Best Formula for Breastfed Babies: The Ultimate Guide

We started The Milky Box while looking for the best nutrition for our growing family. We discovered that European Baby Formulas are held to the highest quality and safety standards and wanted to ensure that your family could also benefit from our research.

Our brands have the best reputation, top-notch quality, organic nutritional content, and unmatched safety during growth and manufacturing. Feel free to check out our "Product Procurement and Review Process Page" for more info on our standards for rating each product.

Our team has worked closely with medical experts and specialists in infant nutrition to conduct thorough research on the subject. Our research has identified crucial components necessary for healthy growth and development in babies during their early stages.

Based on our findings, we developed a system that awards "milky drops" for each baby formula based on ten critical areas. These areas have been carefully selected based on our extensive research to ensure that all our baby formulas provide the essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.

HiPP Dutch organic formula stands out among the top infant formula brands. It's a sought-after choice for families looking for a gentle, 100% lactose-based formula that closely resembles breast milk. Its unique ingredients, specifically designed to alleviate common digestive issues like colic, constipation, bloating, and gas, set this product apart.

👍Pros

● Enriched with probiotics originally sourced from breast milk

● All stages are free from starch and maltodextrin

● Has an optimally balanced fatty acid profile

👎Cons

● Some families prefer to avoid the palm oil used in this brand. However, we do like that HiPP uses sustainably sourced oil.

HiPP Dutch doesn't just meet the stringent standards set out by the European Commission for organic products; it goes above and beyond with its in-house HiPP Signature Organic Promise. These standards, which ensure that the organic infant formula is free from pesticides, growth hormones, synthetic ingredients, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are a testament to the product's quality and safety, providing families with a sense of security.

HiPP Dutch begins with lactose, the predominant carbohydrate that mimics breast milk and is optimal for your baby's nutritional needs. This distinction comes from lactose being the predominant carbohydrate in breast milk, forgoing corn syrup solids, which can lead to an altered gut microbiome and a heightened risk of obesity in infants.

Additionally, the inclusion of Metafolin® instead of folic acid makes the formula easier for babies to absorb and brings it closer to the folate source found in breast milk. Moreover, the formula contains both ARA and DHA in a 1 to 1 ratio, which research has shown to be the most effective balance of these fatty acids for supporting optimal health and development.

In our evaluation of HiPP Dutch, we found that this organic baby formula stands out from other popular lactose-based products. One unique feature includes prebiotics derived from lactose and probiotic lactic acid cultures. These ingredients provide formula-fed babies with many of the gut-strengthening benefits of human milk, addressing specific concerns about digestive health.

As mentioned, the HiPP Dutch formula is 100% lactose-based, meaning it doesn't include complementary carbohydrates like starch and maltodextrin. This unique approach is beneficial because healthy infants often more easily digest lactose, which can minimize the risk of common digestive conditions while maintaining a balanced nutritional profile.

To promote sustainability, HiPP uses microalgae instead of fish oil, which allows us to award HiPP Dutch our top marks: 10/10!

Jovie Organic Goat Milk is made by parents, for parents, and offers your baby the purest and most nutritionally complete alternative to breastfeeding. This beloved organic formula comprises gentle whole goat's milk, essential fatty acids, prebiotics, and age-appropriate vitamins and minerals.

👍Pros

● Full-fat goat milk

● Gentle and easy-to-digest A2 milk proteins

● May relieve colic symptoms, minor digestive problems, asthma, and eczema

👎Cons

● No probiotics.

Jovie's organic whole goat milk, meeting the strict standards of EU organic certification, is a comforting solution for your baby's health. It's designed to relieve common infant issues, such as colic symptoms, minor digestive problems, asthma, and eczema. With lower levels of α‐s1‐casein, the protein responsible for most allergic reactions to cow's milk, Jovie goat milk proteins significantly alleviate these issues, reassuring your baby's well-being.

Jovie formula is not just a nourishing base of organic whole goat's milk and lactose. It's a scientifically formulated blend that offers comprehensive health benefits, providing a confident choice for your baby's health. The goat milk proteins in Jovie have been found to have immunomodulatory effects, manage allergies, and even possess anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Including whole goat milk fat further supports digestion and bone health, ensuring a comprehensive solution for your baby's well-being.

With your baby's well-being in mind, Jovie is free from added sugars, starch, and maltodextrin, which can cause discomfort for some babies. This gentle formula also includes essential fatty acids such as DHA (Omega-3) & AA (Omega-6), which are crucial for immune system regulation and brain and eye development. Research indicates that when infants receive both AA and DHA supplementation, they have better cognitive performance outcomes than those receiving DHA alone.

Jovie contains naturally occurring prebiotics from lactose, which serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. These prebiotics contribute to a healthy gut environment for your baby.

Jovie ensures that its formula is gentle for even the most sensitive babies by omitting starch, maltodextrin, and palm oil, which can be a little harder to digest. 

Jovie receives a strong 9/10 in our point system, which evaluates the formula's nutritional value, digestibility, and overall quality, leaving off probiotics. This high score is a testament to the superior quality of our product.

HiPP HA represents an impressive culmination of over 25 years of intensive immunology research. This extensive knowledge has been used to meticulously develop a product with an outstanding nutritional profile, carefully tailored to minimize the potential for allergic reactions in infants with milk protein sensitivities.

This specialized formula assists individuals with severe milk intolerance and mild milk protein allergies. However, it may not be suitable for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). If a baby has been diagnosed with CMPA, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance and alternatives.

👍Pros

● Digestible low-allergen hydrolyzed proteins

● Immune-supporting probiotics & prebiotics

● Probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from breast milk

👎Cons

● Contains sustainably sourced palm oil

HiPP HA is much more than just a formula – it's a protective shield specifically designed to prevent unwanted allergic reactions in infants. It achieves this by incorporating gut health-supporting ingredients such as hydrolyzed whey protein, prebiotics, and probiotics. These components work together to create a healthy gut environment, reducing the risk of allergic responses and promoting overall well-being in infants.

In the time-honored tradition of HiPP, this particular variation perpetuates the exclusive use of lactose as the primary carbohydrate source in the HiPP HA formula. By utilizing lactose, the formula offers a readily digestible energy source that faithfully replicates the main carbohydrate in breast milk. Furthermore, lactose imparts a subtle taste to the formula, akin to human milk, providing a gentle and familiar flavor.

Rest assured that the HiPP HA formula, like other HiPP products, offers a plethora of benefits for your baby's health. One of its key advantages is the inclusion of a blend of prebiotics and probiotics, which work together to provide robust support for your baby's gut health. This powerful combination is designed to strengthen the intestinal wall and safeguard against allergens and harmful bacteria, ensuring a healthy digestive system for your little one.

The presence of these health-boosting elements distinctly reflects the superior quality and safety standards of the HiPP HA formula, instilling in you the confidence and peace of mind that are essential for your baby's overall well-being.

The meticulous crafting of the HiPP HA infant formula is unmistakably evident in its formulation. Notably, it is completely free from potential allergens such as starch, soy, and corn syrup, all of which are widely recognized for causing issues like colic, constipation, bloating, and gas in many babies.

By actively excluding these problematic ingredients, the HiPP HA formula seeks to address and potentially alleviate these common baby issues, presenting itself as a reliable and trustworthy choice for discerning parents. HiPP HA has earned an exceptional 9/10 Milky Drop Points, underscoring its high regard and effectiveness within the parenting community.

💡A note on why HiPP HA is not organic: HA formulas are not technically considered organic because hydrolyzing the milk protein requires more processing. However, all other ingredients included are still organic.

Several factors must be considered when considering baby formula as a supplement to breastfeeding or transitioning from breast milk. We hope this guide provides the necessary information to make an informed decision.

When choosing a formula, consider which one will best suit your baby's needs.

- Cow's Milk Formula: This is often the top choice for healthy babies, as it provides a balanced mix of nutrients and is widely recommended by pediatricians.

- Goat Milk Formula: A milder alternative to cow’s milk formula, known for its ease of digestion. It’s particularly beneficial for babies’ sensitivities to cow's milk, offering a gentle and nutritious option.

- Unique Formulas: Special formulas (hypoallergenic, comfort, anti-reflux, or dairy-free formulas) should only be used under the recommendation and supervision of a pediatrician. These formulas are designed to address specific dietary concerns or conditions, but their use should be carefully monitored.

European baby formulas are designed with different stages to match infants' developmental needs. These stages cater to infants from newborn to toddler, ensuring the nutritional composition aligns with the specific requirements for each age group.

When selecting a formula, choosing a product appropriate for your baby's current age and developmental stage is essential.

At The Milky Box, we understand the value of your budget when it comes to your baby's nutrition. That's why we offer European baby formulas at different price points, all of which provide excellent value for money. Rest assured, each formula has top-quality ingredients and nutritional value, ensuring your baby gets the best without breaking the bank.

For even more significant savings, we offer subscription plans and bulk options. These provide up to a 15% discount on your European baby formula and ensure a steady supply of your little one's nutritional needs. It's a cost-effective and convenient way to keep your baby healthy and happy.

The idea for The Milky Box was born from our quest to find the healthiest nutrition for our growing family. We came across the exceptional quality and safety standards upheld by European Baby Formulas and wanted to share the benefits of our extensive research with other families.

Our carefully selected brands are known for their stellar reputation, superior quality, organic nutritional content, and unmatched safety standards from production to your child's growth.

There are many reasons why breastfeeding may not be the best option for some families. The good news is that European formula is a viable alternative that ensures your baby's nutritional needs are met with the best ingredients. By choosing the right formula, you can feel confident that you are making the best decision for your baby's health.

1. Medical Reasons: This often involves medication that can be transmitted through breast milk to the baby, causing harm. Some other conditions also make breastfeeding painful or difficult.

2. Personal Preference: We understand that some mothers may face challenges with milk production, sleep schedules, depression, or other conditions. It's important to remember that this is perfectly normal, and there is nothing to feel guilty about. Fortunately, many excellent organic formulas are available to ensure your baby's appropriate development, providing a reassuring alternative.

3. Work Commitments: We recognize that most employers need to offer more support for mothers. With short maternity leaves and limited pumping facilities in the workplace, many moms face the need to stop breastfeeding early. We understand your challenges and are here to provide support and guidance.

4. Baby's Needs: Some babies have health conditions that make latching difficult, and some require bottle-feeding due to special nutritional requirements.

While no infant formula can fully replicate the complexity of breast milk, there are specific essential components to consider that can improve the resemblance between formula and breast milk.

These include crucial nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive components that support infant health and development.

Families may find themselves supplementing with formula due to inadequate breast milk production. In that case, it's recommended that you first offer any pumped breast milk you have and then use formula to make up the difference as necessary.

As your breastfeeding sessions decrease, your milk supply naturally decreases as well. To maintain your milk supply, it's advised to pump frequently, especially in the early stages of introducing formula.

When transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding, it can be a practical strategy to involve someone other than the primary caregiver, such as a partner or caregiver, in offering the bottles. This approach helps the baby associate bottle feeding with a different caregiver and provides you, the mother, with some much-needed rest and support.

💡Explore our comprehensive guide for more in-depth advice and tips on smoothly transitioning from breast to bottle feeding.

It's essential to be prepared that transitioning to formula feeding typically takes about two weeks. Parents should be patient during this process. During this period, a mixture of baby formula and breast milk is gradually introduced in one bottle, and the amount of formula is slowly increased in the correct ratio as described below.

At The Milky Box, we are dedicated to providing your family with the best European formula, which incorporates many qualities and benefits in breast milk. HiPP and Jovie formula brands stand out for their organic ingredients and gentle processing, making them suitable for even the most sensitive babies.

Before transitioning to infant formula, we recommend consulting your qualified medical provider or certified lactation consultant. Their personalized advice and guidance can help ensure a smooth and healthy transition for your little one.

As always, our European baby formula experts are here to support you in any way we can.