Best Baby Formula for Newborns Australia in 2026

When it comes to baby formula, parents invariably want to know what is the best formula for their baby and how to select the right one. After all, the right formula will assist with your baby’s development, health and happiness. Most products based on cow’s milk are of similar quality and nutritional value to comply with strict Australian standards.  

Some products have extra ingredients added to them to make them more like breast milk such as antioxidants and probiotics. It’s important to note that no formula can replicate breast milk entirely as it is a unique, living organism. Our guide focuses on the best alternative to breast milk and highlights the differences available on the market. Our top pick overall is Aptamil Prosyneo as it’s a partially hydrolysed, premium formula tailored for sensitive tummies.

Buying the right baby formula can be a tough decision and for many mothers – do you get hydrolysed, or should you go with organic baby formula? It can be a case of trial and error with one product switched out for another after a couple of months, but hopefully, our guide below on How to Choose the Right Baby Formula helps you to make an informed decision.

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Our Top Picks: Best Baby Formula for Newborns in Australia 2026

Top 5 Best Baby Formula Australia 2026

Here is a convenient summary of the best baby formulas available in Australia for newborns!

• Aptamil Prosyneo – a partially hydrolysed infant formula made from cow’s milk
• Bubs Advanced Plus – a goat milk infant formula that is good for sensitive tummies
• Karicare Plus Infant Formula – made from New Zealand milk with no added preservatives
• Aptamil Gold+ Reflux Baby Formula – designed to prevent mild reflux
• Blackmores Newborn Formula – specially formulated for newborns with no added sugars

How to Choose the Right Baby Formula

Disclaimer: Before purchase, please bear in mind that the product may not be suitable for you and your baby. Please read the labels carefully and follow directions for use. Our reviews and guides are not intended as medical advice. If you need medical attention or advice on infant formula, please contact your healthcare professional.

To begin with, babies up to 12 months of age need milk.  You have two choices – breast milk or formula. If you’re going with the latter, here are some features and variables you’ll be faced with when walking down the shopping aisle or in online marketplaces.

Firstly, there are four different types of formula to choose from:

• Cow’s milk-based formula
• Goat’s milk-based formula
• Hydrolysed protein formula
• Soy-based formula

Cow’s Milk-Based Formula

Cow’s milk formula is the most common one found on the market. Formula milks here are based on modified cow’s milk, which is largely recommended over other types of formulas for most babies.

The protein in milk can be broken down into curds (casein) and whey. Casein is lumpy and whey is watery. The ratio of casein to whey can vary according to the type of baby formula milk.

Goat’s Milk-Based Formula

Nutritionally speaking, goat milk and cow milk are quite similar. Differences are slight, with goat milk higher in some vitamins and minerals, and cow milk housing more folic acid and B12 than goat milk. However, this has little bearing on formula though, as all formulas are fortified, they include the right balance of vitamins & minerals to mimic breast milk. 

Some studies suggest that the nutrients in goat’s milk are easier to absorb than cow’s milk, which might give goat’s milk a slight edge over ones from a cow.

It is worth noting that goat’s milk infant formula isn’t a suitable alternative to cow’s milk formula for babies with an allergy to the proteins in cow’s milk. This is because the proteins in cow’s and goat’s milk are so similar, that a baby with an allergy is likely to react to goat’s milk, too.

Hydrolysed Protein Formula

There are two versions of hydrolysed milk available:

• Fully hydrolysed formula (EHF)
• Partially hydrolysed formula (HA)

Fully hydrolysed formula, also called extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF), is specially designed for babies with a diagnosed allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk. Here the proteins in the milk have been broken down into smaller parts for those who may be prone to digestive issues. EHF products are generally lactose-free, so babies with an intolerance to cow’s milk can absorb them more easily.

It isn’t suitable for babies with severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to cow’s milk and should be used only under medical supervision.

HA formula refers to a formula that is partially hydrolysed and made completely from whey protein. It’s marketed as being easier to digest, and as suitable for babies suffering from colic, wind and stomach pain (although some studies dispute the science behind these claims here). It’s also sometimes promoted as being good for babies with, or at risk of allergies.

Please note that HA formulas are not suitable for babies with a cow milk allergy, as not all of the milk proteins in partially hydrolysed milk have been broken down. If you think that your baby may have a milk allergy, it’s best to get advice from a GP.

Soy-Based Formula

Soy-based formulas are made from soybeans and modified with vitamins, minerals and nutrients to make it suitable for formula milk.

Many who choose this approach do so for cultural, religious or medical reasons. If you’re contemplating a soy-based product, it is highly recommended you get advice from your doctor, child health nurse or paediatrician first. This is because, even though manufacturers market their soy formulas as suitable for babies from birth, most health professionals don’t recommend them for babies under six months, or for premature babies.

Also, soy formula isn’t recommended if your baby has a cow’s milk allergy either. Up to six in 10 babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk are also sensitive to soy, too. Some who are keen to go with the soy option, wait until their baby is over 12 months old.

Other Terms Found on Infant Formulas:

• AR: ‘anti-regurgitation’ and means the mixture is thickened (good for reflux)
• LI: Lactose-free formula. These are still cow’s milk formulas but without lactose.
• AAF: Amino Acids formula. 10 percent of babies that have an allergy to cow’s milk will require AAF formula.
• Organic Formula: Refers to how the core ingredients of the formula have been farmed. The milk and vegetables used for the oils in the formula must be “Certified Organic” to come with this labelling.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria (such as bifidobacterium) and may help keep your baby’s digestive system healthy. Prebiotics creates an environment to help the good bacteria grow (good for eczema).
• Gold: The use of the term ‘gold’ means that these formulas have certain types of added fats, known as LCPUFA, which may be good for the development of the brain and eyes.

How A Lactation Consultant Can Help

If you’re going to breastfeed or formula feed your baby, you need a good lactation consultant to advise you on how to handle this natural process of feeding your child. A lactation consultant is a licensed medical professional, such as an obstetrician, who’ll help you identify the signs that your milk supply is low. Hence, you can speak to an obstetrician to guide you on how to make up for lost milk and ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need.

The right amount of milk is essential for the healthy development of the baby’s immune system and for the proper digestion of food. Unfortunately, not all mothers are able to provide this food. During pregnancy, women often experience a loss in milk production. This is sometimes attributed to stress and emotional strain during the delivery.

While milk supply is important for a new mother, it’s not the only factor that influences her health. Gaining weight during pregnancy is one of the biggest contributors to a drop in milk supply. Pregnancy weight gain can be caused by increased hormones and by eating too much during pregnancy. In addition, some women have high blood pressure that can reduce their ability to produce enough estrogen.

A lactation consultant can help you decide what type of formula will work best for your baby’s needs. Some formulas are better for some babies than others. For example, formulas made for older children often don’t work as well with developing babies. You can also find some formula brands that don’t contain the right amount of lactose.

If you find yourself choosing between this type of formula and other types, be sure to read the labels carefully and read up on your options to make sure you get the best formula for your baby’s needs. Your pediatrician can also give you additional advice on this.

Best Baby Formula Reviews Australia 2026

Our Top Pick — Aptamil Prosyneo

Aptamil Prosyneo is a best selling infant formula that is often the one provided to babies in hospital when mum isn’t able to feed her infant.

Of course, breastfeeding is always the best option, but sometimes this isn’t possible and some babies can make the process a bit complicated!

The formula is known to be gentler on the stomach so wind does not build up. As a partially hydrolysed formula, it is specifically tailored for sensitive stomachs.

Hydrolysis is a process that chops-ups or pre-digests protein so amino-acid chains are smaller. The proteins that have gone through this process of hydrolysis are then known as ‘hydrolysed’ and closer in size to the breast milk proteins.  

This makes them easier for babies to digest and therefore less likely that bub will have issues with wind and dreaded bouts of constipation. Beside digestive benefits, studies on hydrolysed proteins indicate they can assist with healthy immune function and less atopic diseases like eczema.  

For us, the proof is in the pudding as it’s a trusted product, popular with babies plus the texture is great too. As it’s not too thick, infants are able to drink it straight away which is perfect when you have a crying baby in your arms.

It’s also great that this product can last your baby a full 12 months from birth as some little ones can be reluctant to change brands once they’ve found a taste they like.

Aptamil Prosyneo is available from Coles, Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse and many major online retailers.

Suitable from birth to 12 months.

Best Hypoallergenic Alternative — Bubs Advanced Plus

Bubs Advanced Plus Formula contains goat milk proteins which generally form a smaller, softer, and looser curd in the gut than cow’s milk. Goat milk protein curds are also broken down (degraded) faster than those from cow milk protein.

As goat milk doesn’t contain the type of casein protein, alpha-S1, that can be problematic in cow milk, Bubs Advanced Plus formula is a suitable alternative.  

It’s also naturally rich in probiotics and nucleotides providing the building blocks to promote healthy growth and development.  

Another plus is that this formula is naturally rich in probiotics and nucleotides and contains fish oil. These added supplements will nutritionally support gentle digestion, baby’s immune system, brain, and eye development.

If you’re after an alternative to products based on cow’s milk and a formula with balanced nutrition, Bubs Advanced Plus Goat Milk Instant Formula is worth checking out. It’s available from Chemist Warehouse and other major stores.

Suitable from birth to 6 months.

Best Budget Option — Karicare Plus Infant Formula

If you’re looking for the best formula at the lower end of the price range, Karicare Plus 1 Infant Formula comes to the rescue.

Let’s face it, the cost of baby formula can really add up putting a strain on the family finances. Parents wanting a nutritionally balanced formula for their precious bundle of joy do not have to miss out on a quality product.

As a brand, Karicare has been trusted for generations and their baby formulas contain key ingredients to support the healthy development of your baby with gentle nutrition for little tummies.

It’s comforting to know there is a reputable product that’s priced at the lower end of the product range, making it a popular choice for many parents. It also doesn’t have a funky smell that’s so often found in other baby formulas.  

It’s easy to prepare and mixes well and the tin, lid and scoop are 100% recyclable, which is awesome.

Karicare does make good products and for an affordable price, this product represents great value for money. 

Karicare Plus 1 Infant Formula is available from Chemist Warehouse, Coles, the Nutricia website and some major online stores.

Suitable from birth to 6 months.

Best for Reflux — Aptamil Gold + Reflux Baby Formula

Aptamil Gold and Reflux Baby Formula is purposefully designed to prevent reflux and regurgitation. The formula is thickened with carob, bean gum to help the milk stay in the stomach. This, in turn, may help reduce the severity and frequency of regurgitation episodes.

It’s not nice seeing your little one suffer from bouts of reflux and bringing up large amounts of milk after their feed. Reflux happens when some stomach contents such as milk (breast or formula) pass from the stomach back up into a baby’s oesophagus and often, out of their mouth. Formula-fed babies particularly are prone to this.

This Aptamil Gold formula is designed to stay in the stomach and to be used for mild reflux or regurgitation and not as an ‘all-purpose’ everyday use product. Nutricia states that Aptamil Gold and Reflux Baby Formula is, “suitable for use during and after reflux is resolved” and “should be used under medical supervision.”

It’s also worth noting that this formula is “not to be used for infants with a diagnosed cows’ milk protein allergy.”

It is a nutritionally complete infant formula that conforms to the strict Australian guidelines that govern the industry.  

Like all of the infant formula listed in this review, we recommend that you seek the right medical advice from your health care professionals on the best treatment and products for your little ones.

Aptamil Gold+ Reflux Baby Formula is available from the Nutricia website, Chemist Warehouse and some major online retailers.

Suitable from birth to 12 months.

Best Australian Made with No Added Sugars — Blackmores Newborn Formula

Blackmores Newborn Formula is a great product that is gentle on tiny tummies and is packed with a whopping blend of over 25 key nutrients. We like that it is Australian made as it not only rigorously conforms to strict Australian standards, but the milk is supplied from the Australian dairy industry (milk sourced from grass-fed cows in the Goulburn Valley.)

Parents who are after a product with no added sugars (sucrose) or artificial sweeteners and/or a gluten-free product, this one is worth checking out.

The addition of OPO and alpha-lactalbumin ensure that essential amino acids are added in an effort to replicate the naturally occurring compound found in breast milk. 

Although it is not a hydrolysed formula, it has a low protein whey dominant formula to assist with digestion.

It mixes well without foam or bubbles and it’s not oily or fishy with a chemical smell.  

Blackmores are a reputable brand and this is one of their trusted products.

Blackmores Newborn Formula is available to purchase from some major online retailers, Chemist Warehouse, Coles and from the Blackmores website directly.

Suitable from birth to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which formula is closest to breast milk?

This is difficult to answer, as breast milk is a living organism, it cannot be replicated.  Also, to comply with Australian standards, all infant formula milks have to contain very similar ingredients to each other. In reality, it would be difficult for a manufacturer to claim that its formula is closer to breastmilk than any other formula and to do so, would be misleading.

When should I switch formula types?

Experts recommend that you change formula types if you notice something like a rash, sleeping difficulties, or is generally unsettled. 

If you think your baby is allergic or intolerant to the formula they’re drinking, or if you think they have reflux or another condition, talk to your doctor or child health nurse for advice before switching brands.

How long does it take per day on average to prepare formula milk?

Formula milk does take some time to prepare due to the sterilising that’s required and the type of formula you use. Making up one bottle could take around 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the temperature required). Therefore, if you give your baby six bottles a day, it could take up to four hours a day to prepare your baby’s formula feeds. It’s best to sterilise several bottles at once and pre-measure the formula you need for a more efficient feeding schedule.

Is it bad to change your baby’s formula?

The short answer is no! In Australia, all baby formulas have to meet strict quality and nutritional standards, so changing to a different formula will not be dangerous. However, all infants are different, and baby formulas do vary in their composition. So, keep an eye on your bub after the formula switch and look out for any signs that they may be having trouble with it.

For further reading, click here to check out our latest baby feeding products and accessories to make feeding time easier.

Last update on 2026-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API