Best Baby Formulas, According to Pediatricians and Parents

reviewed mark Medically Reviewed by Tina Feeley, M.D., M.P.H.  on March 27, 2023
Best Baby Formulas
Whether you’re strictly formula-feeding or nursing and supplementing with formula, you want to put the best ingredients in your baby’s tummy for her growth and development. But with so many different options on the market, choosing the best baby formula can be overwhelming.

There are lots of different formula brands, types and even forms of infant formula available. Ultimately, there’s no one “right” formula for your little one — what’s best for your baby may be different from what’s best for other families.

What is baby formula and why do you need it?

“Baby formulas are manufactured nutrition products made specifically for infants (and some toddlers as well, but mostly for infants),” says Steven Abelowitz, M.D., F.A.A.P., a pediatrician and regional medical director of Coastal Kids Pediatrics in Newport Beach, California. “Initially it's made or manufactured to try and imitate, as closely as possible, breast milk.”

In short, formula provides the correct nutrition to infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed. “When moms need alternatives to breast milk, baby formula is the only appropriate alternative that offers complete nutrition during a baby’s first year of life,” notes Whitney Casares, M.D., a Portland, Oregon-based pediatrician.

Baby formula contains a variety of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals similar to those found in breast milk, in just the right amounts. And while some parents may wonder if cow’s milk would be a suitable alternative to breast milk instead of formula, that’s not the case. That’s because cow’s milk can be hard for your infant’s little tummy to digest, and cow’s milk doesn’t contain the all-too-important balance of nutrients that formula does, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Types and forms of baby formula

Although baby formula is patterned after breast milk to provide baby with equivalent essential vitamins and nutrients, Dr. Casares notes that not all formulas are alike. While the foundations are usually roughly the same, there are a handful of different types of baby formula to choose from:

  • Milk-based baby formula. Although babies under 1 year old shouldn't drink cow's milk by itself, cow’s milk-based baby formulas have been modified to be more digestible and safe for little ones. This is the most common type of baby formula, according to the AAP.
  • Partially hydrolyzed baby formula. These formulas have been partially digested, which can help babies who deal with colic or gas. (Some common examples you might recognize are Enfamil Gentlease or Similac Pro Total-Comfort, for instance — more on that later!) Note, though, that this type of formula is not broken down enough for babies allergic to cow’s milk protein.
  • Extensively hydrolyzed baby formula. Also called predigested formula, these formulas contain broken-down milk proteins, making them easier for babies to digest. They’re well-tolerated by most babies who are allergic to cow’s milk. Talk to your baby's pediatrician before switching to this kind of formula, as they tend to be more expensive and may not be necessary for your little one unless she is allergy-prone or has a special condition.
  • Organic baby formula. Organic baby formulas are similar to standard milk-based formulas, but are generally produced with organic ingredients. “It’s coming from organic milk from organic ingredients,” says Tina Feeley, M.D., a pediatrician and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. “It's really the same as the families that choose to have organic foods and fruits and vegetables. It's really a personal choice.” Organic formulas are often higher in cost than non-organic formulas though, notes Dr. Abelowitz, so if the bigger price tag sounds inhibiting, don’t stress. “When you really study the outcomes of those children that were [organic versus non-organic], both short and long term, the benefits are quite slim,” he says. “They're still there; they're quite slim — slim enough for us to say if economy or finances is a factor, then it doesn't justify doing it.”
  • Soy-based baby formula. This type of formula uses soy as a protein and either glucose or sucrose as a carbohydrate, unlike milk-based picks. However, the AAP recommends that soy-based formula only be used in rare situations, such as if your baby is intolerant to galactose, so make sure to speak to your pediatrician first. “That’s very rare that you would need that,” notes Dr. Feeley.
  • Special formula. Some babies may require special formulas, such as preemies or babies with specific diseases. If necessary, your pediatrician will work with you to pick the best formula for your infant.

You may also see goat’s milk-based formula on the market, but beware: “Those we actually don't recommend because raw goat's milk can make babies anemic and cause some major electrolyte issues,” says Dr. Feeley.

When shopping for baby formula, you'll also notice that it's sold in a few different forms:

  • Powdered formula, which you measure and mix yourself and tends to be the most affordable.
  • Liquid concentrate formulas, which require you to just add water and shake.
  • Ready-to-feed formulas, which are (true to name) the most convenient option, but also usually the most expensive.

No one form is better than the other – whether you prefer the ease of ready-to-feed formula or the lower price point of powdered formula, the type that’s best for you depends on your budget, how much formula you go through and where you plan to use it, says the AAP.

It’s important to remember that homemade baby formula is never safe, though. Medical experts agree that commercially manufactured baby formula is carefully created to meet your baby’s nutritional needs and can’t be safely replicated at home. “We strongly advise against [making your own formula] because when you make it, it's not regulated,” notes Dr. Feeley.

If you have trouble affording baby formula, the AAP has a list of resources for how you can get formula at no cost to you. A few formula brands like Enfamil and Similac give away free samples, too.

What to look for in an infant formula

All infant formulas marketed in the U.S. must meet strict nutrition guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so while every formula is unique, you can rest easy knowing all the choices on the shelf are regulated. “I always describe the different formulas kind of like Coke and Pepsi: They're pretty much the same, but a little different,” says Dr. Feeley.

Dr. Abelowitz agrees. “We always tell parents that, same as different Tylenols and Motrins and brands, when you have dozens, or these days, maybe even hundreds of different types of options, there almost isn't one that's superior to the other,” he says.

In addition to all the ingredients the FDA requires in a baby formula, several formulas on the market also contain a few extra ingredients that may help your infant grow and develop, like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid).

You may also find that some formulas include prebiotics or probiotics, which are designed to support immune health. (A common example you’ll probably see on formula labels is 2'-FL HMO, aka 2′-fucosyllactose human milk oligosaccharides, which are found in breast milk.) While these generally don’t have much evidence to support their use, they’re also not thought to hurt, Dr. Feeley says. “This is part of formulas trying to mimic human milk as much as possible,” she explains.

How to choose the best baby formula

While your baby’s specific needs will vary, there are a few helpful guidelines to help you narrow down your search.

  • Ask your pediatrician. Your child's doctor can offer a recommendation for the right type of formula for your baby.
  • Consider your baby's dietary or allergy restrictions. Does your baby have any? If so, ask your doctor if your little one requires a special formula.
  • Pick a brand that’s regulated and reliable. In addition to speaking with your pediatrician, Dr. Abelowitz recommends picking a brand that’s FDA-approved (which, again, all U.S. formulas are!) and has been on the market for a while.
  • Know that you don’t have to stick to what the hospital gave you. If the hospital gave you a specific type of formula after welcoming your baby, know that you don’t have to stick to that one forever, says Dr. Feeley. “The way all the hospitals I've worked at are, they’re literally contracted (with a company for a certain amount of time), for like, six months out of the year, they give Similac and six months out of the year, they give Enfamil. So, one isn't necessarily better than the other because of that.”
  • Understand that a higher price does not equal higher quality. Again, all baby formulas sold in the U.S. are held to rigorous standards, so rest assured that you don’t have to worry about safety when you’re picking a formula brand from the shelf for your family.

Is there anything to keep in mind if you also breastfeed your baby?

If you breastfeed your baby but want to supplement with formula, there’s nothing in particular that you need to look for in a formula (unless your little one has special dietary or allergy restrictions or your pediatrician says otherwise, of course).

“I think all of the formula companies are really trying to mimic breast milk as much as possible,” explains Dr. Feeley. “So choose whichever one you want, whichever one your baby likes.”

What should you do if your go-to formula is sold out?

As supply chain issues continue to reverberate across the country, it can understandably feel worrisome to find your go-to formula missing from the shelves. If you find yourself in this situation, Dr. Abelowitz says parents should reach out to their pediatricians to see what the best, most compatible formula is to buy instead.

Generally speaking, one good rule of thumb is to stick to the same type of formula. “If they were on a cow's milk-based regular formula, nothing special about it, then try another brand's cow's milk-based, nothing-special-about-it formula,” explains Dr. Feeley. “If they were on a partially broken down formula (what we call partially hydrolyzed) like an Enfamil Gentlease and they're out of it, but they have the Similac Pro Total Comfort, which is also partially hydrolyzed, then go with that. If they're out of Nutramigen (which is the fully hydrolyzed Enfamil one) but they have Alimentum, which is Similac’s version of the fully hydrolyzed one, then switch to that.”

What should parents know about European baby formulas?

Scrolling through Instagram, you may see that some parents choose European formulas (like HiPP and Holle, for instance) and wonder if that’s a better alternative.

While “the basic structure and breakdowns [of U.S. and European formulas] are very, very similar,” says Dr. Abelowitz, formulas in Europe are regulated differently than they are in the U.S. Because the European equivalent of the FDA has different requirements for formula than the U.S does, European formulas are often marketed as having ‘higher standards’ than U.S. formulas, even though that’s not true, explains Dr. Feeley. While the regulations are different, one isn’t better than the other.

For instance, “they don't allow certain additives in their formulas that we allow in ours,” says Dr. Feeley. “It's not so much that those additives that are banned in Europe are bad,” it’s just that the FDA hasn’t found any evidence or reasoning to ban them.

There are also serious drawbacks to consider when buying imported baby formula, points out Dr. Abelowitz. “The biggest thing we're seeing at times [is] the confusion in dosages and how to prepare,” thanks to language translation issues or uncertainties with the way instructions are laid out. “There can be some dangerous situations of kids getting the wrong concentration, where that can be really dangerous,” he says.

Not to mention, buying imported formulas online means they aren’t FDA-regulated, may not be shipped or stored correctly (and hence, can lose some nutritional value) and are often more expensive without any proven benefits, notes the AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What’s more, if any foreign baby formulas were to get recalled, it may take longer for news to reach U.S. consumers.

Long story short? If you live in the U.S, it’s a good idea to stick to U.S. formulas.

How we chose the best baby formulas

To help take some of the guesswork out of your formula search, we completed hours of research to narrow down the best baby formulas. First, we studied several expert-recommended formula guidelines from health organizations like the AAP and CDC. We also spoke with three leading pediatricians for their guidance on all things baby formula: Dr. Abelowitz, Dr. Casares and Dr. Feeley. We made sure all of the baby formulas listed below match up with the criteria provided by experts.

Next, we combed through countless forums in the What to Expect community of millions of parents, taking note of which formulas worked best for different families and why. While lots of caregivers were simply looking for the best formula on the market, others had little ones with special conditions to consider, like sensitive tummies, colic or constipation. Finally, we asked parents on the What to Expect editorial team about which formulas they road-tested personally and used at home with their own little ones.

Here, the best baby formulas to consider for your little one.

Why Trust Us?

Best Baby Formula Overall

Similac Pro-Advance

Best Baby Formulas - Similac Pro Advance liquid
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$134 for 108 oz
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$29 for 23.2 oz
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$37 for 30.8 oz
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$29 for 20.6 oz
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Pros: Reliable favorite, no palm olein oil, available as powder or ready-to-feed
Cons: Can be hard to find in stores

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Similac formulas, which have been feeding babies for more than 90 years, check off all the nutritional boxes in terms of what your little one needs to thrive. The brand boasts a bevy of options, from those developed for sensitive stomachs to organic formulas and everything in between. Similac was even named Best Formula Brand in the 2021 What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards, a community-driven awards franchise that received more than 9,000 total votes.

Both What to Expect's Editorial Director, Christine Mattheis, and Director of Special Projects, Robin Hilmantel, can also vouch for Similac Pro-Advance in particular after using it with their little ones. “I started my formula journey with Similac Pro-Advance because two of my friends had used it with their babies and had positive things to say about it,” Mattheis says. “I began supplementing with it when my daughter was about 6 months old and I was no longer pumping enough milk to get her through her day at day care. She sucked down her bottles without fussing at all, and didn't seem to notice that it wasn't breast milk. She was a happy baby when she was exclusively breastfed, and she remained a happy baby with no digestive issues when we added formula to the routine.”

The brand’s Pro-Advance powder is a particular favorite among What to Expect community parents and editors. This non-GMO milk-based formula includes the necessary ingredients to boost brain and eye development and provide your baby the nutrition she needs. Pro-Advance is also available in a ready-to-feed format for families who prefer to take that route.

One thing to note: Some parents say they’re currently having trouble finding these Similac formulas in stores. If you can’t find any online or near you, ask your doctor about other brands that may be more readily available and a good swap for your little one.

Type: Milk-based formula

Community Reviews

“We use pro advance on recommendation from our pediatrician and no problems at all. LO seems to like it just fine and no gas or tummy problems. It also doesn't smell terrible like some other formulas. Seems much more like breast milk.”

- AndreaWehmeyer

“I've been using pro advance with my LO. Very happy with it. He doesn't throw up and poops regularly. I would recommend trying it out.”

- kayllaaaxo

“Love pro advance! We used it because that's what they gave us in the hospital and we have had no issues.” 

- danalz1221

Best Baby Formula Overall (Tie)

Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula

Best Baby Formula Brand - Enfamil
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$30 for 20.7 oz
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$30 for 20 oz
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$30 for 20.7 oz
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Pros: Available as powder or ready-to-feed, great customer service
Cons: Container and scoop design could be better

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Backed by many pediatricians and parents alike, it’s hard to find fault with Enfamil’s extensive family of baby formulas. Specifically, Enfamil NeuroPro is a go-to for many families. This formula provides brain-building nutrients like DHA, and, like many formulas, it also includes no genetically engineered ingredients.

The structure makes this milk-based formula generally easy for babies to digest (although the brand also has specific lines to address common feeding issues — more on that later!). We love that the container is dishwasher safe for continued use (you can buy formula refills so that you don’t have to buy a new tub every time!). This formula is also available as a powder or ready-to-feed formula.

To top it off, some What to Expect community moms were seriously impressed by Enfamil’s customer service, from general assistance to even receiving formula coupons.

Type: Milk-based formula

Community Reviews

“We just switched and it has helped so much! My baby was having horrible gas pains and wasn’t having regular bowel movements. So much better now!”

- LolaMae2018

“Enfamil NeuroPro has been great for my daughter so far. We’ve been using it since she was born. She seems to enjoy it and I’ve had no issues with gas, constipation, etc. I use the ready-to-feed but it also comes in powder.”

- nycgirl0520

“I used enfamil with my first and I loved it!” 

- melschop

Best Organic Baby Formula

Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula

Best Baby Formula Brands - Earth's Best Formula
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$26 for 21 oz
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$30 for 23 oz
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$28 for 21 oz
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$30 for 23 oz
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Pros: Smells better than others, helpful packaging, more affordable than lots of organic formulas
Cons: Only available as a powder

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If you prefer to buy an organic baby formula for your little one, consider Earth’s Best Organic Formula. Not only does it have all the essential nutrients your baby needs to develop and grow, but it’s also one of the most affordable organic formulas on the market.

This milk-based powder formula is produced from cows fed with certified organic grain and hay, which are grown without any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It includes all the key ingredients your baby needs, plus DHA and ARA for brain and eye development and lutein for eyes. To top it off, it’s the brand’s closest formula to breast milk.

Reviewers also appreciate the packaging, which includes an easy-pull seal under its lid. The brand also offers gentle and sensitive varieties of its formula if your pediatrician recommends it.

Type: Milk-based formula

Community Reviews

“I used Earths Best for my daughter and she did great with it.”

- momandrd

“We used Earth's Best Organic with our son and had no issues. Was a bit cheaper to get the subscription via Amazon.”

- ksval

“I used Earths Best with my first child and she did very well with it.  It also did not make her stool smell really foul like other formulas did and that was a huge plus for me.”

- tclemmons

Best Affordable Baby Formula

Kirkland Signature ProCare

Best Baby Formulas - Kirkland Signature ProCare
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$80 for 4-pack of 42 oz
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Pros: Much more affordable option, includes all the nutrients baby needs
Cons: Only available from Costco, some say it has a foamy texture

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Because all baby formulas in the U.S. must adhere to the same FDA rules and regulations, there’s no reason to buy an expensive formula if you don’t want or have to. Kirkland’s Signature ProCare formula from Costco is a widely loved generic option that parents in the What to Expect community consistently praise for its more affordable price tag.

It includes all the nutrients and extra ingredients that name-brand formulas do (like DHA for brain growth and lutein for baby’s eyes), but comes at a fraction of the price. It also contains no artificial growth hormones, and is certified kosher and certified halal.

More great options that come at a lower price point include Up&Up from Target and Member’s Mark from Sam’s Club, both of which several What to Expect community parents love.

Type: Milk-based formula

Community Reviews

“My first daughter didn't have a sensitive belly so she had the costco brand formula (which was a big savings).” 

- SaraBeth1989

“When I switched from breastfeeding to formula at 12 weeks we started Kirkland procare. My little one has always liked it and never had any problems with it. It is cheaper and a bigger can which is nice.” 

- Mayerscarolyn2

“She doesn’t even notice the difference!! My wallet sure does though!!!”

- babyfriso

Best Baby Formula Most Like Breast Milk

Enfamil Enspire

Enfamil Enspire baby formula
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$40 for 20.5 oz
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$40 for 20.5 oz
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$42 for 20.5 oz
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Pros: Includes lactoferrin, reusable tub
Cons: Only available as a powder, more expensive

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Enfamil's Enspire is the brand's closest formula to breast milk, thanks to the inclusion of proteins found in colostrum, like lactoferrin. (In fact, Enspire is the first and only infant formula in the U.S. to include lactoferrin as an ingredient, according to the brand.) Combined with nutrients like DHA and choline, plus all the other essential vitamins and minerals your baby needs to grow, it's a great pick to consider.

Lots of What to Expect community parents rely on this formula. Several report their little ones taking to it quickly and having positive experiences. "I use Enspire and baby loves it," one parent reported. "I pumped and supplemented with the formula. Went back and forth between this and BM [breast milk] for 6 months and never had any issues."

One downside with this line, though, is its higher cost than some other standard milk-based formulas. Some parents report it being a little harder to find in stores, too.

Type: Milk-based formula

Community Reviews

"We have been through 11 formulas and this was the absolute best for her gerd and overall tummy issues! Love it."

- Purplevintagelover

"I used Enspire with my first born for months 10-12 and he took to it right away. I loved it because it seemed so close to my breastmilk in color/consistency, no clumping and no weird smell that some other formulas have."

- WSPMom

"My little one loves it. I first gave it to her when I got a sample from them, and ever since she dislikes any other cheaper formula!"

- anon1593

Best Formula for Babies with Colic or Gas

Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease

Best Baby Formulas - Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
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$29 for 19.5 oz
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$46 for 27.4 oz
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$38 for 27.4 oz
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$35 for 19.5 oz
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Pros: Good for babies struggling with colic or gas, reusable tub
Cons: Some don’t love the foamy texture

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For babies that struggle with gas or colic, Dr. Feeley recommends looking for a partially hydrolyzed formula. While these formulas still include milk protein, the protein in a partially hydrolyzed formula is more broken down, which makes it a little easier for babies to digest.

Enfamil’s Gentlease formula is one such partially hydrolyzed formula that comes to mind for Dr. Abelowitz and Dr. Feeley, and is a favorite of countless What to Expect community parents. This milk-based formula, which comes in both powder and ready-to-feed formats, provides complete nutrition for your little one, plus brain-building DHA. The brand even states that Gentlease is designed to reduce fussiness, crying, gas and spit-up within 24 hours. (And for a similar alternative to Gentlease, check out Similac Pro-Total Comfort, which lots of parents also rave about.)

Something important to remember: Talk with your pediatrician to make sure your little one’s struggles with gas are more intense than normal, and that a partially hydrolyzed formula is necessary (as well as asking which specific type is best for your baby). “Almost all babies are gassy, and gassiness, if it's not very severe, is a normal physiological response of babies in maturing intestinal tract,” says Dr. Abelowitz. “That knee-jerk reaction right away when a baby has some gassiness and some discomfort and jumping from one formula to the other can sometimes be detrimental, but often can almost complicate the picture for both the parents and the pediatrician to figure out what's really going on.”

Type: Milk-based formula (partially hydrolyzed)

Community Reviews

“2 out of 3 of my babies had colic or gas issues with the regular formula, so I found that the Enfamil Gentlease worked best with my kids.”

- Momof3la

“We chose enfamil gentlease since he was gassy from the start, used powder from the getgo and we never had any issues at all.”

- booie135

“The only one my second daughter could drink was Enfamil Gentlease.”

- SaraBeth1989

Best Baby Formula for Constipation

Gerber Good Start SoothePro Formula Powder

Best Baby Formula Brands - Gerber
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$29 for 19.4 oz
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$29 for 19.4 oz
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$29 for 19.4 oz
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$29 for 19.4 oz
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Pros: Gentle on sensitive tummies, lots of positive reviews
Cons: Some say it wasn’t worth the price

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Finding a baby formula that agrees with your child can involve some trial and error. If your little one suffers from constipation, ask your doctor about Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro. Moms in the What to Expect community swear by Gerber’s Good Start line, particularly for constipation, and for good reason. The brand has developed a variety of blends to suit various conditions that can affect newborns, and Soothe Pro contains probiotics that may calm his digestive system. (Note, though, that the jury is still out on whether probiotics are beneficial long-term for your baby, so double-check with your doc before trying them, says the AAP.)

This non-GMO milk-based formula also includes DHA for brain and eye development and has no artificial growth hormones. It’s available in a powder format only.

Something to keep in mind: Your little one may not actually be constipated. “Babies that are formula-fed are gonna have less frequent bowel movements and often firmer bowel structure, or stool structure, as opposed to breastfeeding babies,” explains Dr. Abelowitz. Adds Dr. Feeley, “The first thing we actually will look at if the baby's really constipated is: Are the parents mixing this formula correctly? Because a lot of times they're not, and then that can be why the babies are getting constipated from it.”

Bottom line? Check in with your pediatrician to make sure your baby is truly constipated before switching formulas, and ask about which one is best for your baby specifically.

Type: Milk-based formula

Community Reviews

“Babe would go days without pooping and the gas was awful. … We now use gerber goodstart and have had really good luck. Babe is sleeping better and longer.”

- Angelavf723

“We had problems with constipation also. Switched to Gerber good start and it solved it!”

- torinorris

“We had terrible constipation on Similac with my dd and my pediatrician recommended Gerber. She said for some reason babies with constipation do better on it. Once we switched she never had any issues since!” 

- LMT_582

“i have used gerber goodstart gentle or soothe for 2 of my kids and had no problems.”

- bb12may

Best Baby Formula for Babies with a Milk Protein Allergy

Enfamil Nutramigen

Best Baby Formulas - Enfamil Nutramigen
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$9 for 13 oz
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Pros: Hypoallergenic for babies with milk protein allergies, some say it smells better than Alimentum
Cons: On the more expensive side

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“If [babies] have a milk protein allergy, then they would need to go on a hydrolyzed formula, which would be like a Nutramigen or Alimentum — which is still actually based from cow’s milk, but they break down the protein so they're not allergic to it,” explains Dr. Feeley. Both Enfamil’s Nutramigen and Similac’s Alimentum are great hydrolyzed formula options, and while several What to Expect community parents swear by Nutramigen, lots of others say Alimentum is the way to go.

Both are hypoallergenic formulas designed for babies with food allergies, and both include all the nutrients your baby needs, plus extras like DHA. Both also promise to relieve excessive crying fast. However, we listed Nutramigen as the featured product here after seeing some parents note that the smell of Nutramigen is a bit more pleasant than Alimentum. (“We have tried both and she didn't seem to prefer one over the other,” shared one What to Expect community parent, for instance. “However, I prefer the smell of the nutramigen over the alimentum. The latter smells like tire rubber and would make me gag.”)

As always, though, do what’s best for your baby and ask your pediatrician for help deciding which may be better for your family.

Type: Extensively hydrolyzed formula

Community Reviews

“For me I couldnt stand the smell of Alimentum so I switched my DS to Nutramigen and he did fine on both.”

- Mekjsk2000

“We actually MUCH preferred the Nutramigen to the Alimentum.”

- MammaMollz

“I use Nutramigen and have loved it! She was pooping about 4-6x daily for the first couple of weeks but now it’s more like 1-3x daily and it’s thicker. I haven’t had any issues with diaper rash, but have heard some people do. But it’s been great on my LOs tummy, and we have a much happier babe!”

- sschuster5

“my son was on nutramigen- it worked!” 

- mammabear182122

Best European Formula Alternative

Bobbie

Best Baby Formulas - Bobbie
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Bobbie
Bobbie
$24 for 400 g
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Pros: Female-founded and mom-led, easy-to-use website, subscriptions available
Cons: More expensive than other formulas

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For parents intrigued by European baby formulas, consider Bobbie, an organic baby formula that’s both FDA-approved and meets the most recent EU (European Union) standards when it comes to ingredients like DHA and iron.

This formula is USDA-certified organic, meaning the ingredients were created without GMOs, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Caregivers will also appreciate where Bobbie sources its key ingredients from — like pasture-raised dairy, whey and casein from small family farms in the U.S., for instance. It’s also the only female-founded and mom-led infant formula company in the U.S.

What to Expect's Senior Art Director, Alexandra Bisonó, is a huge fan of Bobbie for her little one. "We chose to feed our baby Bobbie since 6 months old, mainly because our family has high expectations around ingredients and we wanted a formula without any added sugars," she says. "Since the first bottle, we kept a close eye on any signs of constipation (which we’d heard typically comes with formula feeding) and we were surprised to see that our baby’s bowel movements stayed very consistent. We are so lucky Bobbie exists to provide parents with a thoughtful alternative to the current formula market, and their subscription service is key so that we never had an issue with running low."

We also appreciate how informational yet easy-to-use Bobbie’s website is. For starters, there’s a whole page dedicated to its ingredients and what each one does. There’s helpful guidance for how many cans you should buy based on baby’s age and whether or not you’re also breastfeeding — or you can snag a “starter bundle,” which gives you one can for free. To top it all off, you can text (or call or email) customer service for any help you need, which busy parents will appreciate.

One considerable downside, though, is its price: it’s more expensive than several other formulas on the market. 

Community Reviews

“My girl loves Bobbie! It’s a US formula but mimics European.”

- ep4

“We exclusively use Bobbie and we love it! Definitely recommend it”

- duggan721

“We just started supplementing with Bobbie and we love it!! Our baby was EBF and I was worried about her tummy but so far it has been great. It’s also pretty expensive though” 

- meowwwwwww