Here is an extensive compilation of commercial infant formulas, accompanied by concise descriptions for each. Unless specified otherwise, all the formulas are evaluated against each brand’s standard formula. I’m deliberately excluding toddler formulas (as they are generally unnecessary). I will make an effort to maintain the accuracy and completeness of this list, but should you come across any omissions or inaccuracies, please don’t hesitate to inform me. Additionally, I’ve provided links to each formula on Amazon.com, facilitating easy price comparisons, access to reviews, and the option to purchase these products if you wish. When comparing prices, please consider the actual yield of formula each can produces, rather than solely focusing on the ounces of powder.

Formulas by Brand Names

Enfamil

• Infant Formula – Enfamil’s standard offering. It contains 20 Calories per ounce, with a whey/casein ratio of 60/40, and includes DHA/ARA and prebiotics;

• Newborn Formula – Designed for babies from birth to 3 months. It offers slightly higher levels of vitamin D and linoleic acid compared to the Infant Formula. In all other aspects, it appears to be identical to the Infant Formula;

• Supplementing Formula – Designed for supplementing breastfed babies. It features a slightly higher protein/carbohydrate ratio, lower linoleic acid, slightly more sodium, calcium, and phosphorus, and the same increased vitamin D as the Newborn Formula. It also has reduced lactose;

• Gentlease Formula – Marketed to address fussiness and gas. This formula features partially hydrolyzed protein and reduced lactose;

• Reguline Formula – Promotes soft stools and contains partially hydrolyzed protein along with prebiotics, which appear to be the same as those in the standard formula;

• AR Formula – Designed for babies with reflux issues. It includes rice starch to thicken the formula and reduce spitting up, although this issue is not typically a concern;

• ProSobee Formula – Marketed for babies experiencing fussiness and gas. This is Enfamil’s soy-based formula, which is lactose-free;

• Nutramigen Formula – An extensively-hydrolyzed, hypoallergenic formula that is also lactose-free. It is commonly used to address milk protein allergies and other related conditions;

• Pregestamil Formula – Another extensively-hydrolyzed, hypoallergenic, and lactose-free option. This formula contains 55% of its fats from MCT oil and is used for issues related to fat absorption and other conditions;

• EnfaCare Formula – Designed for premature infants. It provides 22 Calories per ounce (compared to 20 for the standard formula) to support catch-up growth. It has a higher protein content, with 20% of lipids sourced from MCT oil, and contains more calcium and phosphorus to promote bone growth.

Similac

• Stage 1 Advance Formula – Similac’s standard formula designed for infants from birth to 12 months. It offers 19 Calories per ounce, with an 80/20 whey/protein ratio, and includes DHA and prebiotics;

• Stage 2 Advance Formula – Intended for babies aged 6 to 12 months. This formula contains slightly higher levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus compared to Stage 1;

• Non-GMO Advance Formula – Contains the same ingredients as the standard formula but sourced from non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO);

• Organic Advance Formula – Features the same ingredients as the standard formula but sourced from organic origins;

• Stage 1 Sensitive Formula – Suitable for infants from birth to 12 months, this formula is designed for those with reduced lactose tolerance;

• Stage 2 Sensitive Formula – Designed for babies aged 6 to 12 months with reduced lactose tolerance. It also contains slightly more vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus compared to Stage 1;

• Non-GMO Sensitive Formula – A reduced lactose formula that mirrors Sensitive Stage 1 but is sourced from non-GMO ingredients;

• Supplementation Formula – Appears to be identical to Advance Stage 1 but is labeled for supplementation;

• Total Comfort Formula – Marketed for babies experiencing discomfort. This formula contains partially-hydrolyzed protein and reduced lactose;

• Soy Isomil Formula – Designed for babies experiencing fussiness and gas, this is Similac’s soy-based formula and is lactose-free;

• Spit-up Formula – Contains rice starch to thicken the formula and reduce spitting up, along with reduced lactose;

• Alimentum Formula – An extensively-hydrolyzed formula that is lactose-free. It contains 33% of lipids from MCT oil, as well as DHA/ARA, and provides 20 Calories per ounce, which is similar to other brands and slightly higher than most Similac formulas;

• NeoSure Formula – Developed for premature infants, this formula provides 22 Calories per ounce to support catch-up growth. It has higher levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, with 25% of lipids sourced from MCT oil. 

Gerber Good Start

• Gentle Formula – Gerber’s standard infant formula. It provides 20 calories per ounce and features 100% whey protein, which is partially hydrolyzed, often referred to as “comfort proteins” for marketing purposes. Additionally, it contains DHA/ARA and prebiotics;

• Soothe Formula – Marketed to address crying, colic, and fussiness in infants. This formula includes probiotics and has reduced lactose;

• Supplementing Formula – Includes probiotics and higher levels of vitamin D. It is designed for supplementing infant nutrition;

• Soy Formula – Gerber’s soy-based formula. Unlike some other soy formulas, it contains partially hydrolyzed soy protein and is lactose-free;

• Extensive HA Formula – An extensively hydrolyzed formula featuring 100% whey protein, making it hypoallergenic. It contains 49% of lipids derived from MCT oil and includes probiotics.

Elemental formulas

• Elecare Formula – An elemental formula that includes 33% of lipids sourced from MCT oil, DHA/ARA, and is lactose-free;

• Enfamil PurAmino Formula – An elemental formula that contains 33% of lipids derived from MCT oil, DHA/ARA, and is lactose-free;

• Neocate Formula – An elemental formula that includes 30% of lipids from MCT oil, DHA/ARA, and is lactose-free. Notably, Neocate also contains nucleotides, distinguishing it from other elemental formulas.

Generic Formulas

Most store brand formulas are manufactured by Perrigo Nutritionals. Here is an overview of the various types of formulas they produce, along with the brand-name formulas they are patterned after:

• Infant Formula – Comparable to Enfamil Infant. Provides 20 Calories per ounce, with a whey/casein ratio of 60/40. It contains DHA/ARA and prebiotics;

• Advantage Formula – Similar to Similac Advance Stage 1. Offers 19 Calories per ounce, with an 80/20 whey/protein ratio. It includes DHA and prebiotics;

• Gentle Formula – Modeled after Enfamil Gentlease. It provides 20 Calories per ounce and has a 60/40 whey/casein ratio, with partial hydrolysis. This formula also contains DHA/ARA and prebiotics;

• Sensitivity Formula – Comparable to Similac Sensitive. Offers 19 Calories per ounce and features an 80/20 whey/protein ratio. It has reduced lactose and includes DHA and prebiotics;

• Added Rice Formula – Similar to Enfamil AR. Provides 20 Calories per ounce, with a 60/40 whey/casein ratio and added rice starch to thicken the formula, reducing spitting up. It also contains DHA/ARA and prebiotics;

• Soy Formula – Comparable to Enfamil ProSobee or Similac Soy Isomil. This is a soy-based formula that is lactose-free and contains DHA/ARA.

Organic Infant Formula Options

Baby’s Only

This situation poses some complexities. I excluded other toddler formulas because toddlers typically don’t require formula. However, despite the manufacturer labeling it as “toddler formula,” it’s widely recognized that many people use it as an infant formula. They even provide comparison charts with other infant formulas and demonstrate how to mix a 2-ounce bottle. The FDA issued a stern warning in 2012 regarding this matter. Online sources suggest that they label it as a “toddler formula” because they promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first year. However, their website states:

“After formula feeding or breast feeding the first year, Baby’s Only Organic Toddler Formula is a good nutritional choice to assure continuation of strong growth and development.”

In this context, it seems entirely unnecessary. My primary concern lies in the formula’s actual composition rather than its organic certification. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the reality that people use it. So, although I do not endorse it, here is what they offer:

• Dairy Formula – Features an 18/82 whey/casein ratio, which is more appropriate for baby cows than humans. This formula does not contain DHA/ARA, nucleotides, or prebiotics. It also has higher levels of calcium and phosphorus compared to infant formulas, which may not be ideal for human infants;

• Dairy Formula with DHA and ARA – Essentially the same as the Dairy Formula but with the addition of DHA and ARA;

• Dairy Formula with Whey – Offers a 60/40 whey/casein ratio, similar to Enfamil but lower than Similac or Gerber Good Start. Calcium and phosphorus content aligns better with infant formulas. It does not contain DHA/ARA, nucleotides, or prebiotics. If I had to choose a Baby’s Only product, this would be my preference, with the addition of a DHA supplement;

• LactoRelief Formula – Essentially the same as the Dairy Formula but lactose-free, with calcium and phosphorus levels more in line with infant formulas;

• Soy Formula – A soy-based formula that is lactose-free. It lacks DHA/ARA, nucleotides, or prebiotics and has significantly higher levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium compared to soy-based infant formulas;

• Cholov Yisroel Formula – Similar to the Dairy Formula but made from the milk of kosher cows and manufactured under strict rabbinical supervision. Note that it is not certified as organic;

• Parve Soy Formula – Similar to the Soy Formula but made with non-GMO ingredients and manufactured under strict rabbinical supervision.

Earth’s Best

• Organic Infant Formula – An organic formula with no genetically engineered ingredients. It features a 60/40 whey/casein ratio and includes DHA/ARA;

• Sensitivity Infant Formula – Similar to the standard formula but with reduced lactose, replaced by glucose syrup;

• Soy Infant Formula – Similar to the standard formula but soy-based and lactose-free.

Honest

• Organic Infant Formula – An organic, non-GMO formula with a 30/70 whey/casein ratio, more akin to cow’s milk than breast milk. Notably, it does not contain DHA or ARA. The Honest Company has chosen to exclude DHA from their Organic Premium Infant Formula due to their stringent quality standards. However, they do offer DHA as a separate, albeit expensive, supplement.

Vermont Organics

• Organic Milk-Based Formula – An organic, non-GMO formula that contains DHA/ARA. Detailed information about the whey/casein ratio and lactose percentage for this product is not readily available. The focus on what is not included in their formula raises some concerns;

• Organic Soy-Based Formula – An organic, non-GMO soy-based formula that is lactose-free and includes DHA/ARA.

Similac Advance vs. Similac Pro Advance

When it comes to providing the best nutrition for your little one, choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision. Similac, a trusted brand, offers two popular options: Similac Advance and Similac Pro Advance. Both formulas aim to support your baby’s growth and development, but they have distinct features worth considering.

Similac Advance is a well-established standard formula designed for infants from birth to 12 months. It provides essential nutrients, including DHA and prebiotics, to promote your baby’s overall health. On the other hand, Similac Pro Advance is an advanced formula that takes it a step further with non-GMO ingredients, making it a suitable choice if you prefer products sourced from non-genetically modified organisms. It also includes DHA and prebiotics for optimal infant nutrition.

When deciding between these two formulas, it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician and consider your baby’s specific needs and any dietary preferences you may have. Both Similac Advance and Similac Pro Advance are designed to provide essential nourishment for your baby’s healthy growth and development, and your choice ultimately depends on what aligns best with your family’s values and your baby’s well-being.

Conclusion

When comparing Similac Advance and Similac Pro Advance infant formulas, it’s crucial to consider their specific features and benefits. While Similac Advance is the standard formula suitable for most infants, Similac Pro Advance offers some enhancements, including non-GMO sourcing and potentially improved protein ratios. Ultimately, your choice should align with your baby’s unique needs and your personal preferences.