Best Organic Baby Formula (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.When I was researching formula for my kids, I spent weeks reading labels in the baby aisle and scrolling through ingredient lists online at 2 a.m. I wanted organic, but I also needed to understand what that actually meant. Was European formula really better? Did I need goat milk? What about all those scary ingredients I kept reading about?
The truth is, choosing formula felt overwhelming. But after consulting with pediatricians, reviewing over 65 different brands, and testing formulas with both my kids, I’ve narrowed down the cleanest, highest-quality organic options available today.
This guide will help you find the best organic baby formula for your little one without the confusion or endless research. Whether you’re supplementing, exclusively formula feeding, or transitioning from breastfeeding, you’ll find a safe, nutritious option here.
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A Quick Note On Feeding
I strongly believe that FED is best. Whether you breastfeed for a year, six months, or not at all doesn’t make you a better or worse parent. I nursed my daughter for eight months before switching to formula, and it was one of the hardest decisions I made as a new mom. With my son, I supplemented from two months onwards because he was eating way more than I could produce! Both kids are healthy and thriving.
If you need formula, don’t feel guilty about it. Your baby needs you happy and healthy more than anything else.
Top Picks: Best Organic Baby Formulas
Here’s my at-a-glance view of the top organic formulas for different needs:
- Best USDA Organic And EU Organic Formula: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
- Best Overall Organic Formula: HiPP Dutch
- Best Whole Milk Formula (US Made): Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula
- Best Whole Milk Formula (Made In Europe): Nara Organics
- Best For Breastfed Babies: Kendamil Organic
- Best Goat Milk Formula: Jovie Goat
- Best Budget-Friendly Organic Formula: Baby’s Only Organic A2 Infant Formula
- Best European Formula (Budget): Holle PRE & Holle Stage 1
- Best Hypoallergenic Formula: HiPP HA
Disclaimer & Methodology
This guide is based on over 200 hours of research including peer reviewed studies, consultations with pediatricians and dietitians, collecting feedback from thousands of parents, and personal experience with my two kids. I’m a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, and this post has been medically reviewed by Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLC (see my about page for more info about Katie). My recommendations are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before starting or switching formulas.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally researched or used with my own children.
What To Look For In Organic Baby Formula
Before we get into specific brands, here’s what I prioritize when choosing formula:
✅ Certified Organic (USDA or EU certified)
✅ No added sugars, sucrose, syrup solids, or maltodextrin (lactose should be the main carbohydrate)
✅ Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
✅ Includes prebiotics and probiotics when possible (Learn More: Prebiotics For Kids)
✅ 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (mimics mature breast milk)
✅ No hexane-extracted DHA (or undetectable after extraction)
✅ Palm oil-free (or uses sustainable palm oil, learn more: Palm Oil In Baby Formula)
✅ Non-GMO
✅ No Carrageenan
✅ Good parent reviews for tolerance and mixing
The 8 Best Organic Baby Formulas
1. HiPP Dutch – Best Overall Organic Formula
What It Is: EU-certified organic formula with a complete nutritional profile
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Why I Love It: HiPP Dutch is one of my top picks when it comes to organic baby formula. It has a whey-to-casein ratio that mimics breast milk, contains both prebiotics and probiotics, and includes DHA and ARA for brain development. The formula is free from GMOs, added sugars, starch, soy, and synthetic preservatives.
I tested HiPP Dutch with my daughter when she was four months old, and she took to it immediately (my son did too when he was born!) The powder mixes easily (even at 3 a.m. when you’re half asleep), and I didn’t notice any increase in spit-up or fussiness. The container is also easier to use than some European brands since it comes in an airtight can instead of a foil-lined box.
The one downside is that HiPP uses hexane to extract DHA and ARA. However, when I spoke to their team, they claimed that all hexane is removed and undetectable in the final product. Given Europe’s strict testing standards, I feel comfortable with this.
Also Good:
- HiPP UK Stage 1 ($36.99-$42.99): Similar to HiPP Dutch but more affordable. Contains prebiotics (but no probiotics) and comes in a box instead of a can. Great budget-friendly European option.
- HiPP PRE Germany ($28.99-$37.99): Designed for babies 0-3 months. Contains both prebiotics and probiotics. More affordable than HiPP Dutch and comes in a box.
Price: $42.99-$48.99 per 28.2oz container (depending on quantity purchased)
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar, Bottles & Burps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mimics breast milk composition | Contains palm oil |
| Contains prebiotics and probiotics | Uses hexane extraction (though removed) |
| EU Organic certified, non-GMO | Not available in US stores (online only) |
| No added sugars or maltodextrin | |
| Easy-to-use container | |
| Contains DHA & ARA |
2. Bobbie – Best US-Made Organic Formula
What It Is: USDA organic, European-style formula made in the US
Options: Organic Infant Formula (skim milk), Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula, Grass Fed Whole Milk (Not Organic)
Age Range: 0-12 months
Why I Love It: Bobbie is the best organic formula made in the US, and it’s the only American brand that meets EU standards for DHA content. Made with milk from Organic Valley pasture-raised cows, this formula is as close as you can get to European quality without importing. Bobbie was created by a mom, Laura Modi, who developed Bobbie after feeling frustrated over a lack of clean formula options for her baby.
Bobbie offers three infant formulas: their Original Organic Infant Formula (made with organic skim milk), their Grass Fed Whole Milk Formula (not organic, made with whole milk) and their newer Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula (made with organic whole milk). The whole milk version has the highest milk fat content of any formula Bobbie makes, with less added vegetable oils since whole milk naturally contains more fat.
I love that Bobbie doesn’t use hexane to extract DHA (though they do use it for ARA extraction, but it’s undetectable in the final product). Both formulas have a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, are modeled after breast milk, and are completely free of palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, and maltodextrin. And I know I can trust their formula, especially because they were awarded the Clean Label Purity Project award.
When my nephew transitioned from breastfeeding after 8 months, Bobbie’s Original formula was what worked best for him. He didn’t have any digestive issues, and I know we all felt good that he was getting grass-fed organic nutrition. I’ve heard from other moms who prefer the Whole Milk version for their babies.
The only thing missing is prebiotics and probiotics, which you’ll need to supplement separately if you want them. (Learn more: Best Probiotics For Kids). Honestly, if Bobbie included prebiotics and probiotics in their formula, they would be my #1 pick overall too!
Price: $23.40 per 14.1oz can (subscription), $26.49 at Target
Where To Buy: Bobbie website, Target stores nationwide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic certified, FDA regulated | No prebiotics |
| Made in the US, available at Target | No probiotics |
| 60:40 whey:casein ratio | |
| Meets EU DHA standards | |
| No palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, or maltodextrin | |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Affordable compared to European formulas | |
| Clean Label Purity Award and Pesticide Free certified | |
| Three options: original (skim milk), grass fed, and whole milk formula |
3. Nara Organics – Best Whole Milk Formula Made In Europe
What It Is: USDA organic whole milk formula, made in Germany
Age Range: 0-12 months
Why I Love It: Nara Organics is a brand-new formula that just launched in 2025 and it is the first and only USDA-certified organic formula made with whole milk and no skim milk. Nara has the highest percentage of milk fat of any formula sold in the US, which means less added vegetable oils. The founder, Esther Hallam, created this formula after struggling to find a clean organic option when her daughter was born.
Made in a state-of-the-art facility in Germany and meeting both EU and US safety standards, Nara underwent a large-scale clinical trial with infants to demonstrate safety and efficacy. The formula includes naturally occurring MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), prebiotics (GOS), and EU-required levels of DHA and ARA for brain development.
What sets Nara apart is the focus on whole milk fats. The formula uses organic whole milk as the primary fat source, then adds a small amount of organic plant-based oils (coconut, sunflower, rapeseed) for essential fatty acids. It’s completely free of palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and GMOs.
Nara was awarded the Clean Label Purity Award, which means it’s been rigorously tested for contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. The formula has a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (just like mature breast milk) and uses lactose as the only carbohydrate.
Price: $45 per 24.7 oz can, $40.50 per can for 4-can subscription
Where to buy: Nara.com, Target.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic certified, FDA regulated | Brand new (launched 2025), so less long-term parent reviews |
| 60:40 whey:casein ratio | Mainly available online (limited availability in stores) |
| Meets EU standards, made in Germany | No probiotics |
| No palm oil, soy, corn syrup, or maltodextrin | |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Contains MFGM, prebiotics, DHA, and ARA | |
| Clean Label Purity Project Award | |
| Highest milk fat percentage of any formula |
4. Kendamil Organic – Best European Whole Milk Formula
What It Is: UK organic formula made with whole milk
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Kendamil is similar to Nara Organics and Bobbie’s Whole Milk formula because it’s made organic whole milk instead of skim milk, which means less added vegetable oils. It contains HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), a prebiotic that supports immune health, and includes DHA and ARA.
The formula is completely free of palm oil and soy oil, and uses coconut oil as one of the main fat sources. Parents consistently mention that Kendamil smells sweet and tastes good, making it one of the best options for picky breastfed babies who are resistant to formula.
I recommended Kendamil to many parents during the formula shortage in 2022, and heard good feedback that it mixed well and most babies took to it without fussiness.
The formula doesn’t contain probiotics, so you’d need to add those separately if you want them. It also contains taurine, l-carnitine, and nucleotides, but Kendamil doesn’t use chemical solvents to extract these nutrients.
Price: $42.49 for a 28.2oz container at Target, $41.13 with subscription – $52.99 per 28oz container online
Where To Buy: Target, Bottles & Burps, Organic’s Best
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with organic whole milk | No probiotics |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Contains HMOs for immune support | |
| No palm oil or soy oil | |
| Contains prebiotics, DHA, ARA (non-hexane extracted) | |
| Available online and at Target | |
| Clean Label Purity Project Award | |
| Highest milk fat percentage of any formula |
5. Jovie Goat – Best Goat Milk Formula
What It Is: EU organic goat milk infant formula
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Why I Love It: Jovie is the best goat milk formula available, and it’s a great option for babies who have trouble digesting cow’s milk. Made with organic whole A2 goat milk, this formula is easier on sensitive tummies since goat milk contains only A2 protein (versus both A1 and A2 in cow’s milk).
The ingredients are 100% organic and non-GMO, with added prebiotics and a whey-to-casein ratio similar to breast milk. Jovie is also free of glucose syrup solids, maltodextrin, palm oil, and soy oil.
I recommended Jovie to a friend whose baby was having constant spit-up and gas on cow’s milk formula. Within three days of switching to Jovie, her baby was sleeping better and much less fussy.
One thing to note: Jovie uses fish oil for DHA, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly. It also doesn’t contain probiotics. (Learn More: Jovie Formula Review).
Price: $56.99-$64.99 per 28.2oz container (depending on number ordered)
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with A2 organic whole goat milk | No probiotics |
| EU Organic certified | Expensive |
| No palm oil or soy oil | Not vegetarian (contains fish oil) |
| Contains prebiotics | |
| Contains DHA/ARA | |
| Can be easier to digest than cow’s milk | |
| No added sugars |
6. Baby’s Only Organic – Best Budget-Friendly US Formula
What It Is: USDA organic formula available in US stores
Age Range: 0-12 months (infant formula) and 12+ months (toddler formula)
Why I Love It: Baby’s Only Organic is the most affordable USDA organic formula you can buy in the US. It’s made with organic A2 milk, is non-GMO, and is Clean Label Purity project certified. The formula contains no palm oil, no corn syrup, and no glucose syrup solids.
Baby’s Only is free of syrup solids and added sugars, and while it doesn’t contain DHA, ARA, prebiotics or probiotics, I like Baby’s Only for parents who want organic nutrition on a budget. The formula has full-fat nutrition and a simple ingredients list. It’s been a trusted brand for over 20 years and is widely available both online and in stores.
Price: $30 per 21oz can
Where to buy: Amazon, natural grocery stores like Sprouts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable organic option | No probiotics |
| No palm oil | No DHA or ARA |
| Clean Label Purity Project certified | No prebiotics |
| Contains prebiotics | |
| Available in stores and online |
7. Holle PRE – Best Budget European Formula
What It Is: Demeter biodynamic certified organic formula from Germany
Age Range: [PRE] 0-3 months, [Stage 1] 0-6 months, [Stage 2] 6+months
Why I Love It: Holle PRE is one of the most affordable European formulas, and it carries a Demeter biodynamic certification, which is even stricter than regular organic standards. This ensures the highest animal welfare standards and commitment to sustainability.
The formula is simple and clean, with organic ingredients and no added maltodextrin (though Stage 2 does contain some). Holle PRE now includes DHA and ARA, which wasn’t always the case with older formulations.
I like Holle PRE for parents who want to supplement with their own probiotics and prebiotics. The formula doesn’t include these, so you have full control over what you’re adding.
One limitation is that Holle PRE is designed for babies 0-6 months (ideally 0-3 months). After that, you’ll need to switch to Stage 1 or Stage 2. Additionally Holle (across all stages) doesn’t have a whey:casein ratio that matches breastmilk, so that might cause digestive discomfort in some babies
Price: $21.85-$27.49 per 400 gram box
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar, Bottles & Burps
Also Good:
- Holle Goat Stage 1 ($25.71-$33.99): Made with organic A2 goat milk. Bioland certified. Good option for babies sensitive to cow’s milk, though the whey-to-casein ratio doesn’t mimic breast milk, which can be constipating for some babies. Contains maltodextrin.
- Holle Bio Stage 1 ($21.85-$27.49): Similar to Holle PRE but for ages 0-6 months. Demeter certified. Contains DHA and ARA. Includes maltodextrin (unlike Holle PRE).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable European formula | No probiotics |
| Demeter biodynamic certified | No prebiotics |
| EU Organic certified | Stage 1 & 2 contains maltodextrin |
| Contains DHA and ARA | Whey:casein ratio doesn’t match mature breastmilk |
| No maltodextrin in PRE stage |
8. HiPP HA – Best Hypoallergenic Formula
What It Is: European hypoallergenic formula for cow’s milk sensitivities
Age Range: 0-3 months (Stage PRE), 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
HiPP HA is the best option if your baby has a cow’s milk protein sensitivity (but not a full allergy). The formula contains extensively hydrolyzed protein (86-87% broken down), which is easier for sensitive tummies to digest.
It’s 100% whey with no casein, and includes prebiotics, probiotics, DHA, and ARA. The lactose content is the same as regular formula, so if your baby has severe lactose intolerance, this may not work.
A friend of mine switched to HiPP HA after her baby had constant gas and fussiness on regular formula. Within a week, her baby was sleeping through the night and much happier overall.
While HiPP HA isn’t technically certified organic (because the hydrolyzed protein requires more processing), all other ingredients are organic.
Price: $31.71-$42.99 per 600 gram container
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar
Also Good:
- HiPP Comfort ($30.85-$42.99): Meant to relieve gas, fussiness, and digestive discomfort, HiPP Comfort is even more broken down than HiPP HA. Contains extensively hydrolyzed protein, (86-87% broken down), 100% whey (no casein), reduced lactose content and modified fats.
- HiPP AR ($30.85-$40.99): Meant to ease reflux in infants, HiPP AR contains locust bean gum that thickens the formula slightly to prevent reflux and/or reduce spit up.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion | Not fully organic |
| No casein (100% whey) | Regular lactose content (not suitable for severe lactose intolerance) |
| Contains prebiotics | May not work for diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy |
| Contains probiotics | |
| Includes DHA and ARA | |
| No added sugars |
Organic Baby Formula Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of all the formulas featured in this guide:
| Formula Brand | Type Of Milk | Pre-biotics | Pro-biotics | DHA & ARA | Palm Oil? | Soy Oil? | Malto-dextrin | Price Per Can |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HiPP Dutch | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $42.99 – $48.99 |
| Bobbie Original | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $25 |
| Bobbie Whole Milk | Organic Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $28 |
| Nara Organics | Organic Whole Milk | ✓ (GOS) | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $45 |
| Kendamil Organic | Organic Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ (HMOs) | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $41.13 – $52.99 |
| Jovie Goat | Organic Whole Goat Milk | ✓ | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $56.99 – $64.99 |
| Baby’s Only Organic | Organic Grass-Fed Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | No | ✓ (DHA only) | No | No | No | $30 |
| Holle PRE | Organic Whole Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $21.85 – $27.49 |
| HiPP HA | Hydro-lyzed Whey (No Casein) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $31.71 – $42.99 |
| HiPP UK | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | No | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $36.99 – $42.99 |
| HiPP PRE Germany | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $28.99 – $37.99 |
| Holle Goat | Organic Goat Milk | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | Yes | $25.71 – $33.99 |
| Holle Bio Stage 1 | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | Yes | $21.85 – $27.49 |
Key: ✓ = Contains this ingredient/feature; No = does not contain; Yes = contains
Notes:
- All formulas listed are certified organic (USDA or EU)
- All formulas are non-GMO
- All formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate (no corn syrup solids)
- DHA extraction methods vary by brand (some use hexane extraction with undetectable residue, others use fish oil or algae)
European vs. American Baby Formula
You’ll notice that many of my top picks are European formulas. Here’s why:
European formulas have stricter standards:
- No corn syrup solids or processed sugars allowed
- Minimum 30% of calories must come from lactose
- No synthetic nutrients extracted with chemical solvents
- More transparent testing for trace contaminants
- Required DHA in all formulas (not required in US)
US formulas are improving: Brands like Bobbie are now meeting EU standards while being made in the US. This gives you European-quality nutrition with the convenience of buying at Target.
Both EU and US organic formulas must be 95% organic and free from growth hormones, GMOs, and antibiotics. The main difference is that Europe regulates more strictly when it comes to added ingredients and testing standards.
All US-based formulas are regulated by the FDA, and all European formulas are regulated by the European Commission, which also certifies formulas as organic. Additionally, Europe has designations that are “beyond organic” like “Demeter” which essentially means biodynamic farming on top of organic farming.
A note on organic labeling: Certified organic does not mean the same thing as “made with organic ingredients.” If a package has the label “made with organic ingredients,” it means that only 70% of the ingredients are organic, not 95%. (source).
Understanding Formula Stages (European Formulas)
European formulas come in stages to match your baby’s changing nutritional needs:
- Stage PRE/1 (0-6 months): Gentlest formula, often 100% lactose-based, less iron since babies have iron stores until 6 months
- Stage 2 (6-10 months): More iron, adjusted vitamins and minerals for growing babies
- Stage 3 (10-12+ months): Designed to supplement solid foods
US formulas typically have one stage for 0-12 months, then a separate toddler formula for 12+ months.
What About Palm Oil And Hexane?
I have heard from so many parents that two of the most common ingredients that concern parents are palm oil and hexane-extracted DHA.
Palm Oil: Palm oil is added to mimic palmitic acid in breast milk, but it can cause digestive issues in some babies. It reacts with calcium in the gut and may lead to constipation or harder stools. Formulas like Bobbie, Kendamil, and Jovie are palm oil-free, which I prefer.
Hexane-Extracted DHA: Hexane is a petroleum-based solvent used to extract DHA and ARA from algae. While this sounds scary, the hexane is removed after extraction and should be undetectable in European formulas due to strict testing.
If this concerns you, I recommend choosing formulas that use non-hexane extracted DHA (like Bobbie or Kendamil).
Best Supplements For Baby Formula
I have gotten a lot of questions about what to supplement with if your baby is on a formula that doesn’t have DHA added, what probiotic to use, or what to do if your baby is getting some breast milk along with their formula (in which case you need to add Vitamin D). Here’s what I recommend:
Best Vitamin D Drops: Bobbie Vitamin D Drops (USDA organic, vegan, Clean Label certified, only 3 drops per day)
Best Probiotic Drops: Bobbie Probiotic Drops (1 billion live cultures, can be mixed into anything, helps with colic and crying)
Best Prebiotics: BeginHealth (for infants 0-12 months, no artificial flavors or stabilizers)
Best DHA Supplement: Nordic Naturals Baby’s DHA (pure, no preservatives, includes Vitamin D)
Ingredients To Avoid In Baby Formula
Here are the ingredients that I recommend avoiding in baby formula, whenever possible:
❌ Corn Syrup Solids/Maltodextrin: Cheaper alternatives to lactose that provide empty calories without nutritional benefit.
❌ GMOs: May contain trace pesticides.
❌ Hexane-Extracted DHA/ARA: While DHA and ARA are important for brain development, some are extracted using hexane (a neurotoxic solvent). Look for formulas with non-hexane extracted versions or algae-based DHA.
❌ Carrageenan: Added as a stabilizer in ready-to-feed formulas; linked to intestinal inflammation and banned in EU.
❌ Palm Oil: Can bind with calcium in baby’s gut, causing digestive issues and harder stools.
❌ Soy Protein: May contain phytoestrogens that may not be suitable for infants. Always consult your pediatrician before using soy formula. (Source: Check out this study about soy).
FAQs
What is the closest formula to breast milk?
Any formula with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio and key vitamins and minerals is very close to breast milk. HiPP Dutch, Bobbie, Kendamil, and Nara Organics all mimic breast milk composition.
Is organic formula really better?
Organic formulas are free from antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, hormones, and pesticides. While research doesn’t show huge long-term health advantages, many parents (including myself) prefer organic for peace of mind. If you can afford it, it’s worth the investment.
However, not all families may be able to choose organic formula, in which case I firmly believe that fed is best, and you should choose the formula that works for your budget and your baby. Other considerations such as price, or needing a hypoallergenic formula (which by definition will not be organic due to the hydrolyzed proteins), or availability should also be kept in mind when choosing a formula.
How long is baby formula good for?
Most formulas need to be used within one month of opening. Unopened formula is typically good for 6-12 months (check the expiration date on the container).
Can you mix formulas?
Technically yes, but this can be tricky. If you want to mix formulas (to transition between brands or because your baby does well with a blend), consult your pediatrician first to make sure you’re following correct mixing instructions.
How do I know which baby formula to choose?
Here are some steps to help you make an informed choice when deciding which is the right formula for your baby:
1) Talk to your pediatrician first – they can provide recommendations based on your baby’s specific needs.
2) Determine the type of formula – cow’s milk, goat’s milk, hypoallergenic, vegan, etc. based on your baby’s age and any allergies or dietary restrictions.
3) Consider the ingredients list and choose formulas that have no sugar or syrup solids added, are non GMO and/or organic, contain DHA/ARA, and meet your baby’s nutritional requirements.
4) Consider cost & budget! Always choose a formula that meets your budget constraints.
What if my baby doesn’t like the formula I chose?
Not every baby likes every formula. Some formulas can cause constipation or upset stomach in certain babies while keeping others perfectly happy. If you try a formula and it doesn’t work after 4-6 weeks, it’s ok to switch to something else.
Other Helpful Resources
I have specific guides for each type of formula, if you’re looking for more detailed information! Here are my guides to the best goat milk formula, the best hypoallergenic formula, the best toddler formula, and the best vegan baby formula.
If you’re choosing a European formula, I also have translated instructions and guides for each one! Here they are: HiPP Dutch, HiPP PRE Germany, Holle PRE, Holle Bio, Holle Goat
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right formula for your baby is a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one baby might not work for another, and that’s completely normal. If you try the formulas I recommend and they don’t work for your baby, that is ok!
If you can afford organic European formulas like HiPP or Kendamil, or European style options like Bobbie, those are your best bets. And if you’re on a tight budget, just try to find a formula free of syrup solids, maltodextrin and added starches.
The most important thing is that your baby is fed, healthy, and happy. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or do a combination of both doesn’t define you as a parent.
You’re doing an amazing job. Trust your instincts, consult your pediatrician, and know that you’re making the best choice for your family. I hope this post helped you find the right baby formula for you and your little one!
Hi Anjali,
Thank you for such an informative blog. Do you have any recommendation for a breastfed baby that refuses to take a bottle? My baby used to take the bottle and breast but she started to reject the bottle around 3 months. I have lots of expressed frozen breastmilk that I can’t use because she just won’t take them from the bottle.
In addition, I’m looking to supplement with formula and she is picky. I’m going to order HiPP and Lebenswert per your recommendation. Do you know if I still need to supplement the vitamin D drops with these formula? I’ve been giving my baby 1 drop of the Baby Drops. Also do you know if there is anywhere I can purchase samples instead of a big can? I would like to not waste the formula if my baby decide that she doesn’t like it.
Much appreciated,
Eleni
Hi Eleni! Breastfed babies will often reject the bottle because they like nursing so much more! Some tips on getting your little one to take a bottle: 1) Have someone else feed her and leave the room (that way she won’t sense that there is another option) 2) Offer the bottle when she is starving (she will be more likely to drink it then) 3) Try different bottles – ComoTomo is shaped like a breast and I’ve heard that breastfed babies really take to it for that reason 4) Don’t give up and offer a bottle at least twice a day to get her used to it. Eventually she will drink from the bottle! Regarding formula – yes you still need to supplement with Vitamin D as long as she is drinking more than 20% breastmilk. Once she’s more than 80% formula and less than 20% breastmilk you can stop supplementing with Vitamin D. Regarding samples – unfortunately I don’t know any sellers that offer samples! But I haven’t heard of any babies who don’t like HiPP so if you just order one can and have someone else other than you offer her the formula bottle she should take to it within a couple weeks. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for all this wonderful information!
I have a 7 weeks old and my supply is very low so I suplement with formula. I’m changing for Holle now. What is the difference between Holle Pre or Holle Stage 1. Can I give my baby Holle Pre?
Thanks.
Hi Mikaue! Yes you can definitely give your baby Holle PRE! The main difference is that Holle PRE is made with lactose, while regular Holle is made with maltodextrin (which is not as good as lactose). I’d recommend Holle PRE over regular Holle. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Anjali, have you considered adding Holle Goat to the chart? I’d love to see how it compares! Thanks for this incredible resource! Also, my little man is just 6 months, and we are still on the HIPP HA PRE – is there any reason that we can’t stick with it instead of going up in the stages? He is not good with corn. Thanks!
Hi Andrea! Great suggestion! I just updated the post and added Holle Goat to the chart. I’d say it’s pretty comparable to regular Holle. For your baby – you can actually stick with HiPP HA PRE until he is a year old and then switch to organic whole milk! The difference in the stages is that Stage 2 has more iron — but if your baby does well on solids he can get enough iron through food and won’t need the additional boost from the formula. As long as your pediatrician is ok with it, you should be able to keep him on PRE. Hope that helps!
This is very useful thank you; I tried to change my 5 month old baby’s formula to Hipp after reading this however she did not like it and made her gag. I tried it 3-4 feeds. I went back to using Aptamil, we always used them in the hospitals so I assumed probably best for my baby when I started to formula feed her. However what would you recommend based on your research?
Hi Sue! So sorry to hear that your baby didn’t like HiPP! If she has been on Aptamil from the beginning, HiPP has a very different taste and that’s probably why she didn’t like it. If you want to transition her to HiPP I’d recommend mixing HiPP into Aptamil (for example: 4oz Aptamil, 1oz HiPP for a 5oz bottle), and start weaning off the Aptamil and adding in more and more oz of HiPP until she’s used to the taste of HiPP. Aptamil isn’t organic and has a lot of the synthetic ingredients (taurine, etc.) that I recommend avoiding – so that wouldn’t be my formula of choice. HiPP and Lebenswert are my top two formulas that I’d recommend based on the research I’ve done since they are both 100% organic and include the best ingredients for your baby. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you Anjali, really appreciate your reply. I will try this with her.
Great! Keep me posted on how it goes!
Thank you for your info! My son is on HIPP Dutch based on your recommendation. I have one concern that I just read about… apparently there was a study done a while back where HIPP formula was determined to have high levels of aluminum. HIPPs website claims the study wasn’t 100% accurate. Do you have any insight about aluminum in formula? Or a comparison chart between the aluminum content in each European brand? Here are the website articles I read:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/10/formula-milk-babies-aluminium-health
https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/levels-of-aluminium-in-infant-formulas-too-high/
https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/safe-infant-formula-guide/
https://hippformulausa.com/hipp-formula-aluminum-study/
Hi Christa! Great question. This is what I know about the whole aluminum issue with HiPP. The short answer is: as far as I can tell the aluminum issue seems to be a red herring and is totally inconclusive. Here are the facts:
– The study was done in 2013 and it’s unclear whether 1) it’s still an issue for HiPP and 2) whether Holle and all of the other formulas had the same issue since none of the other non-UK formulas were tested.
– Apparently all of the aluminum levels were all within current guideline limits and there was no evidence they were harmful to children, especially since there is aluminum in drinking water/etc.
– We contacted HiPP and here is what they said: “HiPP analyses all the critical raw materials for aluminum contamination on a very regular basis and selects the raw materials with the lowest levels possible to ensure we are providing the safest products possible for babies. The level in our products is kept as low as technically and practicably possible. The level of aluminum in raw materials fluctuates widely as it is an abundant metal in the earth, and this is something we have little control over. The levels of aluminum mentioned in the published studies only show a ‘snap-shot’ of levels in products and other batches of products, not tested, could very easily have much lower levels. At HiPP we have done analysis of final products and generally the content of aluminum has been found to below the detection limit of 0.5mg/kg powder (much lower than the values found in the study).” They also sent along a statement issued by the SNE (former: IDACE) concerning aluminum in infant nutrition.
Based on all of this, I didn’t see the aluminum as a big issue. I’ve used HiPP for both of my kids and haven’t had any issues. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali 🙂 Thank you so much for your recommendations. I have been feeding my daughter Hipp Dutch Stage 1. We are approaching the six month mark and I was looking for suppliers who carry Dutch Stage 2. I’ve noticed a lot of suppliers are out of stock with this formula. I’ve previously ordered from Organic Start, Formuland, and Baby Kind Market. One supplier told me they sell Hipp’s French version of Stage 2 and stated the ingredients are the same between the Dutch Stage 2 and the French Stage 2. Do you recommend switching to the French version or sticking with Dutch Stage 1 until Dutch Stage 2 is readily available? I noticed there’s very little differences between Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Dutch formula with the exception of added iron and calcium.
Thank you,
Sabrina
Hi Sabrina! You are right that there is not a major difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Dutch formula (iron and calcium are the main differences, but even those amounts aren’t greatly higher in Stage 2 vs. Stage 1). I can’t find a translated ingredient list for HiPP French Stage 2 anywhere online – so I can’t say for sure if the ingredients are the same. MyOrganicFormula actually has HiPP Dutch Stage 2 available, so you can buy it from them! But if they end up selling out before you get to it, I’d probably just stick with Dutch Stage 1 until Stage 2 is available and then buy it in bulk 🙂 Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
THANK YOU for posting such a comprehensive assessment of formulas! I have been successfully breastfeeding for 10.5 months but now am at the point where I need to supplement. I felt so lost, but this is very helpful!
I do have a question though. I was planning on getting baby’s only with whey, but when I went to their site I see that all their formulas are for toddlers. Was your recommendation for toddlers? Or is it ok for a 10.5 month old too? I’m just kind of confused because I was under the impression you were recommending it for infants. Thanks you!!
Hi Chelsea! Thanks so much – I’m so happy that my blog was able to help you navigate the world of formula a bit better! So Baby’s Only with Whey is interesting because they market it (and all of the other Baby’s Only formulas) as toddler formulas. But that’s because they want to encourage breastfeeding for the first year of life. I know tons of parents who use Baby’s Only for their infants and it works just fine. Some pediatricians are hesitant though, so what I would do is just ask your pediatrician whether they’re ok with it (since they know your little one the best) before you buy it. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Dear Anjali,
Thank You so very much. You blog has tremendously helped me from being a nervous wreck with a colicky baby to at peace happy mommy. My baby during the first few weeks would spit up a lot and my doc advised me to change from similac pro to allimentum as I couldn’t breastfeed at the beginning. I was very hesitant as it is not certified organic or is it non-gmo labeled at the least. Like an blessing, I bumped into your blog. Your research, information and mostly guidance was just what I needed. I have been giving her HIPP for the past 2 months and Swara is much happier and has been gaining weight significantly. Though I have been told she may be sensitive to lactose, I went for the milk based formula and couldn’t be happier . Thank You once again. You are awesome!! ????
Hi Swapna! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience!! Your comment made my day. I’m so glad my blog has helped you navigate the crazy world of feeding a little one. So so happy HiPP is working well for your daughter! That is wonderful to hear! 🙂 🙂
Anjali, Need your help!!!!.My little one recently completed her 6 months ( 15 days ago) and one fine day decided she doesn’t like the HIPP stge 1 anymore. She used to drink 15 ounces a day as my supply is low as mentioned previously. I was looking forward to ordering the HIPP stage 2 but since she stopped taking stage 1 not sure how different the taste would be. Any other alternatives you suggest? Do you think I should switch to Holle or baby organic formula?
FYI – She loves the Holle oatmeal that I started few weeks ago when I introduced solids. Will be following your baby feeding chart ( thanks a lot for that ).
Hi Swapna! It’s pretty unusual for a baby to just all of a sudden stop drinking a formula they’ve been drinking for months – have you ruled out other possibilities like: 1) Maybe she’s more interested in eating food than drinking formula now that you’ve introduced solids? 2) Depending on how much she’s eating, she may not need as much formula as she did before 3) Is she teething? 4) Around 6 months babies usually switch to a Stage 2 nipple because the Stage 1 flow is too slow for them and they get frustrated – is she still on Stage 1 nipples? Let me know! I don’t think you need to switch away from HiPP, I’d just get HiPP Stage 2 Dutch and see how she does with it – and keep trying (don’t give up if she rejects it a few times!) Hope this helps!
Thank you for doing all this research!! It has helped me a ton!
I just wanted to point one thing out.
You say, “That being said, organic formula is still better than conventional formula – because at least organic formula is made with non-GMO ingredients and the milk used is hormone free.”
All milk is hormone-free. Everyday when milk is picked up from dairy farms it is tested for residual hormones, antibiotics, etc… and if it tests positive, the entire bulk tank, that is to say ALL the milk that was milked that day from all the farmer’s cows and therefore their whole day’s paycheck gets dumped out. It’s serious business.
Hi Margaret! I’m so glad this post was helpful to you! And yes, you make a good point. What I meant to say was: “the cows producing the milk are hormone free.” I have updated my post to clarify that! But regarding conventional milk – the issue is that many conventionally raised dairy cows, unlike organic ones, are injected with bovine growth hormone to increase their milk production. You are right that the milk is unlikely to have those hormones in it, and if trace amounts of that hormone appeared in the milk, it’s unlikely to survive pasteurization or human digestion. But as a result of the hormones, conventional milk has a higher level of insulin-like growth factor than organic milk — and IGF-I has been linked to health problems in humans. So while the milk may not have hormones in it, the hormones given to the cows produce a milk that has higher levels of IGF-I which is to be avoided if possible. Hope that helps clarify what I meant! Thanks again!
My baby is 8 month old and has been breastfeed only up to this point. I am looking for a formula to start supplementing and then to move her to striker formula. I am torn between Holle and HIPP. My baby had colic early on and now that she is on solids, she becomes constipated with foods such as peas, sweet potatoes, apples and bananas. Many of my friends recommend Holle and their babies have done well but again, I am torn. Could you please recommend which one I should try first? If your recommendation is Holle, what DHA supplement should I use? Also, is it really necessary to boil the water before serving the formula? Thank you for all your help and the information you have provided.
Hi Jen! To your question – I’d chose HiPP over Regular Holle mainly because Regular Holle has maltodextrin (a high glycemic ingredient) and HiPP doesn’t (which makes HiPP a cleaner formula). Most babies do well on HiPP and don’t get constipated because HiPP has the exact same formulation as breastmilk (in terms of its whey/casein ratio). And no – it’s not necessary to boil the water before serving the formula, but I would recommend using filtered or bottled water instead of regular tap water! And if you don’t have access to filtered or bottled water, then I would boil tap water and use that. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for the information above. My baby is almost 8 months old and I am struggling with the decision on whether to switch to formula or try to tough it out and continue to breastfeed. I have a few friends who recommended the Holle formula. I was all set to buy it until my babies pediatrician advised against it because it is not FDA approved. From the research I have completed, I realize the EU is stricter about what ingredients are safe then the US. Knowing this, I am confused as to why a pediatrician would still advise against using a formula such as Holle, any ideas as to why? In April you posted Earth’s Best formula had eliminated Syrup Solids but the chart says it still contains the syrup? If you have any insight to my questions above, it would be greatly appreciated. Any suggestions would be most appreciated as well. Thank you again.
Hi Jen! Thanks so much for reaching out! I totally understand your struggle – and congrats on making it 8 months already!! If it feels right to you I’d support you switching to formula – especially if it feels like breastfeeding is becoming more of a chore than enjoyable anymore. Regarding your question about Holle, you are absolutely right that the EU has much stricter / higher standards than the FDA, so the fact that Holle isn’t FDA approved means nothing 🙂 Holle will never be FDA approved because it’s not sold in the US. Regarding your pediatrician’s reaction, my guess is that they’re just more conservative and worried about liability, and therefore wouldn’t recommend you purchasing any food products for your baby that are not made in the US. But many pediatricians are completely supportive of HiPP/Holle/Leb (including mine!) so I wouldn’t worry about it. If you lived in the EU, you’d be using Holle, so there’s really no difference in using Holle in the US! About Earth’s Best – they have eliminated glucose syrup solids, but their formula still contains FOS – Fructooligosaccharide which is sourced from sucrose. FOS is used as a low calorie sweetener and can cause digestive issues in large quantities, but they are also a prebiotic so they can help with good bacteria. They’re not the best prebiotic to use because they are sourced from sugar (vs. a prebiotic like Galacto-Oligosaccharides which is sourced from milk). So the reason I listed them on the chart as still having some form of sugar is because of the FOS added. I hope that helps clear things up! I would definitely recommend Holle over Earth’s Best – much cleaner ingredients and better for your baby. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Anjali – I’m glad that I came across this website. Thanks so much and it is very helpful.
I’m confused which one to select between Holle pre vs Holle lebenswert and Hipp Dutch vs UK?
Can you please suggest which one is better? Thanks.
Hi Shanthi! I’m so glad my post was helpful to you! So to your question: if you’re looking at Stage 1 for all of those formulas, Holle PRE and Lebenswert basically have the same exact ingredients. The only difference is that Holle PRE uses milk from cows raised on Biodynamic (Demeter Certified) Farms. What that means is the milk for Holle PRE comes from organic farms that use a closed system minimally dependent on imported materials, and instead meets its needs from the living dynamics of the farm itself. But Lebenswert is also organic, so I don’t think the Demeter Certified milk is that much better than just regular organic certified milk. Holle PRE and Lebenswert both do not have prebiotics or DHA/ARA added – which means you would have to supplement with that if you chose Holle PRE or Leb. HiPP Dutch and HiPP UK are exactly the same for Stage 1, it’s only at Stage 2 that HiPP UK becomes less preferable because they add soy lecithin to their Stage 2 formula. HiPP Dutch and HiPP UK Stage 1 both have prebiotics and DHA/ARA added, so you don’t have to supplement at all. For me, because I didn’t want to think about supplementing, I chose HiPP Dutch Stage 1. But really other than that issue, Holle PRE, Leb and HiPP Dutch/UK Stage 1 are pretty much the same, and all would be good choices for your baby. I would choose HiPP Dutch Stage 1 if you don’t want to supplement. But if Demeter certified farming is important to you (it’s more of a preference to support that type of farming vs. the quality of the milk coming from those farms) – then I’d choose Holle PRE and supplement. Price is also a factor here, as HiPP Dutch/UK Stage 1 is more expensive than Holle PRE or Leb. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options – which is why they are all ranked as #1 on my chart! It’s really a matter of whether you want to supplement with DHA/ARA, or whether you’d rather have Demeter certified organic milk in your formula. Otherwise Holle PRE, Leb, And HiPP are all exactly the same! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks a ton for the detailed infomation, Anjali..!! I ordered HIPP stage 1 dutch and Lebenswart stage1 :-).
Any tips on how to mix and storing the formula especially for the night time feeding?
Hi Shanthi! No problem at all! So glad it was helpful! For mixing/storing the formula – since HiPP and Leb are so pure, they recommend that you make it within 2 hours of feeding your little one if you’re keeping the formula at room temperature, and that you don’t store any remaining formula in the fridge for later use (they recommend you discard any formula that isn’t used within 2 hours of feeding). But you can make a batch up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge according to HiPP’s website – and then warm it before feeding. Basically, if you are keeping the formula at room temperature, you have to use it within 2 hours. If you make it and keep in the fridge before feeding, you have 24 hours to use it. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
I love this chart and all of the information you are providing and the fact that you are creating awareness around the crap found in many formulas out there! I see that there is a brand new baby’s only whey protein with non hexane dha/ara. Link below. Would you put this new one up in the top few best list?
Hi Aja! Thanks so much!! So glad you liked this post! And yes! Baby’s Only Whey with DHA/ARA is great! I’d rank it just as highly as Baby’s Only Whey (without DHA/ARA) on the chart — mainly because having DHA/ARA in the formula isn’t necessary since you can supplement with DHA/ARA if needed. So it’s more of a personal preference — whether you’d rather have it in the formula to save a step or not. Baby’s Only Whey with DHA/ARA has the same ingredients as Baby’s Only Whey without DHA/ARA (with the exception of DHA/ARA of course 🙂 ). So they’d be ranked the same. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
This is such a great blog post Anjali! Thank you so much for all this helpful information!
I am one of those moms that had a crazy challenging time breastfeeding. It’s my third child and we literally tried everything including tongue/lip clipping but my supply kept dropping and he kept losing weight.
All this being said, we eventually moved fully to formula around 5-6 weeks and we went with Lebenswert Stage 1 because it was still super good but much cheaper per ounce when bought in bulk online.
My son has been thriving on it but is about to be 6 months old so I know we need to
Move to Stage 2. Unfortunately, Lebenswert Stag 2 has different ingredients, one being maltodextrin instea of lactose. I also didn’t like that they have both a Stage 2 and 3 which means I can’t get it as cheap since I will only needless of each type in bulk.
So I went to try Hipp Dutch Stage 2 even though it costs more. The ingredients are great so I had high hopes! Of course, my son just started it and is refusing the bottle, I believe, solely on taste.
I also noticed it doesn’t dissolve well in the water I put in the bottle (usually lukewarm) and so I have to put the nipple on and shake it to mix it after every 2-3 scoops…which is kind of a pain when making an 8 oz bottle when I have 2 other children to attend to or when I take him to any type of childcare/nursery at church or otherwise where they have to make his bottle.
Now I’m at a loss as to which way to turn. Do I try Hipp UK and hope he is OK with the taste and it dissolves better into the water? Do I go back to Lebenswert even though their Stage 2 has maltodextrin and I have to buy it for more money in order to get less of Stage 2 since I’ll soon need to move to Stage 3??
I’d love your advice!! Thank you!! ????
Hi Alissa! Thanks so much for your comment and I’m so glad my post was helpful to you! I totally hear you on the challenges breastfeeding – it can be so difficult when your baby can’t latch properly!! That’s really too bad that your son didn’t take to Dutch HiPP (and the dissolving issue is strange – that is not the case with Stage 1 of Dutch HiPP). HiPP UK Stage 2 definitely doesn’t have any dissolving issues in water (I used it with my daughter and had no issues). But HiPP UK Stage 2 has soy lecithin added — HiPP Dutch Stage 2 doesn’t have soy. One thing you could actually consider is just sticking with Lebenswert Stage 1 until he is 12 months old – because the differences in nutrition between Stage 1 and 2 of Leb isn’t THAT different: the biggest difference is it has a little less iron than Stage 2, but you could make that up with solid foods since your baby will also be eating solids now. You can see the nutrition for Leb Stage 1 here and you can see the nutrition for Leb Stage 2 here. So if you’re comfortable with that (and you can check with your pediatrician also) – then you could just stick to Leb Stage 1 until he is 12 months! Or – if you’re trying to decide between HiPP UK Stage 2 and Leb Stage 2, I’d go with HiPP UK Stage 2 because I’d choose soy lecithin over maltodextrin — assuming he likes HiPP UK Stage 2! And if he doesn’t take to HiPP UK Stage 2 and you don’t feel comfortable keeping him on Leb Stage 1, then I think just go ahead and use Leb Stage 2 – it’s not perfect but it’s still better than most other options out there! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Quick question! I’m supplementing (don’t make enough milk to feed my 2 month old all her bottles). I actually ordered HIPP Stage 1 and your blog was so helpful! I’ve actually been sharing it a lot to help other moms!
Have you looked into HIPP Hungry Infant? Just curious because my daughter only drinks about 3-4 ounces of breastmilk but per the formula container, it says she needs 5-6 ounces for her age. Didn’t know if Hungry Infant would give her more calories per less ounces… so her intake would be similar to the amount of breastmilk she takes in.
Just curious if that came across in your research.
Thank you for the great blog post!
Hi Kelsey! Thanks so much for reaching out to me and I’m so glad my blog has been helpful to you! 🙂 So yes! I have looked into HiPP Hungry Infant. It is great for babies younger than 6 months old who need something more satisfying than breastmilk or even Stage 1 formula. It’s mainly used for overnight feedings — to keep babies sleeping longer at night. I don’t know if it has more calories per less ounces, but it does have a different Whey to Casien ratio than Stage 1 formula or breastmilk to make it slower for babies to digest (which is why it keeps them fuller longer). I’d recommend it if you are looking for something to keep your baby sleeping longer stretches at night! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello, I am so glad I came across your blog! Thank you for all of your help with the formulas, especially for a Mom like me who tried so hard to EBF and it didn’t work out. Currently I have her on Baby’s Only Dairy, but is that the one that is #5 on the list? Should I switch her to the Whey one? I would like to look into getting the Holle or Hipp or Lebenswert one. But when I go on the sites you posted they have so many different ones to buy and I feel really
Confused. My baby has some digestive issues and has silent relfux. She is doing better now, but I still feel like she isn’t eating as much as she should or really chunking up. I keep hearing Moms having great success on Lebenswert (I might be spelling that wrong.) How do so know exactly which one to order? Also, do you have a recommendation for a brand on giving your baby vitamin D? My baby is 12 weeks
Hi Valerie! Thanks so much for reaching out and I’m so glad this post was helpful to you! So yes, Baby’s Only Dairy is #5 on the list because it has brown rice syrup added to it – which is essentially added sugar – which you don’t need (and don’t want) in your baby’s formula. Baby’s Only with Whey is way better because it just uses lactose and no syrup in their formula. I’d definitely recommend that if you’re using Baby’s Only. But I’d still say that HiPP or Lebenswert are better than Baby’s Only with Whey. If you’re ordering regular HiPP or Lebenswert, I’d go with HiPP Dutch Stage 1 or Lebenswert Stage 1. But if your baby has reflux, I’d actually try HiPP AR – which is specifically made for babies with reflux. For Vitamin D – I used Baby D Drops for my daughter (and currently use them for my 8 week old son). Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!