Best Baby Formulas of 2024

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 Stage 1 Powder Infant Formula
• Best Store Brand: Parent’s Choice Advantage Premium Powder Baby Formula with Iron
• Best Organic: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Starter Bundle
• Best Name Brand: Similac Advance Infant Formula with Iron
• Best Gentle: Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Infant Formula
• Most Affordable: Kirkland Signature ProCare Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron
• Best for Breastfed Babies: ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
• 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

Babylist’s Picks for the Best 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.