Best Baby Formulas in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 12, 2024
Looking for the baby formula that will be right for your baby? Our guide should come in handy then, as it contains only the best baby formulas that we've hand-picked for you evaluating hundreds of thousands of customers' reviews. ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
PRODUCT FORM
BABY'S AGE
SPECIAL FEATURES
WEIGHT (NUMBER IN A PACK)
 
PROS

As compared to counterparts, this baby formula contains less amino acids boosting insulin production and as such, it allows better controlling the weight gain of newborns.  

CONS

It's a bit inconvenient to measure powder due to a shorter scoop. 

OUR VERDICT

If, due to some reasons, you can't breastfeed your baby and seek a solid and wholesome replacement for breast milk, the SMA Pro First Infants milk is hands down one of the best baby formulas. With the protein profile maximum close to breast milk, it was clinically proven to ensure the growth rate relevant to that of breastfed infants.

detailed parameters
PRODUCT FORM

Powder

BABY'S AGE

From birth to 12 months

SPECIAL FEATURES

Breast milk substitute, Omega 3 & 6 LCPs and GOS/FOS, Nutritionally complete, Suitable for Halal

WEIGHT (NUMBER IN A PACK)

800 g (pack of 6)

PROS

This product is distinguished by a perfect balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and nucleotides crucial for growing infants. Thus, the formula content is maximum close to that of breast milk, ensuring your baby will obtain all essential elements.

CONS

The formula should be consumed within an hour after unpacking the bottle. 

OUR VERDICT

Supported by extensive 40-year research of breast milk,  the Aptamil stands out for a perfectly balanced formula specifically created to boost the development and activity of growing infants in the age from 6 to 12 months. It will work to enhance immunity and maintain healthy cognitive development. 

detailed parameters
PRODUCT FORM

Powder

BABY'S AGE

From 6 to 12 months

SPECIAL FEATURES

Nucleotides, increased levels of LCPs (Omega-3 and Omega-6), Unique blend of Galacto- and Fructo-oligosaccharides, contains Vitamins A, C, D, Iron, Zinc, L-Carnitine, Choline, Taurine

WEIGHT (NUMBER IN A PACK)

800 g (pack of 6) 

PROS

This product contains DHA acid present in natural breast milk and necessary for normal eyesight and brain development, and it also has an AA aliphatic acid which is important for maintaining correct central nervous system maturation. Both components are highly important for the first months of baby's life.

CONS

The packaging is somewhat difficult to reseal. 

OUR VERDICT

As all other Hipp products, the Hipp baby formula is fully organic and stands out for a well-thought content. Designed for newborns from the first days of their life, it contains all vital nutrients and vitamins making a decent alternative to breast milk. Thanks to prebiotic fibres in its content, the formula is easily digestible and stimulates healthy intestinal motility.  

detailed parameters
PRODUCT FORM

Powder

BABY'S AGE

From birth to 12 months 

SPECIAL FEATURES

Omega 3 and 6 LCPs (DHA & AA) and PRÆBIOTIK® oligosaccharides (GOS), Contains soya, No added wheat, No added egg, Gluten-free, Contains milk/lactose, No added peanut, No added nut, No added celery/celeriac

WEIGHT (NUMBER IN A PACK)

800 g (pack of 4)

PROS

Clear and easy-to-follow instructions will let you mix the formula in close to no time even if you do it for the very first time. And a handy measuring scoop included in the box will take any guesswork out of the whole process.

CONS

The formula might vary a bit. 

OUR VERDICT

The Cow and Gate formula is both a great breast milk substitute and a great complement to it.  Reasonably priced, it offers a balanced and thought-out formulation that works to improve digestion and tackle such common for newborns problems as colicky pains, constipation, and gases. As such, it will help set up a healthy gut microflora. 

detailed parameters
PRODUCT FORM

Powder

BABY'S AGE

From birth to 12 months

SPECIAL FEATURES

LCPs (AA and DHA), Fibre (GOS and FOS), Whey and casein protein, Vitamins A, D3, E, K1, C, B12, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese

WEIGHT (NUMBER IN A PACK)

800 g (pack of 6)

PROS

The product is made of raw materials from specifically approved suppliers using no genetically modified ingredients, preservatives, colourants, or chemical flavourings. Besides, the content is free from fish oil and palm oil.

CONS

The product is quite pricey.

OUR VERDICT

In Kendamil, they care not only for the health of your baby but also for that of the environment. Striving to offer the best for your little ones, they exclusively use full-cream milk from grass-fed cows raised on organic farms. On the other hand, they use algae-sourced Omega-3 DHA to preserve ocean fauna and make the product vegetarian. 

detailed parameters
PRODUCT FORM

Powder

BABY'S AGE

From birth to 6 months

SPECIAL FEATURES

Magnesium, α-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Arachidonic Acid(AA - LCP), Docosahexaenoic Acid, Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B6, B12, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Calcium

WEIGHT (NUMBER IN A PACK)

900 g (pack of 2)

X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

SMA Pro First

Tried and Tested Formulation

It might happen that a mother has poor lactation and the amount of breast milk is not enough to still the baby’s hunger or due to certain health conditions, a woman can’t breastfeed at all. In the latter case, formula milk will fully replace breast milk and become the baby’s only food. Hence, the baby formula premium quality and complete nutritious content are of utmost importance. If it sounds like your scenario, we strongly recommend turning your eyes to the SMA Pro First Infant Milk that is considered to be one of the best breast milk substitutes.

All baby formulas mimic natural breast milk to meet changing nutrition needs of growing babies and there is a variety of formula milks designed to meet specific needs of kiddies with digestive disorders and allergic infants. Yet, if your child doesn’t have any special nutrition needs, the SMA Pro will be a perfect first feed for your little one that will keep your baby’s healthy growth. Designed for babies from the first days of life up to 12 months, the formula is meticulously tailored to make baby’s nutrition maximum complete. It offers a well-thought ratio of all nutrients and substances contained in the natural human milk, thus making up maximum close breast milk substitute. A customised balance of nutritious milk proteins in the form of demineralised whey, skimmed milk, whey protein concentrate, and vegetable oils including rapeseed oil, palm oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil will help your little one feel more satisfied. Meanwhile, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics will maintain easy absorption and comfortable digestion and support the baby’s healthy growth and mental development.

To ensure top-line quality, this formula milk was clinically tested, passed numerous certifications, and fully meets WHO standards. Notably, the SMA Pro is a whey-dominant formula, which means it contains more whey and less casein. Whey proteins are better digestible and easier to absorb in little tummies causing no discomfort. Besides, due to lower insulinogenic amino acids, this formula is great for precise weight gain control.

The product is manufactured in the form of powder and comes in sealed packaging with an airtight lid. On the backside of the can, you will find a feeding guide and detailed mixing instructions. A tightly closing can will keep the formula powder dry and fresh for a long time.

To resume, well-balanced and nutritionally complete, the SMA Pro First Infant Milk can be safely used as the only feed to manage your baby’s healthy diet when breastfeeding is impossible.

Review of SMA Pro First Infant Milk from Birth

What Ingredients to Avoid in a Baby Formula?

All parents seek the best for their babies. Hence, the first thing they carefully check when choosing baby formula is the product content. And while there has been said a lot about what a quality baby formula should contain, let’s mention ingredients and substances that should not be present in formula milks:

  • Added processed and refined sugars different from those naturally found in milk.
  • Corn syrup that might adversely affect the baby’s metabolism and cause excessive weight gain.
  • High carb content.
  • Industrial vegetable oils often containing deodorizers and solvents and mineral oils mostly used in skincare products.
  • Preservatives and soy lecithin that might cause and aggravate allergies.

SMA Pro First Infant Milk from Birth in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £114.28
Stock In stock
ASIN B019RDIHNC

 

Aptamil 6-12 Months

Ideal for a Mixed Diet

As newborns grow, their nutritional needs change to maintain healthy growth and development of all body systems. So, unlike many other brands mostly creating one baby formula for the period from 0 to 12 months, the Aptamil offers specifically designed formulas for newborns and infants. With that, this formula milk from Aptamil is a perfect choice for growing infants in the age from 6 to 12 months. It’s a weaning period and the time for introducing supplementary foods. Yet, the need for milk is still strong and this follow-on milk from Aptamil will make your baby’s diet complete.

With over 40 years of breastmilk research behind their back, in Aptamil, they know everything about the nutritional needs of babies right from their birth and onwards. Hence, the formula milk content is perfectly balanced and maximum close to that of breast milk to give your precious little ones everything they need at the age above 6 months when milk is not their only food anymore. The tailored formulation is built around the hydrolysed milk protein broken into smaller pieces that are easier to digest. Since infancy is a period when babies become more active, the milk composition contains increased amounts of vitamins and microelements such as calcium and iron to maintain and strengthen skeletal and muscle growth.

In contrast to the first-stage Aptamil formula that comes in the form of ready-to-use liquid, this second stage product is a powder you’ll have to dissolve in water before feeding your baby. However, mixing it into a drinkable formula is a breeze. Just follow the measuring instructions on the pack and shake the bottle for about 10 seconds to let the powder dissolve completely. Besides, with powder, you can make the right amount of milk to meet varying feeding needs of your infant. And a pack of six 800g containers is a long-lasting stock.

Review of Aptamil 6-12 Months Follow-On Milk

A Fortified Formula

As active as they are, 6-month babies become more and more inquisitive and are eager to explore the world around them. So, apart from fast physical development, they face fast-paced mental development too. And the Aptamil follow-on milk is designed to maintain that development in all the right way by offering a fortified formulation. Thus, the product content is enriched with saturated and unsaturated fats including a unique blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to give the baby’s nervous system quality building material for setting up healthy cell chains and to provide the brain with food for healthy cognitive development. Other than that, this Aptamil powder formula boasts a one-of-a-kind mix of galacto- and oligosaccharides to make little tummies work like a charm and promote smooth stool.

To cut a long story short, the Aptamil Follow-on Milk is a perfect second-stage formula for growing infants that will ensure a problem-free transition to baby food and will give your kido all the vitamins and nutrients for healthy development they need.

Aptamil 6-12 Months Follow-On Milk in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £69.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07DZT6QMN

 

HiPP 0-3 Months Organic

Top Quality From Reputed Brand

Without any doubt, breast milk is the primary food a newborn should consume within those crucial first months of life. However, if, due to some reasons, we have to combine breast and bottle feeding or go only for formulas, we want only top-quality milk feeds for our precious babies. The modern market of baby food is overfilled with baby formulas produced by different manufacturers under a whole variety of brands. You wonder how to tackle such a challenging choice? The easiest way is to go for a reliable brand from a reputable producer. Hipp is one of such manufacturers.

Having started their business from the rusk flour factory over 100 years ago, Hipp grew into a big family company producing baby food and standing out for the premium quality of its products. Today, Hipp product range includes a complete assortment of formula milk formulas for all stages and all kinds of supplementary foods and drinks for kiddies of different ages. A distinguishing benefit of all Hipp products is that they are all made from fully organic and ecological ingredients. The same is true for the Combiotic first infant baby formula from Hipp.

As the name suggests, this formula cleverly combines all important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to make the baby nutrition complete. Specifically formulated for infants from birth up to 12 months of age, the milk feed contains all-organic ingredients, which means there are no harmful chemicals, toxic pesticides, or additives that might negatively impact your baby’s health. The Hipp Combiotik comes enriched with DHA acid present in natural breast milk and necessary for normal eyesight and brain development, and it also has an AA aliphatic acid which is important for maintaining correct central nervous system maturation, both of these components being highly important for the first months of baby's life. Thanks to prebiotic fibres in its content, the formula is easily digestible and stimulates healthy intestinal motility.

With the Hipp organic baby formula, you will rest assured knowing that your little one consumes only perfectly balanced and healthy nutrition from the first day of his or her life.

Review of HiPP 0-3 Months Organic First Infant Milk

Pioneers of Organic Agriculture

In Hipp, they were always about ecological ideas. This trend took its origins from Georg Hipp who, in 1956, adopted ecological methods of fruit and vegetables production. This is when and how Hipp started using raw materials grown exceptionally on ecologically farmed fields. No chemicals, synthetic pesticides, and toxic fertilizers, to say nothing of GMO. Until now, nothing has changed, except that 50 years ago Hipp had to persuade farmers to follow the ecological trend while today the company has an extensive network of partner farmers and is one of the largest organic produce processors in Germany and Europe.

HiPP 0-3 Months Organic First Infant Milk in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B003Y6S5WM

 

Cow & Gate 0 - 12 Months First Infant

Balance of Price and Quality

For a great value, you can get the Cow and Gate First Infant Milk Formula and be sure that your baby will be happy, healthy, and sleep well. It is a bit less inexpensive than multiple branded formulas, but it is no way inferior to those in quality and is much loved by parents and their babies as well.

First and foremost, the powder formula of this product offers the ultimate ease of use. Meant to be mixed with water, it is consumption-wise and boasts a longer shelf life than ready-made liquids. To eliminate guestimating, along with the powder formula, the package includes comprehensive, clear, and easy-to-follow instructions and a handy measuring scoop. Consequently, you'll know the exact portion needed for a specific age up to 12 months and make sure your baby gets enough milk to feel full and gain weight in a healthy manner. As such, the product will be highly appreciated by first-time parents who make their first steps in parenthood.

As for the powder, it quickly dissolves in water, without any lumps or sediment, and the milk has a nice creamy flavour with subtle sweetness characteristic of the breast milk. The product formulation is free from any artificial flavourings and chemical compounds, so there will be no allergic reactions in lactose-tolerant babies. And the container has an airtight closure to keep the powder fresh and free from any side odours.

Review of Cow & Gate 0 - 12 Months First Infant Milk Formula

Little Tummies Will Be Happy

Easy-to-blend and nice-tasting, the Cow and gate formula milk also offers a thought-out formulation that makes it both a perfect breast milk substitute and a good complement to it. With that, the formula is good both as the first milk for newborns and as the follow-on milk for a weaning stage and growing infants. In addition to milk proteins, lactose, whey, and galactooligosaccharides derived from natural milk, the composition contains refined vegetable oils, minerals, and a whole bunch of vitamins essential for healthy kids development during the first year after birth. Yet, the best thing is that the formula is readily accepted by little tummies and causes no fussiness, reflux, or belly pains like many other similar products. Vice versa, it helps improve digestion and tackle such common problems in infants as colicky cramps, constipation, and intestinal gases. So, you can rest assured your baby will feel full and comfortable.

In a word, the Cow and Gate First Infant Milk is a budget-friendly and tummy-friendly alternative to breast milk when breast-feeding is impossible or need to be combined with bottle-feeding.

Cow & Gate 0 - 12 Months First Infant Milk Formula in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £47.94
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07R5NCWMW

 

Kendamil Stage 1 from Birth Vegetarian

Best Formula Milk for Newborn Babies

If you seek the best for your newly born tiny tot, you can’t go wrong with this milk formula from Kendal. Specifically created for babies up to 6 months of age, the stage one product offers a balanced formulation for the newborns who largely rely on breast-milk protection and for whom milk is the only food yet.

What sets this product apart from the rivals straight away is the quality of raw materials it is based on. With 57 years of experience in formula milk production, in Kendal, they strive to give the best quality via maximum natural content. And they do it by sourcing the milk for their formulas from organic farms. The manufacturer guarantees that every single drop of milk used for this first stage formula is full-cream milk from grass-fed cows Not only is it a much richer natural source of fats, but also it allows reducing the number of plant oils in the end formula composition. Speaking of which, the formula content is free from any genetically modified ingredients, colourants, preservative, and artificial flavourings. Besides, it contains only premium sunflower, rapeseed, and coconut oils, with virtually no palm oil to it. In other words, your baby will get only the best of organic full-cream milk enriched with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients essential for healthy newborns’ weight gain and development.

Coming in the form of powder, the formula smoothly dissolves in water. Besides, unlike many other products that have some chemical smell, this powder smells really nice. And it tastes nice too, resembling the flavour of natural milk very much while a tightly closing container will keep the powder fresh till the very last scoop.

Review of Kendamil Stage 1 from Birth Vegetarian Milk Formula

Caring for Your Baby's Health and That of the Environment

To ensure sufficient fatty acids intake vital for healthy brain and nervous system development in newborns, a lot of formula milks come enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6. The Kendamil is not an exception. Yet, what makes it different is that instead of commonly used fish-sourced Omegas, the Kendamil formula contains plant-based fatty acids sourced from pure marine algae. Those acids are not only much easier to digest but also non-allergic. Besides, they make the product vegetarian-friendly and safe for sensitive kiddies prone to allergic reactions. At the same time, this way, the manufacture takes care of the environment and contributes to ocean fauna preservation.

To wrap it up, the Kendamil Stage 1 formula is a highly nutritious, filling, and tasty all-natural product ideal for newborns. And though some users claim it’s a bit expensive, it is worth every penny you’ll pay, and the health of your baby is invaluable.

Kendamil Stage 1 from Birth Vegetarian Milk Formula in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0847P28GB

 

What Is a Baby Formula?

No doubt, breast milk is the best and most economical food for your baby during the first months of life. All paediatricians recommend breastfeeding newborns as long as possible. However, sometimes it happens that breastfeeding is not possible due to baby’s or mother’s health problems or and the lack or insufficient amount of breast milk. Nevertheless, there is a way out. Baby formula is an optimal type of baby food that is most similar to breast milk. You can use it to supplement breastfeeding or fully replace breast milk if necessary. Suitable baby formula is a key element to support a normal physical, mental and immune system development of your infant. Additionally, well-balanced nutrition will give your baby the energy making him or her active and inquisitive.

All parents of an infant will definitely appreciate baby walkers that will help your little one make the first steps while baby gyms will come in handy to entertain your babies and promote their healthy growth.

What Features to Compare

On the modern market of baby products, the choice of baby formulas is very wide and choosing the one that will be right for your baby can be a really challenging task. So, if you are first-time parents and not sure where to start from, below you’ll find a list of aspects to check when selecting the formula for your precious little angel.

Product Form

Commonly, baby formulas are produced in powder and liquid forms. Powders need dilution with warm water and, hence, take a bit of time before they can be used. Liquid formulas come concentrated, require no preparation, and can be used right out of the bottle. The one you choose is, first of all, the matter of your personal preference and largely depends on your budget since liquid milks are more expensive and have shorter expiry terms than powder blends. However, liquids are very convenient for on-the-go use or for travels.

Baby's Age

The next important thing to consider is the formula composition. This one should be chosen in accordance with your baby's age since the nutrient and vitamin needs of babies change as they grow and develop. To simplify the choice, baby formulas have a specified baby's age range on the pack, so, you can choose the one that will be right for your little one. Normally, the age range falls into 3 main stages, where the first stage is from birth to 6 months, the second stage is from 6 to 12 months, and the third stage is from 12 to 18 month accordingly. However, it might vary, so check carefully.

Content

What differs one baby milk formula from another is the ingredients used. If you are not sure which ingredients are safe for your child, the best recommendation is to consult your therapist or paediatrician. Rather than risking the health of your baby, it's sensible to learn all contradictions and weigh all risks. In general, meant to mimic breast milk, all baby formulas have pretty much the same basic components. Usually, the main content is a combo of milk proteins, vegetable oils, and vitamins. Some products are enriched with prebiotics, and probiotics, fatty acids, or other elements. Besides, there are formulas specifically created for lactose-intolerant babies, allergic infants, and other kiddies with specific digestive needs.

Pack Size

Finally, baby formulas may differ in the size of the packaging. Some will come in small packs enough for a couple of treats, while others will suffice for a few days or even more. If you go for a bigger pack, remember to check out the expiration date on the back of the pack.

Did you know?

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

Despite the fact that numerous clinical trials prove that breastfeeding is considered as the only preferable way to feed newborns and infants, it remains a highly debatable subject and there is still no single answer to the question which is better, breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Let’s have a closer look at this issue and try to find some answer.

Breastfeeding: Benefits and Downsides

Breast milk is a perfect food specifically produced by a woman’s body to maintain an immature digestive system of a newborn in a healthy condition. It is more nutritious, easier to absorb and digest, helps babies to fight infections better, and protects them from such diseases as diabetes, asthma, obesity, and a sudden infant death syndrome. Apart from health benefits, breast milk is absolutely free, gives you an opportunity to feed your child wherever you are, and helps you to enhance emotional connection with your baby, thanks to a regular skin-to-skin contact. On top of that, breastfeeding is beneficial for a mother as well. It allows burning calories and helps the uterus shrink giving you an opportunity to come back into shape quicker.

However, breastfeeding has certain challenges too mostly connected to the woman’s personal comfort. The very first challenge most moms would face is lactation. Though it’s a natural process, it will take some time to settle it. Your body needs to adapt to a new function that is often related to sore nipples and breast pains. Besides, breastfed babies need to eat more often that will require more of your time making it harder for some moms to run errands or work. In addition, breastfeeding moms should control their diet more strictly since what they eat and drink will pass to their babies through milk.

Formula-feeding: Pros and Cons

The major benefits of bottle feeding are all about convenience. This method allows a mom to share her feeding duties with other family members or a nurse, thus, giving a mom more freedom and flexibility when planning her working schedule or household chores. As for the babies, formulas still the hunger better and help kiddies feel satisfied and calm that, in turn, promotes better and longer sleep. Besides, all formulas come enriched with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients and might help improve your baby’s gut health if a little one suffers from the shortage of some substances.

Speaking of formula-feeding downsides, all formula milks lack antibodies found in human milk to provide added protection for a baby. Not all formulas are good for your baby, some of them might appear hard to digest, cause gas and constipation. Hence, it might take some time until you find the formula that will fit your infant perfectly.

So, What’s the Best?

There are no solid arguments in favour or against formula feeding. And unless a woman has some medical prescriptions to refrain from breastfeeding due to certain health conditions that make formula-feeding rather a necessity than an alternative, it is up to her to decide which feeding method to choose for her baby.

The best recommendation will be to weigh all pros and cons of both methods with your doctor or paediatrician to find the best feeding scheme that will perfectly fit your baby.

Sources:

1. Baby Formula Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. May 2016.

2. Yvette O'Dowd Choosing Baby Formula – 5 Facts to Help You Decide, BellyBelly. August 11, 2015.

3. Evonne Lack 5 things you didn't know about formula feeding, BabyCenter. August 2016.

4. How to buy baby formula, BabyCenter. May 2016.

5. Types of infant formula, NHS. October 2, 2016 .

6. Rose Welton What Are the Benefits of Infant Formula? LIVESTRONG.COM. July 30, 2015.

7. Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding, Kidshealth. February 2015.

8. Choosing Baby Formula, WebMD. August 29, 2015.

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later

Publish Date: 2018-06-08 13:14:32