If you are looking for the best formula milk for your baby who is from 0 to 6 months old, you are in 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.
Related: Best Formula Milk for Baby 0-6 months in Singapore
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
It’s most likely your baby can have cow’s milk-based formula, unless there’s a health or dietary reason why she can’t.
You might also come across the terms 'step 1, 2 and 3' for baby milk powders:
- Step 1: Sometimes labelled simply as “infant milk powder”, this is suitable for babies from birth to 6 months in general. Some 'step 1' formula brands may label their step 1 formulas as suitable from birth to 12 months.
- Step 2: Also known as “follow on milk powder”, Stage 2 is for babies from 6 months old and up.
- Step 3: Contains more nutrients and calories, for toddlers 1 year old and up.
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).
Price Comparison of Baby Milk Powders in Malaysia 2022
The sheer number and variety of baby milk powder options by itself is already overwhelming, let alone the prices. Fear not, we’ll cover the average price of most major milk powder brands in Malaysia so you can be less cluttered when it comes to decision making.
Most of the baby milk powder brands come in various sizes i.e. 400 g, 600 g, 900 g and 1.8 kg. Therefore, we will show you the average cost on a per 100 gram basis in order to make the comparison easier. For example, if you are buying a 600 g size, you will need to multiply by 6 the price per 100 g in order to get the estimate price.
For this article, we will cover only milk powder for Stage 1. The prices were taken from Lazada and Shopee which have some of the best deals for baby milk powders.
Here's the list:
1. Similac Lactose Free (850g) : RM7.70 per 100g >
Lazada (RM65.30)
2. S26 Step 1 (1.2kg) : RM8 per 100kg >
Shopee (RM95.90)
3. S26 Step 1 (600g) : RM8.50 per 100g >
Lazada (RM50.90)
4. Anmum Infacare Step 1 650g: RM 10.31 per 100 g >
Lazada
5. Similac Step 1 (1.2 kg): RM 11.25 per 100 g >
Lazada
6. Similac Step 1 (600 g): RM 11.57 per 100 g >
Lazada (RM 103.50)
7. Enfalac A+ Step 1 (2.4 kg): RM 11.71 per 100 g >
Lazada (RM 281)
8. Frisolac Comfort (400g) : RM12 per 100g >
Shopee (RM48)
9. Enfalac A+ Step 1 (600 g): RM 12 per 100 g >
Shopee (RM 72)
10. Enfamil Lactofree Care (400g) : RM12.60 per 100g >
Shopee (RM50.50)
11. Nan Pro Step 1 (600g) : RM12.70 per 100g >
Lazada (RM76.40)
12. Bellamy's Organic: Step 1 (Non-GMO) (900 g): RM 12.86 per 100 g >
Lazada
13. Nestle NAN HA Step 1 BL (800g): RM 13.12 per 100 g >
Shopee
14. Dumex Mamex Cherish (600g) : RM13.30 >
Shopee (RM80)
15. Novalac Novarice (800g) : RM14.25 per 100g >
Shopee (RM114)
Editor's Reminder: Please do not decide based on price alone. Think about your baby's health and dietary needs, her age, and the cost and preparation time of different formula milks. It's best to choose milk formula as recommended by your doctor in Malaysia. Every baby is different and unique. If you have already bought them or some of them may have been bought by your friends and relatives, please consult your doctor before giving it to your baby.
Note: The price may vary from time to time.
Best Formula Milk for Baby 0-6 months in Malaysia 2022
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. Here are the best baby milk powders you can buy online in Malaysia today.
Many of the products do go out of stock fast on Lazada and Shopee. This list needs to be updated from time to time.
Enfalac | Enfamil MalaysiaEnfalac 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.
The Enfalac / Enfamil brand has more than 2,000 ratings and is one of the top 5 best sellers in the baby and toddler formula category of Amazon Best Sellers. 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.
Enfalac A Review Malaysia: In Malaysia, the Enfalac brand has more than
1800 ratings and reviews (4.9/5) on Lazada Malaysia, there is no doubt that the Enfalac A+ Step 1 is an excellent brand choice for your baby.
Where to buy Enfalac A+ in Malaysia? You can buy Enfalac A+ in most supermarkets such as Giant or Tesco in Malaysia. Alternatively, you may also purchase the Enfalac A+ online, through marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee Malaysia. The price of these Enfalac products depend on the size, for instance, a 2.4 kg formula would have a higher price than the 1.8 kg or 600 g packaging.
Do take note that there's a difference between the regular "Enfalac" and "Enfalac A+". Enfalac A+ and Enfalac are both cow’s milk based, iron-fortified infant formulas for feeding babies from birth to 12 months of age. Your baby's brain more than doubles in size the first year of life. That's why it's an important time to give him DHA, a type of Omega-3 fat and a building block of an infant's rapidly growing brain. Enfalac A+ contains a clinically proven level of DHA.
Enfalac A+ is their closest formula to breast milk, contains a clinically proven level of DHA and a blend of 2 dietary fibres, GOS and polydextrose, shown to soften stools.
In contrast, the regular Enfalac does not contain DHA, GOS and polydextrose.
1. Enfalac A+ Step 1 (600 g)
2. Enfalac A+ Step 1 (2.4 kg)
Enfamil also has a lactose free option called Enfamil Lactofree Care. This sucrose free formula is suitable for children with digestive disorders like diarrhoea due to lactose intolerance. This formula is also easy to absorb as it contains a glucose polymer, an easy-to-digest source of sugar that helps babies absorb nutrients better.
3. Enfamil Lactofree Care, 400g
Abbott Similac
The Similac brand has more than 3,000 ratings and is one of the top 5 best sellers in the baby and toddler formula category of Amazon Best Sellers. Certified halal by JAKIM and is a popular brand in private hospitals.
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.
4. Similac Step 1 (600 g) :
5. Similac Step 1 (1.2 kg):
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.
6. Similac Lactose Free, 850g
Bellamy's Organic: Step 1 Infant Formula (Non-GMO)
Bellamy’s Organic Infant formula is a Stage 1 to 2 (Step 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.
7. Bellamy's Organic: Step 1 Infant Formula (Non-GMO)
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.
Other than the HA (hypoallergenic formula milk malaysia) 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.
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.
10. S-26 SMA STEP 1 600g
11. S-26 SMA STEP 1 1.2kg
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.
12. Anmum Infacare Step 1 650g
Anmum Infacare Step 1 650g >
Lazada (RM67.00)
Anmum Infacare Step 1 650g >
Shopee (RM62.80)
Novalac Novarice - Lactose free milk for infants
Novarice is a special formula based on rice proteins that is nutritionally complete and suitable for infants who are suffering from food allergies like cow's milk protein or soya.
Novarice also suits infants with lactose intolerance or any protein malabsorption.
Novarice covers all the nutritional needs of infants from birth onwards. After 6 months old Novarice will be part of your infant’s diversified diet in accordance with your doctor's advice.
Seek medical advice before introducing food containing milk proteins or soya (milk cereals, dairy products, food with soya oil or soya lecithin etc) to your infant.
- 100% vegetable-based proteins
- Extensively hydrolyzed rice proteins
- Lactose-free
- Savory vegetable taste
- Supplemented with Nucleotides
13. Novalac Novarice, 800g
Frisolac Comfort - Best Baby Formula for Gas and Colic
This formula is especially designed for babies with digestive problems such as vomiting, colic and constipation. It is a balanced formula containing a range of essential nutrients such as Linoleic Acid and 5 types of nucleotides.
It is suitable for babies from birth onwards.
This formula contains carob bean gum which is a fibre with its thickening properties. This provides relief for the following symptoms – infant regurgitation, constipation and colic pains.
14. Frisolac Comfort, 400g
RM48 - Buy from Shopee
Dumex Mamex Cherish
- Designed to nourish newborns without upsetting their tummy
- Fortified with necessary vitamins such as A, D, C and E as well as zinc, calcium and iron
- Contains Mamil's own Unique Prebiotics Oligosaccharide Mixture, which prevents harmful bacteria from growing in your baby's digestive system by supporting good bacteria instead.
- Aids in a healthy bowel system to promote bowel movement.
- Contains DHA, AA, Protein and Iodine.
15. Dumex Mamex Cherish Step 1 (600g)
Can I switch formula brands and if so, how do I ease the transition?
If you've been given free samples or have discount coupons for a brand of formula that's different from the one you've been feeding your baby, it's tempting to switch. In most cases, it's fine to change formulas provided you stick with the same type. For instance, the ingredients in all cows' milk-based, iron-fortified infant formulas (recommend for most babies) are essentially the same. The taste may vary slightly and your baby may balk when you switch, but you won't harm her by changing brands.
Likewise, if your baby is on a pediatrician-recommended soy-based, iron-fortified formula, switching to a different brand of soy-based, iron-fortified formula won't harm her. But if your baby is on a special type of formula, such as a hydrolysate formula, or you're considering switching formula types, check with your pediatrician first.
You may be worried that switching formulas will upset your baby's stomach, but that's unlikely. All babies have gas – a lot of gas – so gas alone doesn't mean your baby is unable to tolerate whatever kind of formula you're giving her. Nor is it a sign of trouble if your baby's bowel habits change in other ways, such as frequency or color. If her stool suddenly becomes very firm, she may be constipated, in which case you should tell your pediatrician (Don't assume the constipation is due to iron-fortified formula and switch to a low-iron formula. Studies show that iron doesn't cause constipation or any other digestive upsets.) If there's blood in your baby's stool or she's vomiting and there's blood in the vomit, call your baby's doctor as soon as possible. These are signs of a true formula intolerance.
According to a
baby specialist, switching from cows' milk-based formula to a soy-based formula without consulting with your pediatrician first, is not recommended. If you have a conversation with your child's doctor about the pros and cons of cows' milk formula versus soy, you'll then be able to make an informed decision together. Some parents worry that excessive gas or other bowel oddities indicate an allergy to cows' milk, but true cows' milk allergies are extremely rare. Incidentally, many children who are allergic to cows' milk-based formulas are also allergic to soy-based formulas, so they're not a cure-all.
What's the Difference Between Step 1 and Step 2 Milk Formula?
Stage 1 formulas are whey dominant just like breast milk which has a whey to casein ratio of about 60:40. This formula is suitable for babies up to one year old, and is easy to digest. Stage 2 formulas are similar to Stage 1 formulas but with a higher casein i.e. whey to casein ratio of 20:80. Casein and whey protein are both derived from milk. They differ in digestion times — casein digests slowly while whey digests quickly.
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. However, it's also important to do your own research in order to better equip yourself with making the right informed decision.
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