Choosing the right formula milk for your 6-12 month-old baby is vital for their growth and development during this critical stage. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the best one. That’s why we’ve put together a buying guide, reviewed by General Pediatrician Dr. Martha Louise T. Santiago, to help you make an informed choice.
In this guide, you’ll find expert insights on what to look for in formula milk, along with our top recommendations that are available on Lazada and Shopee, ensuring your baby gets the essential nutrients needed for optimal health as they transition to solid foods.
Quick List - Top Formula Milk for 6-12 Months
Enfagrow
Contains All the Essential Nutrients and More for Your Baby's Development
Mead Johnson Nutrition
The Perfect Formula for Babies With Cow's Milk Allergy
Dr. Martha Louise Tongco-Santiago is a board-certified pediatrician based in Las Piñas City. She completed her residency training in General Pediatrics at a reputable tertiary institution in Cebu City. Originally from Cebu, Dr. Tongco-Santiago relocated to Metro Manila. In addition to her medical practice, she is a dedicated mother to an energetic 11-month-old baby. Dr. Tongco-Santiago expertly balances her responsibilities as a pediatrician with her role as a mother.
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
Contains All the Essential Nutrients and More for Your Baby's Development
The Perfect Formula for Babies With Cow's Milk Allergy
Has More Iron Content to Support Blood, Muscle, and Brain Growth
Breastmilk is unmatched in providing essential nutrients and immune protection for babies up to two years old.
Breastmilk is considered the gold standard in infant nutrition, offering a unique combination of nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support your baby’s growth and immune system. It is especially beneficial during the first six months of life, providing everything your baby needs for healthy development.
Beyond six months, as your baby begins to explore solid foods, breastmilk continues to be important by complementing their diet and ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. It’s also easier for babies to digest because it has a higher whey-to-casein ratio compared to formula and contains active antibodies essential for the baby’s immunity.
Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between mother and child, offering emotional comfort and security.
Formula milk can serve as a necessary alternative, ensuring that the baby continues to receive vital nutrients.
While breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition for babies up to two years old, there are specific situations where formula milk can serve as a supplementary or alternative source of nutrition. Here’s when:
Modern formulas are designed to closely mimic the nutritional profile of breastmilk, including essential nutrients like iron, DHA, and ARA, which support your baby’s growth and development.
It's important to ensure babies aged 6-12 months old receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth. Read through our buying guide to help you decide on the formula that works best for your baby.
Selecting a formula from an established and reputable brand ensures that your baby receives safe and high-quality nutrition.
Established and reputable brands are more likely to adhere to strict safety standards and undergo rigorous quality control processes, ensuring their formulas are safe and nutritionally adequate for your baby. Look for brands with a strong presence in the Philippines and are well-reviewed by other parents.
Additionally, ensure the formula has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines or other relevant regulatory bodies. Certifications from these organizations indicate that the formula meets high standards for safety and quality, giving you peace of mind that your baby is receiving the best possible nutrition.
Choosing a formula that explicitly states it is for babies aged 6-12 months ensures it meets the specific nutritional needs of this age group.
For babies aged 6-12 months, look for "Stage 2" formulas specifically designed for this age range. These formulas are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of babies who are beginning to eat solid foods while still relying on formula for significant nutritional support.
The nutritional composition of these formulas is adjusted to provide the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals needed during this critical stage of development. Checking the label for these age-specific indicators will help you choose a formula that best supports your baby's growth and development.
Formula milk is typically classified based on the age and developmental needs of babies:
Stage 1 (0-6 months): infant formula
Stage 2 (6-12 months): follow-on formula
Providing your baby with a formula that offers balanced nutrition is essential for supporting their overall health, brain development, and physical growth during the 6-12 month period.
These nutrients are crucial for your baby’s brain development, bone growth, and overall health.
During the 6-12 month stage, your baby’s brain, bones, and overall health are developing rapidly. It’s important to choose a formula that includes the following essential nutrients:
In the Philippines, many formulas are specifically fortified with these nutrients to meet the developmental needs of babies in this age range.
Iron supports the formation of hemoglobin (red blood cells), which is necessary for oxygen transport throughout the body and is crucial for brain development.
Iron is especially important for Filipino babies, as iron deficiency anemia is a common concern in the Philippines. Babies aged 6-12 months also have increased iron needs, especially as they begin to eat solid foods. A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can impact your baby’s development.
To prevent this, look for formulas fortified with iron. These formulas help ensure that your baby receives the necessary iron to support its growth and cognitive development during this critical stage.
Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, and choosing a formula that is gentle on their stomachs can help prevent discomfort and digestive issues as they start exploring new foods.
This closely mimics the nutritional profile of breast milk and provides the essential nutrients needed for your baby’s growth and development.
Cow’s milk protein-based formulas are recommended for babies who do not have feeding problems or allergies. These formulas are widely available and typically contain a higher protein concentration than mature breast milk.
They are also fortified with essential nutrients like DHA and ARA, which support physical and cognitive development, making them a reliable option for many infants.
For babies with sensitive stomachs, reduced lactose or hydrolyzed protein formulas are easier to digest and can help prevent discomfort, especially as they start trying new foods.
If your baby has a sensitive stomach, standard formulas might cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or colic. In such cases, it’s best to consider formulas that are designed to be gentler on the stomach.
Reduced lactose formulas lower the amount of lactose, which can be difficult for some babies to digest. Hydrolyzed protein formulas contain proteins broken down into smaller, easier-to-digest components, reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort. These formulas are particularly beneficial for babies transitioning to solid foods, as they help ease digestion while providing the necessary nutrients.
Hypoallergenic formulas, designed with extensively hydrolyzed proteins or amino acids, are suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies or sensitivities.
If your baby has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy or has a family history of allergies, hypoallergenic formulas might be the best option. These formulas are specially designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions by using extensively hydrolyzed proteins or amino acids, which are broken down into smaller units that are less likely to trigger an immune response.
There are two main types of hypoallergenic formulas: extensively hydrolyzed formulas and amino acid-based formulas. While these formulas can be more expensive than standard options, they provide essential nutrition without causing allergic reactions, making them a safe and effective choice for babies with allergies.
Lactose-free formulas provide essential nutrients without causing digestive discomfort.
Lactose intolerance can become more apparent during the 6-12 month stage, with symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and gas indicating the need for a lactose-free formula. These formulas replace lactose with easier-to-digest carbohydrates like glucose polymers or sucrose to prevent discomfort.
Soy protein-based formulas, which are also lactose-free, are ideal for babies with lactose intolerance, galactosemia, or those on a vegetarian diet. Free of cow's milk protein, these formulas use carbohydrates like sucrose and corn syrup solids, providing essential nutrients without causing digestive issues. Always check the label to ensure the formula is lactose-free or soy-based to meet your baby's specific needs.
Prout E, A. Shaikhkail, et al. (2019). Feeding Healthy Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st Edition. Ch. 56. pp. 321-331.
Babies may be picky about the taste, so choosing a palatable formula that your baby enjoys can help prevent feeding issues.
Babies can be particular about the taste of their formula, especially when transitioning from breastmilk. Some formulas, particularly those designed for specific needs like lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs, may taste different from standard formulas. To avoid feeding issues, it’s important to choose a formula that your baby finds palatable.
Gradually introducing the new formula by mixing it with breastmilk or the current formula can help your baby adjust to the taste. This approach not only makes the transition smoother but also ensures that your baby continues to receive the necessary nutrients without resistance.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essential Nutrients | Allergen information | Additives | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Enfagrow Enfamil A+ Two NuraPro|6-12 Months | ![]() | Contains All the Essential Nutrients and More for Your Baby's Development | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy | Corn Syrup Solids, Ascorbyl Palmitate | 2.3kg | |
2 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Lactum|6-12 Months | ![]() | Affordable Option With Complete Nutrients | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy | Corn Syrup Solids, Polydextrose, Ascorbyl Palmitate | 1.15kg | |
3 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Nutramigen LGG Infant Milk Formula|0-12 Months | ![]() | The Perfect Formula for Babies With Cow's Milk Allergy | LGG, DHA, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Hypoallergenic | Corn Syrup Solids | 0.4kg | |
4 | Abbott Similac Gain|Two | ![]() | Formulated With Gangliosides for Improved Brain Development | HMO, DHA, Lutein, RRR (Natural) Vitamin E, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin D | Not Stated | Beta-carotene, Lutein | 2.4kg | |
5 | Wyeth Nutrition Bonna Milk Supplement|6-12 Months | ![]() | A Reputable Brand To Keep Your Baby in Safe Hands | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Lutein | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy | Citric Acid, Ethyl Vanillin, Lutein | 2.4kg | |
6 | HiPP Organic Formula Milk Supplement|6-12 Months | ![]() | An Organic Milk Supplement Formulated for Your Baby's Nutrition | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Not Stated | None | 0.8kg | |
7 | Nestle Nestogen|6-12 Months | ![]() | Infused With Probiotics for Good Gut Health | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy | Maltodextrin | 2kg | |
8 | Wyeth Nutrition S-26 Milk Supplement| 6-12 Months | ![]() | Keeps Your Little One's Tummy Well-Regulated | DHA, Iron, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Contains ingredients derived from milk | Lutein | 0.4kg | |
9 | Nestle NAN OptiPro Two Infant Formula |Two | ![]() | Has More Iron Content to Support Blood, Muscle, and Brain Growth | DHA, ARA, Iron, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy、Contains ingredients derived from fish | Citric Acid | 2.4kg | |
10 | Abbott Isomil |0-12 Months | ![]() | Soy-Based for Lactose Intolerant Babies | DHA, Lutein, Iron, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Contains ingredients derived from soy | Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Sucrose | 0.85kg |
When your baby is 6 to 12 months old, it's essential for them to get complete nutrients because they're learning more about their surroundings. More cognitive development is happening, and they're growing stronger, which is why they need nutrients like calcium and iron to support their mental and physical growth.
This formula milk has all the nutrients that your baby needs at this stage, including protein, calcium, vitamin A, B, C, and E, and iron. It also has other nutrients, such as thiamine, which enhances learning abilities and increases energy. It contains riboflavin as well, allowing oxygen to be used efficiently by the body.
Essential Nutrients | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy |
Additives | Corn Syrup Solids, Ascorbyl Palmitate |
Net Weight | 2.3kg |
Lactum is a popular milk brand here in the Philippines, offering products for infants up to school-aged children. As an established brand, their formula milk for babies aged 6-12 months is packed with all the essential nutrients your baby needs to grow into a happy and healthy child.
What's even better is that it costs less than Php 1,000, making it an affordable option for those who are on a budget. Many customers also trust this brand, so you won't go wrong with this one.
Essential Nutrients | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy |
Additives | Corn Syrup Solids, Polydextrose, Ascorbyl Palmitate |
Net Weight | 1.15kg |
Essential Nutrients | LGG, DHA, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Hypoallergenic |
Additives | Corn Syrup Solids |
Net Weight | 0.4kg |
Similac Gain is a well-established formula milk brand with a variety of products that cover children of all ages. For your babies, they have this formula milk for 6 to 12 months that has all the essential nutrients needed for healthy development, plus, gangliosides, which are essential for neural signaling.
This will support your baby's brain development, so they can continue exploring the world around them little by little. It also has DHA, lutein, and natural vitamin E to support cognition and strengthen your little one's natural immunity. With Similac Gain, your child is on the path to growing up strong and smart.
Essential Nutrients | HMO, DHA, Lutein, RRR (Natural) Vitamin E, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin D |
---|---|
Allergen information | Not Stated |
Additives | Beta-carotene, Lutein |
Net Weight | 2.4kg |
Bonna is another familiar name in the industry since they're a well-established brand known for high-quality products. This formula milk is one of them, receiving many good user reviews that say their babies are hiyang to the product.
It has complete nutrients to support your baby's all-around growth and development, so you will surely get your money's worth. You don't need to worry about any added sugar or strong flavoring, too. If you're looking for formula milk for your little one to try, give this product a shot.
Essential Nutrients | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Lutein |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy |
Additives | Citric Acid, Ethyl Vanillin, Lutein |
Net Weight | 2.4kg |
Essential Nutrients | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Not Stated |
Additives | None |
Net Weight | 0.8kg |
A healthy tummy is essential to keep your baby happy and healthy, and that's one of Nestogen 2's priorities. It has L. Comfortis, a special probiotic that ensures less constipation and reduce abdominal pains and diarrhea. It will also help with digestion, making sure that your little one has good gut health.
This formula milk has all the essential nutrients you need to support your baby's growth, plus 3x more DHA for improved brain development. All in all, with the nutrients that Nestogen 2 has, it will support your child's digestive health and overall growth and development.
Essential Nutrients | Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy |
Additives | Maltodextrin |
Net Weight | 2kg |
The last thing you want to happen is for your baby to have an upset stomach, so choosing the right formula milk is important. With S26, you don't have to worry, as it uses premium ingredients that will help keep your baby's tummy healthy and well-regulated. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, too.
Its formulation will protect and strengthen your little one's immune system as well as help them get stronger bones and teeth since its protein source is cow's milk. This formula milk also contains DHA, which is a good nutrient for enhanced brain development.
Essential Nutrients | DHA, Iron, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from milk |
Additives | Lutein |
Net Weight | 0.4kg |
NAN® OptiPro® Two Infant Formula for 6-12 Months is a type of follow-on formula, which means that it has more iron than infant formula milk. Babies who are 6 to 12 months actually need more iron, as it is incredibly important for the production of red blood cells and muscle cells, as well as brain development.
In addition to that, this formula milk contains DHA (omega 3) and AA (omega 6) to support proper brain development. It also has complete essential vitamins, which means that your baby will receive high-quality nutrition in their early life. Plus, its protein is sourced from partially hydrolyzed cow's milk, so it's easier to digest.
Essential Nutrients | DHA, ARA, Iron, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from milk、Contains ingredients derived from soy、Contains ingredients derived from fish |
Additives | Citric Acid |
Net Weight | 2.4kg |
If your baby is lactose intolerant, they should be taking soy milk-based formula milk like this one. Isomil has been helping babies with lactose intolerance since 1966, releasing products that are 100% lactose-free and cow milk-free. Babies with cow milk sensitivity issues will also benefit from this formula.
Even though Isomil uses a different milk base, it still has all the essential nutrients that other kinds of formula milk contain. It also has EyeQ Plus, meaning higher levels of lutein and DHA, to give extra support for your baby's eye and brain development. Many mamas trust this, so rest assured that it's a good option for your little one.
Essential Nutrients | DHA, Lutein, Iron, Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K |
---|---|
Allergen information | Contains ingredients derived from soy |
Additives | Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Sucrose |
Net Weight | 0.85kg |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by pediatrician Dr. Martha Louise Tongco-Santiago.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), prepared infant formula can spoil if left out at room temperature. Any prepared infant formula should be consumed within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from the beginning of feeding.
If one has not started to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, the bottle should be stored in the fridge and used within 24 hours. Any formula that is left in the bottle after feeding should be discarded, as the combination of the baby's saliva with the prepared formula milk can cause bacterial growth.
Complementary feeding (introduction of solid foods) is already started at 6 months old. For these babies, breastfeeding alone or feeding with infant formula alone is no longer sufficient.
Milk feeding is still continued and given usually five to six times in 24 hours. Solid foods are also given in three meals, with snacks in between, depending on the baby's age.
Breastmilk is the best for babies up to 2 years old.
Since your baby is growing up, they're probably starting to show more interest in different types of food. For your little ones to enjoy their mealtimes more, check out our other articles below for more product recommendations.
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.
No. 1: Enfagrow|Enfamil A+ Two NuraPro|6-12 Months
No. 2: Mead Johnson Nutrition|Lactum|6-12 Months
No. 3: Mead Johnson Nutrition|Nutramigen LGG Infant Milk Formula|0-12 Months
No. 4: Abbott|Similac Gain|Two
No. 5: Wyeth Nutrition|Bonna Milk Supplement|6-12 Months
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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