The Best Infant Formula Brands

Regulated by the FDA, infant formulas are guaranteed to have the nutrients your baby needs to grow up healthy, but not all brands are created according to the same recipe or purpose. Some are designed to relieve gas or fussiness or to more closely resemble breast milk. Some formulas have managed to stand out as being more popular than others, yet often the truest indicator of the best formula is how well your own baby tolerates a certain brand over another.

  1. Enfamil

    • Enfamil has multiple types of formula on the shelves, including those purported to reduce fussiness and gas, and is a popular recommendation by pediatricians.The company has products designed to go through stages with your baby, starting at newborn and going through the toddler years. They are the makers of Nutrimigen, formula designed for colicky babies with cow's milk allergies. It is often given to preemies (premature infants).

    Similac

    • Similac is made from whey proteins and Casein and claims to be very similar to breast milk. They offer an organic option, which is made of ingredients that are antibiotic and hormone-free. Similac does contain DHA/ARA -- two fatty acids that experts say aid a baby in brain and eye development and are found naturally in breast milk. Similac also offers supplemental options for older babies, toddlers and children.

    Gerber Good Start

    • Gerber (or Nestle) offers a full range of baby formulas, and contains an additive BIFIDUS BL, which is said to aid in a baby's immune system. Gerber is made from 100 percent whey proteins. This makes it easy to digest. Gerber also offers a variety of blends to aid with gassiness, acid reflux, and fussiness. The company has specially designed supplements for older babies and children as well.

    Store Brands

    • Because all formulas are regulated under the same guidelines, store brands are becoming a very popular option. They are much less expensive than the name brands, come in larger containers, and contain very similar compositions. The labels will have a list of ingredients and nutrients, so comparing the store brand labels with the labels on the name brands will indicate which formula the store brand is most similar to. A baby that does well on a particular name brand may do just as well on the less expensive store brand.

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