FeedingReading time: 5 minutes

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

Category	Feeding

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.

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.

Use sterile bottles and nipples; sterilize by boiling or device.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Formula

How do I choose formula for a newborn?

Usually, newborn formula is chosen by age and the baby's individual needs. From birth to 6 months, babies use adapted infant formulas designed to be close to breast milk in composition. If your baby has allergies, reflux, constipation, poor weight gain, or other symptoms, the formula should be chosen with a pediatrician.

Can I feed my baby both breast milk and formula?

Yes, combination feeding is possible if breast milk is not enough or if the family chooses this feeding plan. Breast milk should remain the main source of nutrition whenever possible. Formula can be introduced gradually, either as a separate feeding or after breastfeeding, but it should not be mixed with breast milk in the same bottle.

When should I change my baby's formula?

Usually, formula should not be changed without a reason if it suits your baby. Talk to a pediatrician if there are allergies, colic, bloating, frequent spit-up, constipation, loose stools, skin rashes, or poor weight gain. Special or therapeutic formulas should only be chosen with medical guidance.

Can formula be replaced with cow's or goat's milk?

No, babies under 1 year should not have cow's milk, goat's milk, or plant-based drinks instead of formula. These products are not suitable for infants and may not provide the nutrients they need. Feeding should be based on breast milk or age-appropriate adapted infant formula.

Why is it important to prepare formula correctly?

It is important to follow the instructions exactly because the wrong concentration can harm the baby. Too much powder may cause digestive problems, while too little may lead to insufficient nutrients. If your baby needs more food, prepare a larger amount correctly rather than making the formula more concentrated.

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.

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. 2026.

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. 2026.

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. 2026.

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. 2026.

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. 2026.

Infant Formula Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-documents-regulatory-information-topic-food-and-dietary-supplements/infant-formula-guidance-documents-regulatory-information. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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. 2026.