In partnership with Happy Family Organics. Editor’s Note: All opinions are our own. We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
It’s no secret that the landscape of baby formula has changed dramatically in the last few years. Thankfully, a large part of this is that formula feeding has become widely accepted and embraced by people everywhere. As a formula-feeding mom, I’m so grateful for this change, as well as all of the new formulas to choose from to feed him. But, admittedly, all of the new products can be overwhelming to a parent, which is already an overwhelming job!
I tapped a pediatric ICU nurse, who confirmed: “Not all formulas are created equal.” Her pick? Happy Baby Organics. “I researched these other popular formula brands,” she shared, “But they don’t check all of my boxes like Happy Baby Organics does. For example, its proprietary probiotic and prebiotic blend is clinically shown to help support softer poops and gut bacteria closer to that of breastfed infants.*”
Happy Baby Organics has become a family-favorite in my house, among a couple of other picks. Here, we’re breaking 5 popular formula brands down for you so you can be empowered to make the best decision for your family. After all, fed is best.
We like
We don't like
My Top Pick:
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Stage 2 - 22.9 oz ($35.99)
The latest Happy Baby’s Organic Infant Formula is one I’ve discovered later in our feeding journey as it was launched this year from from the #1 organic infant feeding brand.** My baby has been using this formula for a few months now with soft poops on a consistent basis – nothing better than that! I can rest easy knowing the ingredients are designed to support his belly, including a patented probiotic and prebiotic blend that helps support gut bacteria to be closer to that of breastfed infants**. (It’s worth noting that Happy Baby Organic Formula is the only formula in this list with both probiotics and prebiotics – pretty impressive). I love that lactose (the #1 nutrition component of breast milk) is the #1 ingredient in their formula. Some other ingredients that stand out to me are their protein that’s designed to model breast milk’s protein ratio of 60% whey to 40% casein. Like their lactose, their protein comes from organic milk from grassfed cows***. Plus their formula has key vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, copper, folic acid and choline, as well as iron and vitamins C & D to help support your little one’s immune system. Since using this formula, I feel my baby has not been as fussy and is very happy after feedings!
Other things that make Happy Baby stand out from the pack? It’s both USDA and EU-certified organic and is made in Europe with high-quality ingredients from around the world,***, which speaks volumes of its quality (and, again, it’s worth noting that while other brands in this list may be USDA Organic or made in Europe, Happy Baby is the only brand that’s both). It is also produced in their very own FDA registered, state of the art facility in Europe. That’s a big deal because it means the formula is rigorously quality and safety tested from start to finish. It has also received the Clean Label Purity Award. I always appreciate when an independent 3rd party validates a product – and this one is non-GMO, has no antibiotics, no added corn syrup****, no artificial growth hormones*****, and no prohibited pesticides used. Phew.
Last thing I’ll say (can you tell I love this brand?): It also has expert-recommended DHA to help support brain and eye development so, again, I love the peace of mind that this formula provides.
It is available online and at retailers nationwide, which I love since we travel a lot and always buy formula wherever we’re headed so we don’t have to pack it.
**Compared to formula without pre & probiotics
**Circana Custom Baby Food Data Base L13WE 8/24/2024
***Per National Organic Program Regulation
****As a source of carbohydrate
*****NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE HAS BEEN SHOWN BETWEEN MILK DERIVED FROM
R BST-TREATEDANDNON-RBST-TREATED COWS
Bobbie Grass-fed Whole Milk Infant Formula - 14.1 oz ($23)
Another popular pick is Bobbie’s new Whole Milk formula. Long-requested by mamas and dadas alike, this new launch features milk from grass-fed cows. Beyond that, it features extra “good stuff” like DHA, ARA, and Choline to support brain development in the first year. I personally love that the brand is founded by moms, because not many brands are on this list (except Happy Baby). Plus, who knows more of what my baby and I need than another mom?
Bobbie’s subscription model is a huge perk, as they ensure supply for families through this model to ensure no baby goes unfed, even if some wild event happens like the formula scarcity a few years ago. Bobbie is considered a premium product, meaning it is priced accordingly. You get what you pay for, I suppose. I do feel like the smell is a little tougher than others, but hey, what formula isn’t a little smelly.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula - 24 oz ($31.50)
I looked at the ByHeart formula dozens of times in the store before giving it a go. I loved the way it looked – I’m a sucker for fun branding. The formula also boasts being whole milk-based, never skim, and is very transparent with their ingredient and nutrition list. Similar to Bobbie, it does offer a subscription that guarantees you enough formula to ensure your baby is fed all the way through their first birthday.
The price again is premium, less so than some other brands, but my biggest struggle was around the consistency of the formula. It seemed a bit bubbly and foamy, especially compared to other formulas. My son has a super sensitive stomach, so even the slightest bit of this I worry about upsetting his stomach. And nobody wants their baby to be hurting – or gassy!
Earth's Best Dairy Organic Infant Formula - 21 oz ($41.99)
Continuing on, we’ve also tried Earth’s Best Formula. I was really excited about this one because they offer both a value size and a regular size. When your baby sucks as much formula down as mine does, that would excite you, too! Designed to model breast milk, it does feature good things like Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA for brain and eye health, as well as iron, and my baby didn’t seem to mind it, which is always good. It is USDA certified organic and Kosher dairy certified as well.
That being said, I have a few cons for this brand, most notably the availability of the product. I had such a hard time finding this that we could not commit to using it on a regular basis due to the availability.
Pure Bliss® by Similac® Organic with A2 Milk* Infant Formula - 20.6 oz ($24.79)
Last, but not least, we have Similac’s Organic line, “Pure Bliss.” I remember being in the hospital when my baby had RSV at a few weeks old (0/10 recommend) and being asked “does he take Similac or Enfamil?” I was mind blown that those were the only two options given at the hospital. Stories aside, I was curious how Similiac’s take on organic would stack up and was pleased to find it’s made with no artificial growth hormones, no palm oil, no corn syrup, and is non-GMO. My baby didn’t seem to mind the formula and it seemed like he was able to digest it pretty easily.
I didn’t love the smell of this one overall and just in general am a little skeptical of a big brand. No hate, Abbott/Similac, but I just raise an eyebrow when the standard offering isn’t necessarily what I’m looking for in terms of ingredients.
Feed On, Parents
Formula parents, you’re amazing. I know it’s not always easy to not be able to breastfeed (if that’s what you want) and sneaky, guilty thoughts can come in at the worst times. While Happy Baby was best for my family, we’re so proud of you, no matter what formula you choose. Parenting is literally the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I know it’s the same for many of my friends. We’re cheering you on every step of the way and hopefully, continuing to offer help in pieces like these! Feed on, friends.
