Top Choices for Healthy, Happy Babies from Birth
Before You Begin: You’re Allowed to Choose What Works for You
UK parents are fortunate—every infant formula on the market is safe and nutritionally complete. Many of them are plant-based baby formulas. That said, babies aren’t all the same. Some formulas are gentler on digestion. Some mimic breast milk more closely. Some just seem to click for your baby when others don’t.
This guide highlights three trusted UK formulas that families consistently return to. They’re all complete. They’re all widely available. And they each offer something a little different—whether you’re looking for science-backed structure, heritage familiarity, or whole-milk richness.
Three Trusted UK Formulas for Different Baby Needs
| When You Might Choose It | Formula | What Stands Out | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| For research-backed, gentle digestion | Aptamil First Infant Milk (Stage 1) | GOS/FOS blend + HMO for gut and immune support | Aptamil – Amazon UK |
| For reliable, affordable feeding | Cow & Gate First Infant Milk | Well-loved for over 100 years, balanced and budget-friendly | Cow & Gate – Amazon UK |
| For creamy, palm-oil-free richness | Kendamil Classic First Infant Milk | Whole milk base, vegetarian DHA, no palm oil | Kendamil – Amazon UK |
Aptamil First Infant Milk (Stage 1)
For babies who need structure and proven support
Why families start here:
Aptamil is used widely in UK hospitals and includes a GOS/FOS prebiotic blend plus 3’-GL HMO, which helps support gut and immune function. Its protein structure is easy to digest, and it’s often chosen when babies struggle on other standard formulas.
What’s inside:
- GOS/FOS prebiotic blend (9:1)
- 3’-GL HMO, DHA, and nucleotides
- Whey-dominant milk protein
What parents notice:
Babies seem less gassy and more settled. Stools tend to be soft and frequent. Many families say this was the formula that brought calm after weeks of digestive distress.
Why it helps:
The prebiotic combination supports gut flora in ways similar to breast milk. The inclusion of HMO is based on decades of research into immune and microbiome development.
Cow & Gate First Infant Milk
For babies doing well on a simple, affordable choice
Why families choose it:
With a legacy going back more than a century, Cow & Gate is a dependable option that many UK families start with and stay on. It contains all essential nutrients and supports steady growth without added complexity.
What’s inside:
- DHA, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D
- Balanced whey/casein protein
- Lactose-based carb system
What parents notice:
This formula is known for easy transitions—especially from breast milk. It mixes well, is generally well tolerated, and babies seem content between feeds.
Why it helps:
Sometimes, less is more. Cow & Gate delivers a gentle, consistent experience that works well for many healthy, full-term infants.
Kendamil Classic First Infant Milk
For families seeking a full-fat, natural-feeling formula
Why families love it:
Kendamil stands out for using whole British milk with its natural fats (including MFGM), no palm oil, and DHA sourced from algae, making it vegetarian and more eco-conscious. It’s ideal for parents who want a richer, creamier option with minimal processing.
What’s inside:
- Whole milk base
- Algae-derived DHA, MFGM
- No palm oil or fish oil
What parents notice:
Softer, more breastmilk-like stools. Babies seem satisfied longer between feeds. Some families notice improved digestion, especially if baby had constipation or harder stools on other formulas.
Why it helps:
Whole milk-based formulas may improve satiety and digestion, and Kendamil’s no-palm-oil approach has been associated with better stool consistency and absorption.
Final Thoughts: The Best Formula Is the One That Works for Your Baby
There’s no perfect formula. And no single “right” answer. But there are solid, regulated options in the UK that help babies grow, feel settled, and feed comfortably.
Start with what feels most aligned for your family:
- Aptamil for research and immune-gut support
- Cow & Gate for simplicity and value
- Kendamil for creaminess and fewer additives
And if something doesn’t feel quite right? You can try again. What works today might shift in a few weeks. You can also check out the best German baby formulas for more options. Most importantly, understand that you’re not behind—you’re paying attention. And that matters more than any label.
Citations
- Traves, D. (2021). All you ever wanted to know about infant formulas. Paediatrics and Child Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PAED.2021.05.003
- Traves, D. (2015). Understanding infant formula. Paediatrics and Child Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PAED.2015.06.001
- Foster, L., & Sumar, S. (1997). Infant formulas – a brief insight. Nutrition & Food Science, 97, 112–116. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346659710161966
- Ikem, A. et al. (2002). Element content in UK infant formula. Food Chemistry, 77, 439–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-8146(01)00378-8
- Trust, F. (2015). Infant milks in the UK: A practical guide for health professionals.