The 5 baby formula brands raising the standard for ingredients, with expert recommendations

Everyone wants to feed their baby the best, but for new parents, it can be difficult to know what to look for when choosing the right formula.While the concept of a “clean” formula is more of a marketing term than a federally defined standard, there are several certifications, testing practices and ingredient standards that many parents consider when evaluating infant formula brands.For guidance, The Post consulted Katie Larson-Nath, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and member of the Committee on Nutrition at the American Academy of Pediatrics.She emphasized that the most important consideration is choosing a formula that meets federal safety requirements“All formula should be registered with the FDA, which has the most comprehensive screening process for formulas available in the United States,” Larson-Nath explained.While FDA registration is a good starting point, many parents also weigh additional factors when selecting a formula, including whether it’s certified organic, independently tested for purity and contaminants such as heavy metals, and made without certain additives.Below, we’ve rounded up five well-regarded infant formulas that are frequently considered “clean” options based on those criteria.Pros:Cons:For parents looking for a formula made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and without unnecessary additives, Little Spoon’s Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula is a standout choice.Made with organic, grass-fed whole milk from New Zealand cows that graze 365 days a year on nutrient-rich pastures, compared to the US organic minimum of 120 days.

The formula uses lactose — the primary carbohydrate naturally found in breast milk — as its sole carbohydrate source.It’s also made without palm oil, corn syrup, or GMOs and many parents report that their babies tolerate it well.

On top of that, it contains FOS prebiotics and the five nucleotides found in breast milk, while its 60:40 whey-to-casein protein ratio is modeled after breast milk for ea...