Top 9 Safest Formula Milk Powders for Newborns

Choosing the best formula milk powders for newborns can be confusing, especially for new parents. Each brand promises the best nutrition, but what really matters is finding a safe formula milk that’s gentle on your baby’s tummy and supports healthy growth.

Below, we’ve listed the top 9 safest formula milk powders for newborns that are commonly used in India and trusted by parents worldwide. Each one is explained in-depth including what’s inside, why it helps, and what makes it the best choice for babies.

1. Aptamil Gold Infant Formula Stage 1

Aptamil Gold 1 Infant Formula is a nutritionally complete formula milk for newborns (0–6 months). It’s designed to be close to breast milk and contains a mix of partially skimmed milk, easy-to-digest whey proteins, prebiotics (GOS & FOS), and 2’-FL HMO (an ingredient that helps strengthen immunity).

What it contains:

• Whey protein: Gentle, easy-to-digest milk protein that helps build muscles.
• Prebiotics (GOS & FOS): Good bacteria food that supports gut health.
• HMOs (2’-FL): Immune-boosting components that work like those found in breast milk.
• DHA & ARA: Healthy fats that support brain and eye development.
• Vitamins & minerals: Includes iron, iodine, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E for all-round growth.

Why parents love it:

• Supports immunity and gut health.
• Promotes brain and vision development.
• Provides complete nutrition similar to breast milk.
• Gentle on tiny tummies and easy to digest.

2. Nestlé NAN Pro Stage 1 Infant Formula

NAN Pro 1 is one of the most popular and trusted formulas in India. It contains OptiPRO (a special protein blend), DHA, ARA, and important vitamins and minerals for your baby’s early growth.

What it contains:

• OptiPRO: Specially processed milk protein that’s easier to digest.
• DHA & ARA: Healthy fats that support your baby’s brain and eye development.
• Nucleotides: Nutrients that help build strong immunity.
• Iron, zinc, and calcium: Essential minerals for bones and overall development.

Why parents love it:

• Gentle on the baby’s tummy and helps avoid constipation.
• Widely available and trusted.
• Provides balanced nutrition for newborns.
• Designed to support natural immunity.

3. Similac Advance Stage 1 Infant Formula

Similac Advance by Abbott is formulated with a nutrient mix that supports your baby’s brain, bones, and immunity. It is free from palm olein oil, which helps in better fat and calcium absorption.

What it contains:

• Non-palm oil fat blend: Easier digestion and better calcium absorption.
• DHA & ARA: For healthy brain and eye development.
• Prebiotics: For smoother digestion and better gut health.
• Vitamin E, Iron, and Calcium: To build strong bones and immunity.

Why parents love it:

• Easy on the stomach — less gas and colic.
• Supports overall physical and mental growth.
• Often recommended by pediatricians.
• Consistent quality and availability in India.

4. Nestlé Lactogen Stage 1 Infant Formula

Lactogen 1 is a mild and easily digestible formula milk powder for newborns up to 6 months. It’s enriched with probiotics, DHA, and essential vitamins for complete nutrition.

What it contains:

• Probiotics: Help maintain healthy gut bacteria.
• DHA & ARA: Support mental and visual growth.
• Lactose: The main carbohydrate in breast milk — easy to digest.
• Essential nutrients: For healthy bones and immunity.

Why parents love it:

• Budget-friendly and widely available.
• Soft on sensitive tummies.
• Encourages healthy digestion and fewer colic issues.
• Good value for daily use.

5. Dexolac Infant Formula Stage 1

Dexolac 1 is a milk-based formula designed for Indian babies. It provides high calories, essential nutrients, and protein to support growth and development in the early months.

What it contains:

• Milk solids and whey protein: For growth and easy digestion.
• Calcium, Iron & Phosphorus: Support strong bones and red blood cells.
• Vitamins A, D, E, and C: Boosts immunity and vision.
• DHA: Helps with brain development.

Why parents love it:

• Affordable and easy to find.
• Designed to meet Indian babies’ nutritional needs.
• Helps with steady weight gain.
• Good option for parents looking for a reliable Indian formula.

6. HiPP Organic Combiotic Infant Formula Stage 1

HiPP Organic is an EU-certified organic formula made with milk from grass-fed cows. It’s free from GMOs, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives — making it one of the safest organic options.

What it contains:

• Organic milk proteins: Gentle and pure protein source.
• Probiotics and prebiotics: For healthy digestion and immunity.
• DHA & Omega-3: For brain and eye health.
• No artificial additives: 100% organic ingredients.

Why parents love it:

• Organic and chemical-free.
• Great for sensitive stomachs.
• Promotes a strong immune system.
• Closely mimics the nutrition of breast milk.

7. Bebelac Infant Formula Stage 1

Bebelac 1 provides balanced nutrition with the right mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also includes prebiotics to help with smooth digestion.

What it contains:

• Prebiotics: Support a healthy digestive system.
• DHA & ARA: Promote brain and eye development.
• Iron & Calcium: Strengthen bones and prevent anemia.
• Vitamins A, C & D: Build immunity.

Why parents love it:

• Gentle on baby’s stomach.
• Balanced and complete nutrition.
• Easy to prepare and mix.
• Trusted brand across Europe and Asia.

8. Enfamil A+ Stage 1 Infant Formula

Enfamil A+ is developed with over 100 years of research in baby nutrition. It has DHA and ARA, essential nutrients that are proven to help brain development in babies.

What it contains:

• DHA & ARA: Support brain, nerve, and eye development.
• Whey protein: Easy to digest and helps build muscle.
• Iron, zinc, and folic acid: Promote growth and blood health.
• Choline: Supports learning and memory function.

Why parents love it:

• Clinically proven brain development formula.
• Trusted by pediatricians.
• Gentle on the stomach.
• Helps babies stay active and alert.

9. Cow & Gate Infant Milk Formula

Cow & Gate 1 is a UK-based baby formula known for its balanced nutrition and smooth digestibility. It’s made with high-quality milk and contains DHA, calcium, and prebiotics.

What it contains:

• Balanced milk proteins: Gentle and easy for babies to digest.
• Prebiotics: Help build strong immunity and digestion.
• Vitamins & minerals: Support healthy growth.
• DHA: For brain and eye development.

Why parents love it:

• Trusted European brand.
• Easy to prepare and mix.
• Smooth texture — babies accept it well.
• Provides balanced growth support.

NAN Pro vs Aptamil — Which is Better?

Parents often ask, “Which is better — NAN Pro or Aptamil?”
Here’s a quick comparison on both formula milk powders for newborn:

Feature	NAN Pro	Aptamil Gold
Main Protein	“OptiPRO” — gentle milk protein	Whey-based — easy to digest
Immunity Support	Nucleotides & probiotics	HMOs & prebiotics (GOS/FOS)
DHA & ARA	Yes	Yes
Taste & Texture	Mild flavor, mixes easily	Slightly thicker, rich taste
Price & Availability	More affordable & widely available	Premium, may be higher priced
Verdict	Great everyday formula for most babies	Ideal for babies who need extra digestive or immune support

Both are excellent safe formula milk powders for newborns. The best one depends on how your baby digests it. If your baby shows gas, colic, or constipation — try the alternative with your pediatrician’s advice.

Parent Tips When Choosing Formula Milk Powders for Newborn

• Always check with your pediatrician before changing formula.
• Use Stage 1 for babies 0–6 months only.
• Prepare formula exactly as instructed (too thick or too thin can upset digestion).
• Sterilize bottles before each feed.
• Never store leftover formula — make a fresh batch every time.
• Watch your baby’s reaction — comfort, sleep, poop pattern, and overall happiness matter most.

Final Thoughts

The safest among the various available formula milk powders for newborns is the one that is:

• Regulated and nutritionally complete,
• Gentle on your baby’s tummy, and
• Approved by your pediatrician.

Whether you choose Aptamil, NAN Pro, Similac, or HiPP, remember: each baby is unique. Start with one trusted formula, watch how your baby responds, and continue with what suits them best.