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As your baby approaches the sixth-month mark, their nutritional needs will have changed from those early (and, for you, probably very hazy) postpartum days. That’s why so many formula brands offer formulas designs for stage 1 (0-6 months) and stage 2 (6-12 months).
The months between 6-12 are a crucial stage of development that marks a shift in your baby’s nutritional needs. In fact, the 6-to-12-month period is characterized by rapid growth and development, necessitating a formula that provides the essential nutrients to support these milestones. For example, babies around six months start consuming solid foods, which can interfere with their levels of iron absorption. For this reason, many formulas designed for 6-12 months may contain higher levels of iron to support their growing iron stores.
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Best Formulas for Babies 6-12 Months at a Glance
Best Overall: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula, $166 for 4 cans
Best for Breastfed Babies: Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula, $39
Best for Sensitive Tummies: Gerber Good Start SoothePro Formula Powder, $28
Best Budget: Baby’s Only Organic Complete Nutrition Infant Formula, $26
Best Grass-Fed: Bubs Organic Grass Fed Follow-On Formula Stage 2, $40
Best Hypoallergenic: Enfamil Nutramigen, $38
Best Plant-Based: Gerber Good Start Soy Powder Infant Formula, $22
Best Organic: Happy Baby Organics Infant Formula Stage 2, $34
Additionally, some follow-up formulas may include additional ingredients like probiotics or prebiotics to better support digestion as babies begin exploring new tastes and textures, explains Amy Curran, NP, coming from Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to Stony Brook Children’s primary care.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the key factors to consider when choosing a formula for your 6-to-12-month-old, providing insights into the different types of formulas available, their nutritional content and factors to consider based on your baby’s specific needs.
What Are the Best Formula Types for Babies 6-12 Months?
The best types of formula for babies ages 6-12 months are those that are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies as they transition to solid foods, containing a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, notes Curran.
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If you’ve already been using formula, you can continue on the same variety — or level up to stage 2 if that brand offers one. If a parent chooses to introduce formula at 6 months of age, they can start to offer bottles into the routine, notes Curran. “They can start by mixing cereals with formula during solid feeds, introducing formula bottles in place of a breastfeeding session or however the introduction of formula fits into their routine,” she says.
Is It OK to Switch From Breastmilk to Formula at 6 Months?
Absolutely. While The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, they also acknowledge that there are circumstances where formula feeding is necessary or preferred. You shouldn’t feel bad if you didn’t provide breast milk prior to six months. And, if you breastfed your baby for the first six months, you should feel encouraged to introduce formula at the six-month mark.
Experts in This Article
Amy Curran, NP: Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to Stony Brook Children’s primary care
The Best Formulas for Babies 6-12 Months
best overall
Bobbie, Organic Infant Formula (4 cans)
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is a strong contender for parents seeking a clean and wholesome option for their babies aged 6-12 months. Not only does it prioritize organic, grass-fed milk for a natural foundation, while offering a balanced blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to support healthy growth and development, but it’s the only European-style organic baby formula that meets the U.S. FDA’s nutritional requirements. It’s also the first to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award as well as certification as a Pesticide-Free product.
From September 17 until September 24, you can take advantage of Bobbie’s buy one get one free on organic formula (12.7 oz.) with free shipping promotion — no code needed!
Type of formula: Organic, milk-based
Standout ingredients: DHA and ARA
Size: 24 oz
Pros:
Organic ingredients
Easier for babies to digest
Clearly sourced ingredients
DTC shipping available
Nationwide restock at Target for both Bobbie Organic and Gentle, and available in Whole Foods
Cons:
Pricier than some formulas
best for breastfed babies
Similac, 360 Total Care Infant Formula
If finding a formula that closely resembles breast milk is important to you, you’re in luck. Similac 360 Total Care contains Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), prebiotics found in breast milk that can help support immune health. It’s also enriched with DHA and lutein to boost cognitive and visual development and is made without the use of artificial growth hormones like rBST.
Type of formula: Milk-based
Standout ingredients: HMOs, DHA
Size: 20.6 oz
Pros:
Contains HMOs
Easy to find in stores
Comprehensive nutrition
Cons:
Not organic
May be more costly than other formulas
best for sensitive tummies
Gerber, Good Start SoothePro Formula Powder
Even older babies can be prone to stomach sensitivities. This is because their digestive enzymes and gut bacteria are still maturing. They’re also being introduced to solid foods for the first time during this period. Luckily, Gerber Good Start SoothePro Formula is specialized to address common infant discomforts like gas and mild spit-up. It’s formulated with a combination of ingredients, including probiotics, proteins and prebiotics aimed at soothing a baby’s digestive system.
Type of formula: Milk-based
Standout ingredients: L. reuteri, prebiotics
Size: 19.4 oz
Pros:
Contains the probiotic L. reuteri
Has reduced mineral content to cut down on discomfort
Cons:
Not organic
Availability may vary
best budget
Baby’s Only, Organic Complete Nutrition Infant Formula
Closely mimicking the composition of breast milk, this Organic formula features a balanced 60:40 whey-to-casein protein ratio. This formula is budget-friendly and USDA Organic certified, ensuring it is made with high-quality ingredients like lactose, organic skim milk, and organic whey protein concentrate. It is free from GMOs, corn syrup, artificial growth hormones, and palm oil, making it a safe and clean choice for your baby’s nutrition. Additionally, the formula is produced in small batches in Ohio, which enhances its quality control and ensures consistent standards of excellence.
Type of formula: Milk-based
Standout ingredients: L. reuteri, prebiotics
Size: 19.4 oz
Pros:
Affordable
Organic
Non-GMO
Small batches
Cons:
Does not contain DHA or probiotics
best grass-fed
Bubs Organic Grass Fed Follow-On Formula Stage 2, Infants 6-12 months
This formula is crafted specifically for babies aged 6 to 12 months with the highest quality organic ingredients. It’s sourced entirely from the milk of grass-fed cows so it’s ultra rich in essential nutrients tailored to support your baby’s growing needs. Bubs also has a commitment to purity, excluding harmful additives like GMOs, corn syrup and synthetic ingredients and having received the Clean Label Purity Award. It’s also enriched with prebiotics and probiotics to promote optimal digestive health, while its A2 beta-casein protein offers gentle nutrition.
Type of formula: Grass-fed milk
Standout ingredients: Organic grass-fed milk, DHA, ARA, probiotics
Size: 19.4 oz
Pros:
Clean Label Purity Award
Grass-fed organic milk
Easier to digest for some babies
Cons:
Expensive
May not be readily available in US stores
best hypoallergenic
Enfamil, Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula With Iron
This hypoallergenic formula is specifically designed for babies who have a cow’s milk protein allergy. It’s extensively hydrolyzed, meaning the milk proteins are broken down into smaller fragments, reducing the likelihood of an allergic reaction and making it easier for sensitive digestive systems to process. It also contains the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), which is known to support digestive health and help manage the symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy.
Type of formula: Lactose free
Standout ingredients: DHA, ARA, iron-fortified, probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
Size: 12.6 oz
Pros:
Lactose free
Hypoallergenic
Supports digestion
Cons:
Expensive
Has a strong and unpleasant smell
best plant-based
Gerber, Good Start Soy Powder Infant Formula
If you’re looking for a plant-based formula for your baby, this is a great choice. It’s formulated with soy protein isolate and contains key essential nutrients for growth and development, such as DHA for brain and eye health. In addition to being lactose-free it’s also non-GMO and includes probiotics to support digestive health and a healthy immune system.
Type of formula: Soy
Standout ingredients: soy protein isolate, probiotics
Size: 12.9 oz
Pros:
Plant-based
Lactose-free
Widely available (usually)
Cons:
Currently sold out
Contains phytoestrogens from the soy
May take time for babies to adjust to taste
best organic
HappyBaby, Stage 2 Organic Powder Infant Formula
This brand is a popular choice, especially for parents seeking a more specified formula for stage 2, or 6-12 months. Not only is the formula organic and sourced from non-GMO ingredients and free from artificial flavors or sweeteners, but it also includes both GOS and FOS prebiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria.
Type of formula: Organic, milk-based
Standout ingredients: GOS and FOS
Size: 21 oz
Pros:
Organic ingredients
Dual probiotics
No artificial ingredients
Cons:
Pricier than some formulas
Might not be as readily available in stores (currently sold out online)
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