Which Formula is Best for My Baby?

By Alison Heyerdahl

Many of us moms have heard the well-intended message spread by groups such as the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, that breastfeeding is best for our babies. The decision to formula feed therefore often brings up terrible feelings of guilt and places a huge burden on the shoulders of new moms trying to do the best thing for their babies.  

Vanessa Jupe (the founder of Leva) found herself at this very crossroads early on in her parenting journey.  After weeks of struggling with agonizing pain during her breastfeeding sessions, and having her baby lose more and more weight, she had to decide what was best.  She tried everything, from nipple shields to pumping, to different positions for her baby, but nothing seemed to work.  She often spent hours researching why she was experiencing such pain with breastfeeding, and how to maintain her milk supply with no success.  Eventually, her midwife told her that her only option was to formula feed.  Vanessa felt completely defeated, but she realized that it was the only way to ensure that her baby got the nutrition he so desperately needed. Vanessa again went into research mode, looking for the best formula options, and eventually settled on a formula called “Holle.”  Her little one is now four years old, and I must add, he is a bright, happy, well-balanced boy.

Sometimes, as much as we want to parent “by the book” as it were, life has other plans for us.  Breastfeeding may be causing so much discomfort and stress, that in many ways, formula feeding is a better alternative. Some of us experience severe pain, cracked nipples, mastitis, or simply have to return to work and cannot find an extra thirty hours in our week to exclusively breastfeed/pump. Some moms also choose formula feeding, because it allows other people to step in and take over when they are feeling completely overwhelmed with the job of full-time caregiver.  

Few aspects of parenting, with the exceptions of potentially hazardous situations like whether or not to use a car seat, are black-and-white.  The same goes for formula-feeding.  In fact, with advances in the composition of formula, its health benefits have become increasingly similar to those of breast milk. 

Be aware that no infant formula is appropriate for all babies.  Additionally, when choosing an infant formula, always ensure that:

• It is not past its expiration date.

• It is not labeled for toddlers (an infant’s nutritional needs are very different from those of a toddler).

• The container is in good condition.  It should be well-sealed, the container should not be bulging, and it should not have any rust spots.

This article intends to look at a variety of different formulas available in the United States and abroad, and detail the pros and cons of each.  

Bobbie

Established in 2018, Bobbie is relatively new on the market. Co-created by two moms who had to turn to formula early on in their parenting journeys, the founders promised that they would only develop a product that they would be happy to feed their own babies.  As a result, Bobbie is the first organic, European-style recipe in the US with DHA levels that meet the standards of the EU (the US currently has no DHA standards).  While some parents may be concerned that because Bobbie is so new on the market, it has not been extensively tried and tested, it has undergone over 2,000 quality checks.  

Bobbie is designed for babies between the ages of 0 - 12 months as a sole source of feeding, or as a supplement to breastfeeding. 

Pros of Bobbie infant formula:

• FDA-approved and meets the strictest EU and US standards.

• Unlike other formulas, Bobbie contains no palm oil, no corn syrup, no maltodextrins, no GMOs, and no artificial colorants. 

• Iron-fortified 

• High levels of DHA

• Produced with a Whey to Casein ratio of 60:40, which is roughly the same as breast milk.

• Does not contain gluten.

Cons of Bobbie infant formula:

• Bobbie does not have added pro/prebiotics, which means that parents will have to supplement. Prebiotics and probiotics are often added to replicate the immunity-boosting properties of breast milk. Prebiotics such as galactooligosaccharides are very similar to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), while probiotics like Lactobacillus are commonly found in breast milk, along with other types of lactic acid bacteria.

• Contains soy oil, which is not as bad as soy proteins, but which do apparently block the absorption of Zinc.  Zinc is necessary for optimal neurodevelopment.   

• Does not have a range of formulas for different stages of development.

• At 24 USD per 14 oz can, Bobbie is more expensive than some of the other formula products on the market.  However, this cost may be justified considering the quality of the ingredients.

Overall, Bobbie is an excellent organic formula produced by moms for moms.  It contains higher levels of DHA than are typically found in other formulas and contains no added sugar (including corn syrup or maltodextrins).  It also contains no GMOs and is nutritionally similar to breastmilk.  On the whole, Bobbie is a good option for parents who don’t mind paying slightly more for such high-quality ingredients.  

Holle

Founded in 1933 in Switzerland, Holle has an excellent reputation for developing the highest quality organic products for over 80 years.   Holle is supplied by Demeter, a brand that curates only the best organic ingredients from biodynamic farmers.   Biodynamic farming is similar to organic farming but also includes numerous ethical and holistic methods.  For example, biodynamic farmers use moon cycles to guide the planting calendar.  While it may seem that the end products are similar to those of its organic counterparts, biodynamic farming has significant benefits for the environment. 

Additionally, Europe has a much stricter system of organic controls than those found anywhere in the world.  Holle is manufactured in Germany, the largest organic food market in Europe. 

Pros of Holle Formula

• Ingredients come from biodynamic farming practices.

• Contains high levels of DHA

• Does not contain corn syrups or sucrose.

• Does not contain gluten or soy products.

• Iron-fortified.

• FDA and USDA approved.

• Does not cause gas, indigestion, or constipation. 

• Holle has a range of formulas for different stages.

Cons of Holle Formula

• Holle uses maltodextrin as a carb (Stage 1+).

• Palm oil is used as a fat source.

• Stage 2 and stage 3 infant formulas are slightly low on iron.

• Does not contain pre/probiotics, which means that parents will have to supplement.   

• Produced outside of the USA, which means it has to be imported.

• At 22.99 USD per 14 ounces, Holle is more expensive than the locally-produced formulas.

Overall, Holle has gained a reputation for being one of the best organic formulas on the market.  It also has a range of formulas for different stages.  It contains high-quality organic ingredients produced by the most sustainable methods, with no artificial additions.  However, it does contain palm oil, which is not unhealthy for babies but is often harvested unsustainably, causing harm to the environment.  It also contains maltodextrins, which are sugars.  Lastly, because Holle is manufactured in Germany, it has to be imported.  

Similac

Developed first in 1951, Similac is a well-known brand that has undergone numerous advancements since its inception.  Similac was the first iron-fortified formula that met the recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatrics for vitamin and mineral levels in 1967.  One of the most notable features of Similac is the sheer variety of formulas available.  It has formulations for every stage of infant development, but also caters to babies who spit up (Similac for Spit Up), those who have sensitivities (Similac Pro-Total Comfort), and for supplementation (Similac for Supplementation), among others. 

Pros of Similac

• Iron-fortified

• FDA approved

• High DHA levels (an omega-3 fatty acid—lutein and vitamin E to better support infant neurodevelopment)

• Produced with a Whey to Casein ratio of 60:40, which is roughly the same as breast milk.

• Does not contain palm oil

• Has numerous formulations for different stages of development and feeding issues.

• Contains Pre and probiotics

• Contains no genetically modified ingredients

• Similac Organic has recently reformulated its infant formula, which now has no sugar or syrup solids as the primary carbohydrate. They use organic nonfat milk and organic lactose only.

• Costs 28 USD for a 23.2-ounce container, the most cost-effective formula outlined in this article.  

Cons of Similac

• Similac’s ingredients are not completely organic, except in the Similac Organic.

• Contains synthetic nutrients, including lutein, which is processed with small amounts of possibly unhealthy solvents. 

• Similac contains soy oil.

• Contains corn syrup and other sugars

• Some users report that Similac Total Comfort has a bad smell

• There is a substantial amount of bubbles and foam that form once you mix it.

Overall, Similac is a popular and reasonably priced infant formula (though there are more cost-effective alternatives out there) that is locally produced.  One of the biggest advantages of this formula is that it is available for all stages of development, and has a variety of formulations for babies with different digestive issues or sensitivities.  It contains no genetically-modified ingredients and it is enriched with pre and probiotics, which means that parents don’t have to supplement. 

Enfamil

Introduced in 1959, Enfamil was Mead Johnson's first routine formula designed after the nutritional composition of breast milk.  Enfamil prides itself on the fact that it supports infant neurodevelopment with the high levels of DHA found in its ingredients.  It contains MFGM, or Milk Fat Globule Membrane, a DHA fat protein that is only found in breast milk. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps support eye and brain development. A baby’s brain grows 175% in the first year of life, so providing the correct nutrition during this window is important.  Enfamil also has a range of formulas for babies with digestive sensitivities.  In fact, it guarantees that babies will experience less fussiness and discomfort within 24 hours of starting the formula. 

Pros of Enfamil

• FDA-approved         

• Contains high levels of DHA – these are prominent in the NeuroPro formulas.

• Has a range of formula options for fussy babies or those with digestive issues (though not as many as Similac)

• The NeuroPro line is frequently recommended for preterm infants (sometimes referred to as premature infants), due to the unique nutrient combination. 

• Has high levels of pre and probiotics, including galactooligosaccharides which are found in breast milk.

• Iron-fortified   

• Enfamil costs around 37.90 USD for a 28 oz. can of formula, which is slightly more expensive than Similac, but more cost-effective than the organic formulas. 

Cons of Enfamil

• Enfamil has the most products containing GMOs. These include Enfamil with Iron, Enfamil with Low Iron, Enfamil Lacto Free, Enfamil 22, Enfamil Next Step (both soy and milk varieties), Enfamil Nutramigen, and Enfamil Pro-Soybee.  Although Enfamil NeuroPro does not contain GMOs.

• Most of the Enfamil products contain corn syrup, one of the more problematic syrup options as it is hard for babies to process.  However, it must be noted that the levels of sugars found in Enfamil are lower than those of Similac. 

• Contains palm oil

• Contains soy proteins

• Contains Carrageenan – an ingredient known to cause inflammation of the intestines – however, it’s not incorporated in all Enfamil formulas. 

Another point, which is both positive and concerning is that Enfamil has a soy formula for babies that can’t digest the proteins in cow’s milk – although as mentioned previously, soy proteins contain high levels of estrogens, which can be harmful for your baby.  For example, it can lead to early menstruation in girls, and delayed reproductive development in boys.

Overall, Enfamil is an excellent formula for babies struggling with digestive sensitivity and gas.  It is also one of the few formulas that has MFGM, or Milk Fat Globule Membranes that are found in breastmilk, which is full of DHA.  As mentioned previously, DHA supports an infant’s neurodevelopment, which is vital in the first year of life.  It should be noted that many of Enfamil’s formulas contain GMOs and soy proteins which can be harmful to a baby’s health. 

Gerber

The Gerber Products Company is an American-based producer of baby foods and baby products and is also a subsidiary of Nestle.  Its baby formulas contain no GMOs and have many variants for baby’s changing needs, including stage-appropriate formulas and those for babies with digestive sensitivities or fussiness.   It also has a liquid concentrate which only requires mixing with an equal quantity of water, which is convenient.

Pros of Gerber

• FDA approved

• Ingredients contain no GMOs

• Mixes quickly and easily

• Iron-fortified

• Gerber Good Start Gentle formula contains Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) – a probiotic found in breast milk that helps maintain a healthy digestive system and build strong immunity.

• Contains DHA, important for neurodevelopment.

• The formula is made to be more easily digestible for babies.

• Starting at 28.94 USD for a 20 oz. can, Gerber is much more cost-effective than the organic formulas and does not contain any GMOs.

Cons of Gerber Formula

• Parents may find that while it’s made to reduce gas, it may actually contribute to constipation in babies instead.

• It contains corn syrup and maltodextrin

• Most of the formulas in the range contain palm oil, which as mentioned previously is often harvested unsustainably, causing damage to the environment.  

• Contains soy oils, but, as mentioned previously, these are not as harmful as the soy proteins found in other formulas. 

• The formulas have 100% whey instead of the whey/casein mix found in the other formulas.  This makes it harder to digest.  

• Sometimes has a fishy smell (likely due to the omegas in the formula)

Overall, Gerber is a good choice for parents who have babies with digestive sensitivities or fussiness.  It contains high levels of probiotics which help to build a baby’s immunity and maintain healthy digestion.  All its ingredients are non-GMO, and many parents report how easy it is to mix.  One drawback is that it contains higher levels of maltodextrins and corn syrup than its counterparts, and it contains high levels of palm oil. 

Overview

This article has provided a broad overview of some of the most popular formula brands on the market.  When choosing a formula, parents should be aware of choosing a formula that babies can tolerate.

While most pediatricians start babies on standard milk-based formulas, some may recommend a switch to gentle varieties if the following symptoms are reported:

• Colic and fussiness

• Excessive crying after feeding

• Gassiness

• Vomiting

• Spitting up

• Poor weight gain

• Hypersensitivity to lactose

• Constipation and other digestive issues. 

Gentle formulas also better mimic breast milk in terms of protein size.  Most formulas are made from cow’s milk which have larger milk proteins than those found in breast milk, while the gentle varieties have partially hydrolyzed proteins, which are easier for tiny stomachs to digest.  However, parents should be aware that because they contain whey and casein, even gentle formulas are not appropriate for babies with true milk allergies