Types of Formula

Your pediatrician will recommend a formula, and you should check with him/her before switching formulas. He/she will also advise you on how often your babies should be fed. Be sure to mention any problems which could be related to the formula, such as fussiness, excessive spitting-up or bloody stools.

Some Advice from Expert Moms

Do not buy formula ahead of time. Let your pediatrician choose the best formula for your little ones and try it out for awhile before you stock up. Formula is EXPENSIVE!!!

There are so many different types of formulas and although we moms think we are experts in the making, there is just so much to know about choosing a formula. Here is a quick reference guide on the different brands of formula as well as their prices.

Just to give a brief description of a few of the formulas:

DHA and ARA

Cheapest in price

Formula is patterned after breast milk, with a similar composition of easy-to-digest whole whey and casein proteins
DHA and ARA (important fatty acids found naturally in breast milk) at comparable levels to breast milk

Sensitive

One of the lowest overall in price

Milk-based, Lactose-free
Easy to digest
Fortified with iron and contains all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for a healthy baby’s first year
Contains the lipids DHA and ARA
Fortified with choline, a nutrient naturally found in mother’s milk that is associated with infant brain and eye development
Provides nutrients found naturally in mother’s milk that develop the immune system

Organic

Most expensive overall in price

Produced without using pesticides, added growth hormones, or antibiotics
Fortified with iron and contains all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for a healthy baby’s first year
Contains choline and the lipids DHA and ARA, which are nutrients found naturally in mother’s milk associated with mental and visual development

Lactose Free

Moderate in price

Fortified with iron and contains all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for a healthy baby’s first year
Contains choline and the lipids DHA and ARA, which occur naturally in mother’s milk and are associated with infant mental and visual development
Designed for babies with signs of lactose intolerance, such as fussiness, colic, and gas

Soy

One of the most expensive in price

Fortified with choline, a nutrient found naturally in mother’s milk that is associated with infant development
Lactose-free, soy protein isolate formula
Provides nutrients found naturally in mother’s milk that help develop the immune system

Similac -
24 Oz Canister

Sensitive
Alimentum
(If your baby’s digestive system is especially sensitive and requires an extra-gentle baby formula, ask your physician about Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Formula.)
Advanced
Go & Grow
(9-24 months)
Organic
Isomil
(Soy baby formulas, such as Similac Isomil Advance, have been clinically shown to help reduce common feeding problems such as fussiness, gas, and spit-up. Ask your physician if Similac Isomil Advance is right for your baby.)

Good Start-
25 oz canister

DHA & ARA (Enriched with levels of DHA & ARA that are recommended by experts and similar to levels shown in studies to support babies’ brain and eye development.)

Natural Cultures (The first and only infant formula with BIFIDUS BL—beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk to help support Baby's healthy immune system.)
Nestle Good Start
Soy DHA & ARA
2 DHA & ARA (9-24 months)
2 Natural Cultures (9-24 months)
2 Soy DHA & ARA (9-24 months)

Enfamil-
24 oz canister

Gentle Ease
Lipil
Lactose-Free
A.R. Lipil
(With easy-to-digest rice starch, for more spit up free feedings.)
Nutramigen Lipil
(A hypoallergenic formula proven to resolve colic* symptoms fast, often within 48 hours)
Pro-Sobee
(Soy-based, milk-free formula for when a soy formula is preferred.)

Kirkland Signature (available at COSTCO)
Sold as 2 25.7 ounce canisters