UK Baby Formula
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UK BABY FORMULA
British baby formula brands are considered amongst the best in the world. The most popular baby milk brands in the UK are Kendamil, Aptamil, Cow & Gate, Hipp & SMA, all of which are readily available at affordable prices from many large supermarkets and retailers here in the UK. As such, there is a large demand for UK baby milk products from customers in overseas locations, particularly mainland Europe and the United States. This demand is driven by its quality, price point and the organic ingredients used in UK baby formula.
Such is the popularity of UK baby milk that a few years ago, the sale of two of the most popular baby milk formula brands became restricted to 2 items per customer here in the UK, reportedly due to a surge in demand for the products from China. Organic baby formula is popular the world over and available with relative ease to ship from the UK.
Baby formula milk choices in the UK
Formula milk, also known as baby formula or infant formula, is usually made from cows' milk that has been treated to make it more suitable for babies. Formula comes in two different forms: a dry powder that you add water to and ready-to-feed liquid formula. There are advantages and disadvantages of the two different kinds. The dry powder is relatively inexpensive and because it’s only made up on demand, it can last longer once opened. Pre-mixed liquid formulas are really convenient and easy to use but can work out to be a costly option. The liquid formula will also only have a short shelf life once opened.
In addition to the different forms of baby milk, there are also several different types available to buy, each of which is specially formulated for babies at different stages and with different dietary requirements. The most popular type of baby milk is first infant formula, which is suitable from birth and in most cases, is the only formula your baby will need. First infant formula is based on whey protein and is thought to be easier for babies to digest.
Alternatively, you can purchase comfort formula; designed to help reduce and prevent digestive problems like colic and constipation, hungry baby formula; a type of formula that contains more casein than whey, therefore, being harder for babies to digest, and anti-reflux formula; a thickened type of formula that aims to prevent reflux in babies.
There are also other types of formula milk available for babies that have a cow’s milk allergy, such as soya formula and lactose free formula for babies that are lactose intolerant. Although freely available to buy, these types of milk are only recommended to be used under the advice of a medical professional.
Popular retailers for purchasing baby milk include Boots, Mothercare and Tesco. It is also possible to purchase baby milk in bulk from Amazon.
Shipping baby formula outside the UK
When it comes to shipping baby milk from the UK to other countries, it is worth noting that there can be some issues. Although milk can be shipped freely to European countries from the UK at the moment, we have had customers in other countries that have experienced issues due to customs restrictions. If you are concerned about customs restrictions in your country, please get in contact with us in advance of placing your order. We will be able to advise as to our experience of shipping to various countries throughout the world and whether we have encountered any issues with baby milk products.
How to Bulk Buy Baby Formula from the UK
Bulk buying is a great way to make savings when you buy baby formula from the UK. While there are certain legal requirements that prevent supermarkets and other sellers from offering huge discounts on formula in the UK, there are ways to make considerable savings when you purchase in much larger quantities.
To buy baby formula in bulk from the UK you may need to shop at a bulk specialist, or else on Amazon. A number of the excellent infant milk formulas we mention below are available in bulk packs on Amazon that offer savings. Once you’ve sourced your bulk order, forward2me can help you with shipping and there are a number of ways we can do this.
Once you’ve placed a large order for baby formula you have a few options with forward2me. We offer a bespoke large item shipping where we can work with you for a completely tailored shipping package, or else we offer a combine & repack service.
When you’re placing a number of bulk orders across a period of time, we’d recommend using our bespoke large item service. If you’re placing smaller orders from multiple stores we’d recommend our combine & repack option. With this we can hold your items free of charge for 30 days and combine each individual order that comes into our warehouse into one larger shipment to save you money.
Which is the best UK baby formula?
So which UK baby formula is the best? We’ve done the research and crunched the numbers to help you find the best baby milk to order from the UK.
Some caveats before we get going: this guide is designed to help people find the best baby formula brands in the UK for you to order to another country, as such we have focused on powders as liquids are often prohibited to ship abroad. We have also concentrated on “first milk” products to keep the judgment even. All product information is up to date as of 26th July 2021 and is based on the cost of an individual package on Amazon UK.
|
Product |
Kendamil First Infant Milk |
Aptamil First Infant Milk |
HIPP Organic Combiotic First Infant Milk |
SMA Pro First Infant Milk |
Nanny Care Nanny Goat Milk |
|
Pros |
Kendamil First Infant Milk is entirely vegetarian, with no fish oil or palm oil. It contains DHA acid, AA, Omega 3 and Omega 6. It also contains prebiotics from full cream nutrients, making this an excellent choice. Many reviewers have noted that it smells better than other milks and offers an excellent creamy texture and taste. |
Aptamil First Infant Milk's boosted levels of omega-3 and omega-6 mean it's nutrient levels are very close to real breast milk. It's tailored to lead on to your baby's next level of development. |
Contains DHA acid. DHA acid is an essential part of breast milk and is key for the development of a number of aspects, like eyesight. It also contains AA, Omega-3 and Omega-6. |
SMA Pro First Infant Milk has a formula designed to keep down amino acids, which boosts insulin production. As such it allows easier control over weight gain. It also contains essential DHA and Omega-3 and Omega-6. |
Nanny Care is goat milk-based. While all baby formulas are fortified, making the additional nutrients found in goats milk less of an advantage, goats milk can be easier to digest and therefore easier for babies to consume. This can be useful for babies who are struggling to digest normal cow-based milks. |
|
Cons |
No Cons |
Has a sour smell and some users found it didn't last well after it was made up. |
Awkward tub which requires a separate spoon leveller and is also tricky to reseal. |
The scoop and packaging can be awkward. |
Can, in rare instances, cause constipation |
|
Package Size |
900g |
800g |
800g |
800g |
900g |
|
Price per kg (Amazon UK) |
£10 |
£24.00 |
£18.10 |
13.44 |
£24.83 |
|
Average star rating (Amazon UK out of 5) |
4.7 |
4.7 |
4.6 |
4.8 |
4.5 |
|
Free from Fish Oil |
YES |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
|
Free from Palm Oil |
YES |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
*Please note that prices are based on individual packages on Amazon and in many situations bulk buying or buying a multipack can be significantly cheaper.
While breast milk is the best source of nutrients for a newborn infant, and the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, many parents find themselves in situations where it’s not possible to feed their baby using breast milk alone. In these circumstances, infant milk formula is likely the best option. With this in mind, we believe that the best available milk for those looking to order from the UK is one that provides the closest possible experience to breast milk, in terms of the nutrients it contains and the taste, smell and texture.
Kendamil First Infant Milk - Best Overall First Infant Milk
Kendamil First Infant Milk is our pick for best overall first infant milk for international shipping. Not only is it the cheapest per kg of the first infant milk powders reviewed, which is particularly important when you’re paying for international shipping, but it’s free from both palm oil and fish oil. This completely vegetarian infant formula rates really highly from customer reviews, with particularly positive responses around its taste, smell and creamy texture. With all of the essentials, like DHA acid, AA, Omega-3, Omega-6 present, and natural MFGM (Milk fat globular molecules making it the closest to breastmilk) in the formula it really is an excellent option for a first infant milk. All of these being present is important for your baby’s development and the cream nutrients provide probiotics.
Kendamil also offer an exclusive organic range, including first infant milk, organic follow on milk, and toddler milk. You can view the full range of Organic milk formula on the Kendamil website.
Kendamil is based on the edge of the Lake District in Kendal and is the only formula that’s actually manufactured in the UK. Their aim is to make formulas that are as natural as they possibly can be, with no GMOs, soya, glucose syrups or other additives that can be popular with these types of products. They care a lot about corporate social responsibility too!
Kendamil is available from Amazon, ASDA, Waitrose, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's.
Nanny Care Nanny Goat Milk - Best alternative to cow’s milk
Best for babies struggling with digestive issues
Goat’s milk contains more natural nutrients than cow’s milk, although this slight advantage is negated somewhat by the fortified nature of infant formula. Goat’s milk can be significantly easier for some babies to digest, which makes it a good option for parents struggling to find milk their babies can consume. Digestive problems can cause your infant a lot of pain, with gas causing considerable problems. Goat milk could well be a solution to this.
Goat’s milk is also packed with important nutrients that aid in building essential parts of your body at an early age. This includes nutrients that are essential for muscle and bone growth as it contains important amino acids.
While goat’s milk can help in some situations where a child is having digestive problems it’s not guaranteed. Some babies may experience constipation in rare instances.
Nanny care offers the UK’s first goat milk formula. They helped to get goat milk included in both the UK and EU’s legislation in 2014, allowing it equal status with cow’s milk. The goat milk is sourced from goats in New Zealand.
HiPP Organic Combiotic First Infant Milk- Best organic milks
Best for expertise, experience and organic milks
If you’re looking for an excellent all-round infant baby formula, the HiPP Organic is a safe choice. It contains DHA acid, which is an essential part of real breast milk and is key in the development of a number of important aspects of the human body. This includes eyesight. Like other milk formulae, it is fortified with a number of other important nutrients, like AA, Omega-3 and Omega-6. It’s designed for children aged 0-12 months and as such the nutrients are those specialised for this age bracket. The HiPP Organic infant milk comes with HiPP’s Combiotic blend of nutrients, which includes probiotics and other vitamins and minerals.
HiPP is a world-renowned producer of baby foods, with a history dating back over 100 years. They are one of Europe’s most prolific baby food and formula producers, making them an extremely reliable and safe choice for baby formula. HiPP prides itself in its use of organic produce and that the range is the only completely organic selection of baby milks by any UK.
Buy HIPP Organic Combiotic First Infant Milk on Amazon in packs of 4 if you want to make savings.
SMA Pro First Infant Milk - Best formula milk for babies 0-6 months
A reliable and high-quality first infant milk
The SMA Pro First Infant Milk is a great choice for a high-quality infant milk that’s priced fairly. This milk comes loaded up with everything your baby needs to grow, plus the formula has been designed to help your baby keep down amino acids. These amino acids are designed to boost a baby’s insulin production, which allows easier control over a child’s weight gain. Alongside this, there’s also essential DHA acid, Omega-3 and Omega-6 all in with a very whey-heavy base.
SMA is part of the Nestle group. They specialise in all aspects of baby nutrition, from conception through pregnancy and all the way up to toddlers. SMA’s formulas are all specifically designed for the needs of the mother and child at those stages.
Aptamil First Infant Milk - Best tasting baby formula
Baby formula closest to breast milk and best for bulk buying
If you’re after something as close to breast milk as possible, then Aptamil’s First Infant Milk could be worth a go. With boosted levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6, its nutrient levels are as close to actual breast milk as possible. The milk powder has been specifically formulated to lead on to your baby’s next level of development. The only thing that really counts against this milk is that some users have reported it has a slightly sour smell, and that it doesn’t last well once it has been made. It’s also the only one on our list that contains both palm oil and fish oil. It’s still filled with all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that a growing baby could need though.
Aptamil’s baby milks are the culmination of over 40 years of intense research. It takes its food quality incredibly seriously, as well as its social responsibilities. It is part of Nutricia, and as such have a strong global brand behind them, making sure that the products are of the highest quality possible.
Aptamil is available to buy as a pack of 6 on Amazon UK which brings its overall price down to £14.19/kg too.
Shop in the UK with forward2me and ship internationally
The UK’s baby formula is known the world over for its high quality. It meets the required standards of both the UK, the EU and the WHO. As such it’s often in high demand. A package forwarding service, like forward2me, allows you to order to addresses in the UK, Turkey, Germany and Japan and then have your package forwarded to you.
If you Sign up for your free account you’ll gain access to a completely free forwarding address today. This will let you shop online in the UK for baby formula like you live there. Get the best UK milk formula brands delivered to you, wherever you live. Find out how package forwarding works and then order with the knowledge that forward2me will get your baby milk formula to you.