Aside from giving them a balanced diet, formula milk is one of the best ways to support your child’s rapid growth. Toddlerhood is a stage of considerable development not only in motor skills but also in cognitive and social skills. Providing them with essential nutrients helps their little body function optimally to support holistic growth.
When it comes to the health of your little one, it’s only natural to want the best—and we are here to guide you with that! Below are our top picks for formula milk for 2-year-olds. We also included what to look for when buying formula milk for your toddler in our buying guide fact-checked by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao.
Quick List - Top Formula Milks for 2-Year-Olds
Wyeth
Nurture Big Dreams With Smart Nutrition
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Finding the right milk formula can feel overwhelming, but a little guidance goes a long way. Our buying guide below will help you understand what to look for, so you can make the best choice for your child’s needs.
First things first, know your formula options. Formula milk is not always cow milk-based—there are also soy-based and specialized types. To help you choose, we've listed down what you need to know about these common types.
Cow milk-based formulas might be the first thing that comes into mind when you think about formula milk. This is because they're widely available in the market and account for about 80% of formula milk.
This type of formula combines cow's milk, vegetable oils, vitamins, and minerals to supply your toddler with nutrients. These ingredients are heated to make the protein and lactose (milk sugar) more digestible.
Formulated with soy protein, vegetable oils, corn syrup, and other nutrients, soy-based formulas are the best choice for toddlers with lactose intolerance. These may also be optimal if you intend to have your kid follow a vegetarian diet.
Keep in mind that most soy products are genetically modified. If you are looking for a non-GMO option, choose formula milk with an organic label. However, since this type is not common, it is more expensive than cow milk-based formulas.
Another option if your child is allergic to cow milk-based formula is hydrolyzed whey milk. This type undergoes additional processes to break down the milk proteins and make them easier to digest.
Since the protein pieces are so small, they won’t trigger an allergy in your child. Note that hydrolyzed milk is best incorporated into your toddler’s diet by consulting your doctor first.
If your toddler has a certain medical need, your pediatrician might recommend a specialized formula. This varies based on the medical concerns that it aims to address. For instance, formulas thickened with rice starch are recommended for toddlers with reflux.
Formulas thickened with rice starch may be recommended for babies with reflux, but should only be given if recommended by a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist since it may not be effective for all babies with reflux.
Primarily, caregivers opt for formula milk to provide nutrients that a child may not get from breast milk. Thus, it is important to look for a product that contains essential nutrients that will support your toddler’s development.
Among the nutrients to look for are DHA and ARA, which are omega fatty acids that help in your child’s brain and nerve development and promote good eyesight. Do check if the formula contains probiotics, too, as these can improve gut health.
When using a non-milk-based formula, opt for those that contain iron and calcium. These ingredients are added to the formula to supply vitamins and minerals that lactose-free milk lacks. An iron-fortified formula also prevents the risk of iron deficiency, which is common in formula-fed children.
Don’t forget to look at the label to ensure that there are no surprise ingredients that might be harmful to your child. Some formula milks contain sweeteners or added preservatives to lengthen the shelf life or make the product more palatable. Toddler formula milk may contain double the sugar found in cow’s milk.
Also, some products may contain flavorings. Too much of these can be counterproductive since they increase the risk of different health concerns. Additionally, these may encourage your child to develop a preference for sweet foods at an early age.
Formula milk comes in various forms. While there is no form superior to others, it helps to consider your toddler’s needs and preferences to ensure optimal nutrition. Below is a quick rundown of the common milk forms to guide you.
Powdered formulas are the most common type you would see in the market. They are also the most affordable option and have a long shelf life. However, they are not always efficient since they take time to prepare. Also, with powered formulas, you need to ensure that you are putting the right amount based on the instructions for optimal absorption.
If you find measuring and mixing powdered formulas time-consuming, you might want to consider liquid concentrates. All you have to do is dilute the concentrate with equal parts of water. While this type offers convenience, it comes at a more expensive price than powdered formula. Additionally, it has to be refrigerated to extend its shelf life.
With ready-to-use formula, you don’t have to worry about measuring and mixing your toddler’s milk—you can just pour it straight into the bottle or glass. Just take note that this form is the most expensive. It also has the shortest shelf life and needs to be consumed quickly.
Many formula milks are now readily available in stores or online. It’s also easier to just look up the most popular formula milk. While this provides convenience, note that there is no perfect formula since every child is unique. Sought-after brands may not always be the best option for your little one.
Avoid any complications and provide the best nutrition for your toddler by consulting their pediatrician before purchasing formula milk. After all, they know your child’s medical history more than anyone and can recommend formula milk that is more suitable to your toddler’s needs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Milk Base | Essential Nutrients | Artificial Sweetener-Free | Artificial Preservative-Free | Form | Allergen Information | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Wyeth S-26 Promil Gold® Three Milk Supplement|1-3 Years Old | ![]() | Nurture Big Dreams With Smart Nutrition | Cow Milk | DHA, 2’-FL HMO, Lutein, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, B Vitamins | Powdered Formula | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish | 2400 g | |||
2 | Nestlé Bear Brand Junior 1+ | ![]() | Growing Strong With Every Nutritious Glass | Cow Milk | DHA、Prebiotics、Iron 、Calcium、B Vitamins、Zinc、Magnesium、Vitamin C | Powdered Milk | Traces of Probiotics、Soy、Milk (Including Lactose)、Fish | 2400 g | |||
3 | Abbott PediaSure 1-3|Vanilla | ![]() | Triple Growth Support For Active Toddlers | Cow Milk | DHA、Prebiotics、Iron 、Calcium、B Vitamins、Zinc、Magnesium、Probiotics、Vitamin C | Powdered Formula | Soy、Milk (Including Lactose) | 2400 g | |||
4 | Nestlé Nido Junior 2.4 kg|1-3 Years Old | ![]() | Nurturing Growth, One Happy Step at a Time | Cow Milk | DHA, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, B Vitamins | Powdered Formula | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish | 2400 g | |||
5 | Wyeth Bonakid® 1+ | ![]() | Triple Boost For Happy Healthy Toddlers | Cow Milk | DHA、Prebiotics、Calcium、Nucleotides、Iron | Powdered Milk | Soy、Milk (Including Lactose)、Fish (Trace Amounts) | 2400 g | |||
6 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Enfamil Nurapro A+ Gentlease | ![]() | Provides Digestive Comfort for Babies With Tummy Troubles | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey | DHA, Iron, Prebiotics, Vitamin D, Zinc, B Vitamins, Calcium | Powdered Formula | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish | 1600 g | |||
7 | Abbott Similac GainPlus | ![]() | Strong Minds And Bodies Start Early | Cow Milk | DHA、Calcium、2’-FL HMO、Lutein、Vitamin E、Prebiotics | Powdered Milk | Milk (Including Lactose)、Soy | 2400 g | |||
8 | Nestle NAN® OptiPro® Three Milk Supplement|1-3 Years Old | ![]() | All-Around Aid to Your Child’s Growth and Development | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey | DHA, Probiotics, Calcium, Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin D | Powdered Formula | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish | 2400 g | |||
9 | Abbott Isomil Two|1-3 Years Old | ![]() | Gentle Soy Nutrition For Sensitive Tummies | Soy | DHA, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin C, Zinc, B Vitamins | Powdered Formula | Traces of Probiotics, Soy | 850 g | |||
10 | Nestle Nestogen 3 Milk Supplement|1-3 Years Old | ![]() | Happy Tummies And Strong Bodies Everyday | Cow Milk | Probiotics, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin C, Zinc, B Vitamins | Powdered Formula | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish | 2000 g |
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA, 2’-FL HMO, Lutein, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, B Vitamins |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA、Prebiotics、Iron 、Calcium、B Vitamins、Zinc、Magnesium、Vitamin C |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Milk |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics、Soy、Milk (Including Lactose)、Fish |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA、Prebiotics、Iron 、Calcium、B Vitamins、Zinc、Magnesium、Probiotics、Vitamin C |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Soy、Milk (Including Lactose) |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Features and benefits:
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, B Vitamins |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA、Prebiotics、Calcium、Nucleotides、Iron |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Milk |
Allergen Information | Soy、Milk (Including Lactose)、Fish (Trace Amounts) |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Milk Base | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA, Iron, Prebiotics, Vitamin D, Zinc, B Vitamins, Calcium |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish |
Net Weight | 1600 g |
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA、Calcium、2’-FL HMO、Lutein、Vitamin E、Prebiotics |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Milk |
Allergen Information | Milk (Including Lactose)、Soy |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Milk Base | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA, Probiotics, Calcium, Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin D |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish |
Net Weight | 2400 g |
Milk Base | Soy |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | DHA, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin C, Zinc, B Vitamins |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics, Soy |
Net Weight | 850 g |
Milk Base | Cow Milk |
---|---|
Essential Nutrients | Probiotics, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin C, Zinc, B Vitamins |
Artificial Sweetener-Free | |
Artificial Preservative-Free | |
Form | Powdered Formula |
Allergen Information | Traces of Probiotics, Soy, Milk (Including Lactose), Fish |
Net Weight | 2000 g |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
By the age of 1 year old, your child can already digest solid food. With this in mind, they should be getting nutrients from all food groups—veggies, fruits, proteins, grains, and dairy. If they are getting enough nutrients from a balanced diet, formula milk may not be necessary. As always, make sure to consult your healthcare provider first before giving your toddler formula milk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that toddlers ages 1-2 years old drink 2-3 cups (16-24 oz.) of milk per day. This is sufficient enough for them to get essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and fat.
Yes, milk formula, just like other consumables, can go bad. Make sure to read the instructions on the product to see how long it can be stored. Usually, prepared formula milk is considered safe for up to 2 hours at room temperature. Leaving it for a more extended period of time increases the risk of contamination.
As your little one achieves more developmental milestones during toddlerhood, it helps to equip them with the right tools to further hone their cognitive, social, and motor skills. But if you don't know where to start, our recommended items below should provide you with an idea of what to look for.
Author: J Ausa
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
For expert-reviewed articles, we ask experts to check and review our buying guide to make sure there aren't any false, misleading, or outdated information. Our experts do not participate in choosing the recommendations, and they do not endorse any of the products we mention.
No. 1: Wyeth|S-26 Promil Gold® Three Milk Supplement|1-3 Years Old
No. 2: Nestlé |Bear Brand Junior 1+
No. 3: Abbott|PediaSure 1-3|Vanilla
No. 4: Nestlé |Nido Junior 2.4 kg|1-3 Years Old
No. 5: Wyeth|Bonakid® 1+
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others