Having a baby means making a lot of decisions in your everyday life, from trivial things to the bigger stuff like what formula to choose.
There are many benefits to breastfeeding, as mothers’ milk is the optimal source of nutrition for every baby, especially during the first year of its life.
However, breastfeeding doesn’t work for every family, and you might need to find an alternative method like formula.
In this article, we’ll review different products to help you choose the best formula for breastfed babies, giving you all the necessary tools to make the right choice.
Comparison Chart
Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula with 2′-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) for Immune Support, 23.2 ounces
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron Stage 1, 21 Ounce (Packaging May Vary)
Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Baby Formula From Enfamil Lactose & Milk Free Powder, 27.8 oz – Omega 3 DHA, Probiotics to Support Digestive Health & Immune System, Iron, Colic Relief
Best Formula for Breastfed Babies Reviews
Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula
Breastfed babies usually take time to get used to formula because they notice the different tastes and structures. That’s why one of the healthiest formulas is Earth’s Best. According to many parents, it offers the best formula for breastfed babies with iron.
Review
Earth’s Best has extensive experience in providing the best organic food for babies. It’s easy to digest and nutritionally complete for the baby’s first twelve months.
Its lactose and cow-milk based formulation with no added sugar makes it an ideal substitute for mothers’ milk. Moreover, it has the right combination of whey/casein, not to mention that it’s certified USDA organic and without corn syrup solids.
With nutrients like DHA/ARA and Omega 6, prebiotics Earth’s Best Organic formula is packed with the right kind of ingredients to ensure healthy development and growth. Also, the cow’s milk base of the formula is non-GMO and without prohibited pesticides and fertilizers. More importantly, since your infant doesn’t have an immune system to process all those chemicals, it’s pivotal to drink healthy organic milk.
But keep in mind a few safety and preparation rules. Firstly, the formula needs to dissolve in warm water. Once you shake it vigorously, make sure it’s not too hot for your infant. Always check the expiry date since. If you start using a formula that’s expired, it can cause constipation and gas.
The brand also makes gentle formulas for sensitive tummies, reduced lactose, and plant-based soy formulas to help infants with stomach problems.
Pros
- Organic milk-based
- Packed with nutrients
- Easy to use
Cons
Causes constipation
Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula
For babies with a sensitive gut who need additional immune support, Similac Pro-Advance is one of the best formulas around.
Review
Similac offers a high-quality formula with no growth hormones (that might be found in cow’s milk). Many parents also report reduced fussiness in their babies. After just a few days of Similac, they no longer have gasses and cramps, either. That’s why many US parents consider Similac to be one of the best products on the market.
With the right balance of DHA, Lutein, and vitamin E, the Similac formula supports the baby’s brain and eye development and overall growth. Since babies’ organs aren’t yet capable of fully processing cow’s milk, formulas can be used in the first year. Whereas later, you can slowly start introducing cow’s milk to their diet.
Vitamin E is paramount for neurodevelopment and cognition, and infants with stable levels can become less susceptible to allergies later in life. It’s important to mention that Similac is the first formula that uses 2′-FL HMO, which is an immune nourishing prebiotic found in mother’s milk. That’s why both parents and pediatricians recommend a formula for breastfeeding mothers to use while they’re out or on the move.
Lastly, keep in mind that Similac is a formula chosen by hospitals. If you’re using the formula from day one, there’s a high chance that hospitals can provide you with samples to get you started.
Similac formula’s packaging and delivery have been problematic for many parents. They’ve reported that they’ve received packages with a broken seal.
Pros
- Fewer gases
- Easy feeding without spitting
- Nutrient-rich
Cons
Problematic delivery system
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Milk
If you’re looking for an organic formula that mimics breast milk, Happy Baby might be just the thing for you. Moms report that their babies have transferred easily from breastfeeding to formula, and it’s all thanks to this great formula.
Review
Happy Baby formula is made with premium ingredients that provide babies with key vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics necessary for their development. With more than four times more prebiotic than other formulas, Happy Baby promotes the development of gut bacteria that are incremental for immune system development.
The lactose in this formula is made from cows raised on organic farms and fed with non-GMO food for the best milk quality. This immensely contributes to the formula’s taste, as reviewing parents say that their little ones never showed signs of discomfort while drinking it.
Regarding the safety information, you shouldn’t heat the formula in a microwave as it can lead to serious burns. Once you warm up the water, add the formula and mix it until it becomes mild so that your baby can safely drink it.
However, reviewing parents noticed that some formula batches are very hard to mix, or they become so foamy that their babies have a hard time drinking it.
As your baby starts to grow, the Happy Baby brand continues to support them with various healthy recipes and delicious snacks developed to ensure proper nutrition.
Pros
- Premium ingredients
- Packed with probiotics
- Great taste
Cons
Gets too foamy after mixing
Enfamil Nitramigen Hypoallergenic Colic Baby Formula
If you love Enfamil as much as we do, it won’t come as a surprise that they’ve made a great new product. This formula is a serious contender on our best formula for breastfed babies list.
Review
In the last few years, a steady percentage of infants have shown signs of an allergic reaction after consuming the milk-based formula. That’s why Enfamil developed Nutramigen, a hypoallergenic formula specially designed to reduce allergies.
It’s so efficient that right after the first feeding more than 90% of infants have almost no signs of an allergic reaction. Thanks to this formula, more than half of the babies will have a reduced incidence of future allergies.
Enfamil formula provides immune support with nutrients like DHA, ARA, superior LGG probiotics, and its lactose and sucrose-free. Due to this winning combination, this formula will provide your little ones with everything they need to grow on a lactose-free formula. Enflora LGG makes the formula hypoallergenic, as all the proteins it contains are easy to digest.
As most parents want their infants back to consuming regular milk proteins, Enfamil ensures that will be possible after six months of regular feeding.
When it comes to safety, make sure you feed your baby as soon as you make the formula. Once prepared, it can spoil quickly. If you haven’t used all the formula in one feeding, make sure you throw it away. Lastly, don’t heat the formula in the microwave because it might get too hot for your baby.
Regardless of its quality, this formula is expensive compared with other products, and parents only turn to it if their little ones have problems that other formulas can’t fix.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Supports the immune system
- Easily digestible
Cons
Pricey
Gerber Good Start Soothe
If you have a sensitive eater, you’ll no doubt worry about whether they’re getting enough vitamins to make their body and brain grow. With Gerber Good Start, you can rest assured because it’s one of the best formulas for babies that experience gas, fussiness, and who cry all day.
Review
Every baby’s nutritional needs evolve, and great products should support them as they advance. Gerber Good Start is designed to help infants get the nutrients with probiotic formula with comfort proteins in each serving. This formula also has DHA and prebiotics to help brain advancement and specific proteins for easier digestion.
For infants that struggle with gas, fussiness, and colic, Good Start formula will ease their pain, providing them with all vitamins and minerals they require. Once your infant grows, Good Start continues to support its health with complimentary staged products like wholegrain cereals and veggie purees.
Good Start helps parents with a special package and a lid that locks in the freshness. Also, it ensures that the cover is open only when you need it and that the scoop is always in reach.
With an effective formula packed in a well-made box, this formula’s price makes it unaffordable for most families. Unfortunately, it’s far more expensive than any other formula we’ve reviewed.
Pros
- Effective formula
- Good packaging
- Helps with gas and colic
Cons
A bit pricey
Final Verdict
When selecting the right baby formula, many parents feel under immense pressure. The truth is that you need to try a few products to know what works best.
The formula that stood out from others as the best formula for breastfed babies is Similac Pro-Advanced. As it’s in the middle range when it comes to price, it’s accessible for families whose infants have tummy problems.
Always consult with your pediatrician on the best solution for your baby but be aware that, ultimately, your baby’s health is the final consideration for any decision you make.