Categories: Parenting

Top 5 Brands of Infant Formula

Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula

Earth’s Best is the top dog in organic baby food right now. They have infant formula as well, although I must admit that it has been a bit hard for me to find for my own kiddo. They have both dairy and soy varieties. Both varieties come with vitamins DHA and ARA which are supposed to help with baby’s brain and eye development. The best thing for me is that it is certified organic meaning the formula has no steroids, growth hormones, pesticides, or other harmful chemical fertilizers. You pay more for organic, but I think that it is worth it.

Enfamil

Enfamil is a very popular brand of formula, and because of this you can find in anywhere. They have a huge line of formula products not only for infants, but for toddlers and mommies! For infants alone there are over 20 different variety of formulas. One of the great things about Enfamil is that they have different types of formulas for different problems a baby may have. A few interesting options include-

Enfamil Gentlease- For babies with fussiness and gas (I personally have used this and it works!)

Enfamil Nutramigen- Hypoallergenic for babies with colic

Enfamil ProSobee- A non dairy, soy based formula (I have also used this and my baby did not tolerate it well.)

Enfamil formulas contain “Lipil” which is a combination of nutrients commonly found in breastmilk.

Similac

Similac is much like Enfamil- there are many different types of Similac formula, and you can find it at practically any store. What I like most about Similac is that it has an organic option, while its biggest competitor, Enfamil does not. Similac recently unveiled a new component to their formulas “Similac Advance Early Shield” which is a mixture of different nutrients found in breast milk. A couple of type’s parent might be interested are-

Similac Organic- Formula that is USDA certified organic (it is quite a bit more expensive because it is organic).

Similac NeoSure- Formula for low birth weight and premature babies

Similac Sensitive R.S.- For babies who spit up too much

Nestle Good Start

Nestle Good Start seems to be growing quickly as a formula brand. It seems every time I am at Target or Wal-Mart the Good Start Section has gotten larger. Good Start has 7 different types of formulas, and also have types that are specific for certain feeding problems. Good Start formulas contain DHA and ARA for babies brain and eye development. Their formula also contains what they term “comfort proteins” which are made from 100% whey proteins, and are easier for baby bellies to digest.

Parent’s Choice

I have purposely included Wal-Mart’s store brand because it happened to be the brand that my baby tolerated best. Many parents are afraid to use “generic” brand formulas, and this need not be the case. All formulas in the United States must meet the same nutritional requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration. If you compare the nutritional information on a store brand and a name brand, you will usually that they are very similar. You should not be afraid to try a store brand formula, but dont take my word for it, talk to your pediatrician about it.

Parents Choice Organic Formula was the brand I used after test driving many different types of formula. Not only was it organic, but it was much cheaper than name brands. There would have been no way for our family to afford the name brand organic option, so we were very lucky that Wal-Mart decided to include organic formula in their selection.

Every baby is different, and regardless of the brand, they will tolerate some better than others. It is important to work with your pediatrician to find the right formula for your baby.