Best Baby Formulas to Keep Your Newborn Happy

Enfamil’s Newborn formula was created especially for babies from 0-3 months. This milk-based formula is made up of easily digestible proteins and fortified with DHA, which is essential for brain development. It also provides your baby with 400 international units  of vitamin D per 27 ounces (the daily dosage recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics), which aids in the development of bone strength. This newborn formula also contains a prebiotic blend to support a healthy immune system. For convenience, this formula is offered in powder cans or ready-to-use nursette bottles, which online reviewers say are exceptionally convenient.

The Gerber Good Start formula was a previous pick on our best infant and best newborn formula lists, and this newest formula scores extra points because it is formulated to be extra gentle on a baby’s digestive system. This formula is a good option for babies prone to allergies and studies have shown that Gerber Good Start Gentle may reduce eczema.

Gerber Good Start Gentle contains added nutrients similar to those found in breast milk, including Vitamins A, C, and E, which all help support a strong immune system. The prebiotic blend makes this formula easy to digest and mild on baby’s tummy. Gerber’s Good Start Gentle also contains comfort proteins that are partially hydrolyzed which may be easier for young babies to digest, making it an ideal choice for gassy babies or little ones with acid reflux.

At less than $25 for a 40 ounce container, this formula (sold exclusively at Target and Target.com) is one of the most affordable options on the market. However, the quality of ingredients found in this formula are similar to those in top name brands. Up & Up Infant Formula contains DHA and ARA, which help to support optimum growth and development. Online reviewers say they notice little difference in their babies when switching from a more expensive brand. They also say this formula mixes easily and has a taste that newborns seem to love.

Designed for babies from birth until 12 months, Similac Advance is a milk-based formula which contains lutein, a nutrient present in breast milk which promotes eye health. It’s also fortified with DHA for brain development, as well as nucleotides and prebiotics to support a healthy immune and digestive system. Similac Advance can be purchased in powder form as well as ready-to-feed bottles. It is also available in the Similac SimplePac which is designed to make scooping and measuring more convenient for parents.

Enfamil EnfaCare is the only formula on this list designed specifically for premature babies. This milk-based formula is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals for growth and development. It also contains DHA and RHA (present in breast milk) for healthy brain and eye development. Studies show premature infants who were fed Enfamil EnfaCare maintained a catch-up growth rate comparable to babies who were breastfed. Online reviewers attest to the benefits of this formula, making it a top choice among parents of pre-mature infants.

Designed for babies from birth until 12 months, Similac Advance is a milk-based formula which contains lutein, a nutrient present in breast milk which promotes eye health. It’s also fortified with DHA for brain development, as well as nucleotides and prebiotics to support a healthy immune and digestive system. Similac Advance can be purchased in powder form as well as ready-to-feed bottles. It is also available in the Similac SimplePac which is designed to make scooping and measuring more convenient for parents.

The Gerber Good Start formula was a previous pick on our best infant and best newborn formula lists, and this newest formula scores extra points because it is formulated to be extra gentle on a baby’s digestive system. This formula is a good option for babies prone to allergies and studies have shown that Gerber Good Start Gentle may reduce eczema.

Gerber Good Start Gentle contains added nutrients similar to those found in breast milk, including Vitamins A, C, and E, which all help support a strong immune system. The prebiotic blend makes this formula easy to digest and mild on baby’s tummy. Gerber’s Good Start Gentle also contains comfort proteins that are partially hydrolyzed which may be easier for young babies to digest, making it an ideal choice for gassy babies or little ones with acid reflux.

Just as its name suggests, Similac For Spit-Up is a milk-based formula containing rice starch to help reduce the frequency of spit-up in babies by up to 54 percent. Fortified for growth and development, too, this infant formula is formulated with DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development. This formula also contains nutrients found in breast milk, like lutein for healthy eye support. Online reviewers give this product rave reviews, saying that in addition to decreasing spit-up, Similac For Spit-Up also helps with fussiness and gas.

Earth’s Best Infant Formula is USDA Organic, meaning it’s free of growth hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. This formula is patterned after breast milk with a blend of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals while also fortified with DHA for brain development. Online reviewers report that this formula is easy for their babies to digest and also love the fact this affordable formula is readily available at grocery stores.

This Enfamil ProSobee formula gets starred reviews from online reviewers and also because it’s a soy-based formula, making it an ideal choice for babies who are sensitive or allergic to milk. This formula doesn’t contain lactose-based ingredients, making it extra gentle on young digestive systems; online reviewers have noticed a decrease in their babies spitting up, gas and fussiness. They also say Enfamil ProSobee has a sweeter taste that most infants just love. The Neuro Complete formulation is designed to foster cognitive development as well as motor skills and since this formula is soy-based, it’s a great alternative for parents who want a plant-based diet for baby.