Best Baby Formula Like Breast Milk

Best Baby Formula Like Breast Milk: Mothers have two options when they want to feed their newborn baby: breast milk or infant formula. If you choose instant formula, you have many choices.

There are different types of instant formula on the market today: milk-based, soy protein-based, formulas for colicky babies, and generic formula. It can almost make your head spin.

Best Baby Formula Like Breast Milk
Our Pick

Our top pick for the best baby formula like breast milk is Enfamil Enspire Infant formula. It is the closest replica of breast milk on the market, and it contains ingredients you can't find in other top picks. Another standout of this product is the lactose it uses as its sweetener as against the corn-based ingredients found in different baby formulas.

Advertisement

We ♥ honesty! Nursing Moms earns a commission through the following hand-picked links at no extra cost to you.

Here are some tips on how to choose the best baby formula like breast milk and some of the best products on the market today.

Best Infant Formula Like Breast Milk Comparison Table

Preview
Our Pick
Enfamil Enspire Optimum Baby Formula, with Immune-Supporting Lactoferrin found in Colostrum, Our Closest Formula to Breast Milk, Dual Prebiotics, Infant Formula Powder, Baby Milk, 20.5 Oz
#3
Earth's Best Organic Baby Formula for Babies 0-12 Months, Powdered Dairy Infant Formula with Iron, Omega-3 DHA, and Omega-6 ARA, 21 oz Formula Container
Protein Source
Cow’s Milk
Partially Hydrolyzed Protein
Featured Nutrients
Lactoferrin, DHA, Choline, MFGM, Probiotics
Prebiotics, DHA & ARA, Iron, Lutein
USDA Certified Organic
Sweetener
Lactose
Organic Lactose
Prime
Our Pick
Preview
Enfamil Enspire Optimum Baby Formula, with Immune-Supporting Lactoferrin found in Colostrum, Our Closest Formula to Breast Milk, Dual Prebiotics, Infant Formula Powder, Baby Milk, 20.5 Oz
Protein Source
Cow’s Milk
Featured Nutrients
Lactoferrin, DHA, Choline, MFGM, Probiotics
USDA Certified Organic
Sweetener
Lactose
Prime
Details
#3
Preview
Earth's Best Organic Baby Formula for Babies 0-12 Months, Powdered Dairy Infant Formula with Iron, Omega-3 DHA, and Omega-6 ARA, 21 oz Formula Container
Protein Source
Partially Hydrolyzed Protein
Featured Nutrients
Prebiotics, DHA & ARA, Iron, Lutein
USDA Certified Organic
Sweetener
Organic Lactose
Prime
Details

What to Look For?

Gerber®® Good Start® Soothe (HMO) / 4 Pack Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula, Stage 1Many mothers may feel pressure when choosing a formula, so how do you decide which one to use? Like all pediatricians will say breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant if it is possible, but you have to look at the mother-child combination, the circumstances they find themselves in, and what’s the best way for them.

So, what is the closest formula to breast milk? All infant formulas are mostly the same when it comes to nutrients, but some brands have included some beneficial ingredients that can help with your baby’s developmental needs.

  • DHA/ARA: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are fatty acids that are naturally found in breast milk. They are added to the formula to help with the proper development of the eyes and brain.
  • Probiotics/Prebiotics: They are good bacteria that are naturally found in breast milk. They help to keep the digestive system healthy.
  • Choline/Taurine/Lutein: These nutrients are essential for the development of the brain, nerve cell activity, and the eyes respectively.
  • Nucleotides: They form the building blocks of the DNA, and they are found in the breast milk. They work to enhance growth and improve immune function.
  • Iron: Iron is very essential for a baby’s overall development, so it is important always to buy an instant formula that contains iron.
  • Sweeteners: The primary source of carbohydrate in breast milk is lactose, so you should always look out for this when buying. Some brands use corn-based sugars or sucrose in their formula.
  • Non-GMO: These best formula for breastfed babies are made from non-genetically engineered ingredients.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

Types of Infant Formula

A) Milk-based Infant Formula

Some of the most common formulas are those based on cow’s milk.

  • They are nourishing, abundant, and affordable. One important note though while cow’s milk-based formulas are safe for infants, cow’s milk is not.
  • Since an infant’s organs are not yet capable of fully digesting the unprocessed proteins in cow’s milk parents should wait a full year before serving the cold white stuff to their little ones.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

B) Soy Protein-based Formula

Other common and affordable formulas are those that are soy protein based.

  • They work in a similar way to cow’s milk-based formulas, so deciding which one to give your baby depends on your preference.
  • If your infant is premature and has low birth weight soy-based formula is not an option. Soy formulas just don’t contain enough calcium and phosphorus to allow for healthy bone development. So, we do not recommend soy formulas for premature infants.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

C) Hypoallergenic Formulas

Hypoallergenic formulas differ from those that are soy-based.

  • The proteins and hypoallergenic varieties are broken down into elementary forms and are suitable for infants who have significant digestive problems or who are severely allergic to cow’s milk or soy.
  • However, these are also the most expensive infant formulas, so you shouldn’t start your child on one without first consulting your pediatrician.
  • If there has been a severe reaction, then you really need to work with your physician because all the hypoallergenic formulas aren’t equally hypoallergenic.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

D) Generic Formulas

Pregestimil Infant Formula, for Fat Malabsorption or Steatorrhea, Powder 1 lb Can (Case of 6)There are also generic formulas available. They are made by major manufacturers, and they follow the same strict federal guidelines, but they simply bear a generic or store brand label.

  • Be sure to talk with your pediatrician before switching from one product to another and whichever formula you choose make sure it’s iron-fortified.
  • We can prevent some long term developmental and cognitive disorders that have been found in babies who became iron deficient, and there has never been any scientific proof that iron-containing formulas cause any ailments.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

5 Best Baby Formula Like Breast Milk

1. Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula

Enfamil Enspire Optimum Baby Formula, with Immune-Supporting Lactoferrin found in Colostrum, Our Closest Formula to Breast Milk, Dual Prebiotics, Infant Formula Powder, Baby Milk, 20.5 OzThe first baby formula for breastfed babies is a top of the line cow milk-based formula from Enfamil.

  • It is regarded as the closest replica of breast milk by the brand.
  • It contains lactoferrin and (MFGM) milk fat globule membrane.
  • This best baby formula for breastfed babies uses lactose as the only sweetener. It has Choline and DHA for brain nourishment.
  • It has a thick and creamy texture, and the taste is not too sweet.
  • This formula closest to breastmilk is designed to provide complete nutrition for babies, and it is a non-GMO formula.
  • Other nutrients include pro- and prebiotics, nucleotides, and other fundamental minerals and vitamins regulated by the FDA.
Pros
  • Non-GMO.
  • Lactose is used as the sweetener.
  • Contains Lactoferrin and MFGM.
Cons
  • It is not suitable for children with lactose intolerance.
Check Price on Amazon

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

2. Gerber Good Start Gentle Infant Formula

The next baby formula similar to breastmilk is great for babies as it is composed of easy to digest proteins.

  • This best tasting formula for breastfed babies contains the recommended DHA that supports eye development.
  • It has corn maltodextrin and lactose as its sweetener.
  • It is suitable for kids with lactose intolerance. It has no strong odor, and it is gentle on little tummies.
  • It is a formula with HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide), and probiotics as well as iron.
Pros
  • Easy to digest.
  • Affordable.
  • Non-GMO.
Cons
  • Sometimes powder is clumpy and may be a bit hard to dissolve.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

3. Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula

Earth's Best Organic Baby Formula for Babies 0-12 Months, Powdered Dairy Infant Formula with Iron, Omega-3 DHA, and Omega-6 ARA, 21 oz Formula Container This baby formula from Earth’s Best is an organic infant from a non-commercial brand.

  • It contains Omega-6 ARA and Omega-3 DHA, as well as prebiotics for immunity and lutein for the eyes.
  • This best organic formula is easy to digest as it doesn’t contain corn syrup solids.
  • It is USDA certified as an organic formula.
  • This formula contains iron for better blood health.
  • This best organic baby formula is Kosher certified as it is not made with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
  • The Earth’s best baby formula is an ideal option for babies with acid reflux and colicky babies.
  • It doesn’t contain harsh solids that may be too hard for a baby to digest overall.
  • This formula uses only organic lactose as a sweetener and nothing else.
Pros
  • USDA certified.
  • Organic.
  • Non-GMO.
  • Easy to digest.
Cons
  • Relatively expensive.
Check Price on Amazon

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

4. Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula

Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula is the best formula milk for babies from 0 to 12 months.

  • It uses 2′-FL HMO to help improve a child’s immune system.
  • The HMO in this formula is prebiotic that is very similar to that found in breast milk.
  • It contains nutrients that are found in breast milk such as Lutein, DHA, and Vitamin E.
  • It is made with natural ingredients that help to ease gas and fussiness in babies with lactose sensitivity.
  • It is iron fortified and milk based, and it contains all the necessary nutrients for a baby’s development.
Pros
  • OptiGro blend (Lutein, DHA, Vitamin E).
  • Non-GMO.
  • 2′-FL HMO prebiotics.
Cons
  • It can be expensive for some parents.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

5. Plum Organics Infant Formula

The last baby formula in our list is an organic milk-based baby formula with ingredients that mimic the breast milk closely.

  • It has ARA and DHA that helps to support a child’s development.
  • This best organic baby formula also doesn’t contain solids or syrups, making it easy to digest.
  • The lactose in this formula is from cow’s milk which is all natural.
  • It is also USDA approved as a non-GMO and organic formula for babies.
  • It is made with organic plant-based oils, and it has sufficient minerals and vitamins for your child’s health.
  • This best organic infant formula contains choline for healthier eyes and iron for better blood health.
  • It doesn’t contain maltodextrin and glucose commonly found in commercial formulas.
Pros
  • Organic.
  • Non-GMO.
  • USDA certified.
Cons
  • Some babies may not like the taste.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

The decision to feed your baby with an instant formula is a personal choice, so you shouldn’t feel sorry for any arrangement you made that you think is the best for you and your baby.

Top-Rated Baby Formula Like Breast Milk
Our Pick

Our top selection for the best baby formula closest to breast milk is Enfamil Enspire Infant formula. Another standout feature of this baby formula is the lactose it uses as its sweetener as against the corn-based ingredients found in different baby formulas.

Regardless of your choice amongst the products reviewed, we are sure it contains the essential ingredients your baby needs.

Top 5 BEST Baby Formula Like Breast Milk 1

References

  • “Baby formula: What are DHA and ARA?”. Accessed March 01, 2019. Link.
  • “Probiotics and prebiotics: What you should know – Mayo Clinic”. Accessed March 01, 2019. Link.
  • “Formula Milk : What are Choline, Taurine, Lutein and Nucleotides?”. Accessed March 01, 2019. Link.
  • “Nucleotides in human milk: sources and metabolism by the newborn infant. – PubMed – NCBI”. Accessed March 01, 2019. Link.
  • “Iron in Breast Milk – Breastfeeding Support”. Accessed March 01, 2019. Link.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Feeding my 4 months old baby girl really is the most complex things i have ever done. When i was going to start my baby girl on formula i remember being so worried about ending up feeding her the wrong formula.
    A whole lot of online research got me to start her feeding on Holle ‘Goat Milk’. Getting it from an online store ever since and i think now that i see she is doing good on formula and growing super fast i am satisfied with my choice.

    • Thank you for sharing your thoughts about feeding formula to your little one, Katherine. We will also look into the one you have mentioned.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here