There cannot be any compromise on the baby’s health and nutrition, especially during their infancy. Those times are crucial as they undergo primary body developmental stages that require the right kind of care.
While we know that a mother’s milk is the ultimate source of nutrition, it might be unattainable at times. That is when you will require baby milk powder. It is also known as a baby formula in western culture.
As your baby’s health is at stake, it is necessary to choose the best milk powder for the baby. To help you do the same, our team of pediatricians researched and tested over 25 different milk powders for babies. They selected the 10 best ones out of that lot and prepared the following article with its detailed reviews and an informative buying guide.
Best Milk Powder For Baby In India 2024
As you wouldn’t want to give a mediocre milk powder to your child, we suggest going through each and every product before making the final call.
Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder
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Overall Score: 4.4/5
The Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder is our number 1 recommendation for babies under six months.
This supplement contains whey protein and probiotics (L.reuteri). Studies suggest that whey protein increases the baby’s digestibility. It also denotes that the babies get the maximum nutrition through this milk powder.
As this powder is spray-dried, its quality is dependable for your kids’ wellbeing. Moreover, this milk powder comes in bag-in-box packaging to retain freshness and hygiene.
When it comes to consistency, this powder mixes well with water without causing any lumps.
You can also try LACTOGEN 2, 3, and 4 as and when your baby grows up.
Highlights:
- Made with whey protein and probiotics
- Spray-dried
- Mixes well
- High digestibility
- Bag-inbox packaging
- Suitable for babies up to 6 months
Similac Infant Formula Stage 1
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Overall Score: 4.3/5
The Similac Infant Formula Stage 1 is suitable for infants under 6 months. This formula is made with neuro-nutrients like Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. It helps in meeting your child’s daily nutrition needs along with facilitating better sleep.
It is also loaded with other nutrients like iodine, zinc, iron, choline, taurine, and folic acid to lead to the better brain development of your child. Moreover, the presence of Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus supports the healthy growth and development of your child.
It also leads to a stronger immune system to protect your child from several kinds of infections and diseases.
This is also spray-dried formula milk, similar to the previous product. It might get frothy, but that has nothing to do with the quality.
You can also get Similac 2, 3, and 4 as and when your baby grows up.
Highlights:
- Made with iodine, zinc, iron, choline, taurine, and folic acid
- Strengthens the immune system
- Leads to bone development
- Spray-dried formula milk
- Suitable for children up to 6 months
Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula
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Overall Score: 4.5/5
The Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula is a spray-dried instant formula made with DHA ARA for the best development of infants.
While the DHA leads to brain and cognitive development, ARA helps in strengthening the immune system. The combination of both can also facilitate visual development, bone formation, blood vessel function, and blood flow.
This formula also contains whey protein along with Vitamin A, C, D, Zinc, and Iron to help your baby get the best nutrition.
The bag-in-box packaging maintains the hygiene aspect of this milk powder. Moreover, it makes it easier for you to store it.
You can also try NAN PRO 2, 3, and 4 once your baby grows up.
Highlights:
- Made with DHA ARA
- Contains whey protein
- Leads to brain development
- Baby gets the necessary nutrition
- Bag-in-box packaging
- Suitable for kids up to 6 months
Enfamil A+ Stage 1 Infant Formula
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Overall Score: 4.4/5
The Enfamil A+ Stage 1Infant Formula is made with expert-recommended levels of DHA and ARA.
DHA help accentuates brain and visual development. Moreover, with its high nutritional value, your child gets the necessary support for learning.
On the other hand, ARA reduces the chances of getting respiratory illnesses like asthma. It also reduces wheezing in childing.
In addition to that, this baby formula contains iron and choline. The presence of iron supports neurological development. It also facilitates blood flow to all the body parts.
Choline leads to brain development and cell membrane structure.
It comes in a container that not only retains the nutrients but also makes it easier for you to store the powder.
Highlights:
- Made with expert-recommended levels of DHA and ARA
- Contains iron and choline
- Leads to brain development
- Reliable packaging
- Suitable for children up to 6 months
Nutricia’s Aptamil 1 Infant Formula Powder
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Overall Score: 4.5/5
Nutricia’s Aptamil 1 Infant Formula Powder contains probiotics to provide the best nutrition to your child.
It contains a scientifically proven blend of Prebiotic Oligosaccharides that helps in strengthening the immune system. In addition to that, it also contains certain beneficial levels of DHA that leads to brain and visual development.
This baby milk powder is also infused with nutrients like Vitamin A, C, E, zinc, beta carotene, etc., to protect your child from infections. It also leads to faster and better physical development.
The whey casein ratio of 60:40 is sufficient to promote better digestive health. Moreover, your child gets the necessary energy along with the necessary nutrients.
The bag-in-box packaging retains the quality and allows you to provide the best nutrition to your child in the absence of breast milk.
Highlights:
- Made with probiotics
- Contains DHA, vitamin A, C, E, etc.
- Whey casein ration 60:40
- Brain development, visual development, and better immune system
- Bag-in-box packaging
- Suitable for children up to 6 months
Nestle Nan Lo Lac Infant Formula Powder
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Overall Score: 4.6/5
If you are planning to feed milk powder to your baby till they turn 2, we recommend the Nestle Nan Lo Lac Infant Formula Powder. This is also specifically made for children who are lactose intolerant.
This milk powder contains low lactose to provide all the nutrients to the babies without causing any side effects. As it contains several types of vitamins and nutrients, this milk powder leads to brain and body development. It also does not prove to be a hurdle in your child’s digestion.
This powder is suitable for children up to 2 years of age.
Highlights:
- Made with low lactose
- Contains vitamins
- Leads to body development
- Bag-in-box packaging
- Suitable for kids up to 2 years
Nestle Nido Fortified Full Cream Milk Powder
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Overall Score: 4.4/5
The Nestle Nido Fortified Full Cream Milk Powder is one of the most healthy and suitable milk powders for children above the age of one.
This full fortified cream is enriched in iron, Vitamin A, C, and B-vitamins. This promotes better growth and development of your child. Not only does it lead to physical development, but it also facilitates brain development.
The milk powder comes in a tin that allows you to store it without any hassle. Moreover, it mixes well with water.
Highlights:
- Fortified full cream
- Rich in Vitamins A, C, and B-vitamins
- Brain and body development
- Tin packaging
- Suitable for kids above 1
Dexolac Premium Stage 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder
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Overall Score: 4.4/5
The Dexolac Premium Stage 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder is made with DHA, ARA, choline, taurine, iodine, and iron for the all-round development of your child.
The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids lead to visual development. Moreover, the presence of calcium leads to better development of bones. Choline helps prevent neural tube defects. Taurine leads to better muscular and neurological functions. Lastly, iron and iodine support better brain development.
It comes in tin packaging for better storage.
Highlights:
- Made with DHA, ARA, choline, taurine, iodine, and iron \
- Brain and bone development
- Tin packaging
- Suitable for infants up to 6 months
Farex 1 Infant Formula
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Overall Score: 4.4/5
If your child gets gas after consuming milk powder formula, we suggest the Farex 1 Infant Formula.
This whey predominant formula leads to better digestion without any gas issues. It also contains zinc and nucleotides for strengthening the immune function of your baby. This reduces the chances of getting infections.
The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids present in this formula leads to better visual and brain development. With its 100% lactose, your child gets the best nutrition.
Highlights:
- Made with whey
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Does not cause gas
- Brain and visual development
- Suitable for infants up to 6 months
Neocate LCP Amino acid-based Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder
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Overall Score: 4.6/5
If your infant has a cow milk allergy, we recommend the Neocate LCP Amino acid-based Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder.
This milk powder is amino acid-based Hypoallergenic formula that is made from cow’s milk protein. It provides all the necessary nutrients without any side effects.
This formula is free from lactose and sucrose. Moreover, as it contains nucleotides, it leads to better immune systems and gut health.
You must only take this powder for special medical purposes. So, before you try it out, it is best to consult with your pediatrician.
Highlights:
- Amino acid-based Hypoallergenic formula
- Free from lactose and sucrose
- Contains nucleotides
- Use under supervision
- Suitable for kids up to 12 months
What Is Baby Milk Powder?
Baby Milk powder is a powdered form of cow’s skimmed milk, specially formulated for infants up to 12 months of age. In addition to that, it contains emulsifiers and stabilisers to enhance the mixability of the powder. It allows the oils and water to mix when you prepare the feed.
Even though milk powders are not advisable for everyday usage, it can come in handy when it is not available.
Benefits Of Baby Milk Powder
In case the mother is unable to feed the baby, or the baby is having a tough time digesting breast milk, milk powder formula is a perfectly healthy alternative. The following benefits will help you understand in a better manner:
- Milk powder is rich in nutrients.
- It helps in facilitating body and brain development.
- It contains all the goodness that can protect the baby from infections and diseases.
- Most of the milk powder formulas have high digestibility. This prevents any constipation and gas issues in infants.
- You can prepare the formula and feed it at any time, irrespective of the time and place.
- Mothers can eat anything as their diet is not going to affect their child’s.
- It is more convenient, especially for working mothers. They can prepare the feed and give it to the caregiver to feed to the child later.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Milk Powder For Baby?
If you are looking to get the best formula for your infant, we highly suggest going through the following buying guide before making a purchase decision:
1. Nutrients
As the milk powder is going to be responsible for your baby’s nutrition intake and health, it is best to glance at the nutrients. It must contain basic nutrients like zinc, probiotics, whey protein, iron, calcium, etc.
Such a wide amalgamation can help with physical as well as brain development. It can also strengthen the immune system and protect your baby from infections and diseases.
2. Lactose Content
If your child is lactose intolerant or has a cow milk allergy, check the lactose content of the milk powder. You will also find several milk powders with no or low lactose so that your child can get the best nutrition without any side effects or discomfort.
3. Mixability
Ensure that the milk powder mixes well with water without causing any lumps. You can determine this by going through the reviews online.
4. Quantity
If you are planning to use the baby milk powder regularly, it is more cost-effective to get a larger packet. However, if you are unsure about the brand or the allergies, it might cause, get a smaller one and try it out to see the results.
How To Prepare Milk With Milk Powder For Baby?
Unless and until you follow the right steps, you might not be able to ace that baby milk powder preparation. To help you through the process, go through the following steps and prepare the best feed for your child:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before preparing milk powder for your child.
- Determine the feed required for your child. According to that, remove the powder from the package.
- Take the necessary water and boil it in a clean container for five minutes.
- Refer to the feeding table and pour the lukewarm water into the bottle.
- Add the required amount of scoops to the bottle.
- Mix or shake it well till the powder mixes completely with the milk.
- Attach the nipple to the bottle or use a spoon to feed your baby.
Even though it is completely okay to feed cold milk to your baby, you can warm it up as well. Simply place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Test the temperature by putting a few drops on your hand. If it is suitable, you can feed it to your child.
Tips While Using Milk Powder For Baby
Even though milk powder is completely safe for kids, keep the following tips in mind for the sake of your child’s health:
- Never use unclean vessels to prepare the milk for your child. Even if they appear clean, it is best to wash them up with some dish soap and warm water to get rid of germs and bacteria.
- Always follow the instructions written on the milk powder package.
- Avoid preparing the formula with cold water. Always bring it to a boil to kill the germs.
- Pour the milk into a clean bottle or bowl to feed your baby.
- If your baby uses a bottle, do not refrigerate it as it might carry the germs from your baby’s mouth. Just pour it into another container.
- Do not warm the milk bottles using a microwave. Instead, place it in a bowl of boiling water.
- Finish up the feed before 24 hours.
- If any allergy persists, check with your paediatrician immediately.
FAQs
1. How long can I keep powdered baby milk?
You can store up prepared milk powder for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator. If you have to carry it, place the bottle in a cool bag or in-between ice bags and use it in two to four hours.
2. How long does it take for a baby to adjust to powder formula?
Your baby might not get acclimated to powder formula right away. They might take up to 4-5 days to adjust to the new powder. During that time frame, you might also notice stool changes or gas issues with your child. If it persists, stop feeding them formula and get it checked with your doctor.
3. Can I change my baby formula without a doctor?
You can change your baby formula without consulting a doctor as far as it is the same type. But upon trying a newer one, if your baby gets sick, it is best to rush to the doctor at once.
4. How long does it take the formula to fully digest in a baby’s tummy?
While breast milk takes up to 2 hours to digest, milk powder or formula takes 4 hours. But there are several milk powders with high digestibility that does not cause any gas issues.
Final Note
If you are still confused, you will not be disappointed with our top recommendation- the Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder. This spray-dried formula is loaded with probiotics and whey protein to provide the best nutrition to your children. Moreover, it mixes well without causing any lumps.
However, even before listening to us, we advise you to consult with your doctor to get a better idea about milk powder.
