Section Overview
This page contains information about choosing the right formula for your infant. It describes qualities of a variety of infant formulas currently on the market.
Formula Selection
Having trouble choosing the right formula for your infant? There are numerous infant formulas on the market to choose from, and it may be difficult to decipher which formula would be best for your baby. It is important to select the right formula to fit your baby’s unique needs. Consult with your pediatrician or pediatric dietitian to help decide which formula is best for your infant.
Transitional Premature Formulas
- Recommended for premature infants (born <37 weeks gestation)
- Contain more protein and essential nutrients necessary to promote adequate growth for preterm infants
- Typically used up to 6-9 months corrected age – can be used from up to 1 year
Standard Infant Formulas
- Recommended for full-term infants without any known allergies or intolerances
- Contains all essential nutrients necessary for full-term infants
- Can be used from birth to 1 year
Reduced Lactose Formulas
- Recommended for infants who may experience persistent gas, fussiness, spit-ups, or generalized discomfort
- Made from cow’s milk – not recommended for infants with milk protein allergies
- Reduced lactose formulas have lower levels of lactose, however, not lactose-free
Lactose-Free Soy Formulas
- Recommended for infants with lactose intolerance
- Made from soy protein isolate – lactose free, vegan
- Can be used for full-term infants from birth to 1 year – not recommended for preterm infants
Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas
- Recommended for most infants with a confirmed milk protein allergy
- Milk protein allergy symptoms include diarrhea, excessive spit-ups or vomiting, bloody stools, crying during feeds
- Hypoallergenic formula – contains milk proteins broken down into tiny pieces to eliminate reactions for most babies
Amino Acid-Based Formulas
- Recommended for infants with multiple severe allergies or malabsorption – hypoallergenic
- Proteins are in the form of amino acids to be easily digested for babies unable to tolerate intact or hydrolyzed proteins – can be used for preterm infants with galactosemia
- Can be used from birth to 1 year
Note: The information on this page is not meant to diagnose any medical condition, illness or allergy. Please consult your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns of your infant having gastrointestinal symptoms or an allergic reaction.
*Updated: October 6, 2023