If you’re unable to feed your baby breastmilk, you’ll no doubt want to give them the next best thing. But what is the closest formula to breast milk in Australia?
You wouldn’t be the first parent to wonder what is the best formula for newborns. Of course, it all depends. But one thing is certain: the best formula milk for a baby aged 0-6 months is a Stage 1 infant formula (also called a ‘starter’). Whichever brand you go with, Stage 1 will have the right balance of protein and nutrients to suit a very small infant with a rapidly growing body and an immature digestive system.
Beyond this, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right formula for your family. Let’s explore it more.
What’s the best newborn formula for YOUR baby: Key considerations
1. Your values and beliefs
With so much information available to parents these days, it’s easy to get swayed by what other people believe is the best baby formula for newborns. But really, all that matters is what matters to you.
Your feeding choices are entirely up to you. So go ahead and purchase the premium formula if it feels like the right decision. Go for the A2 formula, the colic formula, or the reflux formula – whatever it is that appeals. The truth is there’s no ‘best baby formula’. In Australia, all infant formula available for purchase needs to meet our very high national standards. As long as you’re happy, your baby is growing well, and your paediatrician approves, be led by your instinct and preferences.
If you’re determined to continue trying to breastfeed too, that’s amazing! The best formula for newborns that are breastfeeding is simply one that’s well tolerated and affordable – that’s it. There’s no magic formula that works for everyone.
2. Accessibility
Because it’s going to be an ongoing purchase at least until your baby turns one, it’s pretty essential to choose a newborn formula that you can easily access. This means:
- It’s affordable enough for you to sustain until they’re 12 months old (when you can wean off formula safely)
- It’s readily available for you to purchase locally or online.
Keep in mind that premium brands that aren’t available in supermarkets may be more susceptible to supply chain issues and be hard to get sometimes.
3. Health concerns
If your newborn has recurring symptoms, sensitivities, allergies, or isn’t growing well, your formula choice may hold more weight. Speak to your paediatrician or maternal child health nurse for advice on what is the best baby formula in Australia for your little one’s condition.
Here are some examples of health issues that might impact your choice of newborn formula:
- Premature birth – the best formula for premature babies in Australia is pre-term formula, which has extra nutrients and proteins to support ‘catch-up’ growth.
- Poor weight gain – it’s a good idea to get your baby checked out if they’re not gaining weight. Your paediatrician may look for medical issues, or advise on the best formula milk for baby 0–6 months to gain weight, such as one with extra protein.
- Allergies – there’s a spectrum when it comes to infant allergies. There are milder allergic reactions like eczema, and severe allergies like cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). The best formula for eczema in Australia may be a hypoallergenic blend that’s partially hydrolysed, while the best formula for babies with a milk allergy will be an extensively hydrolysed formula or similar. Speak to your healthcare professional for advice on hypoallergenic formulas.
- Digestive troubles – if your baby cries a lot after feeding, maybe their formula simply doesn’t agree with them. The best formula for a gassy baby or one with an easily upset tummy is likely an easy to digest formula, such as a hydrolysed blend with smaller particles, or a goat’s milk formula.
4. Real-life reviews and testimonials
Parents who’ve used formula often land on a brand they’ll preach about till the cows (or goats) come home. It can be useful chatting to friends and family members about what they found to be the best formula for their newborn.
Third party product review websites can be useful too – for example, check out Product Review’s list of best baby formulas. And if you’re considering trying a type of formula, look for authentic reviews about it before committing.
The best formula for newborns in Australia: Is it goat’s milk formula?
Lots of babies thrive on goat’s milk formula. Of course it’s not for everyone – it does taste different to cow’s milk formula,
Is goat’s milk formula good for newborn babies, though? For most babies, absolutely! There are plenty of benefits of goat’s milk formula for newborns.
It’s naturally high in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), making it closer in composition to human breast milk than cow’s milk. Goat’s milk formula is also easier for newborns to digest because it contains smaller protein and fat particles that are gentler on tiny tummies. It’s can also be a suitable formula option for babies with tummy sensitivities, such as cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI).
The only real disadvantages of goat’s milk formula for babies are that it may come with a higher price tag than cheap cow’s milk formula brands, and it can make baby vomit smell pretty nasty (!). But these things are easy to overlook when you consider its benefits to newborn development, health and happiness.
Oli6 Goat Milk Formula is widely recognised as one of the best goat milk formulas for newborn babies in Australia. To give it a try, shop online or find it in your local Woolworths, Coles or Chemist Warehouse.
