10 Best Baby Formula Brands Made in the U.S. (2023 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.This in-depth and easily understandable parent guide will help you find and buy the best baby formula brands made in the U.S. You will learn the differences between U.S. vs. European baby formulas, the top 10 recommended baby formulas, what ingredients to avoid, what brands and types to avoid, and where you can purchase the best baby formulas in U.S.
If you want to know our pick for the best baby formula made in the US, it’s Bobbie Organic Infant Formula. Why is Bobbie the best? In short, it’s USDA Organic certified, Non-GMO, has the highest quality ingredients formulated to be as close to breastmilk as possible, and is designed specifically for babies 0-12 months of age. See below for more details about Bobbie and learn more in this Bobbie formula review!
Since not every parent is looking to buy an organic formula, there are some high quality non-organic options available too. If you’re still looking for a high quality formula for your baby, we would recommend Kabrita USA, which is non-GMO according to EU standards and uses high quality ingredients.
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!
The Best Baby Formula In The US As Of January 2022
As of January 2022, there is a brand new, US based, healthy infant formula on the market! Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is by far, the best baby formula made in the US today.
Here’s Why Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Is The Best
- Formulated for Infants: Intended for use in infants from 0-12 months of age as a sole source feeding or as a supplement to breastfeeding.
- FDA Vetted and Approved: Only FDA approved formula that also meets EU nutritional standards
- Organic: USDA Organic Certified
- Pasture-raised Dairy: Organic milk from Organic Valley. Organic Valley’s pasture-raised organic milk comes from cows that spend an average of 42% more time on pasture than USDA organic requirements.
- European Recipe: Simple recipe that starts with high quality ingredients
- No Palm Oil, No Soy Oil: Fat Blend is made with organic Safflower/Sunflower and Coconut Oils. (Learn more: Palm Oil In Baby Formula).
- 100% Lactose: No syrup solids, matches the predominant carbohydrate in human breast milk
- Increased DHA: At 20mg/100kcal, highest in the US market and meets EU standards
- Iron: meets EU standards
- Whey-to-Casein: 60:40 ratio that matches that of breast milk for easy digestibility
- High Quality Manufacturing: The formula is manufactured in a U.S. FDA vetted facility with more than 30 years of infant formula manufacturing experience.
- No Nonsense: No Palm oil, No Corn syrup, No Cane sugar, No Maltodextrin, Non GMO, Gluten Free, No natural or artificial flavors or colors, Pasture-Raised, Organic Dairy
- The only Mom founded and led infant formula company
There are other formulas made in the US that are also great options for your baby. See below for our picks for the best baby formulas in manufactured in America.
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!
My recommendations are based on the manufacturer’s claims and ingredients list, and what I feel best giving to my own family. Your individual results may be different based on your overall diet, exercise, age, weight, family history, or pre-existing conditions.
Top 10 Best Baby Formula Brands Made In The U.S.
The formulas listed below are considerably better than most US formulas on the shelves. In this top 10 list you’ll find more details for each formula, outlining why it might be a good fit for your baby, along with pros, cons, and additional considerations for each.
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
The only mom founded and led infant formula company in the U.S. Bobbie is the first Organic, European-Style Infant Formula that meets FDA requirements. Bobbie’s recipe is modeled after breast milk and designed to meet the most recent EU nutritional standards for critical ingredients like DHA and iron, while also meeting all FDA nutritional standards for infant formula. No palm oil, no soy oil, USDA Organic, Milk sourced from Organic Valley pasture raised cows, No Corn syrup, No Cane sugar, No Maltodextrin, Non GMO, Gluten Free, No natural or artificial flavors or colors. Costs $24 per 400g (about 14oz) can.
Pros
The only US based infant formula that meets FDA requirements and is comparable to European baby formulas!
No palm oil, no corn syrup, no sugar, no maltodextrin, non GMO
USDA Organic Certified
Formulated specifically for infants aged 0-12 months
Pasture raised milk
Naturally extracted DHA
Cons
No pre or probiotics included (you would have to supplement)
Does contain soy oil, but soy oil does not have the estrogenic components of soy protein so is less problematic
Baby’s Only Organic Infant Formula
This new formula from Baby’s Only is 100% organic, Clean Label Purity project certified, modeled after breastmilk, contains no palm oil, no corn syrup, and no glucose syrup solids. Because it’s made in the US, it’s FDA regulated, and is designed to meet all FDA requirements for infant nutrition. It does not contain DHA, ARA, prebiotics or probiotics. Costs about $25 for a 21-oz can.
Pros
Organic and Clean Label Project certified
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate
No palm oil
No glucose syrup solids
Cons
No DHA, no ARA
No prebiotics or probiotics
Bobbie Gentle Formula
Bobbie Gentle Formula is organic cow’s milk based, using partially hydrolyzed proteins that are broken down into smaller segments called peptides. It is the first USDA and EU certified Organic tolerance formula made with 100% lactose carbohydrates. Even though it has lactose, it is a gentle formula designed to be easier digested. This baby formula has DHA & ARA to support healthy development. This is a good choice if you want a formula with no palm oil, no maltodextrin, and no corn syrup. This formula is also Pesticide-Free Certified by the Clean Label Project and received their Purity Award. Cost:$28 per can with subscription of 4, 8, or 10 cans (includes shipping).
Pros
USDA Organic And EU Organic
Designed for infants, supports easy digestion
No palm oil, no maltodextrin
Healthy fats, modeled after breastmilk
Affordable, flexible subscription service
Manufactured in Vermont and Ohio
Cons
No probiotics or prebiotics
Baby’s Only with Whey
Baby’s Only with Whey is also a lactose formula, but made with organic skimmed cow’s milk, and organic whey. It has no added sugars, and is free of synthetic ingredients, but lacks pre and probiotics. The DHA in this formula is derived from eggs, so it’s naturally extracted. Lastly, this is marketed as a toddler formula but similar to Kabrita, it meets the nutritional requirements for an infant formula. As with all formula, consult your pediatrician before using this for your baby. Costs $20 for a 12.7oz can.
Pros
Made with organic skimmed milk and lactose, no sugars or syrup solids
Made with natural DHA/ARA – no hexane extraction
No synthetic ingredients
FDA approved
Cons
Technically a toddler formula. While it does meet the nutritional requirements for an infant formula, some parents may not feel comfortable using this formula for their infants.
No pre or probiotics
Kabrita USA
The best goat milk formula. The ingredients are non-GMO, with added prebiotics and a whey-to-casein ratio that closely resembles that in breast milk. This option contains no glucose syrup solids, no maltodextrin, no taurine or l-carnitine, and no palm oil. It is marketed as a toddler formula, but meets the nutritional requirements for infant formula. Note: While Kabrita USA is made in the Netherlands, they are regulated by the FDA and are legally imported (they send prior notice to the FDA of every shipment before it is allowed into the US for sale) and are sold in US stores as a result. They are also SNAP eligible. As with all formula, consult your pediatrician before using this for your baby.
Pros
Made in Europe according to EU standards with high-quality Dutch goat milk.
FDA registered
DHA and ARA (hexane free)
Non GMO according to EU standards, and the only formula in the US that is certified glyphosate residue-free
No glucose syrup solids, no sugar, no maltodextrin – Lactose is the primary carbohydrate
Uses a premium fat blend with beta-palmitate, which has been positively associated with improved stool consistency
Contains natural and added prebiotics (GOS)
Adapted whey to casein ratio, with added goat milk whey
Cons
Not USDA Organic, but is made in Europe where strict standards limit the use of pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics.
Contains Soy, but Kabrita is free of soy protein and only uses high-quality European sourced non-GMO soybean oil.
Made for Toddlers 12-24 months (not FDA approved as an infant formula), but meets the FDA nutritional requirements for infant formula
No probiotics
Happy Baby Infant Formula
This formula doesn’t have gluten or corn syrup. It’s Non-GMO, and is designed for easy digestion. Contains 4X more prebiotics than most other infant formulas. This formula delivers two prebiotics, GOS & FOS, fibers that mimic the function of prebiotics found naturally in breast milk. It contains palm oil and soy oil, but has naturally derived DHA. It’s also a bit thin, so takes baby some time to get used to. Costs $26.75 per 20oz can.
Pros
No gluten, no corn syrup, non GMO
Formulated for easy digestion
Contains prebiotics
Naturally derived DHA
Cons
Contains palm oil and soy oil
No probiotics
Burt’s Bees Organic Infant Formula
Pros
Organic, non GMO
No added preservatives or added sugars, gluten-free
Hexane free DHA
Contains prebiotics and other important nutrients for infant development
Cons
No probiotics
Contains palm oil and soy oil
Similac Organic
Similac Organic has recently reformulated their infant formula, and now their formula has no sugar or syrup solids as the primary carbohydrate! They use organic nonfat milk and organic lactose only. They include prebiotics as well. Similac Organic does have soy oil and a few synthetic ingredients. Costs $28 for a 23oz container.
Pros
No syrup soilds or sugar used
USDA Organic, Non GMO
Contains prebiotics
No palm oil
Cons
Contains soy oil
Contains synthetic nutrients
Have heard anecdotally it is hard for some babies to digest, but with the new formulation this may not be an issue
Earth’s Best with DHA
Earth’s Best is USDA Organic Certified, and formulated for babies 0-12 months of age. Contains no sugar or syrup solids, contains DHA & ARA and prebiotics for healthy digestion. Contains palm oil, soy oil and a few synthetic ingredients. Costs $26 for a 23oz can.
Pros
USDA Organic, Non GMO
Contains prebiotics
Can be used for babies 0-12 months
No syrup solids or sugar
Non hexane extracted DHA
Cons
Contains palm oil
Contains soy oil
Contains synthetic ingredients
Earth’s Best Gentle Infant Formula
Earth’s Best Gentle formula is USDA Organic and designed for babies aged 0-12 months with sensitive stomachs or tolerance issues. Made from easy to digest proteins, including partially hydrolyzed whey, for fussiness, gas, and crying. Includes DHA and ARA. Non GMO. Costs $28 for a 23oz can.
Pros
USDA Organic, Non GMO
Contains prebiotics
Uses naturally extracted DHA
Designed for sensitive tummies
Cons
Contains Maltodextrin
Contains palm oil and soy oil
Contains synthetic nutrients
Runner Up #1: Happy Baby Organic Sensitive Formula
Created especially for sensitive tummies for babies 0-12 months of age. This formula has lactose reduced by 75% to ease occasional fussiness & gas in lactose-sensitive babies. Includes prebiotics (GOS & FOS) to mimic the prebiotics found in breastmilk. Non-GMO, Gluten-Free. Costs $29.75 for a 21oz can
Pros
USDA Organic, Non-GMO
Reduced lactose for sensitive tummies
Two types of prebiotics to aid digestion
No synthetic nutrients
Cons
Contains glucose syrup solids
Contains maltodextrin, palm oil and soy oil
On the pricier side
Runner Up #2: Baby’s Only with Brown Rice Syrup
Baby’s Only with Brown Rice Syrup is also a lactose formula, but uses brown rice syrup as one of the primary carbohydrates. It is free of synthetic ingredients, but lacks pre and probiotics. The DHA in this formula is derived from eggs, so it’s naturally extracted. Lastly, this is marketed as a toddler formula but similar to Kabrita, it meets the nutritional requirements for an infant formula. As with all formula, consult your pediatrician before using this for your baby. Costs $12 for a 12.7oz can.
Pros
Very affordable, only $12 per can!
USDA Organic certified
Naturally extracted DHA
No palm oil
Cons
Uses brown rice syrup as one of the primary carbohydrates
No pre or probiotics
Technically is a toddler formula, but meets the nutritional requirements for an infant formula
Includes soy oil
Runner Up #3: Baby’s Only Lactorelief
USDA Organic formula designed especially for sensitive tummies. No hormones, antibiotics-treated dairy cows; no harmful pesticides or fertilizer. Rated “Best in Class” by CleanLabelProject.org for Superior Nutrition and Purity. No palm oil, non-GMO, no hexane processed DHA and ARA. Costs $14.50 for a 12.7oz can.
Pros
USDA Organic, Non GMO
Low lactose dairy for sensitive tummies
No palm oil
No synthetic nutrients
Cons
Contains brown rice syrup solids
Contains maltodextrin
Is technically a toddler formula, but meets the nutritional requirements of an infant formula
Best Baby Formula: What to Look For
- USDA Organic: When buying formula for your baby look for one that is certified USDA organic. This means that it was produced without pesticides, GMOs, hormones, and should have no artificial or synthetic ingredients.
- Whey:Casein Ratio: You want to find a formula that has a whey: casein ratio of 60:40, which most closely mimics breast milk.
- Grass Fed: Since organic formulas use cow or goat milk look for ones that are grass fed.
- No Added Sugars or Synthetic Ingredients: See the list of ingredients to avoid below!
Best Baby Formula in the US: What to Avoid
- Added Sugars: Look for a formula that doesn’t contain added sugars in the form of syrups or syrup solids. Some to look out for are corn syrup, maltodextrin, sugar, or brown rice syrup, corn sugars, and syrup solids.
- Synthetic DHA and ARA: DHA and ARA are naturally found in breastmilk, but the DHA and ARA added to formula are extracted from algae and fungus, often using hexane (a neurotoxic petroleum-based solvent). While hexane is undetectable in the formula after processing and I don’t consider this to be a huge concern, if you can find DHA extracted using a different process, or DHA from egg yolk, that can be a more ideal option.
- Synthetic Preservatives or Stabilizers: Look out for ascorbic palmitate and beta carotene.
- GMOs: Buy formulas that are certified Non-GMO. GMOs are genetically engineered crops that are made to be resistant to Round-Up (glyphosate) and produce their own insecticide. The challenge is that glyphosate is likely carcinogenic to humans. In addition, the cows producing the milk are hormone free if Non-GMO. If you end up buying an organic baby formula, it will automatically be Non-GMO.
- Soy or Soy based products: Too much soy in infancy has been linked to early menstruation and other health issues.
- Carrageenan: While carrageenan has been banned from formulas in Europe it is still allowed in U.S. formulas even though numerous studies have found that it causes inflammation in the intestines.
- Maltodextrin: is another name for sugar. It is a high-glycemic stabilizer.
- Synthetic Nutrients: Lutein, lycopene, nucleotides, taurine, l-carnitine and l-methionine are allowed in the US which are processed with neurotoxic solvents and are not allowed in European Organic Infant Formulas.
- Note about Palm Oil: Palm Oil is in most formulas US formulas. It is not environmentally-friendly, and it can form “soaps” in the baby’s intestines – which can cause digestive issues. What I’ve seen is that Palm Oil doesn’t cause issues for most babies and is relatively harmless as compared to other oils added to baby formulas. If you have to choose an added oil, I’d choose palm over soy because of this study about soy (among many others) that makes it even more problematic than palm oil.
Baby Formula FAQs
What Types Of Baby Formulas Are On The Market?
- Cow’s Milk Lactose Based: Most formulas fall into this category. Cow’s milk is altered to resemble breast milk so that it has the right balance of nutrients and is more easily digestible. Go to this guide for the best organic baby formulas made with cow’s milk.
- Hypoallergenic: Are for those babies that have an allergy and severe problem digesting cow’s milk formula. There are several types of hypoallergenic formulas including, partially hydrolyzed, extensively hydrolyzed, and free amino acid based.
- Goat Milk Formula: This can be a good option if your baby has a cow’s milk sensitivity vs. a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy. Learn more: Best Goat Milk Formula guide.
- Soy Based: These formulas should be avoided due to studies that demonstrate their problems with digestive issues and other side effects.
What is the difference between U.S. and European formula brands?
Most baby formulas made in the US are full of unhealthy ingredients for your baby. Some of these ingredients include added sugars/syrup solids, preservatives, GMOs, and synthetic ingredients. European Baby Formulas (especially organic European baby formulas) are more similar to breast milk than most of their U.S. counterparts in the make-up of carbohydrates and fat, and European formulas are held to higher organic standards. This post focuses on the best baby formulas for parents who are looking for a US-made formula that meets the high standards set by European baby formula companies.
What is the closest formula to breast milk?
Baby formulas are intended to be a substitute or a supplement for breast milk, you might assume most formulas would then be designed to closely resemble breast milk in their ingredients. However, many formulas on the market contain synthetic ingredients. Lactose is the main carbohydrate source in breast milk. The other main components of breast milk are proteins and fats. Finding a formula that features lactose as the main carbohydrate, and whey as the protein and fat is the way to go when looking for a formula that most resembles breast milk.
What is the best formula for a colic baby?
While most colicky babies will do fine on the above mentioned formulas. If your baby is particularly sensitive they may benefit from a formula that is strictly whey based. Whey proteins are more easily digestible then the standard synthetic proteins. A lactose based formula with a combination of milk powder and whey protein such as Kabrita or Baby’s Only Organic with Whey are a good choice.
How do I know if my baby’s formula is upsetting their tummy?
- Your baby is unusually fussy.
- Resists sleeping and eating.
- Cries more often than usual
- Has diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Wiggles and squirms or tenses muscles
- Makes uncomfortable faces such is squeezing eyes closed or frowns.
If your baby shows any of these signs consult your pediatrician.
Top 10 Best Baby Formula Brands, Ranked From Best to Worst
Below is a detailed chart ranking all of the best baby formula brands. At the top of the chart, I’ve included a hypothetical line for the “ideal” formula – so you have something to measure all of the other formulas against.
More Baby Formula Guides!
- Best Formula For Constipation
- Best Formula For Reflux
- Baby’s Only Vs. Earth’s Best
- Best Lactose Free Baby Formula
- Best Formula For Colic
- Best Hypoallergenic Baby Formulas
- Best A2 Baby Formula
- Best Formula For Gassy Babies
Final Thoughts
Not every baby likes every formula. Some formulas constipate or irritate some babies, yet keep other babies’ tummies perfectly happy. If you try the formulas I recommend and they don’t work for your baby – that is ok!
There is no perfect formula, but some are still much better than others. If you can afford it, and your pediatrician approves your formula choice, I’d recommend going with one of the top 3 formulas on my list (Bobbie, Baby’s Only with Whey, Kabrita USA). But in general, just do the best you can for your baby. No judgments here.
[See this article for more information on European best organic baby formulas, including my recommendations on where to buy] And if you have any questions about European or U.S. baby formulas, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment or send me an email, I respond to every single message I get!
Note: I am not a doctor, so while I would personally use the top formulas on this list for my children, please consult with your pediatrician before using any formula for your baby.
Hello,
I know you had Baby’s Only toddler formula on the list but what about Babys Only Organic Premium Baby Formula?
Thanks
Hi David! I actually recently updated this post to include it, because Baby’s Only Organic Infant Formula is a great option and has really high quality ingredients! Thanks for asking! 🙂
Thank you for all the helpful information! This has been great as I explore options to transition my newborn to something cleaner. I was wondering what your thoughts are on Aussie Bubs formula?
Hi Brianna! Aussie Bubs is a great formula option, they’re just not made in the US which is why I don’t list them in this particular post. Hope that helps!
Hi! What do you think of the newer Similac 360 formula? I am concerned with any formula by Abbott because of the factory shut downs.
Hi Patsy! The newer Similac 360 formula is fine in the sense that it doesn’t contain added sugar or glucose syrup solids, but my main issue with it is that it’s not organic, so it isn’t ideal in that sense. I would recommend one of the US formulas on this list instead of Similac. Hope that helps!
If Bobbie is your favorite, By Heart should probably be on this list too! What are your thoughts?
Hi Ann! ByHeart is great, but their waiting list has been so backed up that it’s almost impossible to even get on the waiting list, let alone get the formula. Once they open up fully for distribution I’m planning to add them to this list!
Kendamil organic is not made in the US but it is now FDA approved. It is worth being on this list, they sell it in target.
Hi Taylor! I agree, Kendamil is a great formula! But this post is specifically about US made baby formulas, I actually list Kendamil on my Best Organic Formulas post which includes both European and US brands. Hope that helps clarify!
How do you feel about the ByHeart formula?
Hi Lexie! ByHeart is great, but their waiting list has been so backed up that it’s almost impossible to even get on the waiting list, let alone get the formula. Once they open up fully for distribution I’m planning to add them to this list!
Where would By Heart land on this list! I had twins in August and bought Bobbie hoping both of them would tolerate it and only one of them tolerated it. I was so sad it wasn’t both of them!! I am looking for something for my little guy that is more sensitive on his stomach. If I had to do a formula with less lactose or non what would you recommend? This article is so helpful! Thank you for all your research!
Hi Victoria! ByHeart is a great formula and I would basically put it in a tie with Kendamil Organic in terms of ingredients (they use whole milk, coconut oil, prebiotics, proteins found in breastmilk, etc)! The issue with ByHeart right now is availability, which is why I haven’t included them on this list yet. I think they are backlogged for a few months so I’m waiting until they get more inventory to list them here. But I would totally recommend ByHeart and think they are a good option. Hope that helps!
What are your thoughts on Serenity Kid’s toddler formula? How would you rank it? It’s another one that meets FDA standards for infant formula but is marketed for 12+ month use.
Hi Chelsea! Serenity Kid’s Toddler formula is actually great! I’d rank it right alongside Baby’s Only With Whey, since it has really good ingredients but is technically still a toddler formula. I didn’t know it met the nutritional requirements for infants, which is why I didn’t originally include it on this list! But I see on their website they have said it meets infant nutrition needs in their FAQs, so I’ll be updating this list very soon 🙂 Thanks and hope that helps!
Thank you so much for this post! What are your thoughts on Burts Bees Organic formula?
Hi Annie! Burt’s Bees Organic formula is a good option! I’d say it’s actually comparable to Happy Baby Organic – I’m adding them to this list now! 🙂
Love this so informative thank you so much! I am giving my baby Kabrita thanks to you. My doctor said it was ok for my newborn. However I’m a little concerned and might switch her to a sensitive formula. Wish there were more options on that or that those were higher (better) on the list. If you have discovered new good sensitive formulas let us know please !
Hi Jennifer! I’m so glad you found this guide helpful!! I would talk to your pediatrician about whether it’s necessary to switch your daughter to a sensitive formula – if they said Kabrita will work well for her – you might be fine just sticking with Kabrita! Otherwise, if you’re looking for a formula that’s as close to breastmilk as possible, I’d try Bobbie. And yes, I’ll be sure to update this post if I find better sensitive formulas made in the US! Hope that helps!
I’ve been reading a lot about metals in baby food, can you please provide some details on metals in baby formula and the best formulas for low metals?
Hi Ray! Bobbie has been tested for purity and is free of heavy metals, as are most other organic formulas on this list! From what I know, it’s the non-organic baby formulas that may have more of an issue.
Hello. What about Similac Pure Bliss formula?
Hi Lana! Similac Pure Bliss is not organic, but it is grass fed (that means that the grass the cows are eating could still be sprayed with pesticides, antibiotics can still be used, etc.). It doesn’t have any added sugar, but it does have some of the synthetic nutrients I recommend avoiding. I’d recommend Bobbie or one of the other truly organic formulas on my list instead!
Hi! You are doing such important work – thank you for this thorough information! It’s been so helpful as I navigate what to give my baby. Is the Happy Baby organic sensitive formula the same as the regular formula you have listed here in terms of the same cleanliness of ingredients?
Hi Ashley! The Happy Baby Sensitive Formula isn’t as clean as the regular formula on this list (it’s not even as clean as Happy Baby’s Regular Organic Infant Formula). That’s because, in order to make the formula work for sensitive tummies, you have to remove the lactose in the formula and modify the milk proteins in some cases. When you do that, you have to add in other carbohydrates — usually glucose syrup and/or maltodextrin to balance out the lack of lactose. While that’s not ideal, it’s the best option if you have to use a sensitive or hypoallergenic formula. So if you don’t need a sensitive formula, I wouldn’t recommend going with any sensitive or hypoallergenic formula over a regular one. But if you do need a sensitive formula, then the Happy Baby one is a great option and better / cleaner than most sensitive formulas on the market today. Hope that helps!
The formula between Bobbie and Kendamil. Which one you are recommendations?
Hi! They are both great honestly. It really just depends on your preference on what you want to supplement with! Kendmail contains prebiotics, no soy oil, and has DHA + ARA, but it does contain a few synthetic ingredients (however, I have verified with Kendamil that those ingredients aren’t extracted using chemical solvents, so I don’t think including those ingredients is an issue for Kendamil). Kendamil is also made in Europe. Bobbie doesn’t contain pre or probiotics, and I haven’t found a prebiotic supplement for babies yet, so supplementing with that could be tough. It also contains soy oil, but has no synthetic ingredients. Bobbie is made in the US. So it’s really just a question of whether you are ok not having prebiotics at all in your baby’s formula, whether you’re ok with soy oil, and whether you don’t want any synthetic nutrients (and if you have a preference on location of production) to determine whether you should choose Bobbie or Kendamil! You could also just pick one, see how your baby does, and if they do well, then stay on it, and if they don’t do well then try the other one! Hope that helps!
Thanks for the great review! How do you know these toddler formulas are ok to give to infants under 12 months? Are they also vetted by the US FDA? My pediatrician didn’t agree that toddler formulas could be safely used in infants, especially the European ones.
Hi Megan! All of the toddler formulas on this list (Baby’s Only, KabritaUSA) are not European formulas – they’re made in the US as well, and therefore have to be approved by the FDA! Both Baby’s Only and KabritaUSA say their formulas meet the nutritional requirements for infants, but Baby’s Only markets theirs as a toddler formula because they want to promote breastfeeding in the first year, and KabritaUSA started as a toddler formula because of their European milk source. I know many pediatricians and parents who are comfortable using Baby’s Only and Kabrita USA for infants, but ultimately it’s up to you and your pediatrician to decide which formula is best for your little one! That said, before January of 2021, Baby’s Only and KabritaUSA had the cleanest ingredients of any organic formula on the market today, but now there is an FDA approved infant-specific formula — Bobbie Organic Infant Formula — which I would recommend above Baby’s Only and KabritaUSA! Hope that helps clarify!
Hi!
I had a question about powdered formula vs ready to feed. I’ve been told you shouldn’t use powdered formula with newborns due to some type of bacteria potentially found in powdered formula. Is this true? All the options for ready to feed have terrible ingredients and I would rather supplement my newborn with Loulouka than an US ready to feed formula.
Hi Danielle! Powdered formula isn’t recommended for preemies or immunocompromised newborns because yes, technically, since your fingers touch the formula scoop and that goes back into the formula powder, there is bacteria from your hands that can get into the formula powder. But for healthy, full term babies, this typically is not an issue (provided your pediatrician isn’t concerned about it for your baby). The most important thing is to wash your hands and dry them well before touching the formula scoop and preparing formula for your baby. I would also talk to your pediatrician to make sure there isn’t any specific reason you should use ready to feed formula over powdered formula for your baby. I used powdered formula with both of my kids in newborn/infancy and had no issues, but they were both full term healthy babies. Hope that helps!
I’ve been reading your posts regarding baby formula. I woyld really lime to try the kabrita but my baby is two months old. Is this safe for her with the nutrients she needs since it us marketed for 12 to 24 months
Hi Nicole! Kabrita USA is technically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for infant formula. I know lots of parents who have used it for their infants successfully. That said, I would just check with your pediatrician to make sure they are comfortable with you using Kabrita for your 2 month old before you start using it!