How to choose an infant formula (2026)
Short answer: for most healthy full-term babies, a standard iron-fortified, cow’s-milk-based formula is the right start, and a store brand works as well as a name brand because all US formula must meet the same FDA nutrient rules. Choose a specialty formula (hydrolyzed, soy, preterm) only on your pediatrician’s advice. Before buying, check the brand isn’t recalled: ByHeart (2025) and Nara Organics (2026) were recalled for botulism risk.
Recalls checked November 10, 2026 on CPSC. We checked FDA outbreak and recall notices on November 10, 2026. Since November 2025, two infant formula brands were recalled in full for possible Clostridium botulinum contamination: ByHeart Whole Nutrition (all cans and “anywhere pack” sticks, recalled November 11, 2025; 48 infants hospitalized, no deaths; outbreak declared over February 26, 2026) and Nara Organics Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula (all lots, recalled June 13, 2026; sold at Target and Nara.com). FDA says the two outbreaks share milk suppliers. Don’t use either product. Our recall-check policy.
How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from official safety guidance (AAP/HealthyChildren.org, CPSC, NHTSA, FDA), federal safety standards and recall records, linked at the bottom of the page. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t give scores. Our methodology.
Not medical advice. This page explains product safety guidance. For questions about your child’s health, feeding or development, ask your pediatrician.
Quick answer
Short answer: for most healthy full-term babies, a standard iron-fortified, cow’s-milk-based formula is the right start, and a store brand works as well as a name brand because all US formula must meet the same FDA nutrient rules. Choose a specialty formula (hydrolyzed, soy, preterm) only on your pediatrician’s advice.
Last updated Recalls checked 2026-11-10
The formula aisle is mostly marketing on top of the same regulated base. The AAP[1][2][3] says the FDA[4][5][8] requires every infant formula to contain the nutrients babies need, with minimums for all and maximums for some. Here is how the types actually differ.
Formula types compared
| Type | Who it’s for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cow’s milk-based, iron-fortified | Most babies | Majority of formula sold; protein treated to be digestible (AAP) |
| Soy-based | Specific situations your pediatrician identifies | Different protein and carbohydrate (AAP) |
| Extensively hydrolyzed (“hypoallergenic”) | Babies with milk-protein allergy or other conditions | Ask your pediatrician for a brand; costs more (AAP) |
| Goat’s milk-based | An option now sold in the US | Not for babies with cow’s-milk allergy because of cross-reactivity (AAP) |
| Specialized and preterm | Babies with specific medical needs | Follow your pediatrician’s instructions (AAP) |
Why iron-fortified?
The AAP[1][2][3] recommends iron-fortified formula for all infants who aren’t breastfed or are partly breastfed, from birth to 1 year; iron fortification has sharply reduced iron-deficiency anemia. The AAP says the iron in formula doesn’t cause constipation or upset stomach. US formulas are labeled “Infant Formula with Iron” or “Additional Iron May Be Necessary” (FDA[4][5][8]). The FDA says babies on formula don’t need extra nutrient supplements unless they’re on a low-iron formula.
Powder, concentrate or ready-to-feed?
| Form | Cost | Mixing | Sterile? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder | Cheapest (AAP) | Add powder to measured water; use the can’s own scoop | No; CDC says powder isn’t sterile |
| Liquid concentrate | Middle | Equal parts concentrate and water (AAP) | Yes until opened |
| Ready-to-feed | Most expensive (AAP) | None; never add water | Yes; CDC suggests it for higher-risk babies |
Do name brands matter?
The FDA[4][5][8] doesn’t approve formulas before sale, but every formula marketed in the US must meet federal nutrient requirements and makers must notify the FDA before marketing a new one. The AAP[1][2][3] says all formula sold in the US, including imported formula, must meet these rules. Ask your pediatrician if you have questions about a specific product (FDA).
Who should skip this, and what to skip
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you don’t need formula on hand. The AAP[1][2][3] recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months when possible.
- Homemade formula: The FDA[4][5][8] and AAP[1][2][3] say don’t make or feed it; babies have been hospitalized.
- Plant “milks” or cow’s milk before 12 months: The AAP[1][2][3] says they don’t meet a baby’s needs.
- Watering down formula to stretch it: The AAP[1][2][3] says over-dilution can cause serious health problems.
- Recalled ByHeart or Nara Organics formula: Recalled for possible botulism contamination (FDA[4][5][8]).
The free or budget option
Frequently asked questions
Is store-brand formula as good as name brands?
Should I switch formula for fussiness?
Is goat’s milk formula gentler?
Sources
Safety guidance, standards and recall records come only from the official pages below, which we opened and read for this page. Retailer pages, if any, are used for price and specs only. This page lists no prices.
- AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Choosing a Baby Formula, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
- AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Forms of Baby Formula: Powder, Concentrate & Ready-to-Feed, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
- AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Is baby formula safe?, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
- FDA: Questions & Answers for Consumers Concerning Infant Formula, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (fda.gov)
- FDA: Infant Formula: Safety Do's and Don'ts, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (fda.gov)
- AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe?, fetched Nov 10, 2026 (healthychildren.org)
- CDC: Preventing Cronobacter in Infants (formula preparation and storage), fetched Nov 10, 2026 (cdc.gov)
- FDA: Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula (November 2025), fetched Nov 10, 2026 (fda.gov)
- FDA recall notice: Nara Organics recalls all lots of Nara infant formula (June 13, 2026), fetched Nov 10, 2026 (fda.gov)
Related
How to prepare baby formula safely: water, mixing and storage (2026)
Short answer: use safe water (most tap water is fine), measure exactly with the can’s scoop, add powder to water and shake in the bottle, and never add extra water. Use a bottle within 1 hour of starting a feed and toss leftovers; refrigerate unused prepared formula and use it within 24 hours. For babies under 3 months, preterm or immune-compromised, the CDC suggests ready-to-feed liquid or mixing powder with water hot enough to kill germs.
guideIs homemade baby formula safe? Why the FDA and AAP say no (2026)
Short answer: no. The FDA advises parents not to make or feed homemade formula; it has received reports of babies hospitalized with low calcium (hypocalcemia) after homemade formula, and recipes risk contamination and missing nutrients. The AAP agrees. If cost or supply is the problem, ask your pediatrician, local health department, a food pantry or social services for help rather than mixing your own.
guideIs European or imported baby formula safe? (2026)
Short answer: it depends how it reaches you. Imported brands sold in US stores after FDA review (many arrived during the 2022 shortage) must meet US safety and nutrition rules and be labeled in English (AAP). Formula shipped in by third-party sellers isn’t covered by those protections: it may be stored badly, mislabeled for US use, and miss recall notices. The AAP says there’s no evidence imported formula is better.
guideHeavy metals in baby food: what the FDA says and what you can do (2026)
Short answer: the most useful step is variety. The FDA says feeding many different foods limits repeated exposure to any one contaminant. Don’t rely only on rice cereal (oat, barley, wheat and multigrain are fine first cereals), skip juice before age 1, choose low-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, pollock and catfish, and test well water. The FDA has set action levels for lead in baby foods and arsenic in infant rice cereal.