easy supplementation.

Before you choose this formula, it’s important to note that it is not suitable for children with a cow milk protein allergy. If your baby can safely consume cow milk protein, however, Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula is a healthy and reliable alternative to cow’s milk that you can safely feed to your child.

Key Features
  • Premium non-GMO goat milk formula for weaning & supplementing
  • May be a solution for children with cow milk sensitivities
  • Features a mild, sweet, & fresh taste that babies will love
  • A safe, effective, & nutritious alternative to homemade goat milk formula
  • Fortified with 22 vitamins & minerals, including folic acid, DHA, ARA, & iron
  • Features a casein protein composition that's closer to breast milk
  • Contains high levels of gut-supportive oligosaccharide prebiotics
  • Free of hormones, antibiotics, & heavy metals
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: Folic acid, DHA, ARA, iron
  • Components: 12-24 months
  • Screen: Kabrita
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • Easy to digest
  • Helps improve symptoms of eczema
  • Pleasant smell
  • Blends well with breast milk
Cons
  • Not suitable for children with a cow milk protein allergy
Buy This Product
Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula

Enfamil Enspire Baby Formula Milk Powder is one of the best formulas available for enhanced immunity and digestive health in developing infants. The first and only baby formula in the US containing lactoferrin and MFGM, this product is sure to enhance your child’s cognitive development and strengthen their digestive system with each sip.

Enfamil’s Enspire formula is clinically proven to promote digestive health and immunity in growing babies. This product is also Enfamil’s closest-ever infant formula to breast milk, which helps assure you that you’re providing your baby with the best care and nutrition. Enspire is fortified with omega-3 DHA and choline, which are both essential brain support nutrients found in breast milk. As a result, this infant formula plays a critical role in supporting mental development in babies.

To add to these powerful effects, this formula is also made with a proprietary blend of baby probiotics designed to provide vital immune support. When you feed this product to your little one, you’ll be providing them with the complete nutrition they need for the first 12 months of their life. In addition, because this formula has the same effect as breast milk, it’s perfect to use on its own or as a supplement to breastfeeding. No matter which method you choose, this trusted milk powder will supply your baby with the strength and nutrition they need.

In some cases, this formula may be difficult to mix. It also has a very foamy consistency that may impact the overall quality of the product. Overall, Enfamil Enspire Baby Formula Milk Powder offers everything that developing children need to thrive.

Key Features
  • 1st & only baby formula in the US containing lactoferrin & MFGM
  • Our closest ever infant formula to breast milk
  • Clinically proven to promote digestive health & immunity
  • Shown to support mental development in infants
  • Fortified with omega-3 DHA & choline, which are key brain support nutrients found in breast milk
  • Made with a proprietary blend of baby probiotics designed to provide immune support
  • Provides complete nutrition for babies through 12 months
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: Lactoferrin, MFGM, omega-3 DHA, choline
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Enfamil
  • Bluetooth : Yes
Pros
  • Has the same effect as breast milk
  • Good for supplementation with breastfeeding
  • No unpleasant smell
Cons
  • Very foamy
  • Difficult to mix
Buy This Product
Enfamil Enspire Baby Formula Milk Powder

If your baby struggles with colic due to lactose intolerance or other digestive issues, Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula is the best formula that your little one needs to find relief. This hypoallergenic, non-milk-based formula helps babies manage colic due to a cow’s milk allergy as early as the first feeding. It’s also perfectly suitable for babies with lactose intolerance, ensuring that they find the comfort they need.

This formula is packed with DHA and ARA, two key nutrients found in breast milk that help support brain and eye development. The product also includes LGG, an essential probiotic for allergy management and digestive support. Thanks to this powerful combination of ingredients, it’s no wonder that Enfamil Colic Baby Formula is the number one pediatrician recommended baby formula for cow's milk allergies.

Not only does this product help your little one recover from colic, but it also protects them from future pain and discomfort. The formula is carefully designed to support your baby's immune system so they can consume traditional formula again without an allergic response. Additionally, Enfamil Nutramigen is specially formulated to reduce the incidence of future allergies by up to 50 percent. As a result, you can keep your baby calm and free of pain after feeding them Enfamil’s colic formula.

The only minor drawback of this formula is its relatively unpleasant smell. However, this isn’t a significant problem for most babies. Many parents claim that their little ones have no problem consuming this product and reaping its many benefits in every area of their lives.

Key Features
  • Hypoallergenic formula that's suitable for babies with lactose intolerance
  • Helps babies manage colic due to cow’s milk allergy as early as the first feeding
  • Specially formulated to reduce the incidence of future allergies by 50%
  • Supports baby's immune system so they can consume traditional formula again without an allergic response
  • Contains DHA & ARA, key nutrients found in breast milk that support brain & eye development
  • Includes LGG, an essential probiotic for allergy management & digestive support
  • Lactose-free & sucrose-free formula
  • #1 pediatrician recommended baby formula brand for cow's milk allergies
Specifications
  • Brand: No
  • Development Platform: DHA, Probiotics
  • Components: 0-12 months
  • Screen: Enfamil
  • Bluetooth : No
Pros
  • Alleviates colic in infants
  • Helps clear up rashes & eczema symptoms
  • Calms babies down
Cons
  • Unpleasant smell
Buy This Product
Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula

Finding Formula Made Simple

Just like finding the best crib or diapers, choosing the right formula for your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make as a new parent. The goal of the best formula is to provide your child with the nutrition they need during such a critical period of development. Therefore, it’s important to spend enough time exploring your options before you choose the ideal formula product for your new baby.

The milk your child consumes in the early stages of their life has a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. When you’re searching for formula, you should therefore pay close attention to the ingredient list on each product. The best formula should be fortified with ingredients that are essential to your baby’s strength, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. Additionally, be sure to look for DHA, ARA, and probiotics, which help to boost your child’s digestive system and cognitive function.

However, the ingredient list isn’t the only place you should look when browsing the best formulas. To ensure that you choose the product that’s right for your baby, be sure to also pay close attention to any specific needs that the formula addresses. For example, there are a number of different products that help reduce the symptoms of colic, constipation, stomach upset, and other types of gastrointestinal distress. If your child struggles with any of these problems, it’s crucial to seek out a formula that provides them with the relief they need.

Similarly, certain babies are unable to consume milk-based formula for various reasons. Some children may suffer from lactose intolerance, while others might have certain allergies that prevent them from properly digesting milk products. Whatever the cause, it’s vital to address your baby’s needs by searching for an alternative to cow’s milk. Fortunately, there are numerous types of formulas that are soy-based or amino acid-based. These products provide your baby with the necessary nutrition without causing them to suffer an allergic reaction.

There’s no shortage of options available when it comes to tracking down the best formula. However, keeping your child’s needs in mind and paying close attention to ingredients can help guide you towards making the best choice. Remember that shopping for formula isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation and that what’s best for someone else’s baby isn’t necessarily what’s best for your own. Once you take the time to do thorough research, you’ll eventually stumble upon the formula that’s perfect for your little one.

Resources— News Medical, HealthyChildren.org