Best Baby Formulas Recommended by Pediatricians 2022

 Although the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend breast milk for optimal infant nutrition, many parents still choose formula as an acceptable alternative. 

The wide variety of available formulas is confusing to parents and physicians, but formulas can be classified according to three basic criteria: caloric density, carbohydrate source, and protein composition. Most infants require a term formula with iron. There is insufficient evidence to recommend supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid or arachidonic acid. 

Soy formulas are indicated for congenital lactase deficiency and galactosemia, but are not recommended for colic because of insufficient evidence of benefit. 

Hypoallergenic formulas with extensively hydrolyzed protein are effective for the treatment of milk protein allergy and the prevention of atopic disease in high-risk infants. 

Anti Reflux Formulas decrease emesis and regurgitation, but have not been shown to affect growth or development. Most infants with reflux require no treatment. 

Family physicians can use these guidelines to counsel parents about infant formula, countering consumer advertising that is not evidence-based.  

This article is based on AAFP.org's article on Infant Formula. 

A. Term Formula - Appropriate for Most Infants

Most infants need a basic formula for term infants. These formulas are modeled after breast milk and contain 20 kcal per ounce. Their carbohydrate source is lactose, and they contain cow's-milk protein. There is no evidence to recommend one brand over another; all formulas are nutritionally interchangeable.

All infants should receive iron-fortified formula to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Low-iron formulas are commercially available, and some parents choose these formulas with the belief that iron causes stomach upset. Family physicians should strongly counsel parents to not use these products.

1. Carnation / Gerber Good Start - Amazon

2. Enfamil with Iron - Amazon

3. Similac with Iron - Amazon

B. Term Formula with DHA and AA

Recently, formulas with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been heavily marketed to promote eye and brain development. 

Arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most common additives. These fatty acids are found in breast milk, but not conventional formula, and are thought to be important in the development of membrane constituents in the central nervous system. 

Clinical trials of the effects of AA and DHA on cognitive, social, and motor development have been inconsistent. Although no harm has been demonstrated, most well-conducted randomized trials show no benefit. Thus, recent Cochrane reviews conclude that supplementation of formula with DHA and AA cannot be recommended based on current evidence. Additionally, these formulas cost more than formulas without the above additives.

Milk Formulas with DHA and ARA

4. Enfamil Lipil

5. Gerber Good Start with DHA and ARA - Amazon

6. Similac Advance - Amazon

C. Preterm and Enriched Formula

Preterm infants have higher protein and calorie requirements. In addition, they need more calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus (minerals transferred in utero during the third trimester). These special requirements led to the development of enriched and preterm formulas designed to facilitate “catch-up” growth. 

Preterm formulas contain 24 kcal per ounce, whereas enriched formulas contain 22 kcal per ounce. Enriched formulas are available in stores as liquid or powder. Preterm formulas must be ordered in ready-to-feed bottles and are more expensive.

It is currently the standard of care to prescribe these formulas for preterm infants. Cut-offs for weight and gestational age are based on expert opinion, with variation between institutions. Infants are usually transitioned from 24 to 22 kcal per ounce when they achieve a weight of 1,800 g (3 lb, 15 oz) or 34 weeks' gestational age.

Hospital discharge is rare before 34 weeks, so infants presenting for outpatient care are typically on 22-kcal formula. There are no studies to guide timing for the discontinuation of enriched formula. Although preterm and enriched formulas may improve short-term growth parameters, they do not appear to affect longer-term growth or development at 18 months of age.

Formula for Preterm Infants

- Less than 34 weeks' gestation 

- Weight less than 1,800 g (3 lb, 15 oz)

7. Enfamil 24 Premature - Enfamil.com

8. Preemie SMA 24 

9. Similac 24 Special Care - Abbot Store

Enriched Formula

- 34 to 36 weeks' gestation 

- Weight 1,800 g (3 lb, 15 oz) or greater

10. Enfacare - Amazon

11. Similac Neosure - Amazon

D. Soy Formula

These formulas are made with corn-based carbohydrate and soy protein, making them free of lactose and cow's-milk protein. Many parents believe that this improves digestibility.

According to a recent guideline from the AAP, the use of soy formula should be limited to infants with galactosemia or congenital lactase deficiency Soy formula may also be used by strict vegan families who wish to avoid animal protein. The AAP guideline cites a lack of proven benefit for other conditions including milk protein allergy, generalized colic, and acute gastroenteritis.

One cohort study identified soy formula as a risk factor for the development of peanut allergy (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 5.2). A subsequent randomized controlled trial failed to demonstrate any such association. Thus, the evidence regarding soy formula and peanut allergy is mixed; additional studies are needed. Soy formulas are not effective for the prevention of atopic disease.

Soy formula has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea in acute gastroenteritis, but does not impact overall recovery. The AAP recommends that previously well infants with gastroenteritis can return to breast milk or cow's-milk–based formulas after rehydration.

Soy protein contains phytoestrogens and isoflavones, which have been shown to have estrogenic effects in animals. Early concerns were raised that these compounds might have deleterious hormonal effects on growing infants. A retrospective cohort study demonstrated increased menstrual bleeding in women exposed to soy during infancy, but found no statistical difference in more than 30 other variables studied. Feminization has not been seen in male infants fed soy protein.

Multiple studies have confirmed normal growth in term infants fed soy formula. In contrast, preterm infants have significantly less weight gain when they are fed soy formula instead of standard formula with similar caloric density. Osteopenia of prematurity is also increased. Thus, soy formula should never be used for preterm infants.

Despite widespread use of soy formula, evidence-based indications are limited. Family physicians should direct parents toward breastfeeding and cow's-milk–based formulas in most cases.

Soy Formulas for Babies

12. Enfamil Prosobee - Amazon

13. Good Start Soy - Amazon

14. Similac Isomil - Amazon

E. Lactose Free Formula

Lactose-free formulas are an alternative to soy formula for parents wishing to avoid lactose. Lactose-free formulas are indicated for galactosemia and congenital lactase deficiency, as well as primary lactase deficiency. 

Infants with perceived gastrointestinal symptoms require a hydrogen breath test or intestinal biopsy to formally diagnose lactase deficiency. In reality, most physicians instead suggest a trial of lactose-free formula to see if symptoms improve. Lactose intolerance is over-diagnosed in infancy; most proven cases develop after 12 months of age.

Temporary lactase deficiency can also occur following acute gastroenteritis. Soy and lactose-free formulas shorten the course of diarrhea, but do not change overall recovery or weight two weeks after the illness. Most infants can safely continue breast milk or standard formula during diarrheal illnesses. At-risk infants (those younger than three months or those who are malnourished) might benefit from a switch to lactose-free formula following acute gastroenteritis.

Lactose Free Formula Milk for Babies 

15. Enfamil Lactofree 

16. (Alternatively) Enfamil Neuropro Sensitive - Amazon

17. Similac Sensitive - Amazon

F. Hypoallergenic and Non-Allergenic Formula

Only a small minority of infants have true immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated milk protein allergy. In these cases, infants form antibodies against large protein molecules in cow's milk. 

Milk protein allergy can present with any combination of cutaneous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal complaints; blood in the stool is a classic symptom. Milk protein allergy is usually diagnosed in the setting of a strong family history of allergies or atopic disease. 

Referral to an allergist may be helpful because skin prick tests and IgE levels for cow's-milk protein are available. Non-IgE-mediated cow's-milk protein intolerance can manifest as enteropathy and enterocolitis. Because most infants with milk-induced enteropathy will be equally sensitive to soy protein, hypoallergenic and nonallergenic formulas are the preferred alternatives.

Hypoallergenic formulas contain extensively hydrolyzed proteins that are less likely to stimulate antibody production. Infants with milk protein allergy fed hypoallergenic formula have slightly greater weight gain during the first year than infants fed standard formula. In addition, many infants show improvement in atopic symptoms. A few infants continue to have symptoms despite switching to hypoallergenic formula; nonallergenic amino acid–based formulas are effective for these rare cases.

The increasing incidence of asthma, eczema, and food allergy has led to substantial interest in the prevention of atopic disease. There is strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding until at least four months of age decreases the incidence of eczema and protects against wheezing. It appears that formulas with extensively hydrolyzed proteins may also have protective benefits,16 but the higher expense of hypoallergenic formulas must be considered when deciding whether to recommend them for prevention in asymptomatic infants. Amino acid–based formulas have not been studied for prevention of atopic disease.

Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

18. Similac Alimentum - Amazon

19. Enfamil Nutramigen - Amazon

20. Enfamil Pregestimil 

Non-Allergenic Infant Formula

21. Elecare - Amazon

22. Neocate - Amazon

23. Nutramigen AA - Enfamil.com

G. Anti-Reflux Formula

Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants partly because of a decreased resting tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux may be considered physiologic and does not require treatment unless it is accompanied by poor weight gain or significant infant discomfort. Nevertheless, reflux is a common source of parental concern, creating demand for antireflux formulas thickened with added rice starch. 

Before commercial development of these formulas, parents had to add rice cereal or another carbohydrate to standard infant formula. Prethickened formulas are more convenient and do not require enlargement of nipple holes (as required when rice cereal is added to standard formula).

Antireflux formulas have been shown to decrease daily episodes of regurgitation and emesis. It is not clear whether they improve long-term outcomes, such as growth or development. Although most parents should be reassured that gastroesophageal reflux is normal and will resolve with time, antireflux formulas appear safe and nutritionally adequate for severe or persistent cases.

Milk Formula for Reflux Babies

24. Enfamil AR - Amazon

25. Similac Sensitive RS - Amazon

H. Toddler Formula

Recently, toddler or “next step” formulas have been developed for children 9 to 24 months of age. These milk-based formulas contain added iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. They also contain DHA and AA and more calcium than standard infant formulas (but not significantly more than whole milk).

Manufacturers' information describes toddler formula as “insurance” or “extra nutrition” for picky toddlers who may not eat a well-balanced diet of solids. There is no evidence of advantage over whole milk in terms of growth or development; head-to-head trials are needed. Because toddler formulas are significantly more expensive than whole milk, family physicians can counsel parents against routine use. Parents who remain concerned about picky eaters could be directed toward a multivitamin instead.

Read More : Best Toddler Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Milk Formula for Toddlers

 

26. Enfamil Next Step - Enfamil.com

27. Good Start 2 - Amazon

28. Similac Go and Grow - Amazon

FAQ

Infant Formula and Colic

Parents often change formulas in response to infant colic. Soy and lactose-free formulas are heavily marketed for colic without a formal diagnosis of lactose intolerance. Most colic improves spontaneously between four and six months of age; new formulas tried during this time may be credited with the improvement, perpetuating the popular belief that colic is exacerbated by certain formulas.

Because evidence for soy formula in the treatment of colic is limited and based on poor-quality trials, the AAP concluded that there is no proven role for soy in the management or prevention of colic. There is no evidence to support lactose-free formula either, but a short trial may be reasonable in infants with colic who also have gastrointestinal symptoms. Two systematic reviews have found some benefit with hypoallergenic formula; this potential benefit must be weighed against substantially greater cost. Physicians may recommend a one- to two-week trial of hypoallergenic formula for refractory cases. Counseling parents about infant crying appears to reduce symptoms of colic more than any change in formula.

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