For whatever reason – medical, lifestyle or comfort – you’ve decided formula milk is the best option for you and your baby. But once you arrive at the store in search of some formula, you find yourself overwhelmed by the many options. There’s ‘powder’, ‘ready to feed’, cow’s milk-based, soy-based, and lots of claims of important additives. With so many choices you’re left wondering, what does it all mean? How do I make the right choice?

Nowadays, there are a ton of options when it comes to formulas and a lot of language that can be confusing at first glance. So let’s explore the different options and find out which will suit your baby best, beginning with the three main types.

What are the main types?

Cow’s milk-based. This is generally recommended as the formula of choice for those infants who aren’t receiving breast milk. For this reason, most formulas are cow’s milk-based. While some may claim to help with reflux and gassiness, their composition isn’t generally that different from others. Most infants will develop and grow perfectly well on cow’s milk-based formulas.

Soy-based. For vegan families or infants who show an allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk, soy makes for a good alternative because the proteins used come from soy instead of cow’s milk. Unfortunately, a lot of babies who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy, so do speak to your paediatrician before making the switch.

Protein hydrolysate and elemental (hypoallergenic formulas). These formulas are made specifically for children allergic to both cow’s milk and soy formulas. Unfortunately, these formulas are more expensive, but they shouldn’t prove necessary unless recommended by a paediatrician, allergist or gastrointestinal doctor.

So hopefully you’re feeling a little more confident in regards to the formula base, but what about the many claims of additives these brands make? Are they important?

What about additives?

Iron. Given how important iron is for blood and brain development, always buy iron-fortified formulas. Low-iron formulas don’t contain enough iron for healthy brain and body growth.

DHA and ARA. These are fatty acids that naturally occur in breast milk that are said to be important for brain and eye development. They’re also found in eggs and fish. These “good” fatty acids have now been added to most formulas.

Probiotics. Probiotics are friendly live bacteria cultures that have been added to some formula milk. The most common strains include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. There are claims that some probiotics may prevent and treat diarrhoea and eczema, but the research is still lacking.

Organic. Organic formulas are fairly new, so it’s difficult to say whether or not they have any benefits or potential risks. If buying organic is important to you, they should be absolutely fine, but make sure the brand you buy is reputable and has met the strict standards set by the FDA.

Now all that’s left is the type of preparation the formula requires.

So, what are the different preparations?

Ready-to-feed. As you might have guessed from the name, this formula doesn’t require any preparation and can be drunk as is. However, it’s typically more expensive than powder and can be heavy to carry around.

Liquid concentrate. Liquid concentrate need only be mixed with equal parts water before it’s ready to drink, but again, it can be a little expensive.

Powder. Powder is typically the cheapest and most commonly used option. The powder need only be mixed with water before it’s ready for serving.

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up a few of your queries and now you feel a little more confident making your decision, but before you do so, let’s do a quick round-up.

Which formula should I choose?

Although it can be overwhelming when there’s a wealth of choice before you, the good news is that most major-brand formulas should be absolutely fine and babies typically do really well on the first one they are given.

Cow’s milk-based formulas in powder form seem to be the most popular, but make sure to get one that’s iron-fortified. If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk, soy-based formulas or hypoallergenic options are the way to go but do talk to your paediatrician before making a change.

You should also ask your paediatrician for advice if you’re still feeling a little unsure.

What formula milk should I choose?