Best Baby Formulas of 2022

Ed note: If you’re overwhelmed by the current formula shortage, you’re not alone. For expert advice and answers to common questions about the shortage, read our article on What Parents Can Do About the Formula Shortage.

There are many benefits to breastfeeding, and it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as the optimal source of nutrition through 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.

What Types of Baby Formula Are There?

There are four main types of formula:

• 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 formula sold.
• Hydrolyzed formula contains protein that has been broken down (hydrolyzed) into smaller proteines, 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 or soy-based formulas or for babies with a protein allergy.
• Soy formula is made from soy and contains a protein (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, 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.

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.

The good news is that all baby formula is heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and has to meet the same basic nutritional requirements.

How to Choose a 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 brand. 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. 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 About European Baby Formula?

Recently the FDA has approved 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.

What Water Is Best for Baby Formula?

Although it can be confusing to know what type of water to use when mixing baby formula. Dr. Fradin advises that tap water is usually fine, but to always check with your pediatrician first about your town or city’s water.

“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. According to Dr. Fradin, though, 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 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).

And since all infant formula in the U.S. is overseen by FDA, you can be confident that any formula you find will be safe and contain the vitamins, minerals and proper ratio of carbohydrates and proteins to help your baby thrive.

Choosing What’s Right for You

While selecting a baby formula may feel like a super-weighty decision, the reality is that every formula has the key ingredients your child needs to thrive. Getting your pediatrician’s advice on what’s best for your baby and having your little one weigh in on the taste can help guide you towards making the right decision for your baby and your budget.