When we started researching formula for Levi's first year, I expected to find a few good options and move on. Instead, I spent hours reading ingredient labels and realizing that most conventional formulas use ingredients we'd never choose for ourselves. I found ingredients like seed oils, corn syrup solids, and synthetic additives that make shelf stability easier but nutrition secondary.
Formula is often your baby's only source of nutrition for months. This isn't a product where I want to compromise on ingredients. These ingredients go directly into your baby's developing system multiple times a day. The quality of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates matters enormously. And not just for nutrition, but for digestion, immune development, and long-term health.
Every product below has been individually vetted by our co-founders Kyle Fitzgerald and Amanda Rocchio. No paid placements. No sponsored picks.
✅ What to Look For
Organic certification — This ensures no synthetic pesticides, GMOs, or growth hormones in the milk supply. It's the baseline standard we look for in every formula.
Grass-fed or pasture-raised milk sources — Cows that eat their natural diet (grass, not grain) produce milk with better omega-3 ratios and more nutrients. It also means the cows are raised in better conditions.
A2 protein (when available) — A2 beta-casein protein is easier for many babies to digest than the A1 protein found in most conventional dairy. If your baby struggles with gas or discomfort, A2 formulas are worth trying.
Lactose as the primary carbohydrate — Lactose is the natural sugar in breast milk. Many formulas use corn syrup solids instead because they're cheaper, but lactose is what babies are designed to digest.
Clean fat sources — Look for formulas using coconut oil, sunflower oil (high-oleic), or milk fat instead of seed oils like soybean, canola, or palm oil. These fats are more stable and better aligned with what's in breast milk.
Minimal ingredient lists — The best formulas don't need dozens of synthetic additives. Simpler is usually better when it comes to infant nutrition.
❌ What to Avoid
Seed oils (soybean, canola, safflower) — These oils are highly processed and prone to oxidation. They're used in most conventional formulas because they're cheap, but they're not what we'd choose for our own kids. Better options use coconut oil or milk fat.
Corn syrup solids — This is added as a cheap carbohydrate source instead of lactose. It's essentially just sugar without the nutritional benefits of lactose, and it can make formula overly sweet.
Synthetic preservatives — Some formulas add synthetic antioxidants or preservatives that aren't necessary if the formula is stored properly. Look for minimal additives.
Non-organic ingredients — Conventional dairy can contain pesticide residues, antibiotics, and hormones. For something your baby consumes 6-8 times daily, organic is worth the investment.
Unclear sourcing — If a brand won't tell you where their milk comes from or what the cows are fed, that's a red flag. Transparency matters.
Our Top Picks
Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula
This is the formula we trust most for the first year. It's made from organic whole milk with lactose as the main carbohydrate — no corn syrup, no questionable oils. The ingredient list is refreshingly short compared to conventional options, and it includes the key nutrients babies need without the synthetic fillers.
Kyle vetted this one personally and confirmed the fat sources are clean (coconut oil and sunflower oil instead of seed oils). We've used it with Levi since month four when we started supplementing, and his digestion has been great. One heads up: organic formulas can be harder to find in stores, so we keep a backup supply on hand.
SHOP ORGANIC INFANT FORMULA →Toddler Formula with A2 Whole Milk
Once your baby hits 12 months, this A2 toddler formula is a great option if you're continuing with formula. The A2 protein is gentler on digestion — we noticed less gas and fussiness compared to conventional formulas we tried early on.
It's made from grass-fed A2 milk, organic whenever possible, and includes the healthy fats toddlers need for brain development. It works well mixed into smoothies or oatmeal if your toddler isn't interested in drinking it straight. We use this on mornings when Levi's not eating much breakfast, just to make sure he's getting good nutrition.
SHOP A2 TODDLER FORMULA →The Bottom Line
Formula feeding doesn't mean compromising on ingredient quality. Start with organic, look for clean fat sources and lactose-based carbs, and avoid the seed oils and corn syrup that dominate conventional options. Your baby deserves the same ingredient standards you'd want for yourself.
Ready to Shop Clean Formula?
Every product vetted by ingredient experts. No guesswork.
SHOP CLEAN FORMULA →— Kevin, Co-Founder & Chief Dad 🐝
Every product on Simple Steps Market is individually vetted by ingredient experts.
No paid placements. No sponsored picks. Just what we'd use for our own kids.
