Infant Formula for Newborns: How to Choose and Feed Your Baby

CategoryFeeding

⏱️ Reading time: 5 minutes

Medically reviewed by pediatrician and perinatal psychologist Polina Kizino

Formula is an adapted alternative to breast milk when breastfeeding isn’t possible. Choose the formula based on your baby’s age and follow your pediatrician’s guidance. Never use cow’s or goat’s milk. Follow instructions carefully, sterilize bottles, and watch for your baby’s reaction. Don’t switch formulas without medical reasons — consult your doctor if needed.

What’s Inside

💡

Quick takeaways

Choose formula based on your baby’s age. Infant formulas for 0–6 months closely resemble breast milk. After six months, switch to iron-fortified formulas; after one year, choose calcium-enriched options.

If your baby has allergies or intolerances, the pediatrician will recommend hypoallergenic or lactose-free formulas.

Do not substitute formula with cow’s or goat’s milk — they are not suitable for infants.

Formula — the nutritionally balanced alternative

Formula is often the best alternative when breastfeeding isn’t possible or insufficient:

  • Insufficient milk supply: if breastfeeding isn’t enough and baby isn’t gaining weight.
  • Medical indications: if mum can’t breastfeed or baby can’t tolerate breast milk.
  • Return to work: mum can’t breastfeed throughout the day and has no milk storage.
  • Parental choice: if weaning is planned and supported by a pediatrician.
  • Avoid plant-based or farm animal milks for infants — even from known sources.

Choose formula primarily by baby’s age

  • Newborns (0–6 months): formulas are designed to mimic breast milk’s protein and micronutrients during rapid growth.
  • Older than 6 months: formulas include added iron, vitamins and minerals, with thicker consistency.
  • Older than 12 months: formulas typically contain more calcium and vitamins to support active growth.

Other selection criteria

  • Adaptation: choose formula labeled “infant” with age-specific markings — close to breast milk. Non-adapted formulas may have inappropriate protein ratios.
  • Baby’s needs: for milk protein or lactose intolerance, choose hypoallergenic hydrolyzed or lactose-free formulas. Specialized formulas are available for digestion issues: with lactulose for constipation, with thickeners for reflux.
  • Pediatric recommendation: consult your doctor before choosing formula, especially for special needs. Therapeutic formulas require medical guidance.
  • Brand and cost: choose trusted manufacturers. Expensive doesn’t always mean better, and cheap may be low quality.

Prepare formula correctly

  • Wash hands before preparation.
  • Follow package instructions exactly — both powder and water volume. Extra powder may disrupt digestion; too little undernourishes. To feed more, increase total volume, not concentration.
  • Use purified or boiled water cooled to warm temperature.
  • Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
  • Test temperature on your wrist — should be warm, around 37 °C.

Feeding tips for comfort

  • Position baby semi-upright, head higher than hips — reduces aspiration and colic risk.
  • Hold bottle at an angle so formula flows without air bubbles.
  • Let baby control feeding pace — no rushing. Pause if needed.
  • Don’t force finishing the bottle — stop if baby refuses.
  • Observe reaction after feeding — if colic, gas, reflux, constipation, diarrhea or skin rash appear, consult your pediatrician for formula change.

Formula FAQs

— How often should I feed formula?

  • Newborns (0–1 mo): 7–9 feedings every 3–4 hours
  • Infants (1–6 mo): 6–8 feedings/day
  • Over 6 mo: 4–5 feeds with solids

— Can I mix breast milk and formula?

Yes. Many moms combine breastfeeding with formula. Breast milk should remain primary. Give formula in separate feedings, not mixed in one bottle.

— When should I switch formulas?

Only change on pediatric advice — for digestive issues, allergies, or poor weight gain. Fit formula type to your baby’s needs.

— How often change formula brand?

Change only if digestive issues occur. Otherwise stay with one trusted formula type recommended for your baby.

🧡

With care

Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.

0a06600cc3cedeb49280b54114c88ce6j Essentials for baby care many parents choose

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles with Natural Response Nipples (Slow Flow, Flow 2), 4oz, 4-Pack, SCY900/04
Amazon.com : Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles with Natural Response Nipples (Slow Flow, Flow 2), 4oz, 4-Pack, SCY900/04 : Baby
https://amzn.to/44jv9p5
MAM Newborn Essentials Matte Feeding Set with Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles 5oz, Self-Sterilizing, 0-3 Months Pacifiers and Skinsoft Silicone Nipples, Baby Gift, 10 Pieces
Amazon.com: MAM Newborn Essentials Matte Feeding Set with Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles 5oz, Self-Sterilizing, 0-3 Months Pacifiers and Skinsoft Silicone Nipples, Baby Gift, 10 Pieces : Everything Else
https://amzn.to/43HyiyT
Papablic Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Pro Max, 13 Bottles Extra-Large Capacity for Big Family, Electric Steam Bottle Sanitizer for Baby Bottles, Parts & Other Newborn Essentials
Amazon.com: Papablic Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Pro Max, 13 Bottles Extra-Large Capacity for Big Family, Electric Steam Bottle Sanitizer for Baby Bottles, Parts & Other Newborn Essentials : Baby
https://amzn.to/4oQ9ixJ
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles with Natural Response Nipples (Slow Flow, Flow 2), 4oz, Pink, 4-Pack, SCY900/14
Amazon.com : Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles with Natural Response Nipples (Slow Flow, Flow 2), 4oz, Pink, 4-Pack, SCY900/14 : Baby
https://amzn.to/48r0FE1
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 8 oz/250 mL, with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipples, 0m+, 4 Pack
Amazon.com : Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle, 8 oz/250 mL, with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipples, 0m+, 4 Pack : Baby
https://amzn.to/49yZljG
GROWNSY Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer, Compact Electric Steam Baby Bottle Sterilizer (Esterilizador de Biberones), Bottle Sanitizer for Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Pump Parts
Amazon.com: GROWNSY Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer, Compact Electric Steam Baby Bottle Sterilizer (Esterilizador de Biberones), Bottle Sanitizer for Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Pump Parts : Baby
https://amzn.to/3Xa6248
Tommee Tippee Natural Start 12 Piece BPA Free Bottle Set, Includes 2 x 5 oz, 3 x 9 oz, 1 x 11 oz Bottles, Newborn 0+ Months, Slow, Medium & Thicker Flow Breast-Like Nipples, Cleaning Brush, Clear
Amazon.com : Tommee Tippee Natural Start 12 Piece BPA Free Bottle Set, Includes 2 x 5 oz, 3 x 9 oz, 1 x 11 oz Bottles, Newborn 0+ Months, Slow, Medium & Thicker Flow Breast-Like Nipples, Cleaning Brush, Clear : Baby
https://amzn.to/4ph88v8
CAREBABYMORE 5-in-1 Baby Bottle Brush Kit, Silicone Bottle Brush for Baby Bottle and Breast Pumps, Sponge Nipple Brush with Replaceable Brush Head, Straw Brushes, Green
Amazon.com: CAREBABYMORE 5-in-1 Baby Bottle Brush Kit, Silicone Bottle Brush for Baby Bottle and Breast Pumps, Sponge Nipple Brush with Replaceable Brush Head, Straw Brushes, Green : Baby
https://amzn.to/47W2k4t

Some links in this article point to products or resources we genuinely find helpful for this topic. If you choose to buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

Sources

  • Larson-Nath C, Bashir A, Herdes RE, Kiernan B, Lai J, Martin N, Misner N, Pandey A, Puri K, Zong W, Duro D. Term infant formula macronutrient composition: An update for clinicians. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Feb 10. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70002. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39930711. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39930711/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
  • Bakshi S, Paswan VK, Yadav SP, Bhinchhar BK, Kharkwal S, Rose H, Kanetkar P, Kumar V, Al-Zamani ZAS, Bunkar DS. A comprehensive review on infant formula: nutritional and functional constituents, recent trends in processing and its impact on infants' gut microbiota. Front Nutr. 2023 Jun 21;10:1194679. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1194679. PMID: 37415910; PMCID: PMC10320619. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37415910/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
  • Nuzzi G, Trambusti I, DI Cicco ME, Peroni DG. Breast milk: more than just nutrition! Minerva Pediatr (Torino). 2021 Apr;73(2):111-114. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5276.21.06223-X. PMID: 33880902. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33880902/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
  • Mokhtari P, Schmidt KA, Babaei M, Goran MI. Altered Nutrient Composition of Lactose-Reduced Infant Formula. Nutrients. 2024 Jan 17;16(2):276. doi: 10.3390/nu16020276. PMID: 38257168; PMCID: PMC10821187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257168/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
  • Kotowski J, Fowler C, Hourigan C, Orr F. Bottle-feeding an infant feeding modality: An integrative literature review. Matern Child Nutr. 2020 Apr;16(2):e12939. doi: 10.1111/mcn.12939. Epub 2020 Jan 6. PMID: 31908144; PMCID: PMC7083444. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7083444/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
  • Heine RG, AlRefaee F, Bachina P, De Leon JC, Geng L, Gong S, Madrazo JA, Ngamphaiboon J, Ong C, Rogacion JM. Lactose intolerance and gastrointestinal cow's milk allergy in infants and children - common misconceptions revisited. World Allergy Organ J. 2017 Dec 12;10(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s40413-017-0173-0. PMID: 29270244; PMCID: PMC5726035. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29270244/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.