More Baby Formulas To Consider
All FDA-regulated infant formula sold in the US is safe and promotes normal growth and development for healthy babies from birth through 12 months. We think our picks offer the best value and meet an array of caregiver preferences. But your babys needs may differ, and the list below includes nearly all formulas available in the US. Weve noted which carbohydrate and extra nutrients each formula includes. But for complete information, check nutrition and ingredients labels, and refer to our charts and descriptions above.
How To Choose A Baby Formula
Pediatricians typically recommend starting with a standard cows milk protein-based baby formula and seeing how your baby responds.
Many of the standard formulas are similar, so most of all, I would not fret too much as a parent over what formula to start with, says Dr. Hughes. I wouldnt hesitate to give the standard formulas to my baby.
Try A New Brand Of Formula
Most babies will do just fine with different brands of formula, including store brands, as long as they’re the same type, like cow’s milk-based, soy, hypoallergenic , or elemental . Keep in mind that your baby may seem to not like the taste, or may have a hard time tolerating a different formula, initially. If this happens:
- Try slowly introducing small amounts of the new formula by mixing it with your regular formula. Slowly increase the amount of the new formula over time.
- Be patient, since it may take some time for your baby to get used to it.
- If your baby is vomiting, has gas pains, is crying or can’t be calmed down during feedings, is losing weight, has diarrhea, has blood or mucus in their poop, or is straining to poop, they may not be tolerating the new formula. Call your pediatrician or other health care provider if you have questions.
If you need help figuring out which formulas you may be able to substitute:
- Your pediatrician or other health care provider is always the best resource because they know your baby and their health history.
- You can also check this list of comparable formulas developed by an organization of pediatric gastroenterologists called NASPGHAN. Keep in mind that this list focuses on substitutes for formulas that were part of the February 2022 recall, so you might not see your baby’s formula listed here. Any substitution should only be done under the recommendation and supervision of your pediatrician or other healthcare provider.
Also Check: Can Probiotics Cause Constipation In Newborns
The Benefits Of Using Enfamil And Similac Infant Formula
Because of their broad popularity, Enfamil and Similac were the specific brands that we chose to examine when it came to formula formulation. Every household with children is likely to have gotten samples of each in their mailbox at some point in the past since they are well-known. However, despite the fact that the market is saturated with many companies and products, these two are always pitted against one another. Due to the fact that both Enfamils NeuroPro and Similacs Pro-Advance formulas include same ingredients and claim to provide comparable advantages to infants, we evaluated the two formulas side by side.
It is believed that Enfamil baby formula is used in more than eight out of 10 birthing facilities, making it the number one infant formula brand recommended by physicians. Parents will find no greater comfort than using a product that has been suggested by a credible source, such as a doctor or hospital, to care for their children. Despite the fact that Enfamil claims that their goods are backed by reputable sources, Similac has years of experience in the business and a reputation for providing a high-quality product with consistency. The company has been manufacturing formula without the use of artificial growth hormones for more than 90 years, which is a major selling factor for both children and their parents.
Related: Best Bottles For Tongue Tied Babies
A Quick Look At Enfamil
Enfamil is one of the top-selling formula companies in the United States, and they boast a highly advanced center with experts to help them develop their infant formula products. Their goal is to create formulas with the correct amount of vitamins and nutrients required for that particular age group. Your child will experience healthy growth and development of a robust immune system.
Enfamil is one of the few formulas that crafted one just for newborns. Their Enfamil Newborn is meant for babies below the age of three months of age. It contains 400 IU of vitamins that are recommended for newborns by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Enfamil also fortified their Newborn formula with DHA and ARA because its found in breast milk.
Also Check: How Soon To Bathe A Newborn
How Will I Know If My Baby Does Not Like A Formula
If a baby does not like a formula they will not drink it. Its that simple. This commonly occurs in breastfed infants who are being weaned, and have become accustomed to the taste of breastmilk. If very hungry, babies may take just enough formula to curb their hunger, but not finish the bottle. If a baby, however, becomes fussy after formula feedings, talk to your pediatrician about whether or not a formula change is necessary.
Best Baby Formula For Reflux
Is spit-up becoming more than just a laundry issue in your house? Formula-fed babies actually have higher rates of reflux than breastfed babies. These issues tend to peak around the 4-month mark.
There are formulas on the market that are thickened by rice. They may help decrease the frequency of spit-ups and dont have any long-term safety concerns.
study in 2003 that showed it can reduce babies spit-up episodes by up to 50 percent.Considerations: Youll want to speak with your pediatrician before offering thickened formula to your baby. While some parents swear this is the best formula theyve ever tried, others share that this mix really didnt help their babys spit-up issue enough.
Recommended Reading: Can A Newborn Cry Too Much
The Winner: Similac Pro
When it comes to comparing Pro-Total Comfort and Gentlease, one isnt necessarily better than the otherits all about testing and choosing the option that your baby tolerates more easily, says Dr. Young.
The two formulas have different protein sources, which may affect your babys comfort: Gentlease uses a partially hydrolyzed mix of 60% whey and 40% casein while the Pro-Total Comfort makes use of 100% whey protein thats been partially hydrolyzed. Dr. Young also notes differences in the carbohydrate and fat sources, explaining, again, that a parents decision should all come down to the babys preference.
If youre dealing with an infant with lactose intolerance, however, Dr. Hes leans toward the Pro-Total Comfort formula. In addition to valuable HMOs, this variety also contains just 2% lactose versus the 20% found in Gentlease.
What Is Enfamil Infant Formula
On the other hand, Enfamil is a well-known infant formula company that has created their products for decades. Their sole purpose is to create infant formula and only formula.
Some parents believe that, since Enfamil focuses solely on formula, their quality will be higher. That doesnt necessarily mean their beliefs are true. Remember, the FDA regulates ingredients, so you dont need to be concerned that either of the companies will use dangerous ingredients or not add enough nutrients.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Acne In Newborns
Enfamil Enspire Baby Formula
- It includes one 20.5-ounce container of baby formula milk powder and two 41-ounce refill boxes, for a total of 102.5-ounces of baby formula milk powder in one package.
- Enfamil Enspire is the first and only baby formula in the United States to include the components Lactoferrin and MFGM, making it the most closely related to breast milk that we have ever created in the history of the company.
- A unique blend of baby probiotics that has been clinically shown to enhance digestive health while also offering immune support for babies.
- In order to provide complete nutrition for babies up to the age of 12 months, this formula is produced without the use of genetically modified organisms . a combination of states of preparedness
Is It Ok To Switch From Similac To Enfamil
1 Despite the fact that many parents are worried that switching between formula brands would cause their infant to become irritable or have bowel movements, switching between formula brands is not a problem. Even different brands of the same kind of formula may be combined together if you think that a mixture of one brand and another will be more beneficial to your babys health and development.
Also Check: What Do Newborn Babies Sleep In
How We Chose The Best Baby Formula Brands
To help take some of the guesswork out of your search, we’ve rounded up the best baby formula brands that meet the recommendations from pediatricians and the AAP. We also considered formula brands trusted by our editors and parents in the What to Expect community.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
Howlong Do Babies Drink Formula
Babies typically drink formula in the first year of their life. Newborns 0-3 months drink exclusively breast milk and formulas. Although, it can vary from child to child when a baby fully transitions from breast feeding and formulas to real food. After six months old parents usually start weaning off formulas and try to adapt other foods into the diet. As the baby grows, they typically consume less baby formulas and breast milk. As your baby grows to a Toddler, after the year mark, they usually shift into more solid foods and drink milk.
Also Check: How Many Ounces Should A Newborn Eat Per Feeding
Gerber Good Start Soy Formula
For babies with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, soy formulas can be a doctor-recommended choice. At the very beginning of bottle feeding, most doctors recommend starting with a dairy-based formula because its proteins are closest to those in human milk. Hence, if you have a family history of milk allergies, thats when you should talk to your babys doctor about starting on a soy formula.
- Excellent formula to fight gas and fussiness
- Suitable for lactose intolerant babies
- Non-GMO soy
For babies with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, soy formulas can be a doctor-recommended choice. At the very beginning of bottle feeding, most doctors recommend starting with a dairy-based formula because its proteins are closest to those in human milk. If you have a family history of milk allergies, thats when you should talk to your babys doctor about starting on a soy formula.
Moreover, Gerber soy formula is the most popular on the market. The soy protein is partially hydrolyzed to ease digestion. Its also one of the only soy formulas to use non-GMO soy and milder sweeteners. Its primary sweetener is corn maltodextrin, plus some sucrose. Its good to know that maltodextrin isnt as sweet as corn syrup solids.
It is a product with a very good, competitive price on the market, but downside is that it smells badly and the minute you mix water and formula, you need to shake very hard and long in order to break all the clumps.
How Will I Know If My Formula
After a few weeks, you will get used to the cues that show when your kid is ready to feed and when he is not. The usual course of events for your baby is for him or her to become restless, and he or she may begin to move their heads and open their lips in a condition known as rooting. You may have seen that they will suck on anything, which is usually a fist or a couple of fingers in this case.
Read Also: How To Pump And Breastfeed Newborn
Why We Chose Enfamil And Similac
Because of their broad popularity, Enfamil and Similac were the specific brands that we chose to examine when it came to formula formulation. Every household with children is likely to have gotten samples of each in their mailbox at some point in the past since they are well-known. However, despite the fact that the market is saturated with many companies and products, these two are always pitted against one another. Due to the fact that both Enfamils NeuroPro and Similacs Pro-Advance formulas include same ingredients and claim to provide comparable advantages to infants, we evaluated the two formulas side by side.
It is believed that Enfamil baby formula is used in more than eight out of 10 birthing facilities, making it the number one infant formula brand recommended by physicians. Parents will find no greater comfort than using a product that has been suggested by a credible source, such as a doctor or hospital, to care for their children. Despite the fact that Enfamil claims that their goods are backed by reputable sources, Similac has years of experience in the business and a reputation for providing a high-quality product with consistency. The company has been manufacturing formula without the use of artificial growth hormones for more than 90 years, which is a major selling factor for both children and their parents.
Do Not Dilute Baby Formula
If you’re running low on supply, you may be tempted to dilute the formula you have on hand. Barsella cautions caregivers to never dilute breast milk.
Extra water can be dangerous to babies. Diluting formula or breastmilk can interfere with an infant’s ability to absorb nutrients. This can cause seizures, brain damage andin extreme casesdeath.
“This is one of the reasons parents shouldnt make their own formula, but it extends to diluting what they have,” says Barsella, adding that an imbalance of water and nutrients can cause serious neurological issues down the road.
“A more diluted formula might seem like a good idea as a short-term solution, but it can result in lifelong neurological issues for the baby. It’s better to find another resource for feeding your baby the nutrients they require,” says Barsella.
Also Check: How To Get Newborn To Nap In Crib
Is Enfamil The Best Baby Formula
Our Best Formula for Everyday Nutrition
In the first year of life, babies acquire three times the weight they were at birth. Despite the fact that there are many options available, Enfamil Neuropro is our top-rated baby formula for ensuring that your kid receives a complete nutritional intake. It includes a total of 30 nutrients that are especially designed to promote the development of your childs body.
Ask Your Pediatrician For Assistance
According to Adam Barsella, a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois, your own pediatrician will likely have a host of solutions for you, should you be unable to find your preferred brand of baby formula.
Your pediatrician should be able to triage and troubleshoot for you, he says.
If your baby requires a specialized formula, your pediatrician can call in for medical requests to get them exactly what they need.
Barsella also says that most pediatricians’ offices can help in the event of an emergency.
Most have a and a stock of products for children of complex needs. They dont have enough supply to feed all of their patients, but, if you are waiting on a formula order, your pediatrician can help you make it through, says Barsella.
You May Like: How To Start Breastfeeding A Newborn