OP I know you didn't ask, but I would highly recommend getting rid of this "best" mindset. There are so, so many conflicting opinions out there (see, e.g., this thread) about what's the "best." Do your research, sure, but ultimately this is not that big of a deal and it's something you can easily drive yourself crazy over. The best one is whatever your kid drinks and tolerates the best. It is not going to make any difference to your kid's life whether you use organic German formula or the Costco brand.

The only specific advice I can give is that I think the RTF bottles were incredibly convenient and, at least for a newborn, I found using RTF helped with peace of mind.

Also, find a pediatrician you like and trust for these kind of questions. It can help cut through all the internet noise.

Anonymous wrote:All of these things are true at once:

1. All American formulas are basically the same, no matter the price, because there are very strict safety standards regarding formula. Pricier doesn't necessarily mean better.

2. European formula is safe IN EUROPE

3. Buying European formula on the grey market, when you don't know how it's been shipped or stored or how old it is, negates any potential benefits of European formula

4. Truly your kid doesn't care, just give them what they like

Look at the ingredients - american formulas really vary even the generics. They do have a minimum standard but they are each different. We had to try many.

I wouldn't doe European as they are hard to get and aren't regulated in the US.

European Baby Formula That Is Illegally Sold in the United States Carries Risks, Pediatricians Warn

"The potential dangers are numerous. Children can fall ill or become malnourished if parents inadvertently use an incorrect formula-to-water ratio; unofficial formula vendors may not store the powdered formula properly, raising the possibility of bacterial contamination, product deterioration or loss in nutrient density; there is no system in place to notify consumers in the United States if any of these formulas are recalled; and while many European formulas contain the nutrients required in the United States, some do not. In addition, parents in the United States may not realize that European formulas labeled hypoallergenic aren’t meant for children with cow’s milk allergies."

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/18/parenting/baby/european-formula.html

All of these things are true at once:

1. All American formulas are basically the same, no matter the price, because there are very strict safety standards regarding formula. Pricier doesn't necessarily mean better.

2. European formula is safe IN EUROPE

3. Buying European formula on the grey market, when you don't know how it's been shipped or stored or how old it is, negates any potential benefits of European formula

4. Truly your kid doesn't care, just give them what they like

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.

This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.

Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.

I’m not saying it is junk. I’m saying that it is considered junk. My point is that Holle and HIPP are not premium brands in Europe. Aptamil is.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.

This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.

Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.

We were in the same boat, tried German formula for a while, and ultimately switched to Happy Baby Organic after I learned more about the grey market PP mentions above. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.

So babies in Europe that are formula fed are nutrient deficient? Somehow I don’t think so.

We used Hipp and Holle and preferred it to Enfamil. They smelled better and his poop was the same as it was when I was BF’ing.

Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.

This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.

Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.

Anonymous wrote:They're all legally required to have the same nutritional profile and there is no meaningful difference.

I use the Target brand which is similar to Similac

I was thinking about the European brands like HIPP and Holle vs the organic US-based brands. Apparently Europe has more stringent standards as to what can go into formula and whether ingredients and nutrients are synthetic or naturally derived. Was wondering if anyone has ever had to make a similar decision and what they decided was best.

They're all legally required to have the same nutritional profile and there is no meaningful difference.

I use the Target brand which is similar to Similac

The best is the one your kid will drink.

Planning to bf but want to be prepared and have formula researched just in case. What is the best brand of organic formula out there? What should I be looking out for? Cost is not an issue- We just want the very best option for baby.