10 Best Baby Formulas in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician

The majority of baby formula sold commercially is cow milk-based. Widely available in the market, their main ingredient is cow's milk, which has been modified to taste and feel like mother's milk and make it easily digestible.

 
While this formula is the go-to for most parents, note that some infants have an allergic reaction to cow's milk. Thus, make sure to check with their pediatrician first to confirm whether they'll benefit more from formula milk with a different base. 

If your baby is allergic to cow milk-based formula, an alternative that pediatricians may recommend is the HW or hydrolyzed whey milk. Basically, hydrolyzed whey undergoes additional processing to break the milk proteins into smaller fragments that make it easier for babies with allergies to digest milk.

An alternative to animal-based or cow milk is the soy-based formula from the soya plant. It is made using soy protein and it uses corn syrup along with other components that are specially formulated for easy digestion. Soy-based formula is ideal for babies that are lactose-intolerant or allergic to cow's milk.

It is also important to note that most soy products are genetically modified, so looking for a non-GMO one with an organic label is crucial. The only downside of this type of formula milk is that since it is not popular as cow-based ones, fewer brands offer it, making it more expensive.

There are various specialized milk formulas available for babies with special nutrition needs. Generally, this type of milk is usually prescribed for premature babies or those with certain illnesses. 

The primary difference between preemie formulas and formulas for term babies is that preemie formulas are made to have more calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals than regular infant formulas. They are also designed to help underweight babies grow faster.

The popularity of powdered milk comes from its convenience and long shelf life, making it the most commonly used of all forms. It is also widely available in most supermarkets, groceries, and online shops, so you won't have a hard time finding it.

However, since the powder milk requires to be mixed and diluted in water, you have to measure and make sure that you're putting in the right amount according to the instruction. Due to this, preparing it can take time, making it less preferred for on-the-go parents. 

The concentrated-liquid type is a liquid-based formula for babies. It is pre-mixed in a concentrated formulation, so all you need to do is add equal parts of the liquid concentrate and water then mix it before serving. While not as costly as ready-to-feed formulas, this type is still more expensive than powdered formulas. It also has a shorter shelf-life and it needs to be refrigerated. 

Open and serve; this is the concept behind the ready-to-feed formulas, making it the most convenient form. Coming in a pre-mixed liquid formulation, RTF can already be fed to your baby as is. Thus, these formulas are perfect when you're outside or for on-the-go parents.

The convenience they offer, however, makes them more expensive than others. Apart from the more hefty per-unit cost, they also have a shorter shelf-life. They need to be refrigerated at all times, and they must be consumed quickly before they go bad.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and AHA (Arachidonic acid) are essential fatty acids that are naturally found in human breast milk. Thus, to simulate and replicate their benefits, manufacturers add these in formula milk. They are known to promote optimal eye and brain development in babies.

However, because of their artificial origin, the chemical structure of DHA and ARA additives in powdered formulas isn't the same as the one in breast milk. Still, many manufacturers are now using natural and organic sources to make this vital additive even safer for babies.

Non-milk-based formulas are often lactose-free, so as a consequence, they lose the benefits of the natural ingredients found in regular milk. As a response to this concern, the essential ingredients, iron & calcium, are often added to non-milk-based formulas to still provide the required vitamin and mineral content that lactose-free milk typically lacks. 

Integral to a baby's health is a well-functioning digestive and excretory system. Prebiotics and probiotics play a role in developing their digestive system because they are food sources for their gut's healthy bacteria and yeasts.

These healthy bacteria assist in the proper digestion of proteins and breakdown of food to help eliminate disease-causing bacteria inside the gut. While these ingredients are not required, they may help improve your baby's gut health, especially if they're formula-fed.