Best Formula for Babies 2026: Top 10 Infant Formulas Ranked
Expert-selected formulas for every need: newborns, sensitive stomachs, organic preferences, and budget-friendly options.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Overall: Similac 360 Total Care — HMOs, no palm oil, complete nutrition
Best for Breastfed Babies: Enfamil NeuroPro — MFGM closest to breast milk
Best European: Kendamil Organic — whole milk, no corn syrup, clean ingredients
Best Budget: Kirkland (Costco) — same quality as name brands, 50% cheaper
How We Ranked These Formulas
We evaluated 50+ formulas based on:
- Nutritional completeness — FDA compliance + added benefits
- Ingredient quality — protein source, fat blend, carbohydrates
- Special features — HMOs, prebiotics, DHA/ARA levels
- Parent reviews — tolerance, taste acceptance, convenience
- Value — cost per ounce and overall affordability
Top 10 Best Formulas for Babies (2026)
1. Similac 360 Total Care — Best Overall
| Price | ~$42 per 30.8oz can |
| Key Features | 5 HMOs, no palm oil, prebiotics |
| Protein | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate |
| Best For | Overall nutrition, immune support |
Why it's #1: Similac's flagship formula includes 5 different HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) — the most of any US formula. No palm oil means better calcium absorption. Complete nutrition with DHA, lutein, and vitamin E.
Potential drawbacks: Higher price point, contains corn syrup solids.
2. Enfamil NeuroPro — Best for Brain Development
| Price | ~$40 per 28.3oz can |
| Key Features | MFGM + DHA for brain development |
| Protein | Nonfat milk, whey protein |
| Best For | Brain development, breastfed baby transition |
Why we love it: MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) is a component found in breast milk that supports cognitive development. Clinical studies show benefits for brain development similar to breastfed babies.
Potential drawbacks: Contains palm oil.
3. Kendamil Organic — Best European-Style
| Price | ~$36 per 28.2oz can |
| Key Features | Whole milk, no palm oil, no corn syrup |
| Protein | Whole milk (not skim) |
| Best For | Parents wanting clean ingredients |
Why we love it: The only FDA-registered formula using whole milk (creamier, closer to breast milk). No palm oil, no corn syrup, no maltodextrin. British royal warrant holder.
Potential drawbacks: Slightly harder to find, premium price.
4. Bobbie Organic — Best US Organic
| Price | ~$32 per 14.1oz can |
| Key Features | USDA Organic, EU-style recipe |
| Protein | Organic nonfat milk, whey |
| Best For | Organic preference, subscription convenience |
Why we love it: Modeled after European standards but made in the USA. USDA Organic, no corn syrup. Convenient subscription delivery.
Potential drawbacks: Contains palm oil, pricey per ounce.
5. Gerber Good Start GentlePro — Best Gentle Formula
| Price | ~$32 per 32oz can |
| Key Features | Comfort proteins, HMOs, probiotics |
| Protein | Partially hydrolyzed whey |
| Best For | Sensitive stomachs, easy digestion |
Why we love it: "Comfort proteins" are partially broken down for easier digestion. Contains HMOs and probiotic L. reuteri for gut health. Good for babies transitioning from breast milk.
Potential drawbacks: Not for true milk allergies (need hypoallergenic).
6. ByHeart — Best Premium US Formula
| Price | ~$39 per can |
| Key Features | Whole milk, organic, patented fat blend |
| Protein | Whole milk, grass-fed organic |
| Best For | Parents wanting premium ingredients |
Why we love it: Research-driven formula with novel protein blend and patented fat formulation. Whole milk from grass-fed cows. Clean ingredient list.
Potential drawbacks: Most expensive option, limited availability.
7. Similac Pro-Advance — Best Classic Formula
| Price | ~$38 per 36oz can |
| Key Features | HMO 2'-FL, OptiGRO blend |
| Protein | Nonfat milk, whey protein |
| Best For | All-around nutrition, wide availability |
Why we love it: Tried-and-true formula with good balance of features. Available everywhere. No palm oil. Contains prebiotic HMO.
Potential drawbacks: Being replaced by 360 Total Care in some stores.
8. Enfamil Enspire — Best Premium Enfamil
| Price | ~$48 per 27.4oz can |
| Key Features | Lactoferrin, MFGM, HMOs |
| Protein | Nonfat milk, whey protein |
| Best For | Closest to breast milk nutrition |
Why we love it: Contains lactoferrin — an immune-boosting protein found in breast milk. Combined with MFGM, it's Enfamil's closest-to-breast-milk option.
Potential drawbacks: Expensive, contains palm oil.
9. Earth's Best Organic — Best Budget Organic
| Price | ~$30 per 23.2oz can |
| Key Features | USDA Organic, affordable |
| Protein | Organic nonfat milk |
| Best For | Organic on a budget |
Why we love it: Affordable organic option with DHA/ARA. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Widely available.
Potential drawbacks: Contains palm oil, fewer premium features.
10. Kirkland Signature (Costco) — Best Value
| Price | ~$25 per 42oz can |
| Key Features | Same nutrition as Similac, half the price |
| Protein | Nonfat milk, whey protein |
| Best For | Budget-conscious families |
Why we love it: FDA-regulated, meets same nutritional standards as name brands. Made by reputable manufacturers. Saves $1,000+ per year compared to premium brands.
Potential drawbacks: Requires Costco membership, fewer specialty options.
Best Formula by Category
Best Formula for Newborns
Winner: Similac 360 Total Care or Enfamil NeuroPro
Both provide complete nutrition with immune-supporting HMOs and brain-building nutrients essential for newborn development.
Best Formula for Breastfed Babies
Winner: Enfamil NeuroPro
MFGM makes it the closest to breast milk in supporting brain development. Good for supplementing or transitioning from breastfeeding.
Best Formula for Gassy Babies
Winner: Enfamil Gentlease or Gerber Good Start GentlePro
Partially hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest, reducing gas and fussiness. See our full gassy baby guide →
Best Formula for Sensitive Stomachs
Winner: Similac Pro-Sensitive or Gerber Good Start SoothePro
Reduced lactose and comfort proteins help with mild digestive issues.
Best Formula for Allergies
Winner: Nutramigen or Similac Alimentum
Extensively hydrolyzed proteins for confirmed milk protein allergy. See our hypoallergenic guide →
Formula Comparison Chart
| Formula | HMOs | Palm Oil | Price/oz | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similac 360 Total Care | 5 types | No | $1.36 | Overall |
| Enfamil NeuroPro | Yes | Yes | $1.41 | Brain dev. |
| Kendamil Organic | Yes | No | $1.28 | Clean ingredients |
| Bobbie | No | Yes | $2.27 | US Organic |
| Gerber GentlePro | Yes | Yes | $1.00 | Sensitive tummy |
| Kirkland | No | Yes | $0.60 | Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest formula for babies?
All FDA-regulated formulas are healthy and meet strict nutritional requirements. "Healthiest" depends on your priorities: Kendamil for clean ingredients, Similac 360 for most HMOs, or Enfamil NeuroPro for brain development support.
Is expensive formula better?
Not necessarily. Store brand formulas meet the same FDA requirements as premium brands. Premium formulas may have additional features (HMOs, MFGM) but aren't required for healthy development.
What formula is closest to breast milk?
Enfamil Enspire (with lactoferrin) or Similac 360 Total Care (with 5 HMOs) are marketed as closest to breast milk. Kendamil's whole milk base also provides a fat profile closer to breast milk.
Is organic formula worth it?
Organic formula means the milk comes from cows not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones, fed organic feed. It's a personal preference—not nutritionally superior to conventional formula.