It cannot be argued that the ideal food for a newborn baby is breast milk. However, there are a lot of mothers who are forced to switch to artificial feeding for one reason or another. In such a situation, it is very important to choose a good formula for a newborn that will suit all his requirements. So that you can better navigate the range of baby food, we have prepared for you a rating of the best baby formulas for newborns, based on reviews and recommendations from many mothers.
It is very important to remember that before making a choice, you must consult with your pediatrician, who is more competent in this matter than anyone else and knows perfectly well all the best manufacturers of infant formula on the market.
The best baby formula with goat milk
This option for baby food appeared on domestic markets not so long ago, but has already gained great popularity. This is due to the theory that goat’s milk is absorbed by an immature child’s body more easily than cow’s milk and in its properties is equivalent to mother’s breast milk. It is also suitable for feeding newborns who are allergic to cow's milk. At the same time, the choice of mothers who decide to switch to such a product is small - there are only 4 similar brands on the market, which will be described in detail.
Kabrita
A highly adapted mixture from the Netherlands, made from natural farm goat milk. Kabrita® is today considered the best and most modern goat's milk formula.
Firstly, the mixture is enriched with the most valuable goat milk whey (63%), and its protein content is balanced (1.3 g per 100 ml of the finished mixture), which makes it gentle on the baby’s health.
Secondly, a unique complex of Digest X® fats with a high (42%) triglyceride content, similar to breast milk fats, helps ease digestion, reduce the frequency of constipation and improve intestinal microflora.
And thirdly, in addition to traditional omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the composition contains pro- and prebiotics that help digestion and the formation of immunity.
The benefits described above are very important for baby nutrition, especially in the first months after birth. According to reviews from numerous mothers, Cabrita is the best goat milk mixture, which helps digestion and saturates the child very well, providing a good night's sleep, and therefore rest for the mother.
Advantages:
- Whey to casein ratio 63:37, same as breast milk
- rich and healthy composition
- no palm oil
- has a positive effect on babies’ digestion and sleep
Flaws:
- high price
Nanny
A New Zealand product that is rightfully considered the best goat milk formula. Its main difference from products of other brands is the high content of casein proteins, which are easier for an immature body to digest. Another feature is the absence of additional processing of milk, which ensures maximum preservation of its beneficial qualities. In addition, the product of this brand does not contain palm oil. All this together ensures a minimal risk of allergies, which is very important when it comes to a newborn baby.
Advantages:
- high quality products
- no palm oil or whey protein
- minimal risk of allergies
Flaws:
- high price
Mamako
Infant formula from a Spanish manufacturer contains casein and whey proteins in equal proportions. The product did not manage to gain much popularity, as it appeared on the shelves relatively recently. However, mothers who have tried it note that milk based on it has a pleasant sweet taste that children like. Statistics on allergic reactions are also minimal.
Advantages:
- proportional ratio of whey and casein proteins
- rich in prebiotics
Flaws:
- difficult to find (not sold in all stores)
MDmil SP Goat
Infant formula with a good composition, jointly produced by Switzerland and Spain. Unlike other brands of baby food, the saturation of milk with proteins and salts is within the normal range (in other products it either exceeds the permissible limits or is at their upper limit). This optimal combination allows you to avoid unnecessary stress on children's organs such as the intestines and kidneys. In addition, here the ratio of omega acids is closest to breast milk, which has a positive effect on the development of the children's nervous system.
Advantages:
- optimal composition with minimal risk of allergies
- normalization of stool and absence of colic when consumed
Flaws:
- high price
It is important to know! Never store dry formula in the open, as there are microorganisms in the air that can also get into the food.
We recommend watching the Test Purchase video about baby formula!
Rating of 7 good milk formulas for newborns from 0 to 6 months, according to reviews in 2021
Fortunately, the times have long come when the impossibility of breastfeeding has become a completely solvable problem. And all because modern mixtures are as close in composition as possible to milk, having all the necessary vitamins, minerals and useful elements. The only point is that the mixture must be of high quality, so the choice of such an important product must be given maximum attention. Fortunately, platforms such as Ozon and Goods significantly simplify this task, allowing you to determine truly healthy and nutritious mixtures based on reviews of real customers and ratings based on them.
Nutrilak Premium 1
Price – 469 rub. for 600 g
A popular formula for healthy full-term babies, which is supplied in cardboard boxes with a volume of 350 and 600 g.
The only point is that the mixture was prepared on the basis of powdered cow's milk, which means it may not be suitable for those who are allergic to animal protein. Dry powder is produced in Russia, which eliminates any supply interruptions and limited access for ordering.
balanced nutritional mixture;
long shelf life – 1.5 years;
affordable price tag.
inconvenient packaging and measuring spoon;
foam may form during stirring;
not suitable for everyone (some customers complained of vomiting in children).
NAN Optipro
Price – 689 rub. for 600 g
This formula, suitable for use from birth, is produced in the Netherlands and marketed in convenient tins with a measuring spoon inside. The dry powder prepared from cow's milk is in the vast majority of cases well tolerated by children and does not contain GMOs, palm oil, starch, soy and other harmful components.
the composition, sterility and safety of the mixture are beyond praise;
containers convenient for transportation and storage;
good solubility - the dry mixture is mixed with boiled water without forming lumps or powder;
no colic after taking it.
since the product was made on the basis of natural cow's milk, the development of an allergic reaction in a child should not be ruled out;
relatively high price.
Nutrilon Premium
Price – 770 rub. for 400 g
An equally high-quality mixture from a well-known German manufacturer has long won the hearts of parents, featuring a high degree of safety and 100% naturalness. There is no sugar, preservatives, soy or flavorings, but there is real milk powder and vitamins.
At the same time, it is not recommended to use the product as a medicinal, hypoallergenic or digestion-normalizing mixture, since it is still intended for healthy full-term babies, and does not fall under the category of specialized milk baby food.
very tasty, healthy and high-quality mixture;
good packing;
the presence of beneficial prebiotics in the composition that normalize digestion;
instant consistency, leaving no lumps or bubbles even in warm water.
packaging does not always withstand mechanical stress (damage to the integrity and protective membrane is possible);
palm oil included;
there is a smell of fish oil;
possible allergies;
far from the most budget option;
not always available in pharmacies.
Friso Vom Comfort 1
Price – 680 rub. for 400 g
The mixture from the Dutch manufacturer is sold in two packaging: a 400-gram cardboard box or a tin can with a convenient hinged lid for 800. Unlike all the items listed above, this one has the longest shelf life of 2 years.
There are no harmful additives, which does not exclude an acute allergic reaction. Meanwhile, the most useful balanced composition allows the product to be used as a medicinal mixture. In addition, Comfort 1 has proven itself quite well as the main diet for children with various digestive disorders, which only adds points to it.
high-quality healthy product from the first month of life;
good organoleptic qualities;
ideal for normalizing digestion;
very convenient lid and packaging in general.
the mixture is very thick, which makes its preparation very difficult;
high price;
inaccessibility - not available in regular pharmacies, so you have to order online and wait for delivery.
Valio Baby 1
Price – 465 rub. for 350 g
A more affordable mixture of Finnish production, prepared on the basis of cow's milk. Rich in vitamins of all groups and many other useful components, these products are ideal for babies from the first month.
At the same time, excess lactose content can have its negative side effects, so it is strongly recommended to monitor them during the first stages of including Valio Baby in the children's diet.
high quality composition;
excellent taste;
pleasant creamy aroma;
solubility – without the slightest complaints;
more or less affordable price.
cardboard packaging, which allows you not to raise the price tag, but has an extremely negative impact on the safety of the product - in some boxes, after improper storage, buyers found moth larvae or worms;
constantly jumping price, excluding economical purchase on an ongoing basis.
Bibikol Classic with goat milk
Price – 1199 rub. for 400 g
One of the most expensive items on the market, which is due to the supply route (the mixture is produced in New Zealand) and natural goat milk in the composition, eliminating even the slightest hint of allergy. At the same time, it is possible to purchase in two volumes - 400 and 800 g.
In addition, the manufacturer took care of the long-term preservation of the product (up to 30 months), providing super-sealed packaging specifically for this purpose.
natural composition and very delicate taste and aroma;
ideal for mixed feeding when breast milk alone is no longer enough;
no harmful additives and high-quality packaging.
you need to look for a spoon at the bottom of the mixture, which, to put it mildly, is strange, completely inconvenient and not very hygienic;
product cost;
limited access, forcing you to order food from online stores and suppliers.
Similac Gold 1 milk formula
Price – 495 rub. for 400 g
The rating of the best formulas for healthy children is completed by these high-quality Irish products, which can be purchased in 400 and 800 g packaging. Unlike the previous one, this mixture was based on natural milk, the product also does not contain GMOs and other harmful or prohibited ingredients by current standards .
good mixture for the price;
good tolerability;
convenient packaging.
high-quality and safe composition.
be extremely vigilant - counterfeits are very often found on sale, which can cause allergic rashes and other obvious signs of intolerance;
natural mixture can cause allergies and constipation;
a spoon that you have to look for somewhere in the middle of the powder;
Product packaging very often arrives with serious external damage.
Yes, all of the listed mixtures, which are rightfully considered the best on the market, have drawbacks. However, all of them are not critical (except, perhaps, for the spread of counterfeit products), and they have much more advantages, so such baby food can really be recommended for purchase.
The best baby formula for newborns, adapted (as close as possible to breast milk)
The main feature of this diet is the minimal amount of casein protein, which in some babies causes difficulty in digestion and is poorly absorbed. The adapted diet contains an increased content of albumin and globulins, which brings its characteristics as close as possible to breast milk. This means that this food contains virtually no components that can cause digestion difficulties, which is ideal for the baby. It is from this line that you should choose food in the first months after the birth of your baby to avoid allergies.
Nutrilon
The best baby formula, according to reviews from most mothers, for many years. It has an optimal ratio of plant-based fatty acids with minerals and vitamins. In addition, there is a high level of absorption of nutrients, a proportional ratio of phosphorus and calcium. In its composition, Nutrilon is also as close as possible to breast milk, which is very important for a child.
Advantages:
- good composition
- high digestibility by the children's body
- easy to find in the supermarket
Flaws:
- not detected
NAN
Not only one of the best milk formulas for a newborn, but also one of the most delicious. Dissolves quickly during preparation and saturates the child well. The optimal amount of prebiotics and probiotics ensures the smooth functioning of the intestines, as well as increasing its protective properties. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the brain, nervous system and vision of a little person.
Advantages:
- the content of all necessary components in sufficient quantity and ratio
- positive effect on the functioning of the body as a whole
- ease of storage
- easy to find in any supermarket
Flaws:
- high price
Nestozhen
A budget option for high quality baby food. Contains vitamins and microelements, but their quantity is less than in more expensive brands. There is no fish oil, which is necessary for the harmonious development of the nervous system. But this is a palm oil-free mixture. Despite the fact that this type of oil is considered an excellent source of fat in Western countries, for many Russian mothers its absence is a significant argument in favor of this product. There is also a sufficient amount of lactobacilli, prebiotics and other important microelements.
Advantages:
- reasonable cost
- no palm oil
- excellent composition
Flaws:
- lack of some important microelements in the composition
It is very important to strictly observe hygiene rules and shelf life when feeding a baby with formula milk. Baby bottles that are not washed in a timely manner are an ideal place for the development and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. If you do not boil such a bottle, but simply rinse it and pour a new portion of food into it, the child may vomit, and you may think that this mixture is not suitable for the baby.
Which milk formula is better (selection criteria)
- Child's age. The numerical value indicated on the front side of the package will help you choose the appropriate option: “0” – for premature or low birth weight babies; “1”—from 0 to 6 months; “2”—from 6 months to a year; “3” - from a year.
- Compound . A good mixture contains a clearly maintained balance of nutrients: amino acids, vitamins and minerals. An essential amino acid such as taurine must be present in any milk formula.
- Package . Packaging in a metal can with a lid or a plastic bag packed in a cardboard box is allowed.
- Label . The information indicated on the label should include: the name and location of the manufacturer, composition, weight and volume of the product, nutritional value, storage conditions and shelf life (before and after opening), method and recommendations for use.
- Consistency . GOST allows powder containing a small amount of lumps that easily crumble when pressed. When diluted, the mixture should have a uniform consistency with a predominance of white or cream shades.
The best baby formula for premature babies
Babies born prematurely require special care and attention. An organism that has not had time to fully form and prepare for birth is especially sensitive. Therefore, to feed them, you need to choose special children's products that fully meet the needs of the little person. They take into account all the features of such fragile babies: the use of proteins that are easily digestible, an increased content of vitamins and microelements, and an increase in the energy value of the product for faster weight gain. This line is also recommended to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
NUTRILON PRE
Infant formula with bifidobacteria and reduced lactose. The percentage of whey milk content here is the highest, which brings it as close as possible to breast milk. Enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids, vital vitamins and microelements.
Advantages:
- optimal composition specifically for premature babies
- minimal risk of allergies and other negative reactions
- as close to breast milk as possible
Flaws:
- high price
SIMILAC (ABBOTT) NEOSHUR
The mixture is recognized as the best for feeding children born prematurely. It practically does not contain lactose; instead, maltodextrin is used, which provides not only the sweet taste of the product, but also high energy value, which promotes rapid weight gain. This indicator is very important for this category of children's products. In addition, it is perfect for children suffering from increased gas formation and colic, due to the minimal load on the digestive system. It does not contain palm oil, but there is a special herbal complex that helps relieve constipation and soften stool.
Advantages:
- composition that takes into account all the characteristics of the body of a premature baby
- no palm oil
- perfectly absorbed by children's weak bodies
Flaws:
- not detected
What does baby formula consist of?
Most formulas are made from cow's milk. At the same time, it is greatly modified in such a way that the baby’s body assimilates it. There are several ways to prepare milk protein, so mixtures differ in the degree of preparation.
- Adapted. The most favorable type of nutrition for a newborn's body. In them, milk protein is most similar in properties to breast milk. This is a nutritious and easily digestible product. As a rule, all the necessary vitamins, fatty acids and minerals are also added to these mixtures. Adapted formulas are more expensive than others and are complete nutrition for the baby.
- Partially adapted. Such formulas are still close in properties to breast milk, but are not absorbed as well as adapted ones. In addition, they do not contain added minerals or essential fats. However, they are quite suitable for feeding your baby after he is 6 months old.
- Low-adapted. They are whole cow's milk with the addition of sucrose and starch.
It cannot be said that less adapted mixtures are worse than adapted ones. Each variety is intended for a child of a certain age. Adapted formulas are suitable for babies up to 6 months of age, after which the child can be given partially adapted ones. After a year, in turn, low-adapted options are suitable for the baby.
The best baby formula for newborns is inexpensive and good
If you are forced to switch to artificial feeding, it is not at all necessary to buy the most expensive formula. In fact, the products that are produced in our country meet all the requirements of quality standards at an affordable cost. Most mothers find that they are best suited for children from 12 months, but they are also designed for babies from birth. Below we will consider the leaders of children's dairy products that are produced in the country.
Baby
One of the most popular brands of baby food of Dutch quality, produced in Russia. Contains all necessary vitamins and microelements, prebiotics and fatty acids. Can be given to a healthy full-term baby from birth. And if you are wondering which formula to choose from 6 months, when the transition to the next stage of development occurs, this is one of the best options. According to reviews from mothers who initially gave their baby more expensive food, they switch to Malyutka without difficulty, since the children like its sweetish taste. An excellent option for those parents who want to save on price rather than on quality.
Advantages:
- optimal ratio of product cost and quality
- availability (sold in almost all stores)
- acceptable price
Flaws:
- not detected
Agusha
A good mixture from a domestic manufacturer at an affordable price. Enriched with all necessary minerals and vitamins, suitable from the first days for healthy babies born on time. Contains a special vitamin complex designed to strengthen children's immunity and have a beneficial effect on the growth and overall development of the baby.
Advantages:
- affordable price
- good composition
Flaws:
- not detected
We recommend watching an interesting video about what kinds of baby formulas there are and which ones are the highest quality!
Komarovsky's opinion on artificial mixtures
The doctor claims that breastfeeding is the most optimal and safest way of feeding. No artificial formula for infants will be better in composition than mother's breast milk. It is necessary to pay tribute to baby food manufacturers: they are constantly improving the composition of artificial formulas, trying to bring it as close as possible to mother’s milk. And if there are reasons why a woman cannot feed her child, then it is worth considering the option of switching to specialized baby food.
Which baby formula should I choose for my newborn?
Considering the huge number of brands of baby food on the shelves, choosing a formula for a newborn baby is quite difficult. To avoid making mistakes when making a decision, pay attention to the following criteria:
- general composition
- percentage of lactose (the lower the better)
- whey milk percentage
- specific features for a particular brand
- recommendations for use (for which category of children is it intended)
Also an important criterion is the cost of the product, since dairy products run out very quickly and need to be purchased quite often. Here you should come to the optimal price-quality ratio by choosing which formula is best for your child from birth and will not put too much of a strain on the family budget. But at the same time, you shouldn’t overpay for the brand and convenient packaging (budget-priced mixtures in cardboard packages can easily be stored in ordinary glass jars with a lid).
In addition, be sure to take into account that when choosing which formula is best for the development of the child, it is decided exclusively together with the pediatrician, who will give important advice based on the characteristics of the baby’s body. However, if the mixture does not fit, you should not panic right away. Despite the general production principle, all brands of infant formula have their own characteristics, which the little person’s body must get used to, and this takes time. Therefore, you should try everything new very carefully, introducing the product gradually. The first time you should give a minimum amount of milk, carefully observing the reaction of the child's body. In the absence of alarming signs, the portion is gradually increased until a complete transition to the new product occurs.
Thus, the answer to the question of which infant formula is best for a newborn is decided on an individual basis, taking into account many criteria and careful monitoring of the child.
How to choose the right mixture?
When thinking about purchasing formula for a newborn baby, regardless of whether it will be the main source of nutrition for the baby or an additional one, you need to understand that not every one of them may be suitable for him. Intolerance to certain foods, substances, or body characteristics can cause a negative reaction of the body to artificial complementary foods. It is important to monitor the child’s reaction to the injected formula in order to stop using it in time and find another option.
When searching for the most suitable artificial nutrition, you should pay attention to the following points:
- how similar its properties are to breast milk. These include adapted mixtures - easily and quickly absorbed, distinguished by nutritional value;
- what is the basis for its production - cow's or goat's milk, amino acids;
- for which children is it more acceptable - strong, healthy, full-term or prematurely born, with low weight;
- up to what age can it be used - six months or a year;
- if there are certain problems, choose medicinal or specialized mixtures;
- composition - whether the product contains preservatives, sugar, starch and other harmful substances.
For more information about all the intricacies of choice, watch the video:
What types of mixtures are there?
Let's consider the “age-specific” varieties of adapted mixtures: they are “initial” and “subsequent”.
“Initial” formulas are intended for children in the first 6 months of life. Their composition is maximally adapted to the physiological needs, as well as the metabolic and digestive characteristics of children in the first half of life.
“Subsequent” formulas are designed for children in the second half of life; their composition meets the needs of older children.
All special formulas “from 0 to 12 months” can be used throughout the entire first year of a child’s life, however, due to the wide range of initial and subsequent formulas, such mixtures are used to a limited extent.
In addition to the age of the baby, the choice of formula is influenced by the state of his health.
A pediatrician will help you choose a breast milk substitute for your baby, taking into account the individual characteristics of his health and his needs. Thus, for children with a high risk of allergic diseases, a hypoallergenic formula is usually recommended - in such a product, cow's milk proteins are broken down (hydrolyzed) into smaller fragments, as a result of which the product becomes less allergenic and easier to digest.
Children with intolerance to milk sugar and lactose are prescribed low- or lactose-free formulas. These are infant formulas from which lactose has been removed or its content has been significantly reduced.
For babies suffering from constipation and colic, comfort class mixtures are recommended. Such products contain partially broken down protein, which is easier to digest and absorb, as well as pre- and/or probiotics that promote comfortable digestion.
Children suffering from regurgitation are often prescribed anti-reflux mixtures. These are special milk formulas containing thickeners, which reduce the likelihood of regurgitation.
However, you need to understand that formula is an optional component in the correction of these conditions, since most of them do not require stopping breastfeeding. If this is not possible, then you should contact your pediatrician to select a medicinal mixture.
How to understand such a variety of mixtures? The main steps are discussed in detail below.
Attention mom
Almost all young mothers have heard about the benefits of breastfeeding. Yes, mother’s milk is the best, most balanced nutrition for a baby, and no formula, even the best, can replace the protective factors, growth factors, stem cells, various beneficial bacteria, etc. that it contains. But there are many reasons why a mother does not breastfeed her child: a difficult birth and long recovery, mastitis, taking medications that are not compatible with breastfeeding, the condition of the newborn, lack or absence of milk, and, ultimately, the need to go to work. In this case, the baby receives artificial feeding, fortunately, there is now a large selection of modern adapted (i.e., close in composition to breast milk) formulas.
Choosing formula to feed your baby is a responsible step. Of course, reviews on parenting forums can be useful, but when choosing a formula for an infant, you should first of all contact a qualified pediatrician. The doctor will help you choose a formula that is suitable for your child, taking into account the characteristics of his health - weight, stool, etc.
So, the mixture has been selected, there are bottles, nipples, and a sterilizer. We breed and feed.
True, there are some rules for formula feeding that differ from breastfeeding.
- When breastfed, the baby himself “regulates” the amount of milk sucked; a strict regime is not needed; he can eat at night. Adding water is usually not necessary.
- When feeding with formula, you should follow the regimen, i.e. feed by the hour, for a newborn - every 3-3.5 hours with a night break. This regime is needed to avoid “overfeeding” the child. Some children require supplemental feeding.
If your child is growing well, eats, sleeps, is calm, has good bowel movements and clear skin, there is, of course, no reason to change his diet.
Unfortunately, there are not many “ideal” children. Sometimes situations arise in which a mother wonders: maybe the formula is not suitable?
