I was in the grocery store recently, and a young couple seemed to be struggling with what formula to buy their infant. So being the dietitian that I am, helped them out! After asking a few questions to make sure their infant did not have a milk allergy, I directed them to the “Lipil”, “Advance” and “+DHA and ARA” section of formula. You may be wondering why….

There are a myriad of formulas available for an infant nowadays. But which is best? Although breast milk IS the best option for your baby, I understand that not everyone wants to or is able to breastfeed. So, if you are in that situation, I’m here to help you choose the best formula for your baby.

The three most common brands of formula are:

• Similac (made by Ross)
• Enfamil (made by Mead Johnson)
• Good Start Supreme (made by Nestle).

They are similar nutritionally. It’s like choosing Kellogg’s or General Mills for cereal–it really is about taste preference.But you might be wondering what the “Advance”, “Lipil” and “DHA & ARA” labels that are attached to these formulas are (i.e., Similac versus Similac Advance, Enfamil versus Enfamil Lipil, and Good Start Supreme versus Good Start Supreme with DHA & ARA).

These formulas (Advance, Lipil, DHA & ARA) contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which are fatty acids that support brain development. Although there are no long term studies out there that have shown beneficial effects (they are in the works from what I read), and some studies have shown no benefit, no studies have shown HARM to the infant when formulas containing DHA & ARA are consumed (and like I mentioned, they support brain development, and in turn, your baby can be smarter!). And if you’re wondering, the reason these companies have added the two fatty acids to formula is because they are already found in breastmilk!

So, when you are shopping for formula for your infant and there is no allergy to milk or soy, choose Similac Advance, Enfamil Lipil, or Good Start Supreme with DHA & ARA.

_{This is not a paid advertisement for any of these formulas. Thanks!}

_{Photo Courtesy Alessandro Perilli}