Best Formula for Breastfed Babies 2024 Guide

Many moms strive to exclusively breastfeed their children, as this is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the first 6 months of life. However, what works for one family may not work for another.

If you have been exclusively breastfeeding thus far, then you might feel apprehensive about incorporating formula feeding into your routine. Luckily there are many infant formulas which are crafted to mimic breast milk as closely as possible.

In this article, we will be highlighting the best formula for breastfed babies and answering some of the most frequently asked questions about how to use infant formula to supplement or replace breast milk!

Ranking The Best Baby Formulas for Breastfed Little Ones

We're here to help you on your formula-finding journey! To do so, we have spent hours researching formulas, scrutinizing scientific studies, and analyzing ingredient lists so that we can give trustworthy and reliable recommendations based on the latest scientific findings in infant nutrition. We encourage you to check out our "How We Review Page" for more info on our standards for rating each product.

To make our ranking system as comprehensive as possible, we have evaluated each baby formula based on five key criteria: European organic certification, non-GMO ingredients, lactose or milk as the primary ingredient, no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and the inclusion of ARA & DHA.

We've also awarded bonus points for the inclusion of probiotics, prebiotics, and the absence of maltodextrin, starch, and palm oil. Each performance category is assigned 1 point for a maximum of 10 points in total. 

HiPP Dutch - Closest formula to breast milk overall

Parents often ask what formula is closest to breastmilk? HiPP Dutch organic formula is a favourite amongst those seeking a 100% lactose-based gentle formula that is as close to breast milk as it gets. This product contains a unique blend of ingredients that are helpful for reducing common digestive conditions such as colic, constipation, bloating, and gas.

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 ❌

• Contains sustainably sourced palm oil 

Leading Qualities of HiPP Dutch Baby Formula

Starting off on a positive note, we appreciate that HiPP Dutch meets the stringent standards set out by the European Commission for organic products. This ensures that the organic infant formula is free from pesticides, growth hormones, synthetic ingredients, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Our review of infant nutrition literature clearly demonstrates that not all carbohydrate sources are equal, and lactose stands out as an optimal choice for your baby's nutritional needs. This distinction comes from lactose being the predominant carbohydrate in breast milk.

As far as alternatives to lactose go, studies suggest that consuming baby formula with corn syrup solids in lieu of lactose can lead to an altered gut microbiome and a heightened risk of obesity in infants. Based on this research, it's no surprise that we're trying to stay away from added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which is easily achieved with HiPP Dutch!

As an added bonus, this formula contains Metafolin® instead of folic acid, which is more easily absorbed by babies and is closer to the folate source found in breast milk. We were also happy to find that HiPP Dutch formula contains both ARA and DHA in a 1 to 1 ratio, which studies show is the most effective balance of these fatty acids for optimal health and development.

Bonus Points Awarded to HiPP Dutch ☆

In our evaluation of HiPP Dutch, we aimed to discover what sets this organic baby formula apart from other popular lactose-based products. What stood out to us was the inclusion of prebiotics derived from lactose and probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk. By including these unique ingredients, formula-fed babies can receive many of the gut-strengthening benefits of human milk!

We mentioned earlier that this formula is 100% lactose-based, meaning that it does not include any complimentary carbohydrates, such as starch and maltodextrin. This is great to see because lactose is often more easily digested by healthy infants, which can minimize the risk of common digestive conditions.

We've awarded HiPP Dutch with an impressive score of 9/10, with one point being removed for the inclusion of palm oil. Although thankfully, HiPP ethically sources palm oil and uses it to attain a fatty acid spectrum closer to that of breast milk.

Jovie Goat - Best formula for babies based on goat's milk

Jovie is made by parents, for parents and offers your baby the purest and most nutritionally complete alternative to breastfeeding. This beloved organic formula consists of gentle whole goat's milk, essential fatty acids, prebiotics and a host of nourishing vitamins and minerals.

However, if your baby has been formally diagnosed with a CMPA or lactose intolerance Jovie is unsuitable for your little one.

Pros ✔️

• Nutrient-packed full-fat goat milk

• Gentle and easy-to-digest milk proteins

• Enriched with naturally occurring prebiotics

Cons ❌

• Does not contain probiotics 

Leading Qualities of Jovie Goat Organic Baby Formulas

We were thoroughly impressed by Jovies' use of organic ingredients, enabling the product to meet to strict standards of the EU organic certification. Jovie is also proudly non-GMO and even glyphosate residue-free!

Jovie formula is known for its easy-to-digest formulation, which includes a nourishing base of organic whole goat's milk and lactose.

Studies reveal that "goat milk proteins have several health benefits, including immunomodulatory effects, allergy management, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as antimicrobial and anticancer properties." Whole goat milk fat, in particular, helps improve calcium and fat absorption and supports digestion and bone health.

Our findings show that Jovie is an exceptionally gentle formula. One of the reasons why is the exclusion of any added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which are known to cause discomfort in some babies. This soothing formulation makes Jovie Stage 1 some of the best formula for newborns.

We also appreciate the inclusion of essential fatty acids in the form of DHA (Omega-3) & AA (Omega-6), which both play a part in immune system regulation, as well as brain and eye development. As of 2022, DHA is mandatory in European infant formulas, but research shows that "when infants receive both AA and DHA supplementation, they have better outcomes in cognitive performance than receiving DHA alone".

Bonus Points Awarded to Jovie Goat ☆

We were pleased to find that Jovie has naturally occurring prebiotics from lactose, which serve as food for beneficial bacteria residing in the gut, but unfortunately, you won't find any probiotics in this recipe.

To achieve a gentle formulation, Jovie does not contain any starch or maltodextrin. It is also free from palm oil; while it is approved for use in baby formulas, there are some concerns linked to calcium absorption and constipation in infants. All in all, Jovie tied with HiPP Dutch for first place with an impressive 9/10 points.

HiPP HA German - Best hypoallergenic formula for breastfed babies

HiPP HA has been impressively developed with knowledge gained from over 25 years of immunology research. The result is a product that boasts an impressive nutritional profile while minimizing the risk of allergic reactions in babies with milk protein sensitivities. To help protect against unwanted allergic reactions, HiPP HA includes gut health-supporting ingredients such as hydrolyzed whey protein, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Please consult your pediatrician to see if this formula is a good match for your baby, as HiPP HA may not be suitable for babies with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA).

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 

• Not certified organic 

Leading Qualities of HiPP HA Infant Formula

An interesting fact to note is that several hypoallergenic formulas lack European organic certification. This is due to regulations stipulating that formulas containing hydrolyzed milk protein, like HiPP HA, cannot be certified as organic. Nevertheless, this does not compromise the quality of HiPP HA, which remains free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

We appreciate the use of lactose as the sole carbohydrate source in HiPP HA formula. This choice ensures a readily digestible source of energy closely mirroring the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk. Additionally, lactose gives this formula a mild taste that can be compared to human milk.

Just like breast milk wouldn't contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners like corn syrup, neither does HiPP HA. We encourage parents to opt for infant formulas that only contain natural sugars to set their children up for nutrition success. 

Bonus Points Awarded to HiPP HA ☆

Similarly to other HiPP products, this extensively hydrolyzed baby formula contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics from real breast milk. This gut-supporting combo helps to fortify your baby's intestinal wall and protect against allergens and unwanted bacteria!

Since HiPP HA infant formula is made to be extra gentle, it is free from additives like starch, maltodextrin and corn syrup. By omitting these ingredients, this simple formulation can potentially aid in relieving problems such as colic, constipation, bloating, and gas for many babies, and for this reason, we are awarding it two bonus points.

For similar reasons to HiPP Dutch baby formula, we've withheld one point from HiPP HA due to the inclusion of palm oil. Despite this loss, HiPP HA is awarded with an impressive ranking of 8/10.

Holle Goat (German) - Best organic formula to mix with breast milk

Holle offers a top-of-the-line goat milk formula, made with a short ingredient list of naturally gentle A2 goat milk, lactose, vegetable oils and a carefully chosen selection of health-boosting vitamins and minerals. This gentle baby formula may be beneficial for infants whose tummies aren't too fond of cow's milk.

However, if your baby has been formally diagnosed with a CMPA or lactose intolerance Holle Goat is unsuitable for your little one.

Pros ✔️

• EU organic and Demeter biodynamic

• Short ingredient list

• Formulated with easy-to-digest A2 goat milk protein

Cons ❌

• Does not contain probiotics or prebiotics

• Contains maltodextrin from Stage 1

• Contains starch from Stage 2 

Leading Qualities of Holle Goat

Just like our organic formulas from Jovie and HiPP Dutch, we were impressed with how Holle Goat aligns with European organic standards, which also guarantee the absence of GMOs. Plus, Holle Goat Stages PRE to 3 also hold the Demeter label — the strictest organic certification globally!

We also appreciate the unique structure of this formula, which includes a base of organic goat's milk. Goat milk boasts a composition more similar to breast milk as it contains A2 beta-casein protein, as opposed to cow's milk, which consists of Alpha S1 Casein milk protein. A2 goat milk protein is composed of smaller fat molecules and less lactose for easier digestion, which means that Holle Goat is especially gentle on tiny tummies.

All infant formulas contain sugar because it is essential for a baby's growth and development, but there are formulas, like Holle Goat, that are made without added sugars. Holle is also packed full of nutrients like essential fatty acids DHA and ARA.

Bonus Points Awarded to Holle Goat ☆

While we applaud Holle for providing infants with simple nutrition by ensuring that their products have a short, clean list of ingredients, due to the parameters of our testing, we've removed two points for choosing not to add prebiotics and probiotics.

In the starch and maltodextrin department, we've noticed that this infant formula varies quite a lot depending on the stage. We've withheld two points for including maltodextrin in Stage 1 and both maltodextrin and starch in Stages 2-4. However, we appreciate that Stage PRE is free from both! Holle Goat is also free from palm oil, which gives this formula a final ranking of 6/10.

Guide: How to Choose a Formula for Breastfed Babies?

If you have been scouring the organic baby formula market looking for the best organic baby formula for supplements while breastfeeding or to transition from breast milk, there are a few factors to consider:

1) Type of Formula

Firstly, you should consider what milk is best for your baby's unique needs. Keep in mind that the formulas described below may also come in multiple varieties, including powdered formula, concentrated liquid formula and ready-to-feed formula.

• Cow's Milk Formula: Pediatricians often recommend cow's milk formula as the primary choice for healthy babies.

• Goat Milk Formula: Goat milk is a gentler alternative to cow's milk formula as it tends to be easier to digest and may benefit those with sensitivities to cow's milk.

• Special Formulas: Special formulas (hypoallergenic, comfort, anti-reflux, soy formula or rice-based formulas) should only be used under the recommendation and supervision of a pediatrician. These formulas are designed to address specific dietary concerns or conditions.

2) Age Range

European baby formulas come in a variety of stages, which are tailored to infants' developmental milestones, ranging from newborn to toddler stages. Make sure that you are choosing a product suitable for your baby's age. 

3) Price

Your budget plays a significant role in determining the formula you choose for your baby. Fortunately, our products come in a variety of price ranges to accommodate different financial situations.

As a special incentive, all first-time customers qualify for two free boxes or cans of formula when purchasing 12 or more formula containers from us. Plus, we offer bulk order discounts starting from orders of 6 formulas for all our customers. This means you can save more money with every additional box or can of formula you purchase!

4) Brand Reputation

Our brands are known for their commitment to quality, safety, and adherence to strict regulatory standards. We understand the importance of trust when it comes to feeding your baby, which is why we prioritize transparency in our products.

What formula is closest to breastmilk? Key ingredients to look for

While no formula can replicate breast milk entirely, there are key ingredients to look for that can enhance the similarity between formula and breast milk. 

1) A2 Milk Proteins

A2 milk proteins are naturally found in human, goat, as well as some – but not all – cow's milk. Not all infant formulas contain A2 proteins, but you will find it in goat's milk formulas, as well as Holle's A2 cow's milk formula.

2) Lactose-Only Formulations

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, providing energy and aiding in the absorption of essential nutrients. Therefore, formulas that contain lactose as the sole carbohydrate source closely resemble breast milk in this aspect.

3) Whole Milk

Some formulas use whole milk as a natural fat source, similar to that of breast milk. This typically means that the formula will contain fewer vegetable oils, which are typically added to formulas to replace fats removed from skim milk.

4) DHA and ARA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in breast milk. In both breast milk and infant formula, these fatty acids play a crucial role in brain and eye development.

5) Nucleotides

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and they play a role in immune function and gut health. While breast milk naturally contains nucleotides, some formulas are supplemented with nucleotides to mimic this aspect of breast milk composition. 

6) Prebiotics and probiotics

Formulas often contain prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health in a manner similar to breast milk, but the specific strains and concentrations may vary. Some formulas, like those from HiPP, contain probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk.

What's the Best Formula to Supplement Breastfeeding?

Any of the formulas mentioned on our list today make a great choice for supplementing while breastfeeding due to their similarity to breast milk. But before incorporating them into your little one's diet make sure to get approval from your baby's pediatrician.

Keep in mind that the ideal option for your little one is exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and then trying to maintain partial breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding from 6 months up until your child turns 2.

However, if breastfeeding is not working out due to medical, lifestyle, or supply issues, know that you're not alone, and you have options!

Once you've gotten the go-ahead from your baby's pediatrician to begin with a certain formula, here are some tips to guide you toward successful combination feeding!

Tips for Supplementing With Formula

• If you're using formula because you're not producing enough milk to breastfeed exclusively, it's best to offer your baby any pumped milk you have first and then make up the difference with formula as needed.

• Your milk supply will naturally decrease once your nursing session decreases. If you wish to maintain your milk supply, it is recommended to pump frequently.

• If your baby is accustomed to breastfeeding, they will associate mom with milk. So, when you first introduce bottle feeding, it can be beneficial to begin by getting someone else, such as a partner or caregiver, to give your little one their bottles to increase their chance of acceptance.

Is it OK to Switch to Formula from Breastfeeding?

The short answer to this question is yes; supplementing with infant formula is extremely common and a safe alternative to breastfeeding. Formula-fed babies can receive the nutrients they need through formula. This is a deeply personal choice, and the health of the mother and baby is a top priority. 

What is the Best Formula to Transition from Breast Milk?

The best formula for your baby will be pediatrician-approved, satisfying their unique nutritional needs, and be something your little one tolerates well. We encourage parents looking to make the switch to formula feeding to explore the options we've presented today. 

Tips for Transitioning From Breast Milk to Formula

It usually takes around 2 weeks to fully transition to formula feeding; during this time, baby formula is mixed with breast milk in one bottle, and the amount of formula is gradually increased over time in the correct ratio as described below!

• ¾ breast milk to ¼ formula for days 1-4

• ½ breast milk to ½ formula for days 4-8

• ¼ breast milk to ¾ formula for the next 4-5 days (in some cases, it might take up to 1 week)

• Finally, 100% baby formula

Conclusion: What is the best formula for breastfed babies?

All the formula brands mentioned above have made successful efforts to replicate many of the qualities and benefits found in breast milk. While our assessment has determined that HiPP Dutch and Jovie Goat come out on top as the best baby formula, due to slight ingredient variations, some products may be better suited to your child's needs over others.

Before switching to infant formula, we encourage you to speak with a pediatrician for personalized advice and guidance. Additionally, if you intend to pursue breastfeeding further, a lactation consultant can offer invaluable support and assistance on your journey!

Scientific References

1. ALKaisy, Q. H., Al-Saadi, J. M. S., Al-Rikabi, A. K., Altemimi, A. B., Hesarinejad, M. A., & Abedelmaksoud, T. G. (2023b). Exploring the health benefits and functional properties of goat milk proteins. Food Science and Nutrition, 11(10), 5641–5656.

2. Anderson, C., Whaley, S. E., & Goran, M. I. (2022). Lactose-reduced infant formula with corn syrup solids and obesity risk among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 116(4), 1002–1009.

3. Dancey, C. P., Attree, E. A., & Brown, K. (2006). Nucleotide supplementation: a randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial of IntestAidIB in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome [ISRCTN67764449]. Nutrition Journal, 5(1).

4. Hopperton, K. E., Pitino, M. A., Walton, K., Kiss, A., Unger, S., O’Connor, D. L., & Bazinet, R. P. (2022). Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid levels are correlated in human milk: Implications for new European infant formula regulations. Lipids, 57(3), 197–202.

5. Kong, K. L., Burgess, B., Morris, K. S., Re, T., Hull, H. R., Sullivan, D. K., & Paluch, R. A. (2021). Association Between Added Sugars from Infant Formulas and Rapid Weight Gain in US Infants and Toddlers. The Journal of Nutrition, 151(6), 1572–1580.

6. Lorenzo, I., Tonato, A. C., De La Garza Puentes, A., Nieto, A., Herrmann, F., Diéguez, E., Castellote, A. I., López-Sabater, M. C., Rodrı́guez-Palmero, M., & Campoy, C. (2019). The Effect of an Infant Formula Supplemented with AA and DHA on Fatty Acid Levels of Infants with Different FADS Genotypes: The COGNIS Study. Nutrients, 11(3), 602.

7. Salem, N., & Van Dael, P. (2020). Arachidonic acid in human milk. Nutrients, 12(3), 626.