If you do not breastfeed, formula is the most appropriate substitute. Formula provides all the essential nutrients babies need, but it does not have the antibodies that only breast milk contains. Prior to choosing your baby’s formula, you should also consider its cost and the time it takes to prepare bottles.

Choosing a Formula

What type of milk can I give to my baby?
If you do not breastfeed or if you decide to supplement your breast milk, you should choose a commercially prepared infant formula. You should not feed your baby regular cow’s milk or full cream milk powders, because babies cannot fully digest these milks as completely or as easily as they digest formula. These milks also do not provide the complete range of nutrients that babies require.

Leading authorities, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN), have recommended that breast milk or an iron-fortified formula be used during the first year of life.

How do I choose among the many types of formulas?
You’ll likely see a variety of formulas on store shelves. Here’s a brief rundown of the types of formulas and who they are most appropriate for:

Standard milk-based formulas are derived from cow’s milk, but are modified in order to improve nutritional content and digestibility. Some infant formulas are patterned after the nutritional profile of breast milk. When mothers do not breastfeed, these formulas are typically the first choice.

Antiregurgitation (AR) formulas contain all of the nutrients that standard formulas do and also have thickening agents added to them. AR formulas can be helpful for babies who experience mild-to-moderate regurgitation.

Lactose-free, cow’s milk–based (LF) formulas have the same protein source as standard formulas, but the usual milk sugar, lactose, is removed and replaced with another carbohydrate. LF formulas may be a good choice for babies with lactose intolerance, and for the temporary lactose intolerance which may be present after an episode of diarrhea. LF formulas may also be helpful for colicky babies.

Soy formulas are milk-free, with a protein component that comes from soybeans. Soy formulas are often chosen for babies with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and for babies with lactose intolerance.  Soy formulas are also suitable for babies with loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, colicky babies, or babies with vegetarian parents.

Partially hydrolyzed or hypoantigenic (HA) formulas have had some of their protein broken down into smaller segments to help ease digestion. Partially hydrolyzed formulas may be used by children with a family history of allergy. However, they are not appropriate for children with confirmed cow’s milk allergy.

Extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk formulas have had all of their protein broken down into smaller segments to make an allergic reaction less likely. These formulas are recommended for infants with severe food allergies. These formulas can be expensive and are less patatable.

Follow-on formulas are specially designed for babies age 6 months and older. They are formulated to complement a weaning diet that includes solid food. Follow-on formulas contain appropriate levels of important nutrients for the older baby..

Your health care professional can help you decide which type of formula is most appropriate for your baby.