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Top 6 Best Baby Formulas to Supplement Breastfeeding

UpdatedApril 22, 2024

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide nutrition to a newborn. However, sometimes, due to various reasons, mothers are not able to breastfeed their babies exclusively. In such cases, supplementing breastfeeding with baby formula is a good option. Baby formula is a specially designed food that provides all the necessary nutrients to a baby. It is available in various types, such as powder, liquid, and ready-to-feed.

When choosing the best baby formula to supplement breastfeeding, it is important to consider the ingredients, nutritional value, and ease of preparation. The formula should contain all the essential nutrients that a baby needs, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It should also be free from harmful additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Another critical factor to consider is the type of formula. There are different types of baby formula available, such as cow's milk-based, soy-based, and hypoallergenic. The choice of formula depends on the baby's age, health condition, and any allergies or sensitivities.

We spent hours researching and testing various baby formulas to identify the ones that are best for supplementing breastfeeding. In the following sections, we will discuss the top baby formulas that meet our criteria and provide a comprehensive review of each one.

Top 3 Best Baby Formula to Supplement Breastfeeding

  1. Serenity Kids Toddler Formula Powder Drink
  2. Growth Spurt Goat Milk Toddler Formula
  3. Pure Bliss by Similac Infant Formula

As much as we encourage breastfeeding, we understand that it may not always be possible for every mother. That's why we've put together a list of the best baby formula to supplement breastfeeding. Our team of experts has researched and tested various formulas to ensure that they provide the necessary nutrients for your baby's growth and development. Whether you're looking for organic options or formulas that are easy on your baby's tummy, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Serenity Kids Toddler Formula Powder Drink

Editor's Choice

Discover the optimal choice for your toddler's growth with Serenity Kids Toddler Formula. Crafted from pure, grass-fed organic A2 milk, this formula prioritizes transparency and purity, meeting the Clean Label Project's high standards. Elevate your child's well-being with a clean, easy-to-digest, and nutrient-rich foundation. Choose Serenity Kids for a thriving future.

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Transform your toddler's nutrition with Serenity Kids Toddler Formula Powder Drink. Crafted from Grass-Fed Organic A2 Whole Milk, this formula is a game-changer in toddler nutrition. With clean ingredients and a Clean Label Project Purity Award, it's the best choice for supplementing breastfeeding. Easy to digest and packed with goodness, Serenity Kids Toddler Formula ensures your little one gets the best start for a healthy future.

Pros

  • Made from Grass-Fed Organic A2 Whole Milk for optimal nutrition
  • Easy to digest, perfect for sensitive little tummies
  • Clean Label Project Purity Award Certified, ensuring the highest standards
  • Free from harmful additives, providing a pure and natural option for your toddler

Cons

  • Slightly higher in cost compared to some conventional formulas
  • Availability may vary in certain regions

Having witnessed the positive impact on our toddler's well-being, we confidently endorse Serenity Kids Toddler Formula. The purity of its ingredients, derived from grass-fed organic A2 milk, contributes to easy digestion while ensuring your child receives essential nutrients.

This formula aligns with the Clean Label Project's high standards, emphasizing transparency and purity. Say goodbye to concerns about harmful additives and welcome a clean, wholesome option for your toddler's growth and development.

In summary, Serenity Kids Toddler Formula Powder Drink stands out as the best baby formula for supplementing breastfeeding. Nurture your toddler's health with this premium choice, providing a clean, easy-to-digest, and nutritionally rich foundation for their journey towards a vibrant and thriving future. Choose Serenity Kids for a formula that goes beyond meeting basic needs, fostering optimal development and well-being in your little one.

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We highly recommend Growth Spurt Goat Milk Toddler Formula for parents who want to supplement breastfeeding with a high-quality formula.

Pros

  • Growth Spurt is modeled after breastfeeding, making it easier to digest than other leading dairy and cow milk formulas.
  • It includes over 20 vitamins and nutrients for healthy growth and development, including DHA and ARA.
  • It tastes great for picky eaters, ensuring a pleasant feeding experience for both children and parents.

Cons

  • It is not suitable for children with cow milk protein allergy.
  • It has a strong goat smell that some parents may find unpleasant.
  • It may not be readily available for international shipping.

Growth Spurt Goat Milk Toddler Formula is a great choice for parents who want a formula that is gentle, comfortable, and worry-free. It may provide relief from cow milk protein sensitivity and help with constipation, congestion, colic, gas, spit up, fussiness, crying, sensitive stomach, and digestive issues. It is made with lactoferrin, 2'FL HMO, prebiotics, and bifidobacteria probiotics naturally found in breast milk, giving you the highest quality, superior toddler drink formula on the market.

The formula includes a superior bioavailable methylfolate instead of folic acid, a superb folate option, as well as methylated B vitamins for MTHFR. It is manufactured in the USA in a state-of-the-art facility for guaranteed purity and quality in every drink. Your Growth Spurt Formula is backed by a lifetime money-back guarantee.

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We highly recommend Pure Bliss by Similac Infant Formula for parents who are looking for a formula to supplement breastfeeding.

Pros

  • Modeled after breast milk, easy to digest and gentle on little tummies
  • No artificial growth hormones, no antibiotics, and non-GMO
  • Contains DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development

Cons

  • Some babies may not like the taste
  • May cause constipation in some babies
  • Expensive compared to other formulas

We have personally used Pure Bliss by Similac Infant Formula and found that it is a great option for supplementing breastfeeding. It is easy to prepare and our baby had no trouble digesting it. We appreciate that it contains no artificial growth hormones, no antibiotics, and is non-GMO.

The formula is also modeled after breast milk and contains DHA and ARA, which are nutrients that support brain and eye development. We have noticed that our baby has been meeting his developmental milestones while using this formula.

However, we have also noticed that some babies may not like the taste of this formula and may refuse to drink it. Additionally, some babies may experience constipation while using this formula. We also found that this formula is more expensive compared to other formulas on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend Pure Bliss by Similac Infant Formula for parents who are looking for a formula to supplement breastfeeding. It is a high-quality formula that is easy to digest and contains important nutrients for your baby's development.

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We highly recommend Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula for parents who are looking for a gentle nutrition formula to ease common tummy troubles like fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.

Pros

  • Our closest sensitive formula to breast milk than ever before
  • Exclusive blend of prebiotics
  • 360 whole-baby support

Cons

  • Contains corn syrup
  • Pricey compared to other formula brands
  • Can cause constipation in some babies

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula is a game-changer for babies with sensitive tummies. It is gentle on the stomach and helps ease common tummy troubles like fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity. We love that it has an exclusive blend of 5 HMO prebiotics structurally identical to those in breast milk, which helps support immune health, brain development, and digestive health.

One of the best things about Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula is that it is non-GMO and has no artificial growth hormones. This makes it a safe and healthy choice for your little one.

However, it is important to note that this formula contains corn syrup, which may not be suitable for some babies. Additionally, it is pricier compared to other formula brands, which may not be ideal for parents on a budget. Lastly, some babies may experience constipation when using this formula.

Overall, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Infant Formula is a great choice for parents who want a gentle nutrition formula for their babies with sensitive tummies. It is packed with essential nutrients and is designed to support your baby's overall health and development.

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If you are looking for an organic baby formula that is gentle on your baby's stomach, Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula is worth considering.

Pros

  • This formula is designed to ease fussiness, gas, and crying in babies who experience lactose sensitivity, lactose intolerance, or sensitive stomachs.
  • It contains lutein, prebiotics, and DHA and ARA, which support immunity, brain development, and eye development.
  • The formula is made with organic milk from grass and grain-fed cows, so you can be sure you are giving your baby a quality product.

Cons

  • Some babies may not like the taste of this formula, and it may take a few tries to find a formula that your baby likes.
  • The formula can be expensive compared to other options on the market.
  • The formula is not suitable for babies with severe lactose intolerance.

We have been using Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula for our baby, and we have been happy with the results. Our baby has a sensitive stomach, and this formula has helped ease her fussiness and gas. It is easy to prepare, and the directions on the container are straightforward to follow. We appreciate that this formula is organic and made with quality ingredients.

One thing to note is that this formula may not be suitable for babies with severe lactose intolerance. While it has reduced lactose, it still contains some lactose, so it is essential to speak with your pediatrician before using this formula if your baby has severe lactose intolerance.

Overall, we recommend Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula for parents who are looking for an organic and gentle formula for their babies. While it may be more expensive than other options on the market, we believe that the quality and benefits of this formula make it worth the investment.

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If you are looking for a baby formula to supplement breastfeeding, Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula is worth considering.

Pros

  • Reduces spit-ups by over 50% in 1 week
  • Brain nourishing DHA
  • Dual prebiotic formula for immune health

Cons

  • May cause constipation in some babies
  • More expensive than other formulas
  • Thick consistency may require a larger nipple size

Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula is specially formulated to reduce spit-up by over 50% while providing complete nutrition for your infant up to 12 months. It has a thicker consistency than regular formula, which helps to reduce spit-ups. The formula is also enriched with brain nourishing DHA to support your baby's brain and eye development. Additionally, it has a dual prebiotic formula that provides immune health and complete nutrition tailored for your baby's growth through their first 12 months.

One of the drawbacks of Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula is that it may cause constipation in some babies. It is also more expensive than other formulas on the market. The thick consistency of the formula may require a larger nipple size, which can be inconvenient.

Overall, Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula is a good choice for parents looking for a formula to supplement breastfeeding and reduce spit-ups. However, it may not be suitable for all babies. It is always best to consult with your pediatrician before switching to a new formula.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best baby formula to supplement breastfeeding, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:

Type of Formula

There are several types of baby formula available, including cow's milk-based, soy-based, hypoallergenic, and organic. Cow's milk-based formulas are the most common and are generally well-tolerated by most babies. Soy-based formulas are an alternative for babies who have trouble digesting cow's milk. Hypoallergenic formulas are designed for babies with allergies or intolerances to cow's milk or soy. Organic formulas are made from organic ingredients and are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Age Range

Most baby formulas are designed to be used for a specific age range, such as 0-6 months or 6-12 months. It's important to choose a formula that is appropriate for your baby's age to ensure they are getting the right nutrients for their stage of development.

Nutritional Content

All baby formulas are required to meet certain nutritional standards, but some formulas may have additional nutrients or additives. Look for formulas that contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Some formulas may also include prebiotics or probiotics to support digestive health.

Price

Baby formula can be expensive, so it's important to consider the cost when making your decision. While more expensive formulas may have additional features or higher quality ingredients, there are also many affordable options that provide all the necessary nutrients for your baby.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a baby formula, it's important to consider the reputation of the brand. Look for brands that have a good track record of producing high-quality, safe products. You can also check online reviews and ask other parents for recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest formula to breast milk?

While no formula can replicate the exact composition of breast milk, some formulas come closer than others. Formulas that contain whey protein, lactose, and a blend of vegetable oils are often considered the closest to breast milk.

What formula is best for supplementing with breast milk?

The best formula for supplementing with breast milk is one that is easy to digest and does not cause digestive issues or allergies. Some formulas that are often recommended for supplementing include Enfamil Enspire, Similac Pro-Advance, and Gerber Good Start Gentle.

Is it safe to supplement breastfeeding with formula?

Yes, it is safe to supplement breastfeeding with formula. In fact, many mothers choose to supplement with formula to ensure their babies are getting enough nutrients and calories. However, it is important to consult with a pediatrician before making any changes to your baby's diet.

How do you fortify breast milk with formula?

To fortify breast milk with formula, simply mix the desired amount of formula powder with water according to the instructions on the package. Then, add the mixture to a bottle of breast milk and shake well before feeding.

What are the best formula options for gassy babies?

For gassy babies, formulas that contain prebiotics and probiotics can help promote healthy digestion and reduce gas. Some formulas that are often recommended for gassy babies include Enfamil Gentlease, Similac Total Comfort, and Gerber Soothe.

What are the top pediatrician-recommended formula brands for supplementing breastfeeding?

Some of the top pediatrician-recommended formula brands for supplementing breastfeeding include Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber. However, it is important to consult with a pediatrician to determine the best formula for your baby's specific needs.

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