The Best Baby Formula: Top Picks for Happy, Healthy Infants

Explore our curated selection of premium baby formula options for your infant! After thorough research, we’ve identified top picks—including organic choices that closely replicate the benefits of breast milk.

What’s in the Guide?

This guide is jam-packed with everything you need to know about healthy baby formula:

• Clean store-bought baby formulas and what to look for
• Homemade baby formula recipes
• Key concerns
• What is ARA and why is it important in infant formula?
• Key benefits of ARA and DHA
• Considerations when choosing a formula
• Should you include ARA and DHA in homemade formula?

Here’s Dr. Carman to tell you everything you need to get started!

Ensuring your baby receives the best possible nutrition is a top priority for every parent. This new guide from Dr. @kristina_carman, the ‘Baby Formula Handbook,’ offers insights and practical tips to help parents select the best formula option for their little one’s health and… pic.twitter.com/nm2IjuLQiE

— Independent Medical Alliance (@Honest_Medicine) February 8, 2025

Please Note:

Always consult with your baby’s pediatrician or other qualified healthcare provider when selecting a formula or preparing a homemade formula, to ensure your choice aligns with your baby’s unique needs for health and growth.

Store-Bought Clean Baby Formulas

Believe it or not, there are some great options for clean, store-bought baby formulas. Don’t worry, we did the research for you!

Dairy-Based Options

If dairy is okay for your infant, these choices are top of the pack:

Kendamil Organic (UK-based, widely available)

This full-cream, milk-based formula uses whole milk as its primary ingredient. It is made with organic ingredients and organic whole milk, ensuring a best organic option for your infant. Free from palm oil, soy, and synthetic additives, it also provides natural prebiotics and DHA from algal oil.

This formula is the one trusted by parents seeking a baby formula that supports healthy growth while avoiding corn syrup and unnecessary fillers.

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula (US-based)

This USDA-certified organic infant formula complies with European standards and contains no corn syrup or palm oil. Its gentle lactose base promotes easy digestion, and as an organic infant formula, it meets the rigorous guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Bobbie is an excellent example of an infant formula in the U.S. that is safe and nutritionally adequate for your baby.

Holle Organic Infant Formula (Germany)

Biodynamic (Demeter-certified) and organic, Holle Organic Infant Formula uses whole milk and lactose without any artificial ingredients. It contains DHA sourced from fish oil or algae, depending on the version, to support brain and eye development while ensuring that the formula contains only clean, natural ingredients. This dairy-based formula makes it simple to provide balanced nutrition similar to breast milk.

Lebenswert Bio (Germany)

Lebenswert Bio follows biodynamic farming practices to offer an organic formula with a simple and clean ingredient list that uses lactose as the main carbohydrate. No synthetic nutrients or soy are included, ensuring the baby’s safety.

This organic formula is an excellent choice for parents seeking a formula that’s both organic and safe for their infant.

Advanced dairy-based formulas sometimes include organic whey protein and organic nonfat milk, further supporting optimal growth with milk proteins that are gentle on the digestive system.

Dairy-Free and Hypoallergenic Options

Kendamil Goat Milk Formula

Gentle on sensitive tummies, this formula is made from goat’s milk and is free from palm oil, soy, and synthetic fillers. Enriched with DHA from algae, it offers a gentle formula option that may be easier to digest. Choosing a formula that’s made from goat’s milk provides natural milk fats and supports healthy development.

Holle Goat Milk Formula

This organic goat milk formula is designed with natural A2 protein, which is known to be easier to digest. It offers a best formula alternative for infants with cow’s milk sensitivities, along with natural milk proteins. Holle Goat Milk Formula is a gentle formula option that many parents consider when their infant needs a change from cow’s milk.

Else Plant-Based Formula

A certified organic, clean-label option designed for infants over 12 months, Else Plant-Based Formula is made from almonds, tapioca, and buckwheat. It is free of soy, dairy, corn syrup, and gluten and is formulated to mimic human milk while supporting healthy infant development. Although plant-based, this formula provides the complete nutrition many parents seek in a powdered formula.

Nutramigen or Alimentum (Hypoallergenic)

For infants with severe cow’s milk or soy protein allergies, hypoallergenic formula options like Nutramigen or Alimentum offer extensively hydrolyzed protein formulations. These formulas use extensively hydrolyzed protein and even partially hydrolyzed formula techniques, making them ideal for infants with severe allergies. In addition, amino-acid-based formulas are sometimes recommended for infants with severe sensitivities.

Additional Store-Bought Options

ByHeart Infant Formula

ByHeart utilizes a blend of high-quality fats, including organic high oleic sunflower oil and organic coconut oil. This milk-based formula is free from palm oil and soy oil and includes added prebiotics and nucleotides for digestive and immune support. This formula makes use of advanced fat blends to ensure a safe and nutritionally adequate option.

Nannycare Goat Milk Formula

Based on whole goat milk, this formula offers natural milk fats and is a trusted formula brand that provides whole nutrition infant formula options suitable for sensitive tummies. Parents looking for a gentle formula may find this option especially appealing.

Jovie Goat Milk Formula

Made with organic whole milk, Jovie Goat Milk Formula is enriched with essential fatty acids DHA and ARA. This formula might be the best choice for parents seeking an organic formula option that supports brain and eye development. For infants with sensitivities to cow’s milk, this formula offers a reliable alternative.

Remember, if your infant is lactose intolerant, consider lactose-free formulas as a suitable alternative to ensure comfort and proper digestion.

Key Tips for Picking a Healthy Baby Formula

Here’s some general advice for picking the best baby formula for your healthy baby:

• Clean Ingredient Labels:
  Avoid products with high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, synthetic preservatives, and artificial colors. Always review the formula label to see what the formula contains, including any potential ingredients like corn syrup.
• Goat Milk Alternatives:
  For infants with cow’s milk sensitivities, formulas made from goat’s milk (or goat’s milk options) offer milk proteins that may be easier to digest.
• Probiotic Enrichment:
  Look for formulas enriched with probiotics or consider adding an infant-safe probiotic separately to support a fed infant’s digestive health.
• Fortification with DHA and ARA:
  Both DHA and ARA are crucial for brain and eye development. In fact, ARA is found in breast milk and works in tandem with DHA.
• Regulatory Guidance:
  Always choose a formula that’s approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. Manufacturers in the formula industry work hard to approve infant formulas that support healthy growth.
• Professional Advice:
  It’s important to note that consulting your pediatrician or other health care providers—and even seeking health care referrals—is essential before making any changes.

Homemade Baby Formula

For parents considering a DIY option, homemade baby formula recipes can provide control over ingredients; however, extreme care is needed to ensure the formula is safe and nutritionally adequate. When preparing infant formula at home, proper preparation and feeding of formulas is critical—always make sure the space and all containers are sterile and clean.

Example Recipe (Weston A. Price Foundation–Based):

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw, organic, pasture-raised whole milk
• 1/4 cup homemade liquid whey (obtained by removing curds from plain yogurt or kefir)
• 1/4 teaspoon high-vitamin cod liver oil
• 1/2 teaspoon fermented cod liver oil
• 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon acerola powder (as a source of vitamin C)
• 1/4 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
• 2 teaspoons organic grass-fed cream (optional for extra fat)
• 1/4 teaspoon probiotic powder
• 2 teaspoons lactose sugar (to mimic breast milk composition)

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Warm gently to body temperature.
3. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

This powdered formula recipe is designed as a source of nutrition that mirrors the benefits of human milk. When preparing infant formula, be sure to follow strict sanitation guidelines to avoid contamination.

Key Concerns

• Electrolyte Imbalance:
  Incorrect water-to-milk ratios can alter electrolyte concentrations, which may lead to dehydration or kidney strain.
• Micronutrient Deficiencies:
  Both goat milk and cow’s milk can lack sufficient folate, vitamin B12, and iron—critical nutrients for infant brain development.
• Protein Overload:
  Undiluted milk has higher protein content than breast milk, which can put undue strain on an infant’s kidneys.
• Fat Content:
  The balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids must be maintained to support proper brain development.
• Sanitation Risks:
  Always ensure that all tools, including the formula container, are properly sterilized.
• Caloric Sufficiency:
  Accurate ingredient measurements are necessary to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding your baby.

When choosing a formula, keep in mind that improper preparation and feeding of formulas can lead to complications. Always consult your pediatrician or other health care professionals to approve infant formulas that are safe and nutritionally adequate.

What is ARA and Why Is It Important in Baby Formula?

ARA (Arachidonic Acid) is a long-chain omega‑6 fatty acid found in breast milk. It plays a vital role in cell membrane structure, brain and eye development, and immune system regulation.
Incorporating ARA into your infant formula supports healthy infant development and works in tandem with DHA.

Key Benefits:

• Supports brain function and cognitive growth.
• Enhances retinal health in conjunction with DHA.
• Helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response.

Many formulas also include DHA, a long-chain omega‑3 fatty acid essential for visual and neural development. Advances in food science and technology have made it possible for formulas to closely mimic human milk.

Considerations When Choosing a Formula

• ARA and DHA Content:
  The World Health Organization recommends that DHA constitutes 0.2–0.5% of total fat, with ARA present at equal or higher levels.
• Avoid Fillers:
  Select formulas that avoid corn syrup, synthetic additives, and unnecessary fillers.
• Ingredient Integrity:
  Look for a formula that’s made with organic ingredients; an organic formula is often preferred for its clean, transparent formula label.
• Goat Milk Options:
  For infants with sensitivities, formulas made from goat’s milk offer a gentle formula that may be easier to digest compared to cow’s milk.
  While cow’s milk is commonly used, some parents opt for alternatives because cow’s milk might not always meet their baby’s nutritional needs.
• Additional Fortification:
  In homemade recipes, consider supplementing with DHA and ARA to replicate the benefits found in breast milk.
• Professional Guidance:
  Always consult with your pediatrician or other health care providers to ensure that the formula you need is safe and nutritionally adequate.

Remember, choosing a formula is about ensuring that every baby’s nutritional needs are met. Whether you select a gentle formula, a hypoallergenic formula, or even a partially hydrolyzed formula, know your baby’s unique needs and opt for the best baby care products available.

Your Healthy, Happy Baby is Ready to Drink!

Selecting the best baby formula is a decision that has a lasting impact on your infant’s health and development. Whether you choose a store-bought organic formula, a milk-based formula, or a powdered formula prepared at home, always consult your pediatrician or other health care providers to ensure that you are offering a safe and nutritionally adequate product.

Manufacturers continue to release new infant formula options, and by staying informed about the latest innovations you can feel confident in your selection. Remember to check that the formula label is clear and that even including store brands, each formula meets strict standards, but as this guide outlines, not all formulas are created equal. Always ensure that the formula you need is chosen with care, so that every baby’s future is built on a solid foundation of proper nutrition.

More IMA Health Resources for baby and mom:

• Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers: Boost Milk Supply + More!
• Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunizations
• Women’s Health Handbook: Your Guide for Every Phase of Life