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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Baby’s Only vs. Earth’s Best: Which Baby Formula is Better?

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

In this helpful guide, we will compare Baby’s Only vs. Earth’s Best formula! We’ll break down everything you need to know about these two formula brands so that you can find the best fit for your baby. 

Baby's Only vs. Earth's Best baby formula diagram with both formula cans on a white background.

Choosing the right formula is so important, but can also be so difficult! When I was a new parent, I struggled with figuring out how to compare some of the most popular formulas on the market. There are so many options, and many of them seem similar, but when it comes down to it, any new parent just wants a formula that will provide all the essential nutrients while keeping your baby’s tummy happy!

There are many formulas on the market with ideal ingredients, but also brands that don’t have as strong qualities. That’s why we’re going to take a deep dive into two of the most popular brands available in the US – looking into their ingredient lists and standards – so you can figure out which one might be best for your child.

In this post we will take a look at Baby’s Only Formula vs. Earth’s Best Formula, two very reputable brands! We will compare these infant formula brands, sharing an overview of each and highlighting their similarities and differences. By laying out all of the important details, I hope this can assist all parents in making an informed decision!

Baby’s Only Formula Overview

Baby’s Only has been around for over 20 years, trusted by many parents as the top formula for their little ones. They focus on making affordable organic baby formulas right here in the United States. They utilize domestic manufacturing for better control and oversight of the production process. You can have peace of mind knowing that this formula is closely monitored from sourcing to testing procedures! Baby’s Only ensures high quality with organic ingredients and no artificial flavors.

Baby’s Only has earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award and is USDA Organic, which also makes this formula Non-GMO! They offer two infant formulas and several toddler formulas. Here are the different options:

Organic Premium Infant Formula: One of the best organic baby formulas. This is their closest formula to breast milk, made with organic milk, lactose, and whey protein

Organic Gentle Infant Formula: Modeled after breast milk and made with A2 organic milk for easy digestion

Plant Based Organic Pea Protein Toddler Formula: A lactose-free, dairy-free, and soy-free formula for those with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk protein allergy 

Organic Gentle Toddler Formula: This is their classic dairy toddler drink with an extra helping of whey to support digestion

Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Toddler Formula: This soy-free toddler drink is specially formulated to support lactose sensitivities with reduced lactose. 

Goat Milk DHA/ARA Toddler Formula: One of the best goat milk formulas, with easy-to-digest DHA, ARA, and naturally occurring prebiotics.

For this post, we’re going to focus on comparing Baby’s Only Infant Formula options with Earth’s Best Infant Formula options – the first two in the list above. (Learn More: Baby’s Only Formula Review).

Earth’s Best Formula Overview

Earth’s Best promises to produce pure, quality products that you can trust! With nearly 40 years in this market, they have kept that promise as they continue to expand and grow their product line. They source their milk from humanely raised cows that are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones.

Earth’s Best is USDA Organic Certified, Non-GMO, and Kosher Certified. They offer several different formulas to meet you baby’s various needs:

Organic Dairy Infant Formula: This is their closest formula to breast milk produced from organic milk from cows fed certified organic grain and hay

Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula: Easy-to-digest formula with reduced lactose, designed especially for babies with fussiness, gas or crying 

Non-DHA Organic Infant Formula: Designed for parents who prefer a formula with no DHA and ARA

Organic Gentle Infant Formula: Made with easy to digest proteins, including partially hydrolyzed whey, for fussiness, gas, and crying. This can be a good option for premature babies with fragile tummies.

​​Non-GMO Plant Based Infant Formula: This is their lactose-free soy formula with high quality soy protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals 

Organic Toddler Milk Drink Powder: Specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of little ones 1 year old & up

Some of the items below were given to me to review by the manufacturer or as part of an affiliate program. I may receive commissions if you make a purchase through the links provided. I only recommend products I’ve actually evaluated, I believe are the highest quality, and can do the most to help you and your family. By purchasing any of these products from the links below, you help keep this blog running, so thanks for your support!

Keep in mind that every person & situation is different, especially yours, so make sure to talk to your doctor and see how these guidelines and tips can help you. These tips are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you read here!

Formula Details: Baby’s Only Formulas

Baby’s Only Premium Infant Formula

Can of Baby's Only infant formula with iron.

Formula Overview: Baby’s Only Premium is their closest formula to breast milk, with a 60:40 whey casein ratio. It includes essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system, strong bones, and brain development. This cow’s milk formula is free from palm oils and syrup solids!

Key Ingredients: This formula is fortified with iron, calcium, vitamin D, and choline (like all infant formulas). It is made with lactose as the primary carbohydrate, as well as organic nonfat milk, organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic soybean oil, organic whey protein concentrate, and organic coconut oil.

Child Age Range: 0 – 12 months

Cost: One-time purchase is $24.99 for a 21 oz can or $35 for a 31.7 oz can. This comes to $1.19 per oz for the smaller can, or $1.10 per oz for the bigger can!

Where To Buy: Baby’s Only is available in many stores like Target and Walmart, as well as online with a subscription option to save 20%.

Sizes Of Cans: This premium infant formula comes in two sizes: 21oz or 31.7oz

Customer Reviews:

“I was looking for a formula that checks for heavy metals and this is the only one that I found that was reasonably priced. The color and smell is a lot better than the other formulas we tried (Enfamil & Earth’s Best).”

“Within a day he was drinking his bottles fuss free, no tears no crying. And even better was never constipated!”

Pros
USDA Organic 
Clean Label Purity Award
No artificial growth hormones
No corn syrup or maltodextrin 
No palm oil 
60% whey, 40% casein ratio like mature breast milk 
100% lactose for carbohydrate source
Budget-friendly 
Meets all FDA requirements for infant nutrition
Available in store (Target, Walmart) and online 
Cons
No DHA or ARA
No probiotics added
Contains soy
Buy Now

Baby’s Only Gentle Formula

Can of Baby's Only Gentle A2 Organic Infant Formula.

Formula Overview: Baby’s Only Gentle infant formula is an easy-to-digest milk-based formula. It uses A2 organic milk, which is the same type of beta-casein protein found in breastmilk. You won’t find any corn syrup or maltodextrin in this formula!

Key Ingredients: This formula includes organic lactose, organic A2 nonfat milk, organic high oleic oil, organic soybean oil, organic whey protein concentrate, and organic coconut oil. It includes important vitamins and minerals like folic acid, vitamin E, and calcium (like all infant formulas).

Child Age Range: 0 – 12 months

Cost: One-time purchase is $24.99 for a 21 oz can or $35 for a 31.7 oz can. This comes to $1.19 per oz for the smaller can, or $1.10 per oz for the bigger can!

Where To Buy: Baby’s Only is available in many stores like Target and Walmart, as well as online with a subscription option to save 20%.

Sizes of Cans: This gentle infant formula comes in two sizes: 21oz or 31.7oz

Customer Reviews:

“This is the only formula my baby can tolerate. I’m grateful it’s organic and heavy metal tested. The price is so much better than big brands too. Couldn’t recommend this more!”

“​​I bought this formula a few weeks ago, and the difference in my child’s stool was immediate. My child is much happier and spits up less.”

Pros
USDA Organic 
No corn syrup or maltodextrin 
No palm olein oil 
60% whey, 40% casein protein ratio like mature breast milk 
Contains exclusively easy-to-digest A2 proteins
100% lactose for carbohydrate source
Budget-friendly
Meets all FDA requirements for infant nutrition
Available in store (Target, Walmart) and online 
Cons
No DHA or ARA
No probiotics added
Contains soy
Buy Now

Formula Details: Earth’s Best Formulas

Earth’s Best Premium

Formula Overview: Earth’s Best Premium formula is designed to be similar to breast milk with lactose as the main carbohydrate source. The dairy is sourced from organic grass and grain fed cows with no artificial growth hormones. Plus, there are no syrup solids here!

Key Ingredients: This formula contains organic lactose, organic nonfat milk, a blend of organic oils, and organic whey protein concentrate. It contains lutein, prebiotics, DHA, and ARA.

Child Age Range: 0 – 12 months

Cost: $39.99- $44 depending on store for a 21oz can, which comes to about $1.90 – $2.09 per oz.

Where To Buy: Earth’s Best Premium is available in stores like Sprouts, Target, Rite Aid, and Raley’s or can be purchased online on Target.

Sizes Of Cans: Most stores only carry the 21oz, but you may find a 23.2 oz or 35 oz size.

Customer Reviews:

“This formula works good for my baby, although it took a week of really bad constipation until her stomach finally got used to it. After that, her poop became regular again. It mixes easily, which is always nice.”

“My baby was six months old when we started using this formula with her and I wish we had started it sooner! This is a very good formula and it has helped with her digestion.”

Pros
Designed to be similar to breast milk
Fortified with iron (like all infant formulas)
Added lutein for eye health
Added prebiotic fiber 
No added corn syrup solids
Includes DHA and ARA 
USDA-Certified Organic and Non-GMO
Water Assisted Extracted DHA
No artificial growth hormones
Meets all FDA requirements for infant nutrition
Cons
Can be hard to find / sold out
Contains soy
Contains palm oil
No probiotics

Earth’s Best Gentle Formula

Can of Earth's Best gentle infant formula.

Formula Overview: Earth’s Best Gentle Formula is designed to ease fussiness, gas, and crying due to tummy troubles. It is formulated with partially hydrolyzed whey that is easier to digest! Plus, it contains no corn syrup solids.

Key Ingredients: This gentle formula includes essential fatty acids with Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA. These help support brain and eye development. The star ingredient is the organic partially hydrolyzed whey protein, but it also includes organic lactose, organic nonfat milk, organic maltodextrin, organic palm oil, and organic soy oil. You’ll also find all the essential vitamins and minerals!

Child Age Range: 0 -12 months

Cost: $28 – $34 per 21 oz can depending on store,which comes to $1.33 – $1.61 per oz.

Where To Buy: Earth’s Best Gentle is available in stores like Sprouts, Target, Rite Aid, and Raley’s or can be purchased online through Walmart, Target, or Amazon.

Sizes Of Cans: Most stores only carry the 21oz, but you may find a 23.2 oz or 35 oz size.

Customer Reviews:

“This formula has made a big difference with how angry he gets in the evening and he is far less gassy, less uncomfortable and sleeps more comfortably!”

“My baby tolerates this formula so well but it’s always so difficult to keep stocked.”

Pros
Made with easy to digest proteins
Designed to help fussiness, gas, and crying
Added DHA and ARA
No artificial growth hormones
USDA-Certified Organic
Non-GMO
Cons
Can be hard to find / sold out
Contains maltodextrin
Contains soy
Added palm oil

Similarities: Baby’s Only Premium Infant Formula vs. Earth’s Best Premium Formula

Both of these premium brands offer quite a few similarities to one another! To start, both are USDA-Certified Organic and Non-GMO. Additionally, neither of them include artificial growth hormones or corn syrup! Both of these organic infant formulas are formulated to be similar to mother’s breast milk and their first ingredient is organic lactose. Lastly, these formulas are free from added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Differences: Baby’s Only Infant Formula vs. Earth’s Best Formula 

When comparing Baby’s Only Formula vs. Earth’s Best Baby Formula, there are some key differences in their premium formulas. First off, you’ll find that Earth’s Best premium has DHA, ARA, and prebiotics. Baby’s Only Premium doesn’t contain these ingredients, but good news— it’s easy to supplement DHA, ARA and prebiotics. Baby’s Only formula shines with its Clean Label Purity Award and is more readily available and affordable. Baby’s Only Infant Formula is almost a dollar per oz cheaper than Earth’s Best, and their gentle formula is also cheaper than Earth’s Best based on price per oz. 

Similarities: Baby’s Only Gentle Infant Formula vs. Earth’s Best Gentle Formula

Both Baby’s Only Gentle and Earth’s Best Gentle are formulated to be easy to digest and gentle on babies tummies! A main similarity is that both are USDA-Certified Organic which ensures that neither brand uses any GMO ingredients or artificial growth hormones. Neither formula contains corn syrup, which is a great bonus!

Differences: Baby’s Only Gentle Formula vs. Earth’s Best Gentle Formula

In addition to not having the Clean Label Purity Award, Earth’s Best Gentle also differs from Baby’s Only Gentle in that it contains maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is often used in formulas as another source for carbohydrates, but can spike blood sugar levels and is highly processed. Additionally, Earth’s Best Gentle contains palm oil while Baby’s Only stays clear of this ingredient! Lastly, Baby’s Only uses organic A2 nonfat milk and Earth’s Best uses organic partially hydrolyzed whey protein. Both of these ingredients are great for gentle formulas, as they are easier for babies to digest.

Which Formula Is Better?

Between Baby’s Only Formula vs. Earth’s Best Infant Formula, which one is better? Overall, Baby’s Only formulas come out on top in this comparison as one of the best organic formulas on the market! While both brands offer USDA-Certified Organic and Non-GMO ingredients within their formulations, Baby’s Only takes it a step up with their Clean Label Purity Award. Earth’s Best infant formula does have the benefit of added DHA and ARA, but also includes some unfavorable ingredients like palm oil and maltodextrin. You will also find that Baby’s Only formula is more affordable and more accessible. 

FAQs

IS ORGANIC BABY FORMULA BETTER?

Just like you may consider making organic swaps for your own health to avoid pesticides and chemicals, this is also important to consider for your baby! When choosing a formula for your little one it can be a good choice to look into organic options. Non-organic formulas may contain residue from chemical fertilizers. If you can afford it, I recommend buying organic formula for your baby. But at the end of the day, fed is best, and all US formulas are FDA regulated and safe! 

IS BABY’S ONLY FDA APPROVED?

Baby’s Only formulas are FDA regulated and meet the FDA’s complete nutritional requirements (like all US infant formulas). Note: The FDA doesn’t approve any infant formulas, and instead regulates them to ensure they meet federal nutrition, labeling, and other requirements (source). There are 30 nutrients that the FDA states must be present in any infant formula before it goes on the market. Always follow the detailed instructions on the back of the can to ensure your baby is getting the accurate amount of nutrients for their age.

IS EARTH’S BEST FDA APPROVED?

Just like Baby’s Only, Earth’s Best Premium formula is FDA regulated and meets all the Food and Drug Administration requirements for infant nutrition. When choosing Earth’ Best your infant will be getting all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and more.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BUILDING BLOCKS OF BABY FORMULA?

Human milk is considered the gold standard, containing all the best nutrients for your baby to grow and develop. However, there are various reasons as to why parents may need to use baby formula instead.

The good news is that nowadays formulas are widely available, and there are many brands that have taken a more mindful approach to baby formula. It is important that baby formula includes all of the key building blocks! They should be formulated with a proper balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with vitamins and minerals. The protein content is very important to supply your infant with essential amino acids for their growing body. Fats will provide energy and support brain development. Carbs are most popularly sourced from lactose, supporting gut health.

IS BABY’S ONLY A GOOD FORMULA?

Absolutely! Baby’s Only offers a selection of high quality formulas through both their infant and toddler formula lines. Thanks to their Clean Label Purity Award and USDA Organic certification, you know with certainty that you’re providing your infant with one of the best baby formulas on the market. It is one of the best options available!

Final Thoughts

When comparing Baby’s Only Infant Formula vs. Earth’s Best Infant Formula, it is easy to see that both could be a good option. However, Baby’s Only stands out as the best choice! Earth’s best infant formulas contain palm oil, and the gentle option has maltodextrin which is not ideal. Whether you are a new parent or just switching to formula feeding, I hope this guide helps you to make an informed choice for your little one!

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