Your guide to finding the best type of formula for breastfed babies
We know that when you are breastfeeding your baby and you start introducing formulas, you want the best one out there for your little one. Especially if you are replacing breast milk with formula completely. This is why we decided to give you a guide to do just that. A collection that includes the best type of formula for breastfed babies that suit each situation. As many parents wish to find the best type of formula for breastfed babies, we put it all in here. A mix of the most types of formulas parents ask about. So that you can give your baby all the nutrients they need.
The best type of formula for breastfed babies
When you are choosing the best type of formula for breastfed babies, there are some aspects you need to consider. That can include what type of formula you want to use.
While most formulas contain the same components of minerals, vitamins, and fats, the base is different. The milk source in each type can be different. So we can divide them into those categories:
- Milk-based formula: these are the regular type of formulas. They are based on cow’s milk that is altered to suit babies. And they work for around 80% of the babies.
- Hydrolyzed formulas: also known as predigested formulas. They are protein hydrolysate-based as they contain broken-down amino acids. Hence the predigested name. They can be the best type of formula for breastfed babies if they have a sensitive stomach.
- Soy baby formula: this formula is based on soybeans and fortified with vitamins and minerals. They are the best type of formula for breastfed babies if they are galactose sensitive.
- Organic formulas: they are usually special milk-based formulas. As they are made without any pesticides, antibiotics, herbicides, or growth hormones.
What you might want to do also is check if your baby has a certain allergy. That would help with choosing the best type of formula for breastfed babies, especially if they are sensitive.
You can also ask your pediatrician for advice about the best type of formula for breastfed babies. An important feature in the best type of formula for breastfed babies is that they are iron-fortified. The Academic Academy of Pediatrics (APP) recommends that babies who aren’t completely breastfed from birth to age 1 are given an iron-fortified formula to prevent anemia.
Now we are going to go through a list of the best type of formula for breastfed babies for different cases.
The best formula milk for baby 0-6 months
When choosing the best type of formula for breastfed babies we are going to be a little specific. We are going to discuss the best formula milk for baby 0-6 months South Africa. This is a question we commonly get. Choosing the best formula milk for baby 0-6 months South Africa shouldn’t be different from another place. The only difference is that we are going to provide some brands that are considered the best in South Africa.
The milk that is suitable for babies at that age is called a starter formula. They are based on the whey from cow’s milk. These are known as easy-digested formulas. This form of light protein is preferred in this age as the baby’s digestive system is not complete yet. This immaturity could lead to a struggle if heavier proteins are included.
The best type of formula for breastfed babies in South Africa is NAN and Similac.
The best formula milk for babies 6-12 months
You should know that when you look for the best formula milk for babies 6-12 months, you can find it under the name of follow on formula. The best baby formula for breastfed babies aged 6 to 12 months will contain heavier types of proteins. This is because the baby’s digestive system should be completed by the age of 4 months. Another reason for this is that it prepares your baby’s stomach for solids after the age of 1. This heavy form of protein is called casein and it is also based on cow’s milk which is the base of this formula.
A formula for that age should also include nutrients that are sufficient for the baby’s requirements as well as their diverse diet. As babies tend to need more nutrients as they grow up to support their healthy growth. If a formula has all these requirements, then you can call it the best infant formula.
The best formula to prevent constipation
If you think that your baby is constipated, there are a few things that you should think about to know the reason. First of all, are you sure that the formula is the reason for this? And if so, is it because of the powder formula? Or maybe you have switched formulas lately? Is it because the formula has palm olein oil in it?
If the formula IS the reason then read the following. Unfortunately, there is no best formula to prevent constipation out there. There is no proof that any formula decreases or prevents constipation in babies. According to the AAP, there is no proof that switching formulas will help with constipation. Actually, changing the formula could cause constipation due to the discomfort that the baby has to go through to get used to the new formula.
But the reason for constipation might be anything like having a milk allergy. In this case, changing the formula would help. As it will treat the cause of the issue.
The best baby formula recommended by pediatricians
The best baby formula recommended by pediatricians
If you want to find out the best baby formula recommended by pediatricians, we will give you a list. But let us tell you first that the best type of formula for breastfed babies can differ from one baby to another. There is no magic formula that works with all babies. It is a matter of trial and error. Even if a pediatrician suggests a formula, your baby might not like it. So we will give the list of the most recommended formulas and you can start trying those. They might offer a better chance that your baby will like them.
- Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula: this goes on the top of the list. This formula is loved by pediatricians because it mimics breast milk. Do not worry, we will give you a detailed review of this formula later on.
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro: this is also one of the most gentle formulas out there. It also mimics breasted milk and is filled with DHA, prebiotics, and probiotics for easier digestion.
- Similac for Supplementation: this is a great formula for babies who are bottle-fed as well as breastfed. This is why pediatricians like it because it ensures that breast milk is included.
The best tasting formula for breastfed babies
Some parents look for the formula that tastes the best. This is because they want their babies to accept it better. Well in that case you shouldn’t just go looking for any sweetened formula. But, you need to look for a formula that tastes more like breast milk. Breast milk is naturally sweetened and babies adore how it tastes. What makes a formula taste most like breast milk is the addition of ARA and DHA. But look no more as the best-tasting formula for breastfed babies is Enfamil Enspire. We have got you covered like always and we assigned the next section just for that.
Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula review
Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula review
Enfamil Enspire is supposed to be the best type of formula for breastfed babies. This is because it contains two ingredients that you won’t find in any other formula. Also, one of the reasons that make it on the list of the best infant formulas is that it does not have any added sugars making it more healthy for your baby. We will give you a detailed list of the pros and cons of the Enfamil Enspire so that you can decide if this is the best formula for your baby.
Pros of the Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
The benefits of the formula all stem from the ingredient list. The reason why this formula is as close as it gets to breast milk is the addition of lactoferrin and MFGM. A list of all the ingredients and their benefits is below.
Lactoferrin
This is the main ingredient that makes the formula stand out from other ones. It is not found in any other formula out there. Lactoferrin is a protein that helps with fighting infection. It exists in both human and cow’s milk. Most of it is found in the first milk which is also known as colostrum. It helps with transporting iron throughout the body as well as having antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Other benefits for it are fighting hepatitis C, ulcers, acne, and osteoporosis. As well as preventing aging and regulating iron in the whole body.
MFGM
Milk fat globule membrane is another main ingredient in this formula. It is found in breast milk whether it is the first milk or not. This powerful fatty acid helps with the cognitive development of the baby. This ingredient is considered a healthy fat that babies need for brain development as well as the rest of the body. It is also a probiotic that helps with gut health. MFGM also helps with the respiratory system, tract development, and ear infections. Just know that it comes from cow’s milk, not human milk.
Fatty oils
Breast milk consists of around 50% fats which gives it a creamy texture. Enfamil Enspire wanted to keep up with that so it did the same but the fats are in different forms. They used four types of fat to achieve that. Palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils are the four oils.
The palm olein can sometimes cause some digestion issues for the babies and cause harder stools. On the other hand, coconut oil helps with easier digestion and absorption of milk. But then again, soy oil is another problematic fat source. The soy oil can disturb hormone levels and cause allergies. But the mix of these four oils together works well for the babies
Other fats
Other types of fats in this formula are DHA and ARA which we love. Those two fatty acids are incredibly beneficial for babies. As adults, we find them in the fish. These two are not main components as the body can create them by itself from other protein sources. But then again they do exist in breast milk. Hence its addition to the Enfamil Enspire. DHA is a long-chain omega 3 fatty acid, while ARA is an omega 6 fatty acid. They are important for many body processes and can reduce inflammation and help the immune system overall.
Prebiotics and probiotics
Breast milk has a whole lot of prebiotics which is why they are expected to be found in the Enfamil Enspire formula. Prebiotics are fibers that do not break easily, they help with the fermentation process in the body to create good bacteria. This is why they are probably in every formula out there. The prebiotics in the formula is galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose. The formula does not have any probiotics in it. But the company fixed that by creating Enfamil Vitamins Infant Probiotics Dual Probiotics Drops that you can just add to the formula.
Proteins
Proteins are useful for providing energy as well as building the muscle mass that babies need. The proteins in any formula come from cow’s milk and they come in two forms which are whey and casein. This formula uses whey protein as it breaks down fast and gives a fast source of energy. As well as being less likely to cause any allergic reaction. But burning fast might mean that your baby gets hungry more often. The MFGM mentioned before and whey protein concentrate are the two sources of protein used in the formula.
Breast milk is 60% whey protein and 40% casein, but this formula only uses the whey form.
Soy lecithin
This ingredient is a great emulsifier that helps all the ingredients to blend in together. It can improve cholesterol, help with stress, boost immunity, improve brain function and prevent cancer.
Other ingredients
For the carbohydrates and sugars, the Enfamil formula only uses lactose just like breast milk. Lactose offers the calories that the baby needs. As well as being the main source of sweetness in the formula. The formula does not add any other type of sweeteners like corn syrup or maltodextrin.
The formula also included a bunch of minerals and vitamins to make sure that the baby gets all the nutrients they need. The vitamin list includes vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamins B6, and B12, and folic acid. Some of the minerals are iron, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Cons of the Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
The problem of this formula also comes from the ingredients list, although not all of it. But we will start with the ingredients to complete the list above.
Soy lecithin
Even though this ingredient has benefits as we have mentioned. But it always has a controversial nature to it. As it can come from a genetically modified source and it can be connected to hexane which is a problem on its own. But then again the brand does say that it is a GMO formula.
Cost
The formula is definitely on the expensive side. It is the most expensive formula that you can find on the market. The company does know that people will pay extra to get the closest formula to breast milk. But the downside here is that it is not organic. You would expect the most expensive powder formula on the shelf to be organic. This is a feature that many parents require now. So whether or not to buy the formula would depend on your ability to purchase it. Especially that no other brand offers a less expensive alternative.
Smell
The formula does not smell all that good and this may affect your baby’s desire to eat it. But this only means that there are no additions added to the formula to cover the smell which can count as a plus.
Gerber Good Start GentlePro (HMO) Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula, Stage 1, Gentle Baby Formula with Iron, 2’-FL HMO and Probiotics for Digestive Health and Immune System Support, 32 Ounce (Pack of 1)
$35.99 in stock
Features
- Gentle Nutrition: Modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breastmilk, this formula offers complete nutrition for babies up to 12 months
- Probiotic Formula: Our Gentle formula is specially designed with easy to digest Comfort Proteins, prebiotics (important components in breastmilk), and DHA to help support brain and eye development
- Give Your Baby a Good Start: Your baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time. That's why we created the Gerber Good Start line. Made to comfort your baby's tummy and available in a range of products
- Wholesome Options: Introduce your infant to complimentary staged products like single grain Cereals and 1st Foods fruit and veggie purees with Gerber infant formulas, probiotic supplements and more
- Nutrition For Growing: Like your baby, we're always growing and learning. More than ever we're committed to being your partner in parenthood with quality ingredients, nutritious food and expert guidance
Enfamil Breastfed Infant Probiotics & Vitamin D Dual Probiotics, 8.7mL
Features
- WHAT ARE PROBOITICS: Probiotics are the 'good' bacteria that help your little one digest their food, absorb vitamins and develop their intestinal and immune systems
- BENEFITS: Adding probiotic supplements to milk or foods in a little one’s routine can help support their gut and immune systems which are important for healthy development
- HELPS EASE COLIC, FUSSINESS AND CRYING: Our baby probiotic blend contains BB-12, a beneficial bacteria shown to help ease colic and its unpleasant indications
- IMMUNE SUPPORT: Our unique dual probiotic blend contains BB-12 and LGG cultures to help support your little one’s immune system
- VITAMIN D: Complements breast milk and formula for optimal nutrition to help babies build strong bones
Gerber Good Start Soothe (HMO) Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula, Stage 1, With Iron, 2’-FL HMO and Probiotics for Digestive Health and Immune System Support, 30.6 Oz
Features
- Soothing Nutrition: Modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breastmilk, this formula offers nutrition for babies up to 12 months experiencing colic, excessive crying, fussiness and gas
- Probiotic Formula: Good Start Soothe formula features prebiotics, Comfort Proteins and probiotics that improve the good bacteria in tummies and promote soft stools; It's our closest formula to breastmilk
- Give Your Baby a Good Start: Your baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time. That's why we created the Gerber Good Start line. Made to comfort your baby's tummy and available in a range of products
- Wholesome Options: Introduce your infant to complimentary staged products like single grain Cereals and 1st Foods fruit and veggie purees with Gerber infant formulas, probiotic supplements and more
- Nutrition For Growing: Like your baby, we're always growing and learning. More than ever we're committed to being your partner in parenthood with quality ingredients, nutritious food and expert guidance
Gerber Good Start Plant Based Protein & Lactose Free Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula, Stage 1, 20 Ounces
Features
- LACTOSE FREE NUTRITION: Modeled after the complete nutrition & gentleness of breastmilk, this Plant Based Protein & Lactose Free formula is designed for babies who need non dairy milk solutions
- LACTOSE FREE FORMULA: This lactose free formula provides plant based protein along with Calcium & Vitamin D for strong bones & teeth & DHA for brain & eye development
- GIVE YOUR BABY A GOOD START: Your baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time; That's why we created the Gerber Good Start line; Made to comfort your baby's tummy & available in a range of products
- WHOLESOME OPTIONS: Introduce your infant to complimentary staged products like single grain Cereals & 1st Foods fruit & veggie purees with Gerber infant formulas, probiotic supplements & more
- NUTRITION FOR GROWING: Like your baby, we're always growing & learning. More than ever we're committed to being your partner in parenthood with quality ingredients, nutritious food & expert guidance.
Gerber Extensive HA Hypoallergenic Powder Infant Formula with Iron for Cow's Milk Allergy, 14.1 Ounces
Features
- CLINICALLY PROVEN TO BE HYPOALLERGENIC: Extensive HA is designed for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA);
- HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN: Contains 100% whey protein broken down into tiny pieces designed to be well-tolerated by most babies with CMPA and ultra-filtered for low residual allergenicity
- SUPPORT FOR TINY TUMMIES: Extensive HA is the only hypoallergenic formula made with probiotic B lactis; a probiotic similar to those found in breast milk to support digestive health
- QUALITY FROM BRAIN TO BELLY: Complete nutrition for baby plus DHA; DHA is recommended by experts for brain and eye development
- HELPS EASE FUSSINESS AND GAS: This lactose-free sensitive baby formula helps ease tummy troubles associated with lactose intolerance
Gerber Good Start Soy Infant & Toddler Formula, 4 Count
Features
- Milk & lactose Free: Made with soy proteins to ease digestion for tiny tummies that are milk or lactose intolerant, this formula is milk & lactose Free with DHA to help support brain & eye development
- Give your baby a good start: your baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time. That's why we created the Gerber Good start line. Made to comfort your baby's tummy and available in a range of products.
- Gerber Goodness: Our foods start with whole ingredients like real fruits, veggies & grains to help nourish your baby right from the start, From infant Formula to baby food to snacks and toddler food
- Nutrition for growing: like your baby, we're always growing & learning. More than ever we're committed to being your partner in parenthood with quality ingredients, nutritious food & expert guidance.
- Lactose Free nutrition: good start soy formula helps to avoid fussiness & gas due to milk or lactose intolerance for digestive comfort while providing complete nutrition. For babies 9 to 24 months old.
Enfamil Gentlease Infant Powder Formula - 19.9 oz
Rite Aid
Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula Ready-to-Feed Bottles (6 fl. oz, 24 pk.)
Sam’s Club
Bottomline
To find the best type of formula for breastfed babies, you need to know what your baby needs first. Age and allergies are also a major influence on what type of formula to choose. You also need to consult the pediatrician before using any type of formula or ask them for a recommendation.
One of the best type of formula for breastfed babies is Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula. As it is the closest formula you can find to breast milk. You can give it a try and decide for yourself if it suits your little one.
