10 Brands of Infant Formula Sold in the U.S.
Finding the best infant formula can be a tricky process. You only want to give your child to have the best but with so many options out there, picking one can feel overwhelming. All the FDA-approved formulas make for a healthy baby and produce adequate nutrition in those important first years. However, there are certain things to look out for.
Formula typically comes in powder form or ready-to-use formulas. Keep an eye out for ingredients such as:
- Vitamins and minerals
- Fat
- Iron
- Protein
- Linoleic acid
- DHA/ARA
Here are all the best infant formulas you can buy in the US, from famous brand names to equally effective generic alternatives.
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1. Similac
Available for stage 1 (0-12 months) and stage 2 (6-12 months), Similac’s Advance is one of the best options from Similac. Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, they’ve been making formulas for nearly a century. Nutrition-wise, Similac infant formula has plenty of options, including powder and ready-to-feed. Parents love Similac since it causes zero digestive issues. This is due to the fact that it doesn’t contain palm olein oil, which often causes digestive issues in infants.
Where to buy: Walmart, Target, Amazon
2. Gerber
Ideal for babies with constipation, one of Gerber’s most popular producers is their Good Start line, which is sold in a powder format. Offering complete nutrition for babies up to 12 years old, their line has an edge above the rest due to the comfort proteins that are easy to digest, prebiotics, and DHA to support eye and brain development. Manufactured by Nestle, Gerber products are always affordable and fortified with essential ingredients to help your baby grow stronger.
Where to buy: Walmart, Target, Amazon
3. Earth's Best
If your household is organic, don’t fret. Earth’s Best has a milk-based powder formula that’s fortified with iron and claims to be the closes formula to breast milk possible. They carry regular organic formulas, as well as one formulated specifically for sensitivity. Parents prefer this wholesome brand, which is self-manufactured, for its scent, which smells better than alternatives on the market and also makes your infant’s stool less stinky. The packaging features an easy-pull seal which parents appreciate.
Where to buy: Target, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon
4. Enfamil
Formulated by Mead Johnson, Enfamil is a readily available and highly nutritious option for growing babies up to 12 months old. Beyond its proprietary triple prebiotic immune blend, Enfamil is the first brand to contain MFGM and Lactoferrin. They use it in their Neuro-Pro and Enspire lines. These are essential components of breast milk that can help support the development of the brain as well as immune development. They also sell specific lines for common feeding issues. Plus, the containers are dishwasher-safe, making this an eco-friendly choice in both ready-made and powder options.
Where to buy: Walmart, Target, Amazon
5. Kirkland Pro Care
This affordable Kirkland ProCare infant formula is perfect for Costco members. With key ingredients like DHA, Lutein, and absolutely no artificial growth hormone, this formula has all the same nutrients that more expensive versions have. It’s affordable, yet checks all the boxes we’re looking for. The formula is made by the same manufacturer as Similac, which is one of the top baby formula brands. Since babies can go through formula quickly, this is our #1 budget-friendly pick that doesn’t slack on quality.
Where to buy: Costco
6. Parent's Choice
Another generic brand that’s just as impressive as its brand name competitors is Parent’s Choice. They’re Walmart’s in-house brand, and it’s manufactured by Perrigo Nutritionals. This non-GMO, powder-based formula meets all the nutrient specifications that are in FDA regulation and can be used on its own or combined with breastfeeding. With regular and gentle formulas for gassy babies, there’s sure to be an option that works for you and your child.
Where to buy: Walmart
7. Happy Baby
People love the consistency of Happy Baby infant formula, which is an organic option that’s fluffy before mixing and not foamy after mixing. Manufactured by Happy Family brands, this powdered product is suitable for babies up to 10 months old. It’s filled with important nutrients like folic acid, choline, and vitamin D. It seems to be a fan favorite with reviewers on Amazon, and is suitable for picky babies that normally don’t like the taste of formula.
Where to buy: Amazon, Whole Foods, Walmart
8. Burt's Bees
A popular all-natural brand for adults, Burt’s Bees also has an ultra-gentle, organic infant milk dairy formula fortified with iron. Manufactured by Perrigo, the ingredient list on this infant formula is carefully formulated. However, it does cost a little bit more than generic alternatives. Taste-wise, many babies who spit up formula seem to prefer organic ones like Burt’s Bees. Parents appreciate that this one dissolves and mixes better than cheaper versions. It’s one of the best organic and USA-made alternatives to European brands.
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart
9. Up & Up
Raw goat milk can cause anemia and other health issues in babies, so if your little one is lactose intolerant or has trouble digesting dairy, consider a soy-based alternative. This one is sold by Target’s in-house brand Up & Up. Although their formulas aren’t identical to popular competitors Enfamil and Similac, they’re very similar and provide a soy option fortified with iron at a reasonable price. If you find that your child is gassy or has a lactose allergy, this is a no-brainer buy.
Where to buy: Target
10. PurAmino
PurAmino, which is also manufactured by Mead Johnson like Enfamil, is the best infant formula choice for anyone requiring hypoallergenic products. Whether your tot has a lactose allergy or a range of severe food allergies, you can rest safe knowing that PurAmino is scientifically designed to be a truly hypoallergenic powder with a hydrolyzed formula that can be used for ages 0-24 months. Parents also love that it’s versatile for young toddlers rather than having the 12-month cut-off time.
