Top 5 Infant Milk Formula For Your Baby's Nutrition Needs

Good milk for the baby is our goal as mothers, so we continue to support and promote breastfeeding. However, there are number of instances that it is impossible for some mothers to provide breastfeeding. Hence, infant milk formula can be a great help! It can be a great substitute for mothers’ breast milk.

Furthermore, we’ve prepared a list of formula milk in the Philippines that moms out there can choose from. 

What is infant milk formula?

Infant milk formula is a commercially manufactured milk designed as a substitute for mothers’ breastmilk. This type of milk is usually made from skimmed cow’s milk.

Additionally, it also contains emulsifiers and stabilizers that help to mix the oil and water in the formula. This is specially formulated for babies aged one year and below.

Also, formula milk is usually in powder form but there are also some brands that are in liquid form or ready to drink.

Types of infant milk formula

There are three main types of formula milk that can be bought in the market. These are the following:

• Cow’s milk – first is cow’s milk in which it is considered to be the most common and cheapest type of infant formula milk. The protein derived from it is specially formulated to resemble human breast milk.
• Soy milk – second is soy milk. This type of infant formula milk that is plant-based or vegan. Doctors often recommend it if the baby is allergic to cow’s milk.
• Specialized formula milk – lastly, the specialized formula milk that provides additional support for each specific needs of babies. It is usually given to premature babies, babies who are prone to have allergies, and babies who are lactose-intolerant.

Guide on choosing the right milk for the baby

Every baby is special and unique so everyone’s needs are different. There are a few things we should first consider when choosing the right and good milk for your baby.

Protein content of milk

There are three types of protein found in infant formula milk on the market. These are the:

1. Standard protein formula

Its protein content is full-size from cow’s milk or from soybeans. Its protein is greater compared to the protein of mothers’ breastmilk.

The larger the protein, the more digestive work is needed for it to be absorbed by the baby’s body. Most healthy babies are able to digest it so there is nothing to worry about.

A milk with standard protein formula content has these terms written on its box or can:

• non-fat milk
• milk protein isolate
• whey protein (a protein component from cow’s milk)
• soy protein isolate (protein from soybeans)

2. Partially hydrolized protein formula

The protein content of this milk is smaller compared to standard. This is the type of protein formula that has almost the same protein content as mothers’ breast milk. It is usually given to babies who have digestive problems or do not digest immediately.

When the term “partially hydrolized nonfat milk" or “partially hydrolized formula" appears on milk boxes or cans, it is partially hydrolized protein.

3. Fully hydrolized protein formula

This is the type of milk with the smallest protein content. This is for babies who are prone to allergic reactions to milk and severe digestive issues.

It is not given to babies immediately, only doctors or pediatricians can recommend it.

Milk is known to be a fully hydrolized protein formula when there is the word “hypoallergenic" on milk cans or boxes.

Carbohydrates

Lactose is a source of carbohydrates in mothers’ breast milk and in almost all types of infant formula milk. It is an important component in the body of babies because it is their source of energy. It helps the brain tissues, muscles, and organs to develop well.

But some babies are lactose intolerant so they need another alternative source of carbohydrates. This is where some options of infant formula milk that are hypoallergenic or lactose-free come into play.

If your baby has sensitive digestion, it is a good idea to consult a pediatrician first to provide guidance in choosing the right milk for your baby.

Added Nutrients and Benefits

In addition, it is also a good idea to consider the additional nutrients that come with it when choosing good baby milk. It’s a good idea to look at the milk label for the following nutrients and benefits:

1. Iron – It helps with muscle growth and bone building.
2. DHA/ARA – These are synthesized fatty acids that help baby’s eye and brain development.
3. Probiotics/Prebiotics – These help a baby’s digestion to be good, especially if his digestion is sensitive.
4. Calcium – The main ingredient that helps a baby grow fast. It also strengthens his bones as he grows.
5. Folic Acid – It contains folate, a type of B vitamin that nourishes baby’s red blood cells. Red blood cells carry nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

Price

Parents should always consider the price. It is important that the price of baby milk is in line with our daily budget so here are some of our selected best brands of infant formula milk in the Philippines.

5 best infant milk formula in the Philippines

Similac TummyCare HW One 800g

Why it is great?

East-to-digest formula with TummiCare system. Hypoallergenic and lactose-free. EyeQ Plus With Lutein, AA and DHA to support brain and eye development.

It has an easy-to-digest TummyCare system that helps baby’s sensitive digestion. Hypoallergenic and lactose-free also safe for lactose intolerant babies.

It also does not contain palm oil, which causes constipation in babies. It is scientifically formulated to make the nutrient absorption of the baby’s tummy more efficient.

Safety:

• Suitable for 0-12 months.
• Cow’s milk, fully hydrolyzed protein formula.
• Easy-to-digest formula with Tummy Care system.
• Hypoallergenic and lactose-free.
• No palm oil ingredient.
• Free of chemicals/GMO.

Added nutrition and benefits:

• EyeQ Plus Lutein.
• AA and DHA to support eye and brain development.
• Vitamins and minerals.
• Calcium and other essential nutrients.

NAN OptiPro HW One 800g

Why it is great?

Helps provide the child optimal weight and development advantage at this crucial stage of growth.

With the help of this healthy foundation, your child can achieve amazing possibilities now and in the future. It has optimized protein, where the protein that babies get is high quality but low in its quantity.

It also contains probiotics that are good for baby’s digestion. Considered one of the best infant milk formula in the Philippines.

Safety:

• Suitable for 0-12 months.
• Cow’s milk, partially hydrolyzed protein formula.
• Vegetable oil ingredient.
• With lactose.

Added nutrition and benefits:

• Linoleic and a-Linoleic Acid for muscle mass.
• DHA & ARA to support eye and brain development.
• Nucleotides.
• Choline, Taurine, Inositol and L-Carnitine for overall brain development and nerve-cell activity.
• Vitamins, minerals, and folic acid.
• Biotin, niacin, and pantothenic acid which are essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
• Probiotics for good digestion.

Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron

Why it is great?

Organic formula that is easy to digest and nutritionally complete for baby’s first twelve months.

All lactose milk based powder formulation; our closest formula to breast milk, no added corn syrup solids.

This is the only organic milk-based infant formula milk on our list. It is designed to resemble human breast milk.

It has no artificial growth hormones and corn syrup solids in the ingredients. This has prebiotics that are good for the good bacteria in baby’s tummy.

Safety:

• Suitable for 0-12 months.
• Grass-fed cow’s milk.
• Free of chemicals, non-GMO.
• No corn syrup solids.
• There are no artificial growth hormones.
• USDA-certified organic milk.
• Organic nonfat milk.
• Designed to resemble human breast milk.

Added nutrition and benefits:

• Iron and lutein for good eye sight.
• Prebiotic fiber for immunity.
• Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA for eye and brain development.
• Vitamins and minerals.

Enfamil A+ One 850g

Why it is great?

Enfamil A+ One Infant Formula Powder for 0-6 months. Variant: Vanilla. One of the well known infant milk formula in the Philippines

It has Omega-3 DHA which helps in the development of the baby’s brain as he grows. Enfamil has GOS and polydextrose, 2 types of dietary fibers that soften baby’s stool. This is also designed to resemble human breast milk.

Safety:

• Suitable for 0-6 months.
• Easy-to-digest formula.
• Cow’s milk and non-fat milk.
• Vegetable oil ingredient.
• With lactose.

Added nutrition and benefits:

• Iron, omega-3 DHA, and ARA.
• Linoleic, a-Linoleic acid, and nucleotides. 
• Vitamins, minerals, and folic acid.
• Biotin, niacin, and pantothenic acid which are essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
• Choline, taurine, inositol, and L-carnitine for overall brain development and nerve-cell activity.

Wyeth BONNA Stage 1 Infant Formula 1.2kg

Why would you like it

BONNA is an infant formula for infants from 0-6 months. The use of infant formula must only be upon the advice of a health professional. The unnecessary and improper use of this product may be dangerous to your child’s health.

This is the cheapest infant formula milk on our list. It contains linoleic and a-linoleic acid which helps in the development of baby’s body mass. It also has the ingredient of lutein which helps in eye development.

Safety:

• Suitable for 0-6 months.
• Cow’s milk, standard protein formula.
• Vegetable oil ingredient.
• With lactose.

Added nutrition and benefits:

• Nucleotides, linoleic, and a-linoleic acid for building body mass.
• Biotin, niacin, and pantothenic acid which are essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
• Choline, Taurine, Inositol and L-Carnitine for overall brain development and nerve-cell activity. 
• Vitamins, minerals, and folic acid.

A little reminder for parents

Mothers breast milk is still the best milk for our babies. No one can beat the nutritional value it has because it’s a natural food for babies.

It also contains antibodies that babies need to fight and protect their immune system against diseases.

Infant formula milk is the only alternative to human breast milk. Our list is just a guide to choosing the right good baby milk. It is best to consult pediatricians first for some concerns.

Additionally, if your baby is around 1-3 years old already, you better check out these infant formula milk brands: Best Formula Milk for 1-3 Years Old in the Philippines