If you are looking for the best 10 formula milk for your baby, you've come to the right place. Breastmilk is nature's perfect baby food. But if you can’t breastfeed, or if you’ve chosen not to, formula milk is the next best thing. Scientists and medical experts have spent years developing high-quality formula milks that will provide your baby with the nutrition he/she needs.
When you’re deciding which formula is right for your baby, you will need to take several factors into consideration. Think about her health and dietary needs, her age, and the cost and preparation time of different formula milks. It's best to choose milk formula as your doctor recommends, as per baby's requirements.
Types of Baby Formula Milk Powder
That said, it's also important to educate yourself in order to have a better discussion with your doctor. Our guide to formula milks will help you to choose the right type for your baby. Check out this comprehensive guide on baby milk powders, before you decide on which formula is right for your baby and to help you make sense of the many options out there in Malaysia.
As a summary, there are three different types of formula:
- cow’s milk-based formula
- hydrolysed protein formula
- soya-based formula
Best Formula Milk for Babies 0-6 months in Malaysia 2023
There are just too many different brands for baby or infant milk formulas in Malaysia. We have trawled through the reviews, Google search results and milk powder comparison information available on blogs and forums, and shortlisted the best for you.
In Malaysia, all infant formula is regulated by the Food Regulations 1985, under the Food Act 1983. In Malaysia, Lazada offers guarantee on milk formula products. If you have bought a milk formula powder with the guarantee badge (below) but you think that the product is not authentic or has less than 7 months away from expiry (short expiry product), you are entitled to a 300% reimbursement (3 times your money back).
Here are the best baby milk powders you can buy online in Malaysia today.
1. Enfalac Baby Malaysia
Enfalac is one of the most popular brands for infant formula milk in Malaysia. Mead Johnson's Enfamil is the new name for Enfalac but in Malaysia, they are still using the name Enfalac.
Enfalac, Enfagrow, Enfamil and Sustagen are all brands by Mead Johnson. According to a blog, the difference is Malaysia Enfalac is milk from Netherlands, packed in Thailand but Singapore one is directly manufactured and imported from Netherlands.
Aside from DHA and ARA, the Enfamil range also includes Vitamins C and E, choline, which promotes mental function and prebiotics to help good Bifidus bacteria grow.
This milk powder is sold by Enfagrow which is the official distributor of Enfalac in Malaysia. As such, this milk powder is protected under Lazada’s guarantee of 100% authenticity.
1.1. Enfalac Baby Step 1 Formula Milk Powder (500g) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
1.2. Enfalac Baby Step 1 Formula Milk Powder (2.32 kg) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
The Gentlease version has easy to digest protein and is suitable for babies with sensitive tummies. The gentlease version is slightly more expensive than the A+ version.
1.3. Enfalac Baby Gentlease S1 > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
Enfalac Baby Gentlease contains partially hydrolyzed proteins. Partially hydrolyzed formula is designed to ease common behaviors of digestive discomfort such as fussiness, gas and crying with easy-to-digest proteins.
1.4 Enfalac A+ AR > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
Enfalac A+ A.R. is designed with added rice starch for babies who regurgitate frequently. This infant formula contains rice starch which helps thicken the formula to reduce risk of frequent regurgitation. This helps decrease regurgitation in infants with reflux.
2. Abbott Similac
Similac 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder is one of the more affordable brands and has all the necessary nutrients and more. However, the DHA content is less than in other brands.
Similac Gold is now with 2’-FL to enable your child to not only grow stronger but also build a good body defense system. With a stronger body defense, your child is able to learn fearlessly and faster with Eye-Q system which contains Unique Vegetable Oil Blend – For better DHA absorption, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E – To protect DHA from oxidation and a combination of nutrients - which enable more brain cell connections.
Similac is also certified halal by JAKIM and is a popular brand in private hospitals.
2.1. Similac Step 1 (600g): Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
2.2. Similac Step 1 (1.2 kg): RM 11.25 per 100 g > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
2.3 Similac Lactose Free (850g) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
Similac also has a lactose free option for infants with diarrhea, lactose intolerance, colic and flatulence.
It contains lactase to help the digestive system absorb lactose.
Bellamy’s Organic Infant formula is a Stage 1 to 2 milk formula which is suitable for newborn babies and up to 1-year-olds. As this formulation is specially developed for baby’s delicate tummy, it is easily digested and absorbed thereby reducing the occurrences of acid reflux. Made from NASAA certified organic cow’s milk and produce in accordance with stringent Australian Food guidelines and standards, you can be assured of its quality and nutritional value.
Bellamy's Organic: Step 1 Infant Formula (Non-GMO) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
4. Nestle NAN HA (Hypo-Allergenic)
If either parent is prone to allergies or has eczema, a smart decision would be to start out with a baby formula which is less likely to trigger possible allergic reactions or complications in your child.
Nestle's NAN HA is a premium Swiss-made cow's milk formula that's designed to be nutritious for your baby. Suitable for little ones aged 0-12 months, this formula should provide them with nutrients vital for their growth and development. This formula is also a good choice for babies who are particularly sensitive or prone to allergies, as it is hypoallergenic and easy for babies to digest.
4.1. NAN HA Step 1 BL (800g) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
The NAN HA brand has more than 700 ratings and reviews (4.9/5) on Lazada Malaysia.
Other than the HA (hypoallergenic) version, Nestle also has the NAN Pro Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder that contains probiotics for your baby’s gut health. However, based on the ratings on Lazada Malaysia, the NAN HA seems to be a more popular version among mothers.
4.2. Nestle NAN Pro Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder > Check Price on Lazada
5. Wyeth S-26 SMA Infant Formula Step 1 Milk Powder
Wyeth S26 SMA contains..
-AA (97mg/100g) & DHA (56mg/100g): From single cell source
-Lutein:As a predominant macular pigment in the retina, it is able to filter blue light and may protect the eye.
-Iron: A factor in red blood cell formation.
-Zinc: Essential for growth.
-Calcium: Aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.
-Vitamin D: Necessary for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus.
In 2012 Wyeth Nutrition was acquired by Nestlé SA from Pfizer and operates as part of Nestlé Nutrition.
S-26 SMA 600g (Step 1) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
S-26 SMA 1.2kg (Step 1) > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
6. Anmum Infacare Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder
You get what you pay for and Anmum Infacare Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder does have all the essential nutrients in good proportions. But in lower amounts than other brands.
With more than 1,400 ratings on Lazada Malaysia and a 4.9/5 star rating, there is no doubt that this is a popular brand among mothers in Malaysia.
Anmum Infacare Step 1 650g > Check Price on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
7. Isomil - Best Lactose-free Baby Formula
Similac Soy Isomil is a cow's milk-free, lactose-free, soy-based formula that is specially designed for babies from birth to 12 months. It is formulated for babies with allergies to cow's milk and lactose. However, it's advisable to seek your paediatrician's advice first as babies are rarely born lactose-intolerant.
Has OptiGRO™ to support brain and eye development.
Isomil 850g (0 to 12 Months) > Check Price on Lazada
8. Dumex Mamex Cherish Step 1
Mamex Cherish Step 1 is a good formula milk powder for babies between 0 to 12 months old. It has all the vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals your baby needs for this crucial infancy period.
Formulated with Mamil's own Prebiotics Oligosaccharide Mixture, the milk helps prevent harmful bacteria from attacking your baby's digestive system and support the thriving of good bacteria instead. This contributes to the development of a strong immune system for the baby.
- For 0-6 months
- Fortified with nutrients to suit breastfed babies
- Support thriving of good bacteria for healthy digestive and immune system
- Formula contains DHA, AA, Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Vitamins A, C, D and E, DHA, AA, Protein and Iodine
- Includes GOS and IcFOS probiotics for good intestinal health
- Special mixture to help babies pass motion easily, but may cause diarrhoea
- Cheap compared to many other brands
Ratings: 4.7/5 (Shopee)
Mamex Cherish Step 1, 600g - Buy on Lazada / Shopee Malaysia
Best Formula Milk for Babies 6-12 Months in Malaysia
Babies between 6-12 months can continue with the regular infant formula. However, some formula companies do offer “follow-on” formula to be offered to infants after 6 months.
Here are some examples of baby formula milk powder for babies between 6-12 months old (or above).
9. Dumex Dupro 2
At less than RM30 for a 850g pack, the Dupro 2 is one of the most affordable milk powders in Malaysia. Meanwhile, it also contains the key nutrients and ingredients that your baby requires, such as DHA, Vitamin A, Calcium and Protein. Dupro 2 is also protected under Lazada’s guarantee of authenticity so you know you are getting the genuine product at an affordable price.
- For babies between 6 to 36 months old
- One of the most affordable milk powders in Malaysia
- DHA, Vitamin A, Calcium, IcFOS, Protein
Dumex Dupro 2, 850g - Buy On Lazada
10. Dutch Baby Milk Formula
- For babies between 6 to 18 months
- Contains DHA, AA, Protein, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, FOS, Vitamin D
- For the development of brain and motor skills
- Covered by Lazada guarantee (at least 6 months from expiry)
Rating : 4.7 / 5.0 - More than 140 reviews on Lazada
Dutch Baby Milk Formula, 900g - Buy on Lazada
Conclusion
Breastmilk is still nature's perfect baby food. But if you can’t breastfeed, or if you’ve chosen not to, formula milk is the next best thing. Scientists and medical experts have spent years developing high-quality formula milks that will provide your baby with the nutrition he/she needs.
It's an important decision that's not easy to decide. When you’re deciding which formula is right for your baby, you will need to take several factors into consideration. Think about her health and dietary needs, her age, the ingredients and the cost and preparation time of different formula milks. It's best to choose milk formula as your doctor recommends, as per baby's requirements.
Step 1 vs Step 2 vs Step 3 Formula Milk in Malaysia
1. Difference Between Infant Formula and Step 1 Formula Milk
- Infant formula resembles breast milk more
- Infant formula's only form of carbohydrate is lactose
- Step 1 formula contains starch in addition to lactose
- Infant formula is usually watery, has less protein content, and is easier for babies to digest
- Step 1 formula is creamier than infant milk and will keep your baby full longer
- Both formulas can be used from birth onwards.
- Both formulas can be used until the baby stops bottle feeding.
2. Difference Between Step 1 and Step 2 Formula Milk
- Step 1 and step 2 formula milk have similar nutrients. The main difference is the ratio of casein and whey proteins, which are both derived from milk.
- Step 1 formulas are whey dominant just like breast milk which has a whey to casein ratio of about 60:40. Whey digests quickly compared to casein.
- Step 2 formulas are similar to Step 1 formulas but has more casein, with a whey to casein ratio of 20:80. Casein digests slower, keeping babies full for longer.
- Step 2, or Casein-dominant formulas, can be stressful to the immature digestive system of infants below 3 months old.
- Step 2 formulas are often creamier than step 1 formula and has more energy, making it more satiating for babies older than 6 months.
- Step 2 formula is mainly appropriate when your child starts eating baby food. It can be used to supplement baby food if your baby is still hungry after drinking step 1 milk.
- Step 2 formula can be used starting from month 7 (earliest) until the baby stops bottle feeding.
3. Difference Between Step 2 and Step 3 / Step 4 Formula Milk
- Step 3 formula usually has more starch and energy contents than Step 2 formula, making babies full for longer.
- Step 3 formula is usually not as micro and macronutrient dense as Step 1 or Step 2 formula milk, as it is considered as a weaning formula.
About Step 3 Formula Milk
Step 3 formula is appropriate for toddlers 12 months or older.
It shouldn't be used as a substitute for a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. This formula milk should be a part of your baby's diet, and shouldn't replace solid foods.
It may not be necessary for toddlers who are already eating a lot of healthy foods. However, if the child cannot consume enough normal food, step 3 formula could be useful.
As always, consult a child specialist for specific nutrition advice.
Baby Nutrition Guide
1. 0-6 months - Step 1
Newborns should either breast milk or infant formula on demand.
Breast Milk
For new-born babies, WHO advices to solely breastfeed for the first 6 months and then continue with additional nutritious foods up to 2 years old, based on you and your baby's needs. (Source)
Breastfeeding is usually the better option compared to formula milk because it..
- Adapts to the baby's changing requirements
- Provides babies with all of the vital nutrition and hydration they need
- Helps protect against infection and to build a healthy immune system
- Is a cheap and convenient to feed your babies wherever and whenever they need to.
Infant Formula Milk
In case breastfeeding doesn’t work or you choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is the only suitable alternative. It should be your baby’s only source of nutrition for the first 6 months. A formula-fed infant will drink every 3 - 4 hours and will increase as your baby grows.
According to NHS guidelines, cow’s milk and other substitutes should not be introduced as a main drink until after 1 year. Never start solids before 4 months. Source
Always seek medical advice before buying infant formula.
Here are some infant milk formulas you can get in Malaysia..
- Nestle NAN Pro Step 1 (600g), RM76.36 > Lazada
- Anmum Infacare Step 1 (650g), RM67 > Lazada
Water - NOT Recommended
It is recommended that you do not give babies under six months of age water. Until your little one is six months they should receive only breastmilk or formula.
Here are some of the common consequences of introducing water to babies too early..
- Lack of nutrients from milk or formula
- Slower weight gain and decreased development
- Weaker immunity
- Potential of reduced breast milk supply
- Water intoxication
For more information, check out When Can Babies Drink Water
4-6 Months Old
Most babies are ready to start solids around 5 - 6 months old.
Some signs that show they are ready include..
- Mastering the grabbing skill
- Developing head and neck control
- Losing the tongue-thrust mechanism that automatically pushes food out of their mouth. N
Aim to feed about 1-2 tablespoons of food twice a day to your baby. Solid food shouldn't replace milk as the main source of nutrients.
2. 6-12 months - Step 2
At 6 months, parents will usually introduce more foods into their baby’s diet, so the amount of milk they will need will gradually decrease. For both formula-fed and breastfed babies, the amount of milk they drink should naturally adjust according to how much food they have eaten.
However, for babies 6 to 9 months old, most of their calories should still come from breast milk or formula. Don’t stress about getting them to eat bite after bite of solid food. Feed up to two meals daily (or once every couple of days for some babies), with each meal 2 to 4 tablespoons.
Suitable baby foods include iron-fortified single-grain baby cereal along with pureed vegetables, fruits, and meats. You can also try offering finger foods like cut vegetables, fruit, yogurt and cheese. However, try not to introduce more than one food at a time to identify possible allergies or digestive problems.
Water can be introduced in small amounts with meals. It is generally advised not to give your baby more than 100ml to 150ml a day. As they age, you may start introducing more water with the help of sippy cups and straws.
For a more detailed guide on introducing water to your baby, do check out When Can Babies Drink Water .
If they seem to have an endless appetite or don’t seem to be eating enough, contact your child specialist.
9-12 Months Old
At this age, about half of your baby’s calories may usually come from food and the other half from breast milk or formula.
Babies these age are usually interested in trying new foods, so you can try to give them small pieces of your own meals. If they want more, give them more, but if they push it away, maybe that item is just not their one of their favourites.
Babies like to play with their food, so you can try using yogurt, cheese or oats as a sauce for vegetables or whole-grain crackers. Just remember to cut the foods properly and to avoid hard pieces to prevent choking.
3. 12 months onwards - Step 3 / Step 4
Summary : Feed breast milk, dairy milk (cow / goat / etc), alternative plant based milk (soy), more soft / semi solid foods. Seek medical advice before feeding non breast milk alternatives.
Children will usually start to eat larger, more regular meals and get most of their nutrition from foods other than milk. WHO recommends that babies continue to be breast fed up to 2 years and beyond, but they may begin to need less breast milk as they eat more food.
After 12 months, your baby may not need formula milk anymore as they can start drinking cow’s milk and other alternatives more regularly.
Below are some of the main types of milk that may be given at this stage.
Cow’s Milk - For children under 2, choose full-fat cow’s milk. Semi-skimmed doesn’t have the same nutrient profile in terms of vitamins and minerals and has less energy.
Goat’s / Sheep’s Milk - Their nutrient profiles are similar to cow’s milk so as long as they’re pasteurised, they’re alright to offer.
Soya Drinks & Other Milk Alternatives - As part of a healthy, balanced diet, soya, oat, almond and other vegetable based milks can be offered or used in cooking. However, they are usually not as nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk. Furthermore, not all brands fortify with the same nutrients.
2 years and above
Summary : Feed cow's milk or alternative, and a balanced diet. Formula milk as an addition if the child is not receiving enough nutrients.
Children will start to eat a more varied, balanced diet and may rely less on milk. You may adjust how much milk you give them based on their diet throughout the week. If your child's diet doesn’t include dairy, you should consider how you can replace any nutrients they might be missing out on, such as formula milk or alternative foods.
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