While all infant formulas help to nourish your baby, there are different types. Some are specially formulated to support specific needs your baby may have.
If you need help choosing a formula, talk to your doctor. You can also compare options with our Formula Finder.
The different types of baby formula and toddler drinks
Before trying a new feeding option, consult your child’s doctor for a recommendation based on their needs. Infant formulas provide complete nutrition to support your baby’s growth and development and have important vitamins and minerals.
Milk-based, iron-fortified formula
This is the most common type of formula, and it’s often recommended by doctors. If this is your first time feeding with formula, it’s a good place to start. The carbohydrates in these formulas come from lactose, which is the major carbohydrate in breast milk.
Our closest formula to breast milk is milk-based Similac® 360 Total Care® formula. Another milk-based option is Pure Bliss® by Similac®, which starts with fresh milk from grass-fed cows and has been imported from Europe since 2016.
Formulas for fussiness, gas & mild spit-up
- Sensitive infant formula
If your little one shows signs of a sensitive tummy, like fussiness, gas, or mild spit-up, sensitive formulas are designed to help. They contain carbohydrates such as maltodextrins, instead of lactose, making them suitable for infants who may be sensitive to lactose.
Try Similac® 360 Total Care® Sensitive, our closest sensitive formula to breast milk, which was created for babies with sensitive tummies.
- Partially hydrolyzed protein-based infant formula
If you’ve tried a sensitive formula and your baby is still showing signs of fussiness, gas, and mild spit-up, partially hydrolyzed protein-based formulas may help. This type of formula is also good for babies with lactose sensitivity.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort® has partially hydrolyzed whey protein and is great for babies who have difficulty tolerating other milk-based formulas.
- Soy-based formula
If your baby has fussiness or gas when feeding with other formulas, you might want to try a soy-based formula. Soy-based formulas have been clinically shown to help reduce fussiness and gas. Your doctor may also recommend a soy formula if your baby has galactosemia. Vegan families often prefer a soy-based formula for their babies.
No other soy-based formula has been studied more than Similac® Soy Isomil®, which supports normal growth throughout infancy. If your baby’s fussiness or gas seems excessive, ask your baby’s physician about switching.
Specialized nutrition baby formula
If your baby has a food allergy or other specific nutrition needs, specialized nutrition formulas can help meet their needs.
For cow’s milk allergy, your baby’s doctor might recommend Similac® Alimentum®. It’s a hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed protein-based formula for infants with colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity and food allergies.
To learn more about food allergies and the formula options, check out our Food Allergy and Colic section.
Similac® NeoSure® is specially designed for babies born prematurely to promote catch-up growth on the outside—and important development on the inside. It’s a nutrient-enriched formula that has increased protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to term infant formula.
For more information on nutrition for babies born prematurely, check out our Preemie section.
Organic baby formula
Organic formulas contain the same ingredients you would find in a standard, milk-based, iron-fortified formula. The difference is that all certified USDA-organic products must meet the USDA’s strict production and labeling standards. Products with the USDA organic seal must contain at least 95% organic ingredients and have no genetically modified ingredients. Learn more about Similac® Organic.
For more info on our organic formulas, visit our Organic & Non-GMO Formulas page.
Toddler drink
As your baby grows into a toddler and you start introducing new foods, they may miss out on some important nutrients. Toddler formulas, like Go & Grow 360 Total Care® by Similac®, are designed for children between ages 12 and 36 months and can help fill nutrient gaps.
To learn more about the nutrition needs of your toddler, visit our Toddler section.