Help! I need a formula recommendation – NOW!
If you’ve found this page, then chances are – you are the parent of newborn.
You probably intended to exclusively breastfeed but something has changed, and your family has decided to feed baby formula to your new angel. Of course you are determined to find the absolute best brand. It is also likely 3AM, and you probably haven’t slept much (or showered) in the past few weeks and feel like a strange blend of mother hen meets zombie. I get it! I understand! …. and I can help …
This site is dedicated to taking the mystery out of baby formula and helping parents like you feel confident that they’re making the right choice for their baby. At the bottom of this page, there’s links to a lot of must-know information about choosing and switching baby formulas, along with lots of other info about baby health that will make you queen of the playground gang for sure! PLEASE promise me you’ll read it when you have time.
If you are desperate – here are recommendations if you are just starting formula for the first time – remember to be sure your doc is cool with it first.
For healthy term infants with no major health complications
– who are younger than 5 months –
I recommend starting with either:
In a nutshell – here’s why:
Both are a partially hydrolyzed formulas that contain mostly lactose, ranging from 70% (GentlePro) to 50% (Reguline). The protein in Gerber is whey-based, and Reguline is a blend of mostly whey and some casein. Gerber has a fancy PREbiotic found in breast milk, as well as a Probiotic. Reguline has a PREbiotic only.
Here’s a link to the full breakdown of ingredients, and more details about each so you know why I like these formulas as a starter for tiny tummies.
For healthy term infants with no major health complications
– who are older than 5 months and have already had dairy food –
I recommend starting with either:
- Earth’s Best Dairy Organic Formula (red can)
- Happy Baby
- Similac Pure Bliss
- Enfamil Infant (any type)
There is no wrong choice here! Any choice is a fine place to start with a healthy baby. I like all these because each have additional whey (awesome) and have 100% lactose for the carbohydrate (a great place to start). None have corn-base sugars.
There are a few minor differences between the four, but they are all great choices. For a full breakdown of the ingredients, visit here.
I hope that helps solve your immediate problem… take a deep breath … you are doing a great job!
After you are back from the grocery store, read my series all about infant formulas. This will make you an EXPERT on formula ingredients. If you have to switch formulas, you’ll be able to do so like a pro!
Check out our awesome free resources here, including the Formula Ingredients Cheat Sheet, and Baby Formula Shopping Guide.
Check out the answers to the most common Baby Formula FAQs, including “Does my formula need to be organic?” and “Is name brand formula better than store-brand?”
Still feeling overwhelmed? Wish I could walk with you and give you a step-by-step solution to finding the right baby formula? You’re in luck because I absolutely can! I offer an online course if you need extra help. I can say with confidence that most formula questions can be answered by taking this course. Click here to get more information on the course and to watch a short video.
I am excited to take this journey with your family.