Best Baby Formula

By now, we’ve all heard the mounting scientific evidence of the huge benefits that breast milk has for babies and their development, but let’s be honest for a minute: sometimes breastfeeding is not the best, or even a possible, option. There are times when breastfeeding isn’t the safest, happiest, or healthiest option for moms, their babies, or their families. That’s when it’s important for parents to do their best research to find a substitute that will best fit the needs of their little ones and provide flexibility when it comes to feeding time.

There are times when breastfeeding isn’t the safest, happiest, or healthiest option for moms, their babies, or their families.

While there is a ton of research being done with formula today and breakthroughs are being made, obviously no baby formula will ever be exactly like breast milk. Although formula companies try to mimic human milk to the best of their abilities, many end up adding in harmful ingredients and additives to make their formulas more appealing to both parents and babies. Here, we’ll break down just the top USA-made formulas for you…From the good to the best!

BEST OVERALL | Similac Pro-Advance Baby Formula

Similac Pro-Advance Baby Formula

Similac Pro-Advance Baby Formula is one of the current frontrunners when it comes to the competition of mimicking human breast milk. The inclusion of 2’ FL Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) that are found in huge amounts in breast milk puts Similac near the top. HMOs are very hard to replicate but are extremely beneficial in developing a healthy gut microbiome and immune system in babies. Babies that were fed the 2’ FL HMO were shown to have immune responses similar to breastfed babies! Some other big winners about this formula are the fact that it uses lactose as a sweetener, has probiotics for good digestion, and has protein and vitamin ratios comparable to human milk. Similac Pro-Advance is one of the closest formulas to breast milk that we’ve reviewed, and the quality ingredients will ensure your baby has a healthy and happy start to life. Similac Pro-Advance MSRP is $1.29 per ounce (or $29.99 for a 23 ounce tub), but check the current Similac Pro-Advance Baby Formula – Amazon price. In the end, if you’re looking for the formula that’s most like breast milk, Similac Pro-Advance is as close as they come.

Read the full review for Similac Pro-Advance Baby Formula.

HIGHEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS | Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula

Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula

There are a few things that make Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula more similar to breast milk than other formulas on the market. Ingredients that are put into Earth’s Best are organic, as well as made to closely mimic the composition of breast milk. The use of lactose as a sweetener instead of other artificial sweeteners is a HUGE plus, as this is the primary sugar found in lactose and is the most natural and easy for babies to digest. Also, breast milk is found to have very large quantities of prebiotics (with small amounts of probiotics) that help develop and promote a healthy digestive and immune system for babies. The fact that Earth’s Best contains prebiotics is a very good thing, as many formulas don’t. In the end, Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula is a great option for parents looking for quality ingredients that closely mimic breast milk. The MSRP for Earth’s Best is $1.29 per ounce (or $29.99 for a 23 ounce can), click here to find the current Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula – Amazon price. In the end, the Earth’s Best pays for itself with its safe and high-quality ingredients that closely mimic breast milk composition.

Read the full review for Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE TUMMIES | Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula

Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is a great option for babies that may have gas, fussiness, colic, or milk protein sensitivities. This formula has hydrolyzed proteins, or proteins broken down into smaller pieces, for easier digestion and tolerability. Also, the inclusion of probiotics is a great plus that will help baby to develop a healthier gut and immune system. It’s designed to provide comfort for sensitive tummies while also providing complete and balanced nutrition. MSRP for Gerber Soothe is $1.30 per ounce (or $28.99 per 22.2 ounce tub)  but check out the Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula – Amazon price right now. In the end, Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula is best for babies who can’t tolerate milk protein as well and is a great option for those fussy and colicky babies. It’s designed to provide comfort for sensitive tummies while also providing complete and balanced nutrition.

Read the full review for Gerber Good Start Soothe Baby Formula.

BEST ORGANIC | Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula

Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula

Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula has some of the best organicly sourced ingredients on the U.S. formula market. They stay true to the strict standards of organic regulations and don’t take any shortcuts to save money or time for their customers. Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula is a great option for any family to try with their little ones. This formula is gluten and corn free. It also doesn’t use hexane to extract DHA and ARA, but acquires these nutrients from eggs yolks naturally. No formula will ever be perfect, but Nature’s Only strives to produce formulas that meet their own high standards and the high standards of families with precious little babies to raise.The MSRP is $1.33 per once (or $16.99 per 12.7 ounce can) but check the Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula.

BEST PRICE | Enfamil Infant Formula

Enfamil Infant Formula

Enfamil Infant Formula is a solid formula that has ingredients very similar to breast milk. The use of lactose as a sweetener is a huge plus, something that should be the focus of every standard formula on the market. Another great aspect of this formula is the healthy whey to casein ratio. The right ratio of protein is very important for a healthy digestive system in babies. Prebiotics are also included and are found in huge amounts in breast milk. Prebiotics aid with a healthy digestive tract, which makes up almost 70% of our immune system. With an MSRP of $1.26 per ounce (or $27.99 per 22.2 ounce tub), check the Enfamil Infant Formula – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for Enfamil Infant Formula.

BOTTOM LINE

No formula will be exactly like breast milk, but there are some that are getting closer and closer each day, and that should be the ultimate goal when choosing a good formula. In the end, the most important thing is that we feed our babies with the best options we have available. Hopefully with these reviews, you find yourself one step closer to finding a formula that best suits your baby’s unique needs.