Are you looking for the best baby formula milk for your little one? Formulas are created to provide the best possible nutrition for infants who cannot or choose not to breastfeed. India is a land of diversity, reflected in the various types of baby formula milk available in the market. Choosing the right one for your baby can be tough with so many options available. This blog post will discuss India’s top 11 baby formula milk for 0-6 months. Keep reading to learn more!No one type or brand of formula is suitable for all babies. In addition, all infant formula sold in India must undergo the same nutritional and safety testing.
It doesn’t mean all formulas are the same, however. Some babies do well with one brand or type; others do not. The most critical thing is to find out what baby formula works best for your baby.
In This Article
- What is a baby formula?
- Benefits of infant formulas milk
- Breast milk vs. formula
- Best Baby Formulas in 2023
- 1. Enfamil A+ Stage 1 Formula
- 2. Similac Infant Formula Stage 1
- 3. Nestle PRE NAN Infant formula
- 4. Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder
- 5. Dexolac Premium Stage 1 Infant Formula
- 6. Aptamil Gold 1 Infant Formula
- 7. Similac Advance Infant Formula
- 8. Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula
- 9. Farex 1 Infant Formula
- 10. Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 Infant powdered formula
- 11. BritIsh Life Sciences MMS LBW Infant milk Powder
- Comparing Infant Formulas
What is a baby formula?
Baby formula or Infant formula is a type of milk made specifically for babies. It comes in the powdered or ready-to-drink form and substitutes for breast milk. Most infant formulas are manufactured using cow’s milk, vitamins, and minerals and contain lactose as a carbohydrate source. However, many commercial baby formulas now use corn syrup solids or sucrose as their primary carbohydrate source.
Benefits of infant formulas milk
Formula milk is designed to provide babies with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Though infant formula milk is not the same as breast milk, it still provides many benefits for babies. For instance, formula milk:
Flexible: Powdered formula milk is very flexible. You can easily adjust the amount of formula you give your baby to meet their individual needs. You can avoid incorporating pumping into your work schedule by preparing a bottle of formula milk when you need it.
Easy to digest: Formula milk is easy for babies to digest. This is because it’s made from cow’s milk that has been broken down into smaller proteins. This makes it less likely for your baby to have an upset stomach or experience other digestive issues.
Safe: Formula milk is a safe alternative to breast milk. The government regulates it to ensure it meets certain safety standards. This means you can be confident that your baby is getting the nutrition they need without any harmful substances.
Convenient: Formula feeding is more convenient, especially if you’re working or away from home. The formula can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a bottle for later use. Plus, there’s no need to worry about clean-up since formula can be easily mixed with water and doesn’t require breast pumping or other equipment.
Complete nutrition: Regarding nutrition, formula milk is the closest thing to breast milk. It contains all the nutrients your baby needs for healthy growth and development, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and D.
Consistent quality: Formula milk is made under strict guidelines to ensure that it meets your baby’s nutritional needs. This means that the quality of formula milk is always consistent, unlike breast milk which can vary in quality depending on the mother’s diet and health.
Breast milk vs. formula
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and continue to be breastfed for at least the first year.
While breastfeeding is optimal, formula can also be a healthy choice for babies. If you cannot breastfeed or need to supplement your breastfeeding, know that formula is a good option. You can feel confident that, by choice or prerequisite, your baby will receive the nutrients he or she needs to grow and thrive.
Best Baby Formulas in 2023
Infant formulas are manufactured to be as similar to breast milk to provide the best nutrition for infants. However, the baby formula comes in three forms-powdered, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-eat. The best baby formula should balance protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It should also have the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a growing baby. While many formulas are on the market, not all are created equal. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve mentioned the best baby formula products that you can buy:
1. Enfamil A+ Stage 1 Formula
Best similar to breast milk baby formula
If you plan on supplementing your baby’s diet with formula, you might want a type that is most similar to breast milk. Many formula brands have worked hard to create products that come as close as possible to replicating the nutritional composition of breast milk. However, because mother’s milk is still the best source of infant nutrition, no perfect formula can completely match its benefits, but this is the best we’ve found so far.
Price: ₹799
Vital Ingredients: Enfamil claims that their A+ Stage 1 Infant Formula is ” inspired by breastmilk.” It contains a blend of vegetable oils, whey protein, an emulsifier (soy formula), and other ingredients. Additionally, this formula has been fortified with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Contemplation: This skim milk-based powder is designed to be mixed with water. It is advertised as having a “2:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein.” The company also claims that its product has been shown to support “healthy brain development” in infants. Many parents have shared positive reviews about this formula, but some say that their babies didn’t like the taste or texture of this product. The MFGM also made some babies constipated and caused tummy issues for others.
- Easy to mix
- Expert-recommended level of DHA and ARA
- Lactose intolerance
- A perfect source of Choline and Iron
- Little bit expensive
- Parents don’t appreciate MFGM
- Not a suitable option for fussy babies
2. Similac Infant Formula Stage 1
Best baby formula for reflux
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that formula-fed babies were less likely to experience gastroesophageal reflux than those who were breastfed. If your baby is struggling with reflux, you might want to consider a hypoallergenic formula that is easy to digest. Although they may help to lessen the number of spit-ups, always speak with your pediatrician before using them, as there are any chances your baby may be allergic to them.
Price: ₹425
Vital Ingredients: TThis Similac formula is based on whey protein that is partially hydrolyzed to make it easier for your baby’s tummy to digest. Furthermore, it does not have a palm fat olein oil fat blend, which decreases the probability of spit-ups. It also has lactose, maltodextrin, potassium citrate (acidity regulator), L-carnitine, and antioxidants (mixed tocopherols).
However, this infant formula is designed to be gentle on the digestive system and doesn’t contain any artificial growth hormones. The iron and whey protein concentrate in this formula help to support your baby’s developing immune system and brain.
Contemplation: This spray-dried powder is designed for infants who are struggling with gas, fussiness, and crying. Although many parents like this product, they all found it an expensive option to buy. Some parents also criticized the packaging and delivery experience, with one customer writing: “The product came in a battered and ragged package .. and not in a cardboard box.” Furthermore, this is not recommended to everyone due to its safety concerns.
- Brain and eye development
- Easy digestion
- Better calcium absorption
- Support the overall growth of your baby
- Not returnable
- May caused constipation
- The price doesn’t match its quantity
3. Nestle PRE NAN Infant formula
Best baby formula for preemies
Although the IOM (Institute of Medicine) suggests that human milk is ideal for preemies, it may not be an option. According to the National Institute of Health, preterm babies are those born before 37 weeks of gestation. Because their bodies are not fully developed, they often have difficulty feeding and digesting food. For this reason, doctors often recommend specialty formulas for preemies that are easy to digest and provide the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.
Price: ₹635
Vital Ingredients: Nestle PRE NAN is an infant formula that is specifically designed to provide all the nutrients your baby needs for a healthy start in life. The formula contains milk solids, demineralized whey, maltodextrins, soyabean oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).
It also has antioxidant properties courtesy of soya lecithin and acidity regulators such as citric acid and potassium hydroxide. Nestle PRE NAN contains amino acids, sunflower oil, mixed tocopherol concentrate, and L-ascorbyl palmitate. The cow’s milk protein in this product has been partially hydrolyzed formula to make it easier to digest.
Contemplation: This spray-dried formula is designed for preemies who weigh between 1.1 and 2.2 pounds. Parents of preemies have explained that this formula did help their babies catch up developmentally, but some shared it came at the cost of constipation, gas, and other digestive issues. However, other parents stated that this was the only formula their preemies could tolerate and that it helped them gain weight and grow.
- Promote gut health
- Support brain and eye health
- Contain both docosahexaenoic acid and Arachidonic acid
- Easily digestible whey protein
- Not an organic baby formula
- It may cause digestive issues
- Must be used under medical supervision
4. Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder
Best baby formula for colic
Colic is a condition characterized by inconsolable crying and fussiness in infants. Although there is no scientific evidence to back it up, some people believe that a certain type of formula can help with colic. However, most medical experts agree that the infant’s temperament and environment likely cause colic. There’s no perfect formula to treat colic, but some parents have found that products containing probiotics or prebiotics help soothe their babies.
Price: ₹395
Vital Ingredients: Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder is a nutritious formula powder that is made with milk solids, demineralized whey, soyabean oil, corn oil, minerals, vitamins, and probiotics. This formula powder is designed to give your infant the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.
The added probiotic helps to support healthy gut flora, while the taurine helps to support brain development. Plus, it contains the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 1793811), which has been shown to promote a healthy digestive system. It is not powdered milk like organic baby formula Earth’s Best, but this is a delicious and nutritious formula that your baby will love.
Contemplation: While most parents find this formula satisfactory, some criticized it and said it could be difficult to dissolve and results in a clumpy mixture. Some also find issues with its packaging, as the powder tends to get stuck in the corners of the tub. Overall, the brand doesn’t claim to solve colic, but it might be worth a try if your baby is particularly fussy.
- Promote healthy digestive
- Easy to digest
- Nice flavor
- Best food supplement for newborns
- Doctor consultation is needed
- May cause constipation in some infants.
- Not an organic formula
Best formula for fussy babies
Fussy babies can be a handful, but some formulas can help ease their tummy troubles. If your baby is fussy and has gas or other stomach issues, you might want to try a lactose-free or hypoallergenic formula. According to AANP, “Lactose intolerance is rare in infants, but some babies cannot tolerate the lactose in milk-based formulas.” If your baby is formula-fed and has gas, fussiness, diarrhea, or vomiting, talk to your pediatrician about whether a lactose-free or hypoallergenic formula might be a good option.
Price: ₹390
Vital Ingredients: This premium formula contains essential nutrients like Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, Taurine, Choline, Iron, and Iodine that support brain development. In addition, Dexolac Premium is packed with Nucleotides, Selenium, Zinc, and Vitamins A, C, and E that help boost immunity.
Additionally, this formula helps improve digestive health with easy-to-digest Whey proteins, Lactose, and Nucleotides that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Plus, it’s formulated with Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Vitamin D to help strengthen bones.
Contemplation: When discussing the best formula for fussy babies, the name Dexolac cannot be missed. Many parents have shared that this product has worked wonders for their gassy and colicky babies. While others complain, buying this product online may not be the best idea as it is not always possible to tell if they can have been tampered with. In fact, some also suggest buying other best organic baby formula so that you know what you’re getting.
- Helps in the formation of stronger bones
- Aids in the development of a strong immune system
- Supports healthy growth and development
- Promotes absorption of nutrients
- It may cause constipation or diarrhea
- Not for everyone
- Can be expensive
6. Aptamil Gold 1 Infant Formula
Best baby formula for gas
A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that some formulas can cause more gas than others. Gas is a common issue for babies, and while it usually isn’t anything to worry about, it can be uncomfortable for your little one. If your baby is particularly gassy, you might want to try a formula that is designed to reduce gas.
Price: ₹838
Vital Ingredients: Aptamil Gold 1 Infant Formula is a premium infant formula that is partially skimmed milk, demineralized whey, and whey solids, lactose, edible vegetable oils(canola oil and corn oil), galactooligosaccharides powder, arachidonic acid powder-0.9% (mortierella alpine oil), docosahexaenoic acid powder-0.9%(crypthecodinium cohnii oil),
fructooligosaccharides, vitamins, emulsifier(soy lecithin), nucleotides premix (0.06%), taurine, L-carnitine, antioxidant(mixed tocopherols), beta carotene.
This product also contains vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins are important for many different bodily functions, including immunity, metabolism, and cell growth. It is packed with nutrients and designed to support your baby’s healthy development and helps to reduce fussiness and gas.
Contemplation: Many parents reported that they were pleased with this formula and felt that it did help their babies. A few reviewers disliked the packaging and found an oily residue in the bottle after using it. Overall, it also has some taste issues; if you are looking for no-fuss organic baby formula, this is the one for you.
- Promotes absorption of nutrients
- May help reduce the risk of developing food allergies
- Lactose in the powder supports digestive health
- Contains age-appropriate nutrients
- Slightly expensive
- Not easy to dissolve
7. Similac Advance Infant Formula
Best baby formula for immune system
Newborn babies have immature immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. To help boost your baby, you might want to consider a formula with ingredients known to support the immune system. One such ingredient is nucleotides, which are found in breast milk and have been shown to promote a healthy immune system. This one is exactly what it sounds like—a nucleotide-rich baby formula.
Price: ₹750
Vital Ingredients: Similac Advance is an infant formula that is perfect for your baby’s first year of life. This formula uses whole milk powder, lactose, and edible vegetable oil to create a complete and nutritious drink for your little one.
Similac Advance also contains whey protein concentrate, butter oil, vitamins, minerals, soy lecithin, nucleotides, potassium citrate, and antioxidants. All of these ingredients work together to create a complete and balanced formula that is perfect for your baby.
Contemplation: You can give them this formula to strengthen your baby’s immunity. Additionally, many parents have said that their babies liked the taste of this product. However, some have a kick-up fuss that they found some particles in the powder, which made their babies sick. Overall, this is a good formula, but it might not be the best option if your baby is prone to tummy issues.
- Promote brain and eye development
- Easy to digest
- Better calcium absorption
- Support the overall growth of your baby
- Not returnable
- The price doesn’t match its quantity
8. Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula
Best budget baby formula
Price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when choosing a baby formula, but it is certainly something to keep in mind. During the first year, your baby will drink a lot of formula. And while some formulas are expensive, there are other ways to save money. To choose the best budget baby formula, we looked for products that provided the essential nutrients without extra bells and whistles. This one is the perfect option to purchase.
Price: ₹725
Vital Ingredients: Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula is a high-quality formula designed to provide your baby with all the nutrition they need for a healthy start in life. It contains important ingredients like milk solids, demineralized whey, soyabean oil, corn oil, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamin to support your infant’s development.
The taurin and nucleotides in the formula aid brain development, while the L-carnitine helps in growth and metabolism. The oil mix of ARA and DHA promotes cognitive function and visual
Contemplation: This formula is designed to mix easily and not upset a baby’s stomach, two factors that are important to many parents. But one reviewer complained about its packaging, stating that the can was not in good condition. Another said their baby had a hard time digesting this formula, but this is a common issue with soy-based formulas. Some parents also didn’t like thata this product is made with genetically-modified ingredients.
- Contain DHA And ARA
- Support cognitive development and brain function
- The powder is easy to dissolve
- Delicious taste
- It could cause gas and tummy discomfort in some infants
- Doctor recommendation needed
9. Farex 1 Infant Formula
Best digestible baby formula
Parents often worry about whether their baby will be able to digest formula properly. If you’re concerned about this, you might want to consider a formula that is easy to digest. You’ll be pleased to know that in addition to the large, well-known baby formula brands, several companies now specialize in formulas babies can easily digest.
Price: ₹620
Vital Ingredients: Farex 1 Infant Formula is a nutritious and complete formula designed to support your baby’s growth and development. It contains partially skimmed milk, demineralized whey and whey solids, lactose, edible vegetable oils, minerals, emulsifier, vitamins, taurine, nucleotides premix, l-carnitine, and beta carotene.
This makes it an ideal choice for those who are not being breastfed babies or are not getting enough breastmilk. The Farex 1 Infant Formula also includes Omega fatty acids (3 or 6), which help with visual function and brain growth. If you’re a parent looking for the best way to begin your child’s life, this is it.
Contemplation: Many parents claimed that this was the only formula their baby could tolerate and that it helped with a range of tummy issues, but it’s not dissolving as quickly as some other formulas. However, some parents said this formula caused their baby to spit up more than usual. Be mindful that many online reviews are part of an advertisement scheme, so don’t put too much stock into them.
- 100% lactose intolerance
- Milk and soy-based formula
- Provides nucleotides and zinc
- Whey predominant formula milk
- Not suitable for everyone
- Some parents find the taste unpleasant
10. Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 Infant powdered formula
Best formula powder to gain weight
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that parents use formulas with a higher ratio of calories from fat if they are trying to help their baby gain weight. The AAP also recommends using formulas with added iron if their baby is breastfed and under the age of 4 months. Talk with your doctor before switching formulas to make sure it’s the right decision for your baby.
Price: ₹694
Vital Ingredients: Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 Infant powdered formula is a high-quality, nutritious formula designed to support the development of healthy infants. This formula contains milk solids, demineralized whey, soyabean oil, minerals, low erucic rapeseed oil, high oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. Emulsifiers in this product include soya lecithin and choline bitartrate.
This also has arachidonic acid (ARA) from Mortierella Alpinaoil , docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from Schizochytrium sp. Oil, vitamins, amino acids such as L-phenyl/alanine), and taurine. Lastly, nucleotides and L-carnitine are also included to help with regulation. For easy digestion, this formula is partially hydrolyzed.
Contemplation: Generally, preterm babies or those with medical conditions need a higher-calorie formula to help them gain weight. This powder is made from partially hydrolyzed whey protein and has a great ratio of carbohydrates to fat. Although parents found this product highly effective for their babies but on the other hand, some found it isn’t easy to dissolve in water and caused tummy issues in some infants.
- Promote healthy brain development
- Supports a strong immune system
- May help to reduce the risk of developing allergies
- Easy to digest
- Not recommended for all infants
- May cause gas and tummy issues
11. BritIsh Life Sciences MMS LBW Infant milk Powder
Best biotic baby formula
The biotic formula is a new type of formula that is said to be more similar to breast milk. This is because it contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health. The theory is that by providing these live bacteria to infants, they will have an easier time developing a healthy gut microbiome. There are few biotic formulas on the market yet, but this is one of the best.
Price: ₹528
Vital Ingredients: This premium quality British Life Sciences MMS LBW Infant milk Powder is designed to provide optimum nutrition for your little one. It is made with whole milk powder, high oleic sunflower oil powder, and MCT powder to ensure your baby gets the best possible start.
Additionally, this milk powder is fortified with important vitamins and minerals, including nucleotides, which are essential for early childhood development. Plus, it contains soy lecithin to help digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Contemplation: While some parents claim to like the formula, others say it can be inconsistent from batch to batch. While some lactose-intolerant users find this drink tastes like milk, others are unhappy with its high corn syrup solids content. In fact, critics found dust and clumping in the containers they received. Overall, this is a solid product to give your baby but make sure to give it a good shake before feeding time.
- Promotes absorption of nutrients
- Promote better immune health
- No added sugar
- No artificial colors & flavors.
- Not a cost-effective
- May cause constipation or diarrhea
How to choose the best baby formula products?
Choosing the best baby formula products can be daunting for new parents. With so many brands and products on the market, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are some points to consider when choosing the best baby formula milk products for your child:
Ingredient: The ingredient list is the first to look at when choosing a baby formula. Make sure that the formula you choose has milk as the main ingredient. This is important because milk is your baby’s main source of nutrition.
Quality: It’s also important to ensure that your baby formula is high-quality. Look for products that have been certified by independent organizations like the FDA or WHO. However, if you’re looking for whey milk protein powder, choose a product that has been certified by the NDC.
Reviews: Another great way to narrow your choices is to read online reviews of baby formulas. This can help you understand which products are the most popular and well-liked by parents.
Quantity: When it comes to baby formula, you should always choose a product that provides enough nutrition for your baby. This means choosing a product that has a high protein content and is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Budget: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a baby formula. There are many high-quality formulas on the market, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, look for coupons or discounts that can help you save money on your purchase.
How to Prepare baby formula?
It is very important that you follow the infant formula preparation instructions on the container. Some general steps for preparing baby formulas include the following:
Step: 1: Before starting to prepare the formula, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing a bottle
Step 2: Boil water for at least one minute and allow it to cool completely before using it to make a bottle. You can also use bottled water, as long as it has been boiled for at least one minute and then cooled to room temperature. (Also, ensure how much formula your baby needs in a day and then measure the appropriate amount of water and powder.)
Step 3: Pour the desired amount of water into a clean bottle and add the formula powder. Reseal the formula powder container and shake well until all the powder is dissolved. Be sure to use the scoop that comes with the container and level it off with the built-in leveling device. Never add extra water or other ingredients to baby formula.
(Note: Pour only the formula you need immediately into a sterilized bottle, cap it, and shake well again. Discard any unused formula after 2 hours. Do not store prepared bottles of baby formula in the refrigerator.)
Step: 4: Test the temperature of the Formula by dripping a few drops on the inside of your wrist—it should feel lukewarm, not hot. Feed your baby immediately. Avoid preparing formula bottles ahead of time and storing them, as this can lead to bacteria growth.
How to store baby formula?
It is ideal for storing unused, dry baby formula in a cool and dry area. Be sure to close the lid tightly after each use, keep it out of direct sunlight, and do not store it in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can adversely affect the formula’s quality. If you’re using powdered baby formula, always add fresh water to the powder before each feeding. Do not store mixed baby formula, as it can spoil quickly. Also, be sure to discard any unused formula after 24 hours, as it can harbor bacteria that can be harmful to your baby.
Note: Check the expiration date on the baby formula container before using it. Do not use baby formula that has expired.
Comparing Infant Formulas
| Product Name | Price | Key Ingredients | Best For |
Reviews & Rating
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enfamil A+ Stage 1 Formula | Rs. 799 |
|
Similar to breast milk baby formula | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Similac Infant Formula Stage 1 | Rs. 425 |
|
Best baby formula for reflux | 4.3 out of 5 |
| Nestle PRE NAN Infant formula | Rs. 635 |
|
Best baby formula for preemies | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder | Rs. 395 |
|
Best baby formula for colic | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Dexolac Premium Stage 1 Infant Formula | Rs. 390 |
|
Best formula for fussy babies | 4.3 out of 5 |
| Aptamil Gold 1 Infant Formula | Rs. 990 |
|
Best baby formula for gas | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Similac Advance Infant Formula | Rs. 750 |
|
Best baby formula for immune system | 4.3 out of 5 |
| Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula | Rs. 725 |
|
Best nutrition baby formula | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Farex 1 Infant Formula | Rs. 620 |
|
Best digestible baby formula | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 Infant powdered formula | Rs. 820 |
|
Best Baby formula for gain weight | 4.5 out of 5 |
| BritIsh Life Sciences MMS LBW Infant milk Powder | Rs. 555 |
|
Best biotic baby formula | 4.2 out of 5 |
The Last word
Breast milk is the best food for a baby; sometimes, mothers cannot breastfeed for various reasons. In such cases, it is important to choose a formula milk that is best suited for the baby. Based on the information above, it is clear that there are many different types of infant formulas available in India. While all formulas aim to provide infants with ideal nutrition, some may be more advantageous for specific babies. Talking to a doctor or pediatrician before choosing a formula is important, as they can advise you on which formula is best for your child.
