Baby formula is a great way to ensure your little one gets all the nutrition they need from birth until they are 12 months old.
The formula is usually made from cows' milk which has been treated to ensure they contain the right amount of nutrients to support your baby's growth.
According to the NHS, cow's' milk first infant formula contains two types of proteins – whey and casein. First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula.
The NHS advises that your baby can stay on first formula milk when you start to introduce solid foods at around six months and drink it throughout their first year.
There are several types of formula which include dairy free, lactose free, for hungrier babies, anti reflux, comfort and more.
There's also a wide range of brands available in pharmacies and supermarkets, and the best baby formula you choose will depend on your baby's needs. It's best to always check labels carefully to make sure you're buying one that's suitable for your baby.
For ease, we've rounded up the best baby formulas that you can use from birth below.
Best formula milks to buy 2022
1. Similac First Infant Milk, 900g
Best palm-oil free
This palm-oil-free formula will provide all the key ingredients to support your baby's nutritional needs.
With over 90 years of experience in giving babies a strong start in life, the Similac products for the UK are produced in Cootehill, Ireland, using fresh milk from Irish cows.
2. HiPP Organic First Infant Milk, 800g
Best for prebiotics and probiotics
If you're keen for your little one to have the finest organic ingredients, HiPP is a great option.
This is a powdered milk that you add water to to create the formula for your baby.
It provides the nutrients babies need to grow strong and healthy when they are not being breastfed, and is a nutritionally complete breastmilk substitute, suitable from birth.
3. Aptamil 1 First Baby Milk Formula 1L
A lot of baby formula often comes in powder form but you may prefer a ready-to-feed liquid formula for ease and convenience.
Liquid baby formulas are often a little more expensive than powder versions, but you may be happy to splash out for an easier life.
This is suitable as the sole source of nutrition from birth to 6 months, and as part of a follow-on weaning diet from 6 months to one year.
4. SMA Pro First Infant Milk, 800g
Best for Omega 3
If you're struggling to breastfeed or decide not to, this powdered milk is a great alternative.
It's an easy-to-digest nutritionally-complete infant milk enriched with vitamin D and calcium to support the normal growth and development of bones as well as omega 3 and 6 LCPs and vitamins A, C and D to help support the normal function of your baby’s immune system.
5. Sma Little Steps Milk 200ml
Best for combination-fed babies
Little Steps® First Infant Milk is an alternative to breast milk when baby is not breastfed and is nutritionally complete, containing Omega 3 (DHA).
Once your baby is six months old, you can then switch to Little Steps® Follow-on Milk.
It is enriched with Iron to help support normal cognitive development. It also contains Calcium and Vitamin D for the normal growth and development of bones. Vitamin D also contributes to the normal function of the immune system in children.
6. Cow & Gate Comfort Baby Milk, 800g
Best for colic and constipation
Cow & Gate Comfort is food for special medical purposes.
The nutritionally complete formula is designed for easy digestion, for babies who suffer with colic and constipation - and must be used under medical supervision.
It is suitable for infants from birth as the sole source of nutrition, and as part of a balanced diet from six to 12 months.
7. Cow & Gate Baby Milk 1L
Best for on-the-go families
This nutritionally-complete breast milk substitute is perfect for bottle feeding babies and comes ready to serve.
It can be used for combination feeding or in place of breastfeeding from birth onwards.
Particularly good for when you're out and about, it can be poured straight into your baby's bottle. Easy.
8. Aptamil First Infant Milk, 800g
Best for bulk buying
As well as ready-to-serve liquid formula, Aptamil also does powder baby formula and, if you buy in bulk, you can often save some pennies.
A great powder breastmilk substitute suitable for combination or bottle feeding, it comes with Aptamil's 40 years of experience in early life science.
Described as a "go-to formula" and a "lifesaver" by customers on Amazon.
9. Kendamil Organic First milk 800g
Best organic formula
This 100% British Organic milk is suitable from birth to six months and contains the very best of nature with organic full cream nutrients that help to build up your little one's immune system.
10. NANNYCARE Goats Milk Baby Formula
Best cow milk alternative
This Nutrionally complete goats milk baby formula is suitable for babies 0-12 months.
It's an ideal breast milk substitue and for comnbination or bottle feeding.
The goat milk base is a natural, full cream goat milk specially suited for use in baby formula.
Types of formula
Formula comes in two different forms: a dry powder that you make up with water, or a ready-to-feed liquid formula.
Ready-to-feed liquid formula is more convenient, but it tends to be more expensive and, once opened, needs to be used within a certain amount of time.
First infant formula (first milk)
First infant formula (first milk) should always be the first formula that you give to your baby. The cows' milk in formula contains two types of proteins – whey and casein. First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula.
Goats' milk formula
Different kinds of goats' milk formula are available to buy over the counter. They are produced to the same nutritional standards as cow's milk-based formula and is less likely to cause allergies in babies than cows' milk formula.
Hungrier baby formula (hungry milk)
Contains more casein than whey, however casein is harder for babies to digest. It is always best to check with your midwife or health visitor before using this.
Anti-reflux (staydown) formula
This formula is thickened with the aim of preventing reflux in babies. It's available to buy in pharmacies and supermarkets but it should be recommended on the advice of a health professional.
Comfort formula
Contains cows' milk proteins that have already been partly broken down (partially hydrolysed). This is supposed to make it easier to digest and help prevent digestive problems such as colic and constipation. This formula is not suitable for infants with cows' milk allergies
Lactose-free formula
Suitable for babies who are lactose intolerant - meaning they cannot absorb lactose - the sugar that's naturally in milk and dairy products.
Hypoallergenic formula
If your baby is diagnosed as being allergic to cows' milk, a GP will prescribe an appropriate infant formula with fully hydrolysed (broken down) proteins.
How long do you use first instant milk?
Experts recommend weaning your baby off of formula and onto full fat dairy milk at around 12 months of age.
Until one year of age, infants’ kidneys aren’t strong enough to tackle the load cow’s milk throws at them, as it contains high amounts of protein and minerals, such as sodium, which are difficult for a young baby’s kidneys to handle.
Around 12 months of age, their system becomes well-developed enough to digest regular milk. By this point, the kidneys have matured enough to be able to process cow’s milk effectively and healthily.
What's the difference between stage 1 and stage 2 formulas?
First stage infant formula and second stage infant formula are nutritionally the same. The difference between them is the type of protein that is used.
First stage infant milk's are predominantly whey protein and second stage infant milks – marketed for hungrier babies, contain more casein protein.
