Following a “fed is best” approach, 75% of babies receive at least some formula in their diet by six months.

There are countless reasons why parents may choose to rely on formula, including health concerns and convenience. And if you’ve chosen to use formula at least some of the time, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the options available.

The best baby formula ultimately depends on your baby’s personal needs. For a quick rundown of what you’ll find in most supermarkets, read on for the basic types of baby formula.

Dairy-Based Formula

If you’re an expecting mother, you’ve likely already heard of dairy-based formula. This is the most common type of formula and is easy to find in most supermarkets.

Most dairy-based formulas use cow’s milk, though some use other types of dairy such as goat milk. And you can even find organic versions, such as HiPP Dutch Organic Formula.

You may wonder if you can swap dairy formula for regular cow’s milk instead. But formula differs from regular milk, which may be too difficult for infants to digest. Dairy-based formula treats and processes cow’s milk so that the proteins are broken down and safe to digest for babies.

Additionally, many dairy formulas are fortified with nutrients that mimic breast milk.

Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula

Extensively hydrolyzed formula is technically dairy-based formula, but it’s the best baby food option for infants who are allergic to cow’s milk.

In this type of formula, casein (the protein found in dairy milk) is broken down extensively, making the formula easy to tolerate for most sensitive tummies. And even after hydrolization, the formula still offers your baby all the nutrients they need to continue growing.

This type of formula may also be suitable for babies who have special health conditions. Discuss options with your pediatrician to find the right type and brand for your little one.

Soy-Based Formula

If you’d like to avoid dairy altogether, or if your baby has a lactose allergy, soy-based formulas may be the best solution.

Just like how adults can swap soy milk for regular dairy milk, many babies can benefit from soy formulas over cow’s milk varieties.

These formulas combine soy protein with carbohydrates to offer proper nutrition for growing babies. However, some recommend avoiding soy formulas or only using them as a last resort, especially if your baby is born pre-term.

It’s also important to note that even if your baby develops a lactose allergy, they may also develop a soy allergy, as these two allergies often coexist.

Understanding Common Types of Baby Formula

There are multiple types of baby formula to choose from, with dairy, soy, and extensively hydrolyzed being the most common.

When choosing a formula for your baby, your baby’s needs and health condition matter most. Consider your options, and talk to your pediatrician about which type may be right for your little one. Convinced and ready to jump on highest quality, organic certified baby formulas? Head on to themilkybox.com and have it quickly delivered to your door.

For more on parenthood and taking care of your bundle of joy, read our other articles on kids!