Top Baby Formulas of 2020 – How to Choose the Best Option for Your Baby
One of the first decisions a new mother makes is choosing whether she will breastfeed her baby or feed her baby one of many brands of formula available on the market. The decision to breastfeed, while beautiful, can be a difficult one. Breastfeeding is not easy, especially in the beginning. Many moms experience difficulties when trying to breastfeed or simply decide that they would prefer to feed their little one baby formula alone.
The recipe for baby formula has come a long way in recreating the healthy ingredients found in breast milk. Many brands of baby formula are filled with probiotics, minerals, and other vitamins to help mimic the nutrients found in breast milk, making it a suitable replacement for moms who decide not to breastfeed. Whatever decision a new parent makes when it comes to feeding their baby, the most important thing is that the baby is fed and nourished, whether by formula or breast milk.
For the new parent that decides to feed their baby formula, the next question is how to pick the best brand of formula. Baby formula comes in several different types with the most common being cow’s milk-based. Other options are also available including organic and soy-based formulas.
Types of Baby Formula
Cow’s Milk-Based or Traditional Baby Formula
About 80% of all formula sold today is cow’s milk-based. The cow’s milk is altered to make it healthier for the baby and is heated to make it more digestible by small stomachs. More lactose is added to create a closer resemblance to the taste of breast milk and healthy fats are also added in place of existing fats in the cow’s milk, some of which are removed. Many infants are not able to produce enough iron on their own and because of this, many formulas, including cow’s milk-based formulas, are infused with an iron supplement. All of these things, combined with the fact that many of these types of formula are infused with DHA, probiotics, and other healthy minerals to help baby grow, make cow’s milk-based formulas a healthy alternative to breast milk and a good choice for moms looking to exclusively formula feed.
Organic Baby Formula
Cow’s milk-based formula that has not been treated with any pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones is considered organic baby formula. Though a little more costly, this is a great option for parents who want to make sure they give their baby the most natural option of formula available. However, some brands of organic baby formula are sweetened with sucrose which can cause issues such as tooth decay, so be sure to clear any organic formula brands you decide to use with your pediatrician first.
Soy Formula
Sometimes babies are unable to digest lactose whatsoever. In this case, parents can feed their baby a soy-based formula. Soy formulas contain soy protein and either glucose or sucrose which is different from the composition found in milk-based formulas. Though a baby can have difficulty digesting lactose, it is extremely rare and before switching your baby to a soy-based formula, you should always consult with your pediatrician. Often other remedies can be made to soothe a colicky baby or baby who seems to have a food allergy other than switching to a soy-based formula. Though necessary in certain cases, soy formulas can lack certain ingredients found in regular formula which are essential to a baby’s health and development. Many babies who drink only soy formulas also have supplements that are prescribed by their pediatrician to make up the vitamins they need.
Baby Formula Which is Best? These Are Our Top Choices for Baby Formula
Similac Pro-Advance is our top overall pick for baby formula.
Why we love it:
- Budget friendly
- Closely resembles breast milk
- Lots of great added vitamins and minerals
- Helps with upset stomach and gassiness
- Perfect for moms who supplement breast milk with formula
It is made with no artificial growth hormones, contains DHA, and isn’t overly pricey, making it a good choice for parents on a budget. It also contains immunity-boosting probiotics that mimic breast milk, which is one of the reasons why it makes a great alternative. Probiotics are also known to help babies with upset stomachs and gassiness making this a great choice for babies with sensitive stomachs. Because of its similarities to breast milk, this formula is also a great option for parents who breastfeed and supplement with formula.
Earth’s Best is our top overall pick for organic baby formula.
Why we love it:
- Non-GMO and Kosher
- Closely resembles breast milk
- Does not contain Glucose, Corn Syrup or Cane Sugars
- Contains DHA & ARA which support brain & eye development
Earth’s Best makes lots of great organic products that your baby can enjoy throughout all stages of growth and development. We love their organic dairy infant formula because it has all the nutritional benefits of cow’s milk-based formula, but none of the harmful pesticides or added hormones that can sometimes be found in other brands.
Similac Advance OptiGRO is our top overall pick for budget friendly baby formula.
Why we love it:
- Cost effective and budget friendly
- No added artificial growth hormones
- Cow’s milk-based and packed with nutrients
- Includes DHA, Vitamin E, and Lutein
Baby formula can be a costly expense for new parents. To cut down on costs, supplement with breast milk when possible, look for coupons for local stores, and check with the hospital where you deliver or your pediatrician for samples.
Gerber Good Start is our top overall pick for soy baby formula.
Why we love it:
- Fortified with iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, and DHA
- Helps soothe stomachs of babies who are sensitive to milk
- Non-GMO
Gerber Good Start Soy based formula is a great option for parents who choose to feed their baby a lactose free formula brand. It is fortified with iron to make sure the baby gets the nutrients he or she needs. As always, be sure to check with your pediatrician before starting your baby on any soy formula diet.
Like with any aspect of parenting, choosing a formula can feel complicated at first. Your best bet will always be to check with your pediatrician for any questions and concerns you have regarding your baby’s health and wellbeing. They can help point you in the direction of the healthiest and best food option for your baby.
Best Formula for Constipation
While all babies react differently to formula’s the top on our list for easing constipation problems is Enfamil Gentlease.
- Clinically shown to ease fussiness, colic, baby gas, and crying in 24 hours with baby probiotics and easy to digest proteins that have been partially broken down
- Gentle formula provides complete nutrition tailored for your baby through their first 12 months
- Contains omega 3 DHA and choline, important nutrients found in breast milk to provide brain support.
- Enfamil is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand
- Gentlease with iron is a gentle, sensitive milk powder formula made with non gmo ingredients; That have not been genetically engineered. No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
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