Breast milk is undoubtedly the most nutritious food when it comes to feeding your baby. However, whether it is the choice of the mother or the baby due to lactose intolerance, for example, using baby formula is the only solution to provide the necessary vitamins and nutrition for the development of a newborn.
However, when you first go to the store, how can you tell which baby formula is the best for your child? What kinds of ingredients are important to help her achieve her developmental milestones? What is the best baby organic formula for her immune system?
To make this decision easier for you, we have compiled a list of the 10 Best Baby Formula in 2020 currently on the market.
Ready? Let’s get started.
OUR TOP CHOICE
Gerber Good Start Gentle (HMO) Non-GMO Powder Baby Formula
Summary
There is a reason why our list of the 10 Best Baby Formula in 2020 starts with Gerber Good Start GentlePro Baby Formula. This product is just the perfect choice for infants going through tummy issues and helps them promote soft poops. It is as nutritious as it is gentle, for it is modeled after breast milk - making it extra comfortable for babies less than 12 months.
The formula consists of Comfort Proteins, which make it easy to digest, along with prebiotics and DHA, which help the development of the brain and eyes. Experts also recommend DHA.
With the freshness remaining intact - thanks to the well-designed packaging - Gerber Good Start GentlePro Baby Formula is a must-have for parents who want the healthiest products for their baby.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Offers nutrition for babies up to 12 months
· Modeled based on breast milk nutrition qualities
· Designed to digest prebiotics easily
· Comforting for baby's tummy
· Includes DHA to help brain and eye development
EDITORS CHOICE
Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Baby Formula
Summary
If you are looking for baby formulas as close to as breast milk on the market, our editor's choice Similac Pro-Advance stands out due to the inclusion of 2’ FL human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) in its formula.
HMO’s, alongside DHA, Lutien, and Vitamin E, plays a big role in the development of a baby’s brain, eyes and it’s developing cells. All the ingredients that come from dairy products are from those of naturally cultivated cows with no artificial growth hormones.
According to Nielsen data, Similac is the #1 formula preferred by moms and also the #1 brand, giving immune support to your baby in the best way possible.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· First infant formula containing 2’ FL human milk oligosaccharide
· Closest to breast milk formula with no artificial growth hormones
· Reports show reduced gassiness and fussiness
· First brand to be used in hospitals
· Includes DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E nutrients supporting brain and eye development
BEST VALUE
Enfamil NeuroPro Baby Formula
Summary
Recommended by pediatricians, Enfamil NeuroPro is the best value infant formula in our list of 10 Best Baby Formula in 2020. Alongside MFGM, the product consists of DHA, which plays a huge role in the development of the brain and the eye.
Enfamil NeuroPro Infant is the latest formula of Mead and Johnson and is the result of immense research done on breast milk and the nutrition needed in the development of the brain. The MFGM used in the formula is what makes the product support the cognition of the brain.
Enfamil NeuroPro is strictly non-GMO and none of its ingredients are genetically engineered.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Includes MFGM in the formula that supports cognitive development
· Inspired by breast milk and recommended by Pediatricians
· The only formula containing a fat protein blend of MFGM and DHA
· Digested easily and contains dual prebiotics for immune health
· Made with non-GMO ingredients that have not been genetically engineered
Similac Pro-Sensitive Baby Formula
Summary
Similac Pro Sensitive is the first infant formula brand not to use any ingredients that consist of artificial growth hormones. It is also the first infant formula to have 2’ FL human milk oligosaccharides (HMO’s).
The baby formula consists of DHA as well as HMO’s, alongside DHA, Lutien, and Vitamin, which play a big role in the development of your baby’s brain, eyes, and it’s developing cells. The HMOs feed the good bacteria in the gut directly and that is where the immune system is located.
Similac Pro Sensitive is designed especially for lactose sensitivity, gas, and fussiness. The product is not recommended for children with galactosemia.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Not suitable for children with galactosemia
· Formula designed for fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity
· Helps baby's brain and eye development due to DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E nutrients
· Does not include any artificial growth hormones
· Chosen by moms and used in hospitals
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula
Summary
Enfamil NeuroPro is a milk formula for babies, and this specific product contains 6 containers with 32 ounces of formula milk, which is ready to feed in an instant. This product is #1 on the recommendation of pediatricians and is also a Proprietary Triple Health Guard blend that has twice the DHA as Similac. This boosts the child’s learning ability before it is 5 years of age.
Enfamil is the first product in its line to have inositol, which plays a role in the growth of a child’s brain. The product is ready to use, and the container comes in is easy to pour providing the perfect formula for your gassy, fussy little ones.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Contains 6 32 fluid ounce containers
· Helps brain support due to the amount of inositol and omega 3 DHA in the formula
· Suitable for colic babies due to partially broken down proteins
· Contains Omega 3 DHA and ara, vitamins, and minerals
· Does not contain any GMO ingredients
Enfamil Enspire Baby Formula Milk Powder
Summary
This product consists of two essential ingredients; MFGM, and Lactoferrin. MGFM is found in breast milk and is fat-based and very important in the development of the brain. Lactoferrin is also found in breast milk in high volume and also in colostrum. It is a nutrient that plays a role in the building of the immune system and the development of the intestines.
The inclusions of these two ingredients make this milk powder very similar to breast milk itself. Enfamil represents the baby formula, which is a #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand. Enspire is strictly a non-GMO nutrition package, that includes iron and is designed specifically for children under 12 months.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Containing the ingredients Lactoferrin and MFGM
· Provides immune support and intestinal development
· Non-GMO baby formula to support babies for 12 months
· Supports mental development due to MFGM, Omega 3 DHA, and Choline in the formula
Earth's Best Organic Dairy Baby Powder Formula
Summary
Earth’s Best is Organic Baby Powder Formula is designed after breast milk, including all the necessities, such as high-quality protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. The formula is made in a way that puts the comfort of a baby first.
It is digestible and nutritious. Earth’s Best consists of Omega 3 and Omega 6 ARA fatty acids that help the development of the brain and the eye. The formula is strictly non-GMO and none of its ingredients are genetically engineered. It is Kosher and does not consist of any pesticides and fertilizers, or corn syrup solids.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Easily digestible organic formula
· Lactose milk-based powder formula with no corn syrup solids
· Supports brain and eye development due to Omega 3 DHA and Omega 6 ARA fatty acids
· No synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
Similac For Supplementation Baby Formula
Summary
Similac for Supplementation is the perfect product for moms who wish to transition from breastfeeding to formula. The product does not consist of any artificial growth hormone or any GMO.
This baby formula includes all the important nutrients of breast milk, such as vitamins, minerals, OptiGro, and also features prebiotics. OptiGro is a mix of important breast milk ingredients and consists of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E, which play a big role in the development of a baby’s brain, eyes and it’s developing cells.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· No artificial growth hormone
· Provides a gentle introduction to the formula
· Includes prebiotics, minerals, and vitamins that are found in breast milk
· Includes DHA and ara, Lutein, and Vitamin E
Gerber Good Start Gentle Baby Formula
Summary
Gerber Good Start Gentle is the ideal product for babies going through tummy issues. The HMO and probiotics make the switch easier for the baby. The entire product is designed after the complete nutritional and essentials of breast milk and includes a mix of DHA, prebiotic and Comfort Proteins.
These ingredients make digestion for the baby easier and the DHA - which is recommended by experts - helps with the development of the baby’s brain and eyes. More Gerber Good Start Gentle products are readily available, depending on the nutritional requirements of your baby.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Formula modeled after breast milk
· Includes easily digestible DHA and ara, prebiotics & Comfort Proteins
· Provides enough nutrition for babies up to 12 months
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula
Summary
NeuroPro Gentlease is a non-GMO formula by Enfamil, which is a #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand. This product consists of MFGM, a fat-based ingredient found in breast milk, which is important in the development of the brain.
The formula also contains Omega 3 and Choline, Omega 3 being evidently a big help when it comes to crying, fussy and gassy little ones, while Choline plays a part in the digestion and immune support of your baby. The product is iron-based and is the complete nutritional package for babies under 12 months.
What makes this baby formula stand out
· Includes MFGM and Omega 3 DHA to reduce fussiness, colic, baby gas, and crying in 24 hours
· Provides cognitive brain support
· Complete nutrition for babies with Omega 3 DHA and Choline
How To Choose A Baby Formula – Buying Guide
While compiling a list of the best baby formulas in the market, we wanted to make sure that the ones we featured met a certain set of criteria. These criteria include:
Nutritional Content
It is very important that the baby formulas provide the right nutrition for your baby's growing body. The protein content in infant formula can vary between brands, and normally babies between 0 and six months of age need 10 grams of protein a day. Your infant’s main energy source and essential for proper growth and development, carbohydrates should be taken 95 grams a day to help your baby maintain a healthy weight.
Cost
It’s a no-brainer that baby formula can get expensive quickly. If your little one eats a few times a day, you’re going to go through a lot of formula. Many people will recommend buying formula at budget clubs like Sam’s Club or BJ’s or even sign up for coupons on the manufacturer’s site to help them pay for formula more easily.
Child’s Birth Weight
If your baby is born with low birth weight, namely less than six pounds in weight, we recommend you choose a formula that is enriched with nutrients and help your baby grow faster.
Iron Fortified
For babies who are not breastfed, whether it's the mom’s decision or another reason, iron-fortified formulas should be used in order to prevent anemia that is caused because of iron deficiency.
Ingredients
In the baby formula, there can be 2 ingredients that are considered to be the best kinds of fatty acids for infants: DHA, which is an Omega-3 fatty acid, and ARA, namely Omega-6 fatty acid. Developing your little one’s brain and nerves, these fatty acids are naturally found in breast milk, fish oils, and eggs.
However, when these two components are added, they are usually processed with a harmful ingredient called hexane. Manufacturers claim that only small traces of hexane are found in the formula, but for some parents, this may be enough to keep them from using the formula.
Benefits of baby formula
Although experts say breast milk is the best nutrition for babies, especially in the first year, for some babies, the formula may be the only option for various reasons. This isn’t to say that baby formula does not have its own benefits.
Nutrition
Baby formula contains the nutrients that your little bundle of joy requires to grow and thrive. Whether in the form of powder or in liquid concentrate, they have to meet the nutritional and safety standards in order to be manufactured. Best baby formulas add vitamins and other nutrients, like iron to prevent anemia, and probiotic bifid bacterium lactic to reduce the risk of food allergies, reduce diarrhea and improve colic in infants.
Convenience
For mothers who might feel uneasy breastfeeding in public, baby formula is a very convenient choice. On the other hand, bottle-feeding can be made everywhere and by everyone, therefore it also gives freedom to mothers.
Variety
One of the major benefits of using baby formula is that there are different options in the market. Made from either cow’s milk, soybeans, or predigested proteins, mothers have the option to choose among several options appropriate for their babies in case of an allergic reaction to cow’s milk or suffering from constipation.
Flexibility
Once you have made your little one’s bottles, having someone else feed them is comforting because you know that they will still be getting the nutrition that they need. With baby formula, there isn’t a need to breast pump or have a schedule of feeding time. Being able to have your child’s grandparents or babysitter feed your child can also give you and your partner some much-needed alone time.
Diet
For many women, one of the best benefits of using formula is that they don’t have to change their diet at all. This can be a big sigh of relief for some women who have gone for months without having whatever the favorite food or drink while they were pregnant.
Schedule
The formula can be less digestible than breast milk. This means that while it may take longer for your little one to digest the formula, it also means that they will be fuller for longer periods of time and you don’t have to schedule their next feeding as soon as you would with breast milk.
Different Forms of Formula
Baby formula can come in different forms such as powder or a ready-to-use formula. It is important to choose the form that is most suitable for your baby's needs and preferences.
Powder
This is the form most parents are familiar with. Powder formula comes in large tubs that will normally contain a scoop inside to add the correct amount of formula to the bottle. You will then need to shake the bottle with the formula and water well enough to mix them together.
Ready-to-use
Ready-to-use formula is the exact opposite. Already mixed, this formula only requires you to open it, affix a nipple to it, which is usually included and shake the bottle before giving it to your little one. While these may not always be the best option, in a pinch on a road trip, they can come in quite handy.
Understanding the Breast milk or Formula Conversation
There are different views when it comes to breastfeeding or choosing formula. Mothers who side towards breastfeeding, exclusively cite the closeness or bond that is developed between the mother and her child while moms who choose to feed their children with formula, agree on the benefits of quality food and superb nutrients that help their babies grow and thrive. Either side of the conversation has its own merits and the decision for any mother will always come down to their own personal preferences.
FAQ
Q: What is the closest formula to breast milk?
A: Baby formula is the closest formula to breast milk.
Typically made from cow’s milk, but also sometimes allergy-free and vegan derived from soy or protein hydrolysate, the mixture is modified to resemble breast milk as closely as possible.
Q: Which one is the best formula milk for babies?
A: The best formula depends on the physical needs of your baby as well as the recommendation of your doctor.
All formulas sold in the U.S. are nutritionally equivalent and require the minimum amount of nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop normally.
Q: Which is better Enfamil or Similac?
A: There is no denying that Enfamil’s soy-based formula is popular with many parents. The Proprietary Triple Health Guard blend has 30 nutrients for growth, twice the Omega 3 DHA as the Similac, and an exclusive prebiotics blend clinically proven to support the immune system.
Q: What is the best formula for a gassy baby?
A: If your baby’s gas is linked to a dairy intolerance then a soy-based formula can provide an alternative.
Many parents report that swapping over to a soy formula has reduced or eliminated gas trouble in their baby.
Q: Can babies have 2 different formulas?
A: Babies can have different formulas, but they may be cranky as they become adjusted to different tastes. Fussy eaters or babies with tummy troubles can try several different varieties to find the one that works best for them.
Q: Can I mix breast milk and formula?
A: Actually, all milk-based powder formulation is the closest formula to breast milk. However, a few parents use a combination of breast milk and formula, and others use it as an option to wean their baby off of breastfeeding after a period of time.
Q: How do you know if Formula doesn't agree with the baby?
A: If the formula doesn’t suitable for your baby, she can be cranky and can develop allergies like eczema, hives, difficulty passing gas, and fussiness after eating.
Q: Do formula babies sleep longer?
A: Since the baby formula has certain standards with prebiotics for immunity, the gas problem decreases considerably. Since the gas problem that reduces sleep quality is resolved with baby formula, it increases sleep time and quality.
Q: When should I start the powder formula?
A: You can start powder formula soon after birth.
Powder formula is designed for babies from birth to 12 months and is suitable for newborn babies too.
Q: Is liquid formula better than powder?
A: Liquid formula is great when you’re traveling over long periods of time. Another advantage is that it’s less likely to leave your child constipated than powdered formula.
Liquid concentrate is ready to use, whereas, the one downside to powdered formulas is that you need to make time to mix them up and follow the instructions closely.
Overview
Making sure that their child is getting the proper nutrition and how they will get it, is one of the most important decisions new parents have to face at the beginning of their parenthood journey. We hope with our list of the 10 Best Baby Formula in 2020, we have helped you to choose the right formula.
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