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By 6 months of age, three out of four U.S. infants rely on baby formula, either entirely or partially, for nourishment[1]Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Advisory Report to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Accessed 5/12/2021. . A baby’s first year of life is critical for development, which is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) largely regulates all formulas marketed in the U.S. This regulation mandates specific nutrients in certain amounts for successful infant growth and development.
However, because shopping for baby formula is enough to confuse any sleep-deprived parent, and prices and additional ingredients may vary across the board, we analyzed the cost and nutritional components of over 80 baby formulas to determine the best products.
Note: All product prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.
Although Up & Up brand baby formulas are only available at Target stores, they claim the top spots on our ranking for their affordability, inclusion of pre and probiotics, iron, DHA and lack of artificial growth hormones.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Similar to Up & Up’s Infant Formula With Iron, the Advantage formula offers added immune support with the addition of dual human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) ––2′-FL and LNnT. HMOs are an important component of human breast milk and work to support gut health and the immune system.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Up & Up’s Complete Comfort Infant Formula With Iron is made for babies who have painful gas that causes fussiness and crying. The formula’s proteins are designed to be easy to digest while still providing babies with the nourishment they need, according to the company.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Available in both powder and liquid form, Enfamil Infant Formula is among the top ranked on our list for its affordability and complete nutritional profile including iron, DHA and prebiotics.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Similar to its Complete Comfort formula, Up & Up Gentle Infant Formula With Iron is made for babies with sensitive stomachs. Some of this formula’s proteins are partially broken down to make it easier for babies to digest, according to the company.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Featuring 27 vitamins and minerals, iron, DHA and prebiotics, Member’s Mark Infant Formula With Iron gives parents who shop at Sam’s Club a solid option for an affordable formula.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Parent’s Choice Tender Infant Formula With Iron is a budget-friendly option available at Walmart stores and online. This formula is iron-fortified and contains DHA, lutein and vitamin E.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula is designed to support your baby’s immune system, according to the company. The formula contains DHA, lutein and vitamin E for brain and eye development.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Gerber Good Start GentlePro features DHA, prebiotics, probiotics and is iron-fortified. It’s also made to be easily digested with the inclusion of smaller proteins, according to the company.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's Website
Widely available, cost-effective and sold in both liquid and powder form, Enfamil NeuroPro earns points for convenience across the board. It also earns high marks for including brain-boosting DHA, iron and prebiotics.
On Bobbie's WebsiteHave you considered Bobbie Formula Two-Can Starter Bundle?
Packed with all the essential nutrients your body craves, this bundle is designed to make healthy living easier and more accessible than ever before. Here’s why we chose it:
Sourced from grass-fed Organic Valley cows
Increased Inositol to support infant neurodevelopment
Formulated with vitamin d, DHA, healthy fats, iron, and much more
On Bobbie's WebsiteTo determine our best baby formulas ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on 80 baby formula products, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating factors such as price per ounce, the nutritional profile of the formula and what formats the formula is available in.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines infant formula as:
“A food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk.”
Baby formula is the primary food option for infants in the first 12 months of life who aren’t nursing or otherwise consuming human milk.
A standard cow’s milk-based infant formula typically contains the following ingredients:
Powder baby formula is by far the most common type of formula. It’s the least expensive option, and it must be mixed with water before feeding.
Liquid baby formula is a ready-made, concentrated formula that needs to be mixed with an equal amount of water to dilute it before feeding. It’s often a more expensive formula option.
Ready-to-feed formula comes pre-mixed at ratios designed for immediate consumption. Manufacturers use sterile bottles to store ready-to-feed formula to account for your baby’s vulnerable immune system. It’s typically the most expensive formula option.
When a baby is nourished with infant formula rather than breast milk, there are a couple of ingredients and nutrients pediatricians recommend parents prioritize on the product label.
Cow’s milk protein: Unless otherwise medically indicated, it’s generally recommended that a baby consume a standard cow’s milk protein-based formula. Lactose is the natural form of sugar found in breast milk that has a positive effect on both gut health and calcium absorption. Simply look for “milk-based powder” or “milk-based formula” on the product packaging.
Iron: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Nutrition also strongly advocates for formulas fortified with 4 to 12 milligrams of iron per liter to reduce risk of iron-deficiency anemia, which can impact brain development[2]Domellöf M, Braegger C, Campoy C,et al; ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Iron requirements of infants and toddlers. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Jan;58(1):119-29. . The FDA requires that all formulas are fortified with 0.15 to 3 milligrams of iron per 100 calories of formula[3]What is infant formula, and how can scientists make it more like human milk?. Chemical & Engineering News. Accessed 3/6/2023. .
To more closely mimic the natural composition of breast milk, many baby formula manufacturers supplement their products with fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). However, there’s little clinical evidence to indicate these nutrients when supplemented in baby formula benefit the health outcomes of infants.
“There’s just not a lot of evidence,” says Helen Hughes, M.D., a pediatrician in Baltimore and assistant professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “It’s hard to conduct randomized control trials in babies to begin with, and these are generally healthy babies, so there’s not a lot of need from a research standpoint to study it. So with additives like DHA and ARA, which are now essentially in all formulas, there just isn’t a lot of evidence behind whether or not they’re needed.”
Many formulas also feature prebiotics commonly found in breast milk, such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), and probiotics with the goal of nurturing gut health and immune function. Early studies suggest probiotics can be helpful in healthy children experiencing acute viral gastroenteritis and other infections, and prebiotics can assist with softening stools, which may be beneficial for some infants. While the data is promising so far, more research is needed.
These additional nutrients certainly don’t hurt, experts and studies confirm. But these supplements do tend to raise the price of baby formula. Therefore, we considered them as part of the nutritional profile in our baby formula rankings but allotted them fewer points than highly recommended nutrients.
Since baby formula is a food product—and one that often serves as the single source of nutrition during an infant’s critical period of growth and development—it’s highly regulated by the FDA. Every baby formula product marketed in the U.S. must meet the FDA’s specific requirements regarding nutrition, labeling, manufacturing processes and quality control. Manufacturers must also notify the administration prior to marketing a new formula product.
This level of scrutiny ensures all U.S. baby formula products offer complete infant nutrition and are deemed generally safe for all babies, specific medical conditions notwithstanding. In other words, you can rest assured that every baby formula on supermarket shelves will give your infant the nutrients they need to thrive.
Our research indicates that baby formula can cost as little as $0.57 an ounce and as much as $3.73 an ounce.
On the less expensive end of the spectrum are the standard cow’s milk protein-based formula options, typically fortified with iron and supplemented with fatty acids like DHA. As manufacturers add marketing claims like “gentle” and “sensitive,” as well as supplemental nutrients, the price often increases.
The most expensive formulas tend to be options made for medical conditions like a severe milk allergy, using extensively hydrolyzed proteins that render the formula lactose-free without introducing soy—another common allergen—to the ingredient list.
Pediatricians typically recommend starting with a standard cow’s milk protein-based baby formula and seeing how your baby responds.
“Many of the standard formulas are similar, so most of all, I would not fret too much as a parent over what formula to start with,” says Dr. Hughes. “I wouldn’t hesitate to give the standard formulas to my baby.”
If your baby doesn’t seem to tolerate your initial formula choice well—experiencing symptoms like excessive spit-up, poor weight gain, fussiness, gassiness or even blood in their stool—it might be time to make a change.
Dr. Hughes recommends consulting with your pediatrician to determine the next best formula to try. “Keeping a feeding log can also be helpful because then you can review it with your pediatrician,” she says.
Successfully weaning your baby, either fully or partially, from breast milk to baby formula during their first 12 months of life is a multi-step process. Check out these nine steps to successful weaning to make this switch easier for you and your baby.
When your little one reaches 12 months of age, most pediatricians will suggest transitioning them from baby formula to full-fat dairy milk. Typically, a baby’s system is able to digest regular milk successfully at this stage. Babies 12 to 24 months old should receive 16 to 24 ounces of whole milk a day, according to the AAP and the American Academy of Family Physicians[4]Healthy Beverage Quick Reference Guide. American Academy of Pediatrics Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight. Accessed 3/6/2023. .
Opting for organic baby formula is mostly a matter of personal preference, experts suggest. All baby formula products sold in the U.S. are highly regulated by the FDA and must meet a strict list of nutritional standards to ensure they are providing infants with the building blocks they need to grow and develop successfully.
In addition to these nutrition guidelines, though, organic baby formula products must meet separate federal requirements to be labeled as organic. They must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients, and any ingredients making up the remaining 5% must comply with the NOP National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
There is currently no evidence to suggest children who consume organic formula are healthier than children who consume regular formula.
The baby formulas on our ranking are available at retailers such as Target and Walmart, most grocery stores and some drug stores. Most formulas are also available for purchase online, either through Amazon or the formula brand’s website.
Keeping your little one nourished with baby formula might seem like a simple task, but there are several details to consider for keeping your feeding routine as safe and successful as possible. Learn how to master the art of baby formula feeding—and how to do it safely.
The Perfect Formula Taste Test For Your Baby
Bobbie's organic infant formula bundle is the perfect option for babies that are switching to formula or trying out a new brand. You get 2 formula cans for $39, which allows you truly let your baby taste test, without breaking the bank.
On Bobbie's Website
| Product | company_logo | Forbes Health Ratings | forbes_advisor_rating_image | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up & Up Infant Formula With Iron | | 5.0 |  | View More | #up_up_infant_formula_with_iron_section | |
| Up & Up Advantage Infant Formula with Iron | | 5.0 | | View More | #up_up_advantage_infant_formula_with_iron_section | |
| Up & Up Complete Comfort Infant Formula With Iron | | 4.8 |  | View More | #up_up_complete_comfort_infant_formula_with_iron_section | |
| Enfamil Infant Formula | | 4.7 |  | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Enfamil-Infant-Formula-Milk-based-Powder/dp/B072QYVK8M?crid=238CNLYLAHOJW&keywords=Enfamil+Infant+Formula&qid=1696590115&sprefix=enfamil+infant+formula%2Caps%2C792&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=aaf7d349a4fe890e6bb1ec8b1be82de7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" |
| Up & Up Gentle Infant Formula With Iron | | 4.7 | | View More | #up_up_gentle_infant_formula_with_iron_section | |
| Member's Mark Infant Formula With Iron | | 4.7 | | View More | #members_mark_infant_formula_with_iron_section | |
| Parent's Choice Tender Infant Formula With Iron | | 4.7 | | View More | #parents_choice_tender_infant_formula_with_iron_section | |
| Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula | | 4.6 | | View More | #similac_360_total_care_infant_formula_section | |
| Gerber Good Start GentlePro Powder Infant Formula | | 4.6 | | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Good-Start-Non-GMO-Formula/dp/B07N8RZRR7?&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=934d656db3e87fc6c4f666d8555d7580&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
| Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula | | 4.6 | | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Enfamil-NeuroPro-Gentlease-Neuropro-Formula/dp/B08XN2TWD5/ref=sr_1_45?crid=2GSLCM8U7I6LS&keywords=enfamil+formula&qid=1678446541&sprefix=Enfamil+%252Caps%252C1109&sr=8-45&_encoding=UTF8&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c5d9364fd0b314caaa16b077f667f53a&camp=1789&creative=9325 |
All of the baby formulas on our ranking are appropriate for babies ages 0 to 12 months. It is best to speak with your baby’s pediatrician for suggestions on the formula most appropriate for your baby, while also considering cost and availability.
First, read the instructions on your chosen baby formula packaging correctly. Then, based on your baby’s needs, measure and pour the amount of water you want to use into a clean baby bottle.
Most U.S. households with a clean water supply can prepare formula safely using water directly from the tap. If there are concerns about possible water contamination, parents can elect to use sterilized water when making formula. Simply bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to sterilize it, and then allow it to cool significantly before use.
Add a scoop of baby formula powder as directed by the product instructions. Secure the cap on the bottle and shake it until the formula is blended and smooth. Immediately feed the prepared formula to your baby or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
The general rule of thumb is your baby should consume about 2.5 ounces (75 milliliters) of formula for every pound of body weight daily, according to the AAP. However, every baby’s formula needs are unique. How much formula your baby needs (and how often they want to be fed) depends on their age and where they are self-regulating their intake.
Alternatively, Natasha Burgert, M.D., a pediatrician based in Overland Park, Kansas, and member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board, generalizes feeding recommendations as 24 to 32 ounces per day with personalized direction from your baby’s pediatrician during well baby visits.
Storing baby formula properly is just as important as mixing it and serving it correctly because it’s how you can keep harmful bacteria away from your baby’s food supply. How long prepared baby formula lasts depends on whether it’s room temperature or refrigerated.
Several formulas in our ranking include ingredients like DHA, ARA and the HMOs found naturally in most human milk. Speak with your pediatrician about which baby formula they feel is closest to breast milk and best for your baby.
Feeding a combination of breast milk and formula is called combination feeding, or supplementing, and it is fine for most babies. Consult your pediatrician if you plan to change your baby’s feeding method and get their recommendations for the best formula to try.
The use of animal’s milk for infant feeding dates as far back as 2000 BC, and it remained the most common non-breast milk source of infant nutrition up until the end of the 19th century. In 1865, chemist Justus von Liebig developed, patented and marketed the first official liquid infant food (baby formula), subsequently creating a powdered form with a longer shelf life. His formula’s ingredient list included cow’s milk, wheat and malt flour and potassium bicarbonate.
It’s often a matter of preference—some babies prefer warm formula while others prefer room temperature or even cold formula. If you’re giving your baby warm formula, though, aim for lukewarm—not hot—and test the temperature by placing a few drops of formula on the back of your hand before feeding. Do not microwave formula, as it might heat the formula unevenly.
Signs and symptoms your baby may be allergic to their current formula—which is typically due to a milk allergy—can include eczema or skin rashes, loose stools (which may contain blood), vomiting or gagging, refusing bottles, fussiness, wheezing, swelling and hives. If your baby experiences any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician.
You can use any type of clean water to prepare baby formula, be it bottled or from the tap in your home. However, if your home uses well water, be sure to boil it for at least one minute and then cool it to body temperature before use.
A baby formula shortage began in early 2022, and is still ongoing, due to COVID-19-related supply chain issues, the closure of a formula production facility in Sturgis, Michigan and a formula recall by Abbott Nutrition. Here’s how you can navigate the shortage.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.
Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
