We often hear the phrase “breast is best,” because, in effect, it is true. Pediatricians throw this line around a lot, especially since the World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life and continue for as long as possible. After all, breast milk was designed for human babies and has numerous health benefits.
Unfortunately, many factors may arise that could lead to you not being able to breastfeed your baby. For some, the decision on what baby milk to give is often based on specific medical situations, lifestyle, and comfort level.
For mothers who cannot breastfeed or choose not to, baby formula is a healthy alternative, especially for children below one. Other milk, such as cow’s milk and powdered milk drinks, should not be fed to infants and are only recommended for healthy young children older than a year old.
Before you decide to give your baby formula milk, be entirely sure of your decision, as it is often difficult to revert the decision to stop breastfeeding. Also, any decision must be done with your pediatrician's knowledge. Letting your child’s doctor know of your decision is important as he or she would know what needs to be adjusted in your child’s nutritional diet.
In this list, you will find a list of safe infant formula brands trusted by mamas. While we do not claim that these are the best baby formulas, we’ve come up with a quick summary of brands and their specifications for you to learn the difference between each of them.
Wyeth Nutrition
Wyeth Nutrition develops premium nutritional products designed to cater to the needs of mothers and children. They have been doing business in the country for over 100 years.
Promil Organic
• Intended for Ages: Pre-schoolers over 3 years old
• Nutrients:
- No chemical pesticides and antibiotics
- DHA, AA, Iodine, & Vitamin B12 to help with mental and visual development
- Vitamin A & C to boost immunity
- Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Zinc to promote proper growth
- Oligofructose (Dietary Fiber) to improve digestive health
• Allergen Information: Milk and Soy
• Organic (Y/N): YES
Promil Gold Four
- Intended for Ages: Pre-schoolers over 3 years old
- 3.6 kg
- Allergen Information: Milk and Soy
- Organic (Y/N): NO
S-26 Promil 3
• Intended for Ages: 1-3 years old
• Nutrients:
- Protein source based on cow’s milk
- DHA and ARA an important building block for brain and eye development
- Lutein, a predominant component of the eye retina
- Choline, Iron, Zinc, and Iodine to support overall mental and cognitive functioning
- Vitamins C, D, E, and Folic Acid to boost the immune system
- B-Vitamins, Nucleotides, Biotin, Alpha-lactalbumin, Taurine, Pantothenic Acid for overall growth and development
- Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C for strong bones and teeth
• Allergen Information: Milk, Soy, and Fish Oil
• Organic (Y/N): NO
S-26
• Intended for Ages: 0-6 months
• Price Point: ₱1,361 for 1.2 kg
• Nutrients:
- Lutein, a predominant component of the eye retina
- Choline, Iron, Zinc, and Iodine to support overall mental and cognitive functioning
- Vitamins C, D, E, and Folic Acid to boost the immune system
- B-Vitamins, Nucleotides, Biotin, Alpha-lactalbumin, Taurine, Pantothenic Acid for overall growth and development
- Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C for strong bones and teeth
• Allergen Information: Milk and Soy
• Organic (Y/N): NO
S-26 Organic
• Intended for Ages: 0-12 months
• Price Point: ₱1,728.00 for 900g
• Allergen Information: No Information Available
• Organic (Y/N): YES
S-26 Gold
• Intended for Ages: 0-6 months
• Price Point: ₱1,891 for 1.2 kg
• Specifications and Nutrients:
- Sphingomyelin, a phospholipid derived from whey protein
- DHA and ARA an important building block for brain and eye development
- Lutein, a predominant component of the eye retina
- Choline, Iron, Zinc, and Iodine to support overall mental and cognitive functioning
- Vitamins C, D, E, and Folic Acid to boost the immune system
- B-Vitamins, Nucleotides, Biotin, Alpha-lactalbumin, Taurine, Pantothenic Acid for overall growth and development
- Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C for strong bones and teeth
• Allergen Information: Milk and Soy
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Bonakid Pre-School 3+
• Intended for Ages: 3 years above
• Nutrients:
- Triple Boost Formula for Immunity, Growth, and Energy
- Vitamins A, D, E, K, and C
- B-Vitamins, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Carotenes
• Allergen Information: No Information Available
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Abbott
Abbott prides itself on being a company that helps people live fully by keeping them healthy. Its products are available for people of all ages, beginning from infancy.
Similac Gainschool HMO BIB
• Intended for Ages: 3+ Years Old
• Price Point: ₱1340.64 for 1.2 kg
• Nutrients:
- HMO for immunity, protecting your child’s gut to promote a healthy digestive system and beyond
- DHA, AA, Omega 6, Taurine, Chlorine, Iron, Zinc, Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 to help support cognitive development
- Protein, Calcium, Vitamins K and D to develop stronger bones
• Allergen Information: No Information Available
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Similac TummiCare HW Two
• Intended for Ages: 1-3 Years Old
• Price Point: ₱1214 for 800g
• Specifications and Nutrients:
- Allergen Information: Hypoallergenic & Lactose-free
- Easy-to-digest formula with Similac TummiCare system
- EyeQ Plus with Lutein, AA, and DHA to support brain and eye development
- No Palm oil, scientifically formulated for nutrient absorption
- Vitamins A, D3, K, and B-Vitamins to support cognitive development, boost the immune system and support bone development
• Allergen Information: No Information Available
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Similac Gain HMO BIB
• Intended for Ages: Infants 6-12 months
• Price Point: ₱1677 for 1.2 kg
• Nutrients:
- HMO: Human Milk Oligosaccharides, a prebiotic found in human milk which boosts immunity and provides several health benefits to a growing child.
- Combination of DHA, Lutein, and Natural RRR Vitamin E
- DHA to maintain normal brain function
- 10 Key brain development nutrients with Eye-Q Plus, DHA, AA, Omega 6, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Zinc, B-Vitamins to support overall cognitive development
- Protein, Calcium, Vitamins K and D to support bone development
- Prebiotics like FOS and Inulin to stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract
- Nucleotides to support normal cell function and replication
- Antioxidant nutrients Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Natural Vitamin E to protect cells
- Vitamin B12, D, and Zinc to provide support to normal functions of the immune system
• Allergen Information: No Information Available
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Similac HMO BIB
• Intended for Ages: Infants 0-6 months
• Price Point: ₱1781 for 1.2 kg
• Nutrients:
- HMO: Human Milk Oligosaccharides, a prebiotic found in human milk which boosts immunity and provides several health benefits to a growing child.
- Combination of DHA, Lutein, and Natural RRR Vitamin E
- 10 Key brain development nutrients with Eye-Q Plus, DHA, AA, Omega 6, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Zinc, B-Vitamins to support overall cognitive development
- Protein, Calcium, Vitamins K and D to support bone development
- Prebiotics like FOS and Inulin to stimulate growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract
- Nucleotides to support normal cell function and replication
- Antioxidant nutrients Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Natural Vitamin E to protect cells
- Vitamin B12, D, folic acid, and Zinc to provide support to normal functions of the immune system
• Allergen Information: No Information Available
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Similac Neosure
• Intended for Ages: Premature infants 0-12 months
• Price Point: ₱1356.56 for 850g
• Specification and Nutrients:
- Not for infants with galactosemia
- Increased protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals
- Extra calories for growth
- Calcium and Phosphorus to help baby’s growing bones
- Supports better gains in weight, length, and head circumference for premature babies
• Allergen Information: Milk and Soya
• Organic (Y/N): NO
HiPP Organic
HiPP Organic is a company inspired by the benefits of nature. It is formulated using only the finest organic milk and prides its products on being free from gluten, soya, wheat, peanut, eggs, etc.
Infant Formula
• Intended for Ages: 0-6 months
• Price Point: ₱3192 for 1.6 kg
• Specifications and Nutrients:
- FREE from gluten-containing ingredients, artificial flavors and colors (as required by law), and soy protein
- LCP for brain and eyesight development
- Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and nerve cells
- DHA and AA
• Allergen Information: Free from Allergens & GMOs
• Organic (Y/N): YES
Combiotic Support Infant Formula
• Intended for Ages: 0-12 months
• Nutrients:
- FREE from gluten-containing ingredients, artificial flavors and colors (as required by law), and soy protein
- Natural Probiotic (lactobacillus fermentum hereditum), with an unchanged original lactic acid culture from breast milk. It contributes to the modulation of immune response.
- Prebiotic GOS, with stool consistency and frequency similar to breastfed children and promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria
- Palmitic Acid, or saturated fatty acids found in breast milk which is responsible for less watery and more yellowy stools, similar to breastfed children
- Omega 3 and 6 LCP for cognitive and visual development
- Low protein content tailored to physiological needs, obtained from high-quality organic milk and whey
• Allergen Information: Free from Allergens & GMOs
• Organic (Y/N): YES
Milk Supplement
• Intended for Ages: 1-3 Years Old
• Price Point: ₱4080 for 2.4 kg
- FREE from gluten-containing ingredients, artificial flavors and colors (as required by law), and soy protein
- Iron for growth, blood formation, and cognitive development
- Iodine for thyroid function and cognitive development
- Calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones and teeth and to boost the immune system
- Omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive and visual development
- Protein content suitable for toddlers
• Allergen Information: Free from Allergens & GMOs
• Organic (Y/N): YES
Kinder Milk
• Intended for Ages: 3+ Years Old
• Price Point: ₱4594 for 3.6 kg
- FREE from gluten-containing ingredients, artificial flavors and colors (as required by law), and soy protein
- Prebiotic GOS, with stool consistency and frequency similar to breastfed children and promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria
- Calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones and teeth and to boost the immune system
- Omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive and visual development
- Protein content suitable for toddlers
- Allergen Information: Free from Allergens & GMOs
• Organic (Y/N): YES
Nestlé
Nestlé has been a trusted brand by Filipinos ever since it first started operating in the country over a hundred years ago. The company prides itself on bringing the best food and beverage to Filipino consumers throughout the many stages in their lives. Currently, the company carries a range of milk and baby formula such as:
Nido Organic
• Intended for Ages: 3+ Years Old
• Price Point: ₱899 for 800g
• Nutrients:
- Iron which contributes to normal cognitive function
- Vitamins B6 & B12 which contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- Protein which contributes to growth in muscle mass
- Calcium & Vitamin D which contribute to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- Other Vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system and contribute to overall development such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 & B2, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Zinc, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid
• Allergen Information: Milk and Soya
• Organic (Y/N): YES
Nido 5+ Advanced Protectus
• Intended for Ages: 5+ Years Old
• Price Point: ₱570 for 1.2 kg
• Nutrients:
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) which helps support protect the upper respiratory tract
- Prebio3, a dietary fiber that helps support a healthy digestive system
- Iron, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamins A & C that help support immunity
- Zinc, Vitamin A, B-Vitamins, and Vitamin D that promote health and development
- DHA which is an essential building block for the brain
• Allergen Information: Milk, Soya, and Fish Oil
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Mead Johnson
Mead Johnson first started doing business in the Philippines in the 1950s. Since then, it has been a leading brand that provides infant formula and other nutritional products that promote healthy growth and development.
Enfagrow Four A+
• Intended for Ages: 3+ Years Old
• Price Point: ₱1659.48 for 1.8 kg
• Nutrients:
- Only milk formula with MFGM Pro, which together with DHA, gives 2x power for brain connections to support cognitive development and emotional intelligence
- "Brainergy" Complex (Iron, Iodine, Zinc, and DHA) to support brain development
- Calcium, Vitamin D, Phosphorus, and Magnesium for strong bones and teeth
- Vitamin A, Iron, Zinc, Beta-Glucan, and Prebiotics mix to support brain development and immunity
• Allergen Information: Milk, Soya, and Fish Oil
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Lactum 3+ Years
• Intended for Ages: 3+ Years Old
• Nutrients:
- Vitamin C and Prebiotic Inulin to support immunity and a healthy tummy
- Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin A, and Selenium for stronger immunity against common infections
- DHA, Iron, and Iodine to support healthy brain function and development
- Calcium and Vitamin D to support bone health and development
• Allergen Information: No Information Found
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Lactum 6+ Years
• Intended for Ages:
• Price Point: ₱649.36 for 1.2 kg
• Nutrients:
- Vitamin C and Prebiotic Inulin to support immunity and a healthy tummy
- Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin A, and Selenium for stronger immunity against common infections
- DHA, Iron, and Iodine to support healthy brain function and development
- Calcium and Vitamin D to support bone health and development
• Organic (Y/N): NO
Now that you know the difference between several formula milk options, it is up to you to determine which you believe is best for your child. Always remember to decide with the help of your pediatrician for him/her to guide you in choosing.
It is also important to read through the instructions found on the milk packaging to determine the proper storage, usage, and mixing of the formula. Keep in mind that improper handling, storage, and use of formula milk or any milk substitutes can lead to numerous health hazards and the growth of bacteria.
Although breastmilk is best for babies up to two years, rest easy knowing that formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and, yes, mama, thrive! Deciding to feed your baby with baby formula could lead to many thoughts, and many mamas worry about not being able to bond with their little ones.
It is important to remember that there are many ways to form a special bond with your baby at the end of the day. Yes, feeding is one of them, but it doesn’t matter how you choose to do that – it is a great time to strengthen that bond regardless.
