When you’re a new parent, choosing a baby formula can feel overwhelming—and not just because you’re sleep-deprived. There are so many options that it’s hard to know which product is best for your little one.
Well, there’s good news and even better news: First, baby formula is highly regulated, so it’s hard to make a bad decision. Second, the wide range of available choices means there’s a formula for every family. Truly, the best baby formula Canada has on the market is the one that works for your family. Read on for seven great options, including the draw and downside of each product, and details on why it might be right for you and your kiddo.
Type: Powder
Age group: Infant, newborn
Omega-3: Yes
Organic: No
Contains dietary fibres polydextrose and GOS for softer stools.
Some parents have reported that white particles float in the formula.
Type: Powder
Age group: Infant, toddler
Omega-3: Yes
Organic: No
Some parents report that the ingredient list stacks up well against pricier brands.
Some parents find it can get foamy after a few shakes.
Type: Ready to feed
Age group: Infant, newborn
Omega-3: Yes
Organic: No
Stage: One
It is completely sterile and ready to use at all times.
The bottle is not see-through; some parents say it’s difficult to tell how much formula has been consumed.
Type: Powder
Age group: Toddler
Omega-3: Yes
Organic: No
Non-GMO and made with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.
Some parents report it’s not super convenient for travel, given the mess the powder may make.
Type: Concentrated
Age group: Infant, newborn
Omega-3: Yes
Organic: No
Lasts for up to 24 hours in the fridge once mixed.
Some parents report it may make some babies gassy.
Type: Liquid concentrate
Age group: Infant, newborn
Omega-3: Yes
Organic: No
Contains DHA and AHA, essential for a baby’s brain development.
Not recommended for babies with galactosemia.
Type: Powder
Age group: Infant, newborn
Omega-3: No
Organic: No
This easy-to-scoop formula is a no-fuss classic.
It is not organic, nor does it contain omega-3 or DHA.
“Health Canada recommends exclusively breastfeeding for at least the first six months,”[1] says Adrianna Smallwood, a clinical dietitian at Newfound Balance, in St. John’s, N.L. “But there are instances where it’s not possible or a mom chooses to go another route.” When breastfeeding isn’t possible, formula is the required food source for babies, as formulas are specially formulated to meet baby’s complete nutritional needs. Formula can be offered as a supplement to breastmilk or a complete replacement for it.
All commercial formula products sold in Canada must meet the strict requirements laid out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This means they can only include approved ingredients, and must be labelled with an expiry date, instructions for use, nutritional information and more.[2]
“The formulas you find in a traditional retail store will meet the Health Canada requirements, so you can’t really make a mistake,” says Smallwood, but there are some considerations:
The majority of formulas are cow’s milk-based, but there are variations. For example, some cow’s milk formulas have added nutrients, like DHA and ARA, lutein, calcium, iron, pre- and probiotics and more. Alternatives to cow’s milk formulas include soy-based products, as well as protein hydrosolate options (these are sometimes referred to as hypoallergenic). In the latter, the protein in the formula is either partially or fully broken down and may be recommended for babies with known allergies to cow’s milk and soy. If you suspect your child may be reacting to your formula of choice, speak to your doctor before making the switch to a hypoallergenic option.
It’s better if you don’t. You should stick to one brand so your baby’s system gets used to that product, says Smallwood. If you suspect your baby is having an adverse reaction, she recommends you consult your child’s doctor before switching.
The cost of formula ranges anywhere from $8 for a ready-to-serve four-pack to $70 and more for a case of formula. Looking to save? Watch for sales, buy in bulk (just keep an eye on expiry dates, though!) or consider a subscription service such as Walmart’s to get a slightly reduced price.
“It is imperative to follow the exact mixing instructions on the package,” says Smallwood. Mixing with too much or too little water will mean a baby isn’t getting the nutrients in the way the product was designed. You run the risk of the baby either being malnourished and underweight or overfeeding your little one. “You should also always use the scoop provided with the product,” says Smallwood, “as it is the measure the product was tested with.”
When mixing bottles, use sterilized water, and always clean and sterilize all feeding equipment (including that formula scoop!). Smallwood also recommends that parents examine containers before using to ensure there aren’t any dents or bulges. “A bulge might mean there is bacteria in the package and there is air being processed in there,” she says. She also advises that parents don’t buy formula second-hand, even if it’s unopened, because you can’t be sure how the container was handled or stored.
You can safely feed your newborn any formula designed for their age category (look for labels like “birth plus” or “zero months plus”), but we like this one because it makes all those late-night feeds just a little easier. No one wants to be messing around with scoops or measurements; the aim is to feed and settle your little one efficiently so everyone can catch some zzzs. Enter single-serving formula packets—open, empty into a 120 millilitre bottle of warm sterilized water and shake.
Any formula that’s meant to supplement solids or breast milk is going to be nutritionally complete. What we really mean when we say this is the best formula for breastfed babies, is that it’s arguably the tastiest, especially since breastfed kids may take more convincing to take a bottle than babies used to formula. Yes, you could debate this category for ages—in fact, the internet has. Many parents report that this product smells and tastes better than others. This product is the second stage of formula in this line and is meant for babies six to 18 months and beyond.
Ready-to-feed formulas have two major pros: There’s no mixing required, and the bottles are nipple-ready. You won’t need to find or carry a sterile water source to mix with powdered or concentrated formula. Just toss the sealed bottle in your bag along with a pre-sterilized nipple to pop on when your little one gets hungry. Like all regulated infant formulas, this one is nutritionally complete, so you can feel confident your baby is getting the nutrients they need.
When babies transition to solid foods, they eventually drop breastfeeding sessions or bottles and parents may worry that their little ones aren’t getting all of the good stuff they need. A toddler nutritional drink isn’t necessary for kids with well-rounded diets, but it might alleviate concern about nutritional gaps. Look for any regulated formula that’s specifically labelled for your child’s age. We like this powder because it offers different flavours to help expand your little one’s developing palate.
Value is relative to so many things—the store, the brand, the type of formula. But the best way to determine bang for your buck is to break it down by the number of feedings per unit, or by the price per 100 millilitres (Walmart.ca does this for you—just look under the price of any formula before you add it to your cart). This liquid concentrate formula rings up at just .97 cents per 100 millilitres—when you consider that you’re mixing 1:1 formula and water, it’s easy to see how far it will stretch (at 120 millilitres per bottle, you’ll get close to 60!).
Looking to provide your lactose-sensitive infant with all the nutrition of a milk-based formula? This lactose-free version is specifically designed with your baby in mind. Any other regulated lactose-free or specialized formula will meet the safety and nutrition standards babies need, but we like that this one also contains DHA.
Similac has been feeding babies for close to 100 years! Since their first milk-based product, the formula has evolved and Similac now also offers hypoallergenic, soy, sensitive, non-GMO and organic baby formula selections, making it one of the best formulas for newborns. This cow’s milk-based, iron-fortified Similac formula is suitable for babies aged zero months and up.
Shop all baby formulas at Walmart 
Simply put, we don’t recommend any products we wouldn’t buy ourselves. Our writers leverage a number of sources as a starting point, including reputable third-party reviews, Walmart.ca user reviews, and Walmart Canada’s category specialists. theHUB editorial staff has final say for all products included in this guide.
Any product claims noted are provided by the manufacturer, unless otherwise stated. Prices shown are subject to change. Please check Walmart.ca for the latest pricing. This article is intended as general information. To be sure a product is right for you, always be sure to read and follow the label(s)/instruction(s) that accompany your product(s). Walmart will not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by this activity.
This article is intended as general information. Always be sure to read and follow the label(s)/instruction(s) that accompany your product(s). Walmart will not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by this activity.
