This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Bobbie, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
There are a multitude of reasons why a breastfed baby may need formula. Whether you are struggling with a low supply, want to share feeding responsibilities with your partner, or are returning to work and need to combo-feed, there’s never an invalid reason to feed your baby formula. But with so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right formula for breastfed babies.
Introducing formula does come with risks to your breastmilk supply—especially if you reduce the number of times you are feeding baby or pumping. But formula also comes with the peace of mind that your little one is getting enough nutrients, which is the ultimate goal for every parent. There is no one size fits all with formula, and it may take some time to find what works best for you and your baby. Certain infants may have dietary concerns or are sensitive to specific ingredients and we did take that into consideration when compiling our picks. However, we always suggest speaking to your pediatrician first when making decisions regarding your child’s health.
There are several ways to introduce formula to a breastfed infant, such as combining formula with expressed breastmilk during bottle feedings or alternating breast feedings with bottle feedings. While research shows that breastmilk offers immune support benefits, FDA regulated formulas still offer all of the nutrients babies need during their first year of life. We researched the wide range of formula options available and took the first-hand experiences of our editors who combo-fed to bring you our recommendations for the best formulas for breastfed babies.
We would also like to note that with the ongoing formula shortage, certain families’ preferred brands may not be as readily available.
Bobbie
Bobbie Organic Formula is a tried and true favorite of The Everymom. Several of our editors have used Bobbie's EU-inspired, US-crafted formula for their breastfed babies and highly recommend it. It contains high-quality ingredients such as lactose—the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk—as well as DHA, which supports brain and eye development. Bobbie is the first infant formula to receive both the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Pesticide-Free Certification, which serves as a testament to its commitment to only using the most nutritional ingredients in its formula. Their recipe is also soy allergen free—making it ideal for babies with soy allergies.
Priced at $40 for two 14.1 oz cans or available with a monthly subscription.
Baby's Only
Baby's Only Organic Formula is modeled after breast milk and fortified with iron, and is free from ingredients like corn syrup, palm oil, or ingredients processed with harsh chemicals.
Price: $24.99 a can for 21oz
Bobbie
Bobbie’s brand new Organic Gentle Infant Formula was designed by the moms at Bobbie to bring parents a tolerance formula with the same carbohydrate source as breast milk — lactose. Add to that no palm oil or soy allergens, and no wonder it’s a great choice for babies experiencing crying, fussiness or gas. It’s certified organic to US and EU standards, and is the only American-manufactured organic tolerance product made with 100% partially-hydrolyzed whey protein (easier for digestion) and 100% lactose as its carbohydrate source (no corn syrup solids).
Priced at $28 per can for 14.1 oz with a monthly subscription.
HappyBaby
This organic baby formula offers babies age 0-12 months complete nutrition to help them grow: organic lactose, which mimics the number-one carbohydrate found in breast milk. It also includes DHA and ARA to support eye and brain development, dual prebiotics to support digestive health, and essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, vitamins C & D, folic acid, and choline.
Price: $31.99 a can for 21oz
Similac Pure Bliss
Similac's Pure Bliss formula is modeled after breast milk, has no artificial growth hormones or antibiotics, and is non-GMO. Pure Bliss has DHA and ARA, nutrients like those found in breast milk that support brain and eye development. It is also crafted with milk sourced from family-owned Irish farms where cows have the freedom to graze outdoors.
Price: $27.99 a can for 24.7oz
Up & Up Advantage Premium
Comparable to Similac Pro-Advance, Up & Up Advantage Premium formula's enhanced dual HMO formula supports immune and digestive health. DHA and Lutein for brain and eye development. It contains NON-GMO, no genetically engineered ingredients, no artificial growth hormones, and is certified Kosher.
Price: $27.99 a can for 35oz
Kendamil
Kendamil's Classic Infant Formula is European-made and FDA regulated. Inspired by breast milk, the gentle recipe combines sustainably sourced and minimally processed ingredients. Kendamil’s recipe is enriched with a unique prebiotic blend to help support a healthy immune system and also includes both plant-based DHA and ARA for brain and vision development.
Price: $33.99 a can for 31.7oz
Enfamil Gentlease
Gentlease Infant Formula is designed to have easy-to-digest proteins and is clinically proven to ease fussiness, gas, and crying in 24 hours. It is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of all infants through 12 months, and has an easy-to-digest blend inspired by breast milk. It also includes DHAs and prebiotics to help strengthen a baby's immunity.
Price: $32.99 a can for 19.90oz
Enfamil Nutramigen
Enfamil Nutramigen is designed for infants with food allergies, including cow's milk allergy. It's an iron-fortified, hypoallergenic, lactose-free infant formula that has Omega 3 DHA.
Price: $54.99 a can for 19.8oz
Similac 360 Total Care
Similac 360 Total Care is made with 5 HMOs, a prebiotic blend previously only found together in breast milk. Their ingredients are designed for immune support, brain development, and digestive health.
Price: $47.99 a can for 30.8oz
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Bobbie, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
