Newborn Formula
Choosing a formula for your newborn is one of the many important decisions you'll make during those first few weeks. Fortunately, today's infant formulas are available in a wide range of options to support different feeding needs and preferences, from organic and goat milk formulas to hypoallergenic, gentle, and sensitive recipes.
At Organics Best, we've carefully curated a collection of European newborn formulas from trusted brands known for their high-quality ingredients, strict manufacturing standards, and commitment to infant nutrition. Whether you're looking for a powdered or ready-to-feed formula, you'll find a variety of options designed to give your baby the best possible start.
Explore our newborn formula collection below to find the formula that's the right fit for your little one.
Stage PRE and Stage 1 Formula Options for Newborn Babies
Many European baby formulas are divided into stages to match a baby's nutritional needs as they grow. For newborns, you'll typically find two options: Stage PRE and Stage 1 formula. Both are suitable from birth, but there are a few differences between them.
PRE formula is a popular choice for parents looking for a simple formula with an ingredient profile that more closely resembles breast milk. It contains lactose as the only carbohydrate source, which is the naturally occurring sugar in breast milk and a gentle source of energy for growing babies.
Stage 1 formula is also suitable from birth and can be fed throughout the first six months of life. While many Stage 1 formulas contain lactose as the main carbohydrate, some also include small amounts of starch or maltodextrin to help keep babies feeling satisfied for longer. Both PRE and Stage 1 formulas provide complete nutrition for healthy, full-term newborns, and either can be an appropriate choice.
Many brands, including HiPP and Holle, offer both PRE and Stage 1 formulas, giving parents the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their baby's needs. Other brands offer only Stage 1, while many specialty formulas, such as comfort, anti-reflux, or hypoallergenic formulas, come in a single stage that's suitable from birth through 12 months.
Different Types of Newborn Formulas
Every baby has unique feeding needs, and every family has different preferences, which is why our newborn collection includes a wide variety of formula options.
Newborn Goat Milk Formula
Goat milk formula has become increasingly popular among parents looking for an alternative to traditional cow milk-based formulas.
Goat milk naturally contains smaller fat globules and a different protein structure compared with cow milk. Some parents find goat milk formulas easier for their babies to tolerate, although goat milk formula is not suitable for babies with a diagnosed cow milk protein allergy because the proteins are still similar. Moreover, it's unsuitable for infants with lactose intolerance as it naturally contains lactose.
Many European goat milk formulas are made with whole goat milk and aim to preserve naturally occurring milk fats while providing the complete nutrition infants need.
Goat milk formulas can be a good option for parents seeking a premium formula with a different milk base while still meeting infant nutritional requirements.
Cow Milk-Based Newborn Formula
Cow milk-based formula is the most common type of infant formula worldwide and is often the starting point for many newborns. These formulas are designed to provide complete nutrition for babies. European cow milk formulas are available in a variety of recipes, including both skim milk and whole milk options.
Many European cow milk formulas also prioritize high-quality milk sources, including organic milk from farms that follow strict environmental and animal welfare standards.
Sensitive/Gentle Newborn Formula: Comfort and Anti-Reflux
Some newborns experience digestive discomfort while adjusting to feeding. Gas, fussiness, spit-up, and changes in bowel movements are common concerns among parents with young infants.
Sensitive formulas, including comfort and anti-reflux formulas, are specially designed for babies who may need additional digestive support.
Comfort formulas often contain hydrolyzed proteins, meaning the milk proteins have been broken down into smaller pieces. This can make the formula easier for some babies to digest.
Anti-reflux formulas are designed for babies who frequently spit up or experience reflux symptoms. These formulas are thicker than standard formulas, which may help reduce the amount of milk that comes back up after feeding.
Hypoallergenic Newborn Formula
Hypoallergenic formulas are designed for babies who have difficulty tolerating standard cow milk protein formulas.
These formulas typically contain extensively hydrolyzed proteins, meaning the proteins are broken down into very small fragments. This makes them less likely to trigger an immune response in babies with certain allergies or sensitivities.
Parents should consult with a healthcare professional if they suspect their baby has a cow milk protein allergy or another feeding-related condition before switching to a specialized formula.
Ready to Feed Newborn Formula
Ready-to-feed formula is a convenient option for newborn feeding because it does not require mixing or measuring. It comes prepared in liquid form and can be especially helpful for overnight feeds, travel, or when sharing feeding responsibilities with additional caregivers.
What Should the Newborn Formula Amount Be?
Newborn babies have very small stomachs, so they typically eat smaller amounts more frequently compared with older infants.
Below, we’ve prepared a newborn feeding chart outlining how much formula for newborns at different stages. These amounts are general guidelines, and some babies may eat more or less depending on their individual growth patterns and needs.
Newborn Formula Feeding Schedule
Most formula-fed newborns eat approximately every 2–3 hours, including overnight, which usually equals around 8–12 feedings per day.
During the newborn stage, responsive feeding is often recommended. This means offering a bottle when your baby shows signs of hunger rather than strictly following a clock-based schedule.
As babies grow, they usually begin taking larger bottles and naturally space their feeds farther apart.
How to Prepare Formula for Newborn
Proper preparation is also important to ensure your baby receives safe and nutritionally appropriate feeds.
General formula preparation steps include:
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Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing bottles.
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Clean and sterilize bottles and feeding equipment.
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Follow the exact preparation instructions on your formula packaging.
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Measure water and formula carefully using the provided scoop.
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Mix until the powder is completely dissolved.
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Feed according to the recommended safety guidelines.
Each formula brand may have slightly different preparation instructions, so always follow the directions provided with your specific formula. For parents who want less prep time, ready-to-feed formulas are a great option.
Best Newborn Formula Options: Organic's Best Top Picks
At Organic’s Best, we thoughtfully select European formulas from trusted brands known for their commitment to quality, nutrition, and carefully sourced ingredients.
HiPP Newborn Formula
HiPP is one of Europe's most trusted baby formula brands, with decades of expertise in infant nutrition. Known for its carefully selected ingredients and rigorous quality standards, HiPP offers a wide range of formulas for newborns, including cow's milk, goat's milk, hypoallergenic, anti-reflux, and sensitive newborn formulas. They also offer a variety of ready-to-feed options.
HiPP Formula Stage 1
HiPP Stage 1 formula is suitable from birth and provides complete nutrition for newborns.
Below are the available Stage PRE and Stage 1 formula options:
HiPP Anti-Reflux and HiPP Comfort formulas are also suitable for newborns. They are available in a single stage designed to provide complete nutrition from birth through 12 months.
Holle Newborn Formula
Holle is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices and for offering some of the very best organic newborn formulas. They have cow's milk, A2 cow's milk, goat milk, and ready-to-feed formulas available for newborns.
Holle Formula Stage 1
Holle Stage PRE and Stage 1 formula is designed for babies from birth and provides complete nutrition during the first months of life. It is a popular choice for families looking for an organic European formula with a clean ingredient profile.
Here are the options available:
Kendamil Newborn Formula
Kendamil is a family-owned British brand with over 60 years of experience crafting premium whole milk formulas. Guided by its "closer to nature, kinder by miles" philosophy, Kendamil has become a trusted choice for families around the world. They offer a selection of goat, cow, comfort, and ready-to-feed formulas.
Kendamil Formula Stage 1
Kendamil Stage 1 formula is suitable from birth and uses whole milk as the foundation of its recipe.
Here are the options available:
Kendamil Comfort is also suitable for newborns and is available in a single stage that provides complete nutrition from birth to 12 months.
How to Choose the Best Baby Formula for Newborns?
Choosing the best newborn formula comes down to finding an option that meets your baby’s nutritional needs and works well for your family.
When comparing formulas, parents may consider:
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Organic certification and farming practices
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Cow milk versus goat milk formula
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Lactose content and carbohydrate sources
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Added nutrients such as prebiotics, probiotics, and HMOs
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Digestive comfort
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Availability and convenience
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Overall cost
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Specialized formulas for specific needs, such as gentle, hypoallergenic, or anti-reflux options
Since your baby will be starting their first formula as a newborn, it can take some time to learn which ingredients and recipes work best for them.
A little trial and adjustment is completely normal, as every baby responds differently. Many parents begin with a high-quality cow milk formula and make changes from there based on their baby’s tolerance and any feeding concerns that may arise.
Answering Your Questions on Newborn Baby Formula
For parents in a pinch, here are some of the most asked questions about newborn infant formula.
What is the Best Formula for Newborns?
The best formula for newborns depends on your baby’s individual needs and your pediatrician's guidance. Many parents choose European formulas like HiPP, Holle, and Kendamil because of their high-quality ingredients and strict production standards.
How Much Formula Should a Newborn Eat?
Newborn feeding amounts can vary, but most babies start with around 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feeding during their first week of life. By the end of the first month, many newborns increase to about 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 ml) every 2 to 3 hours.
How Often Should a Newborn Feed on Formula?
Most newborns feed every 2–3 hours, including during the night. Feeding frequency typically decreases as babies grow older and can consume larger amounts at each feeding.
Can You Overfeed a Newborn on Formula?
While it is possible to offer more formula than a baby needs, most babies naturally regulate their intake. Parents should watch for fullness cues, such as turning away from the bottle, slowing sucking, or appearing relaxed after feeding.
How Long Does a Can of Formula Last for Newborn?
The length of time a can of formula lasts depends on your baby’s age, how much they drink, and the size of the container. In the early weeks, newborns typically consume smaller amounts, so a can may last longer than it would as your baby grows. As a general estimate, a 600g container of powdered formula may last around 5 to 7 days for a newborn, while larger containers may last longer.
How to Switch Formula for Newborn
Switching your newborn’s formula is usually best done gradually to help your baby adjust to a new taste and recipe. Start by mixing a small amount of the new formula with their current formula, then slowly increase the amount of new formula over several days until the transition is complete.
Some babies adjust quickly, while others may need a little more time as their digestive system adapts. If you are switching formulas due to feeding concerns or your baby has ongoing digestive issues, it’s always best to speak with your pediatrician for guidance.
