Which infant formula is typically the least expensive

They have to be. According to the FDA, all formula marketed in the U. Although infant-formula manufacturers may have their own proprietary formulations, brand-name and store-brand formula must contain at least the minimum levels of all nutrients specified in FDA regulations, without exceeding maximum levels, where those are specified.

Check the "use by" date. When buying formula, look for the "use by" date on the label or lid, which is required by the FDA. Until that date, you can be sure the formula will contain no less than the amount of each nutrient declared on the product label, and will be of acceptable quality.

Be brand loyal. Although major brands of formula are roughly equal, it's generally recommended that you stick with the brand your baby gets used to. But it's fine to use liquid and powder within the same brand. Cash in with coupons during sales. Before making a trip to the store for infant formula, scout for savings by previewing weekly store ads online, if possible. Then capitalize on sales by bringing any manufacturer's coupons you've been stockpiling and load up on the largest cans you can find.

Be sure to check those "use by dates" though—you don't want to buy more formula than you can use before it expires. Powdered formula is usually not only cheaper than liquid formula, it might be safer, too, because powdered formula tends to be much lower in bisphenol A BPA , a chemical that has been used in the protective lining in metal-based food cans, including infant formula.

Studies have linked BPA to breast and prostate cancer, reproductive abnormalities, and—for infants exposed in the womb—problems later on, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, and diabetes. A recent stud y found that people in the U. As Consumer Reports tests have found, BPA has been found at varying levels in many canned food products, such as soups, vegetables, and beans, as well as some infant formula.

Some manufacturers have tried to address concerns over BPA. For example, Abbott, the company that makes Similac, announced in that all Similac-brand formulas were "BPA free," adding that this means "no BPA is used in the manufacturing process for the packaging.

It's important to keep in mind however, that when we tested powdered infant formula and so-called BPA-free baby bottles, we still found trace levels of it, suggesting that given its widespread use in so many other materials, it may not be possible to get to a point of having a product, or packaged infant formula, that is percent free of BPA.

A lack of regulation? Vom Saal says another problem is that there can be variability in the levels of BPA from batch to batch of the same type of formula. Another issue: "There is no U. Still, while vom Saal said he found BPA in powdered formula containers as well as liquid formula containers, levels in the containers from powdered were much lower.

A limited test by Consumer Reports of formula itself not the containers also found more BPA in liquid formula than in powdered formula. BPA is also found in some plastic sippy cups and some baby bottles, although many are now specifically labeled BPA-free, and many states have enacted bans on BPA in children's cups and bottles. While the agency announced in January that it thought there was cause for concern about BPA's potential effect on children and said it supports efforts to produce BPA-free baby bottles and find alternatives to BPA for can linings, it fell short of calling for a ban of the chemical in food contact substances.

Safe preperation. Before feeding your baby formula or breast milk, you should wash your hands with soap and water just as you would before handling any food. Follow label directions exactly and instruct caregivers to do the same. The Food and Drug Administration says to boil cold tap water for a minute before mixing with formula, but whether boiling is necessary is controversial, and the AAP doesn't say it is a necessity.

Your best bet is to follow the formula manufacturer's instructions exactly, and talk with your pediatrician about which type of water to use. Whatever you decide, you should never try to stretch formula with extra water. Improperly diluted formula can lead to malnutrition and possibly water intoxication, which can be life-threatening. On the other hand, too little water puts an excessive burden on an infant's kidneys and digestive system, and may lead to dehydration.

Mix as you go. If you're using powdered formula, generally use refrigerated bottles within 24 hours of preparation. For liquid concentrates and ready-to-feed products, use within 48 hours of preparation, but check manufacturer's storage instructions. If you use different brands of powdered formula, don't mix up the scoopers; they might hold different amounts. Don't heat breast milk or formula in a microwave oven, which can create dangerous hot spots.

Instead, warm a bottle in a pot of water at body temperature. Shake the bottle before serving to even out the temperature, and test the formula or breast milk on the back of your hand. If it's lukewarm, which is as hot as it should get, it's ready for your baby, although your baby may be fine with cold breast milk or formula, too.

Keep bottles clean. The AAP stresses that all bottles, nipples, and other utensils you use to prepare formula—or to feed your baby—should be clean.

If the water in your home is chlorinated, you can simply use your dishwasher or wash the utensils in hot tap water with dishwashing detergent and then rinse them in hot tap water.

If you have nonchlorinated water, the AAP recommends placing the utensils in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Safe storage. Don't leave breast milk or formula out for more than two hours. And never put an unfinished bottle of breast milk or formula in the refrigerator for another time. To protect your baby from potentially harmful bacteria, toss it and start fresh.

To make sure the formula and breast milk you feed your baby are safe, follow these tips from the Food and Drug Administration for storing them in the refrigerator and freezer. Expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours, kept in the freezer for up to six months label it with the date you put it in the freezer. Formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days in individual baby bottles.

Freezer storage is not recommended. When using baby formula, observe "use by" dates printed on the container or lid. As noted in Features, almost all brands of formula sold in the U. Some studies in infants suggest that including these fatty acids may have positive effects on visual function and neural development for formula-fed babies.

Other studies question whether any long-term beneficial effects exist. In addition to the inconclusiveness about the benefits of added DHA and ARA, there's controversy about the manufacturing of these fats being compatible with the production of organic infant formula. The Cornucopia Institute petitioned the Department of Agriculture, which administers the organics food program, to have the oils removed from organic infant formula. In the European Union the additives are prohibited in organic formula, and claims that they improve cognitive and visual development are prohibited on labels on conventional formula.

Vallaeys says the processing of manufactured DHA and ARA uses hexane, a synthetic material that is not approved for use in organic production. Martek says that no hexane residue has been found in its formula. Within these regulations, formula companies have some latitude with regard to their specific combinations of macronutrients proteins, carbohydrates, and fats , as well as extra ingredients and nutrients.

Aside from formulas for babies who have particular medical needs, there are formulas marketed for constipation , colic , spit-up , or fussiness ; for certain stages of infant development; and for babies who are supplemented with formula while breastfeeding. On the other hand, some formula companies misleadingly suggest that changing brands could be bad for a baby.

Some otherwise healthy babies without allergies do have trouble digesting certain formulas and can exhibit gassiness, spit-up, constipation, or fussiness. Formula companies add these ingredients because they may confer potential benefits or are designed to make the formula more similar to breast milk.

Porto and Thomas told us they recommend soy-based formulas only if the baby has a medical need for it, or if parents want their baby to follow a vegan diet; this is also the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Porto and Young both said they prefer babies to be on lactose-based formulas. Our research showed that each formula brand uses its own standard blend of fats in all of its formulas.

Fat is the second-most-abundant component of human breast milk, after carbohydrates. But all US formulas use plant-based fats, the most common being coconut, soy, sunflower, safflower, or palm oil. He would first make sure that the baby was hydrated, and then maybe recommend a formula with hydrolyzed proteins, since, as we note above, some babies have difficulty digesting intact milk proteins. Each of these companies makes a half-dozen or more types of formula, and in , we ended up with a list of over 50 formulas.

For a update of this guide, we reanalyzed the formulas some had been discontinued , and we scrutinized the compositions and ingredients of eight new formulas. We focused on powdered formulas, because they are the most commonly used PDF and most economical, and they come in the most varieties.

Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber offer some of their formulas in liquid concentrate which must be diluted and ready-to-feed versions. Ready-to-feed formulas, some of which come in 2-ounce or 8-ounce pre-portioned bottles, are the most convenient and foolproof option because they require no mixing or dilution. They are significantly more expensive than powdered formulas, though.

Based on our extensive research and conversations with multiple experts, there were only a few criteria we used to narrow our list of contenders for best formulas:.

Traditional and organic formulas should have lactose as the sole carbohydrate. If the label lists milk in addition to hydrolyzed milk or hydrolyzed whey, then it contains both intact and partially hydrolyzed proteins.

This is because, according to Young video , the presence of some intact proteins will negate any benefits the partially broken down proteins could offer. Finally, we considered cost. We found that many cheaper formulas had most or all of the same extra nutrients as more expensive formulas. Because European formulas are not FDA-regulated, and shipping them abroad carries risks , experts recommend against using them in the US.

If you want to learn more about why some parents are drawn to European formulas, read our article on this topic.

Yet it is just as safe and nutritious as formulas that cost much more. The Costco representative we corresponded with said its policy is to not disclose the company that manufactures its formula, but Perrigo Nutrition lists the Kirkland formula on its website. As noted above, most babies tolerate switching formulas well, and the ingredients in the old and new versions differ very little.

Some reviewers have also complained that the ProCare formula comes with an opaque blue scoop, which makes it harder to gauge the measurement. This formula is available online only as a pack of four ounce containers, enough for about 8-ounce bottles. But even with that charge, this formula remains significantly less expensive than similar formulas from Similac and Enfamil. It also uses safflower oil, rather than palm oil. Organic formulas use ingredients extracted from USDA-certified organic milk and other food products, but they may contain synthetic ingredients that are not approved by the National Organic Standards Board.

Some caregivers seek out European formulas for their babies, due in part to the slightly different regulations on ingredients and sugars. European formulas also tend to have fewer overall ingredients than US formulas.

But because European formulas are not FDA-regulated, and shipping them from abroad carries risks , experts recommend against using them in the US. Bobbie, manufactured by Perrigo Nutrition, is made with organic nonfat milk from pasture-raised cows. This formula lacks some added ingredients that many other US formulas have, but they are ones that many European formulas leave out like a prebiotic, lutein, nucleotides, beta-carotene, taurine, and extra L-carnitine.

Three major types are available:. In addition, specialized formulas are available for premature infants and babies who have specific medical conditions.

Infant formulas come in three forms. The best choice depends on your budget and desire for convenience:. Be sure to wash your hands before handling formula and carefully follow any mixing and storage instructions. Although manufacturers might vary in their formula recipes, the FDA requires that all formulas contain the minimum recommended amount of nutrients that infants need.

Your baby needs iron to grow and develop, especially during infancy. If you're not breast-feeding, using iron-fortified formula is the easiest way to provide this essential nutrient. These are omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk and certain foods, such as fish and eggs. Some studies suggest that including DHA and ARA in infant formula can help infant eyesight and brain development, but other research has shown no benefit.

In addition, many infant formulas include pre- and probiotics — substances that promote the presence of healthy bacteria in the intestines — in an effort to mimic the immune benefits of breast milk. Early studies are encouraging, but long-term benefits of these substances are unknown. Don't buy or use outdated infant formula. If the expiration date has passed, you can't be sure of the formula's quality. Infant formula is generally recommended until age 1, followed by whole milk until age 2 — but talk to your child's doctor for specific guidance.

Reduced-fat or skim milk generally isn't appropriate before age 2 because it doesn't have enough calories or fat to promote early brain development. JAMA Pediatr. Probiotics and prebiotics in pediatrics. To add or not to add probiotics to infant formulae? An updated systematic review. Benef Microbes. Formula feeding FAQs: Preparation and storage. KidsHealth from Nemours. Amount and schedule of formula feedings.

Infant formula preparation and storage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended drinks for young children ages American Academy of Family Physicians. Information from your family doctor: Giving your toddler the best nutrition. A history of infant feeding. J Perinat Educ. Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances.

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Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board. Prices listed are sourced from the manufacturers and accurate as of the publication date. Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. The Best Baby Formula. Best Overall. Our ratings take into account price and nutritional factors, including but not limited to iron fortification, milk-based protein and the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics.

Very affordable. Nutritional Profile. Why We Picked It. Best For Budget. Enfamil Infant Formula is considered the national brand name equivalent of this baby formula.