How to feed your baby is one of the most important and challenging decisions a new parent can make. With so many strong opinions on breast milk vs. formula-fed babies, it can feel like an online minefield trying to research baby formula options.
Today, we’re looking at 12 of the best baby formulas on the market, including Nutura Organic Stage 1 and Happi Day Infant Formula, without judgement, to help you get a clearer idea of the many different ways you can choose to feed your new baby.
We conduct our best baby formula reviews through a combination of product testing, individual research, real buyer feedback and certified paediatrician approval.
We understand that there is no such thing as a “best baby formula” for everyone, and what is best for one baby might not be suitable for another. With this in mind, we assessed baby formula by comparing different features and specifications, and have highlighted the buyer we believe the product is best suited to.
We considered the following criteria below:
Nutura Organic Stage 1 is a premium baby formula designed for newborns up to 6 months. It has been made with certified organic grass-fed cows from Australia. It features Bioactive proteins, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, as well as vitamin C and zinc to support weak immune systems, hopefully warding off illnesses and running noses! Omega 3 and 6 and iron are also added to support cognitive development.
Age group | 0 to 6 months |
Formula type | Australian grass-fed cow’s milk |
Allergen information | Contains milk, soy and fish oil |
Item form | Powdered formula |
Size options | 800 grams |
Nutura has thought of everything with their Organic Stage 1 formula, from the whey protein to make digestion easier, the prebiotics for better gut health, and much more. With complete balanced nutrition for babies from birth, this milk is the ideal choice for parents exploring formula feeding.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
Nutura Organic Stage 1 is best for parents planning on formula feeding in the first six months of their baby’s life. It’s good for babies with digestive issues, such as trapped wind and bloating. The premium ingredients are easier to break down for little tummies, and the added vitamins give your baby the best start in life.
Nestle NAN OptiPro 1 Infant Formula provides balanced and high-quality nutrition for babies in the first six months of life. During this time, newborns must receive optimal nutrition, and Nestle uses their 150 years of experience to deliver exactly this in their NAN OptiPro formula. This formula uses cow milk as the base, which is whey dominant and, therefore, the best protein source for new tummies.
Age group | 0 months + |
Formula type | Cow’s milk protein |
Allergen information | Contains Fish, Milk, Soy |
Item form | Powder form |
Size options | 800 grams |
Nestle is a well-known brand that has plenty of experience and research in making baby formulas, so we already know that we can trust the Nestle NAN OptiPro 1 Infant Formula. This baby formula can be used from day one until your child stops drinking milk altogether – without the need to switch to a follow-on formula or toddler milk. This reduces the need for you to slowly change formulas, which can disrupt your baby’s digestive system.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
We’d recommend the Nestle NAN OptiPro 1 Formula to any new parent who is unsure of what they’re looking for in a formula and who wants a well-known brand with a previous track record of providing high-quality baby formula to thousands of parents over the years.
The Bubs baby formula has been made with goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk, which is perfect for babies diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy. This formula has been certified safe for babies up to 6 months of age, offering a gentle formula that is easy to digest for sensitive tummies. This baby formula contains plant-derived DHA and ARA to improve its taste, as goat’s milk might not be to your baby’s taste.
Age group | 0 to 6 months |
Formula type | Goat’s milk-based formula |
Allergen information | Contains Dairy and Soy |
Item form | Powder form |
Size options | 800 grams |
We love that Bubs is offering an alternative to cows’ milk. While doctors often recommend it, some babies have a cow’s milk allergy, which can be painful and upsetting when they don’t know what’s going on. Bubs alternative is still safe and filling but eliminates the painful side effects for these babies.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Bubs® Goat Milk Infant Formula is a great formula to choose if your child has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy. Cow’s milk is still best for young babies, so only offer this if it’s been approved by your paediatrician. It’s also a good option if your family would prefer to use an alternative to cow’s milk.
Mumamoo is a brand developed by science and backed by parents, and the Mumamoo Premium Infant Formula is one of their top products. Made with 100% Australian cow’s milk, you know your baby is being fed local goodness from your local area. This formula is also GMO-free, supporting your little one’s early development without any unnecessary ingredients. This formula has been made to the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Age group | 0 to 6 months |
Formula type | Australian cow’s milk |
Allergen information | Contains milk, fish and soy ingredients |
Item form | Powder form |
Size options | 800 grams |
The Mumamoo Premium Infant Formula is a first-stage baby formula that’s been completely nutritionally balanced with premium ingredients, including all the vitamins and minerals a newborn needs from their first days on earth. Better yet, Mumamoo offers their expert help without any added shaming – nice!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
Next up, we’re looking at A2 Platinum, which is a formula designed for babies to drink from birth. This milk has been fortified with the vitamins and minerals required in infancy to toddlerhood, giving your little one the best start in life. We all know how daunting it can be to make sure our babies are getting the right nutrients each day, so baby milk like A2 can be a great peace of mind. Plus, it features certain vitamins and minerals that we’d never even usually consume, setting your baby up for success.
Age group | 0 to 1 year |
Formula type | Cow’s milk-based |
Allergen information | Contains fish, soy, and dairy |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 900 grams |
The difference between A2 and other baby formulas is that they use a unique blend of whey and casein proteins. It’s made from cow’s milk, which has only been sourced from cows able to produce milk with the A2 beta-casein protein type naturally. Naturally is the operative word there, as other manufacturers might use cows that have been irresponsibly treated to do the same thing. You can use A2, knowing full well that it has been made responsibly and ethically.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
A2 is perfect for families of babies who worry about their children getting enough nutrition in their diets. Many worry that formula cannot offer the same benefits as breast milk, but the science behind A2 gives parents peace of mind that their child is getting one of the best diets possible.
Happi is a complete baby formula that includes all of the nutritional value your little one needs during the daytime. This formula is for babies between 0 and 6 months, with more than 30 nutrients added, including essential vitamins and minerals.
Happi is made up of both FOS and GOS prebiotics for better digestion, as well as Australian cow’s milk. With over 25 years of infant nutrition experience, you can’t go wrong with this brand.
Age group | 0 to 6 months |
Formula type | Organic Australian cow’s milk |
Allergen information | Contains soy and milk |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 600 grams |
Happi has created an ingenious way of feeding your little one, with a baby formula offered between 5am and 5pm, then another for between 5pm and 5am. Both powder formulas offer different ingredients to optimise them for the specific time of day, helping meet your baby’s nutritional needs throughout the day.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Happi Day Infant Formula is best for little ones who seem not to be getting enough nutrients throughout the day and night. We all tend to get hungrier during nighttime, and this is the same for babies. Happi offers a great possible solution if your baby is constantly waking up ravenous but can’t digest hungry baby formulas in the daytime.
Bellamy’s Organic Baby Formula is Australia’s number one organic brand, ensuring that every sip is nutritionally complete and designed to provide key nutrients that every little one needs for the best start in life. This formula has been honed to provide yummy milk for the first six months of your baby’s life, with only premium ingredients making the cut.
With this formula being Australian dual-certified organic, it’s an excellent alternative to breast milk.
Age group | 0 to 6 months |
Formula type | Cow’s milk |
Allergen information | Contains milk, fish & soy |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 900 grams |
Bellamy’s Organic Baby Formulas are completely certified and trusted by families all over Australia, so you can be sure that it’s suitable for your baby as well. You can use this formula as part of a mixed or complete diet, and it contains everything needed – from essential fatty acids to vitamins E, C, and B.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
Bellamy’s Organic Baby Formulas are one of the best on the market if you enjoy shopping organically and want your little one to experience the same quality. The formula has also been likened to breast milk, which is important for some parents to find.
Another goat milk-based formula now, Oli 6 Goat’s Milk is made with only premium goat’s milk from Australia. This baby formula is a follow-on alternative, ideal for babies between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. It has been crafted to complement your baby’s diet as solids are slowly introduced into their day-to-day lives.
This baby formula has been manufactured in Australia, adhering to the strict guidelines on formula and breast milk alternatives.
Age group | 6 to 12 months |
Formula type | Goat’s milk-based |
Allergen information | Contains dairy |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 800 grams |
Oli 6 Goat’s Milk is a good alternative for babies who find cow’s milk hard to digest or who have a sensitivity to whey protein. Within the ingredients list is a plant-based DHA from algae to make the taste more appealing to little ones, as well as offering a formula suitable for those with fish allergies.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
This is a good alternative to put your mind at ease if your baby has a cow’s milk allergy or sensitivity (your doctor should be able to diagnose this). It comes with all of the proper nutritional value needed for babies between 6 and 12 months. It ensures that formula-fed babies can remain comfortable with an alternative to the popular cow’s milk-based formula.
Aptamil Gold Plus Stage 1 offers delicious baby formula in all stages, from birth to two years and beyond. Aptamil is one of the world’s leading baby formula brands, so you know your little one is in good hands with this formula!
Each ingredient has been scientifically researched to make sure that your baby is getting everything they need in every drop. What’s more, this formula is nutritionally complete, so your baby isn’t missing out on anything thanks to Aptamil.
Age group | 6 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 1 year +, 2 years + |
Formula type | Cow’s milk |
Allergen information | Contains dairy and whey |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 900 grams |
Aptamil has been trusted for generations, so it’s likely that people in your family already have formed their opinions of the Aptamil Gold Plus Stage 1 on their own. Therefore, they should be able to tell you how great it is!
It contains only the essential ingredients needed for newborn babies, so there’s nothing unnecessary within it to slow down your little one’s digestion. This keeps them feeling good while growing strong.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Aptamil Gold Plus Stage 1 is ideal for families who are already familiar with the brand and, therefore, the excellent reviews from happy parents already using the formula.
Another option for parents on the hunt for organic formulas, Biostime SN-2 Bio Plus is a follow-on formula for 6 to 12-month-old babies. It’s a good option for mixed-fed babies or those not being fed with human breast milk. This baby formula has been scientifically developed to offer not only premium nutrition for little tummies but also organic ingredients.
Age group | 6 to 12 months |
Formula type | Cow’s milk-based |
Allergen information | Contains milk, soy, and fish |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 800 grams |
The comprehensive nutrition included in Biostime SN-2 Bio Plus is perfect for growing tummies, keeping them full and satisfied for longer. The ingredients are all certified organic without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or hormones. You can feed this baby formula to your little one without the worry of unnatural ingredients!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Biostime SN-2 Bio Plus is a great baby formula for families who are passionate about scientific research and knowing their babies are getting the best possible formula similar to breast milk, featuring key nutrients and complete baby’s nutritional value. It’s also a good option if your paediatrician has recommended using probiotics in your little one’s diet.
LittleOak Toddler Milk is made from goat’s milk sourced from New Zealand from sustainable farms and ethical farmers. This baby formula is made with a base of real milk, meaning less processing to make the final product – ensuring that your baby benefits from as much of its goodness as possible.
This milk has been optimised for toddlers 12 months and beyond, offering all the essential fatty acids and nutrients they need alongside their balanced diet.
Age group | 12 months + |
Formula type | Goat milk |
Allergen information | Contains milk |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 800 grams |
The LittleOak Toddler Milk is the world’s first 100% certified palm oil-free formula, which automatically makes it one of our favourites. It’s also the first formula to use flaxseed oil instead of canola oil, making it better for the environment on all levels.
Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also delicious and creamy, thanks to the real goat’s milk used!
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
LittleOak Toddler Milk is a good option if your child has a cow’s milk protein allergy or you simply want to try goat’s milk for its closer likeness to human milk. Remember that it is only for toddlers over the age of one year, although the manufacturer does offer Stage 1 and Stage 2 alternatives for younger babies.
Last but not least is Novalac’s Colic Premium Infant Formula. Novalac is known for offering unique formulas for various ailments that little tummies need to go through, such as allergies, reflux, constipation, colic, and more. This specific formula has been crafted to ease digestive discomfort to help babies settle, as well as provide everyday nutrition.
Age group | 0 to 12 months |
Formula type | Cow’s milk |
Allergen information | Contains soy and dairy |
Item form | Powder |
Size options | 800 grams |
We like that Novalac Colic Premium Infant Formula is suitable for babies between 0 and 12 months, rather than the six months you usually see on baby formulas. This means that you can keep your baby on the same formula for the first year of their life, not having to worry about changing and causing upset to their tiny digestive systems.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Novalac Colic Premium Infant Formula is best for parents of colic sufferers who have tried everything to ease their pain and discomfort. It’s also a good option for fussy eaters who won’t take well to changing formulas throughout their first few months.
Yes! Little ones on baby formula are still healthy and will get all of the necessary nutrients from high-quality baby formulas. Despite what the mummy shamers might say, fed is always best, and infant formulas have been researched to make them as beneficial as possible.
Formula-fed babies can be just as healthy as babies on breast milk, so if you’re a mum who cannot breastfeed or has chosen not to, don’t worry. They’ll all grow up to eat fries off of the floor, anyway!
The formula closest to breast milk in terms of structure is the Similac 360 Total Care, housing an unheard-of 5 HMOs. These are prebiotics often found in breast milk, aiding your baby to digest and absorb more nutrients through their diet. It also contains DHA, which is found in human milk, ARA, and other nutrients that mimic those from breast milk.
Goat milk is often considered the closest milk type to breast milk, as it features oligosaccharides, which are closer to those found in human breast milk compared to those found in cow milk. This means that Bubs® Goat Milk Infant Formula and LittleOak Toddler Milk are some of the closest baby formulas to breast milk.
Choosing the best baby formula for your little one is no easy feat, and you might be a little overwhelmed by the vast number of choices on the market. Try asking yourself the following questions, which we have detailed below, to narrow down your search if you’re unsure which of the above 12 infant formulas is the best for your little one:
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to pick a formula brand that fits your vision better. You must do your research before settling on a specific formula, as you want to be confident and assured with your choice of how to feed your baby.
We made it to the end! Thank you for reading our guide to the 12 best infant formulas on the market. We know how much stress can surround your choice of how to feed your baby, and we hope that we can quell some of your fears around formula. Most are just like breast milk and can even offer more vitamins and minerals to your baby.
Remember that there is no shame in feeding your baby formula. Fed is best, and you’re doing the best for your family. Don’t forget that!