Babies (and mummies) need all the help they can get! Whether its breast milk or the best baby milk powder in Malaysia 2021!
Because babies grow tremendously (i.e. three times their weight) during their first year, it’s important to give them all the necessary nutrients. For healthy brain and joint development!
See reviews on the best formula milk you can get in Malaysia!
Formula Types
Breast milk is best (especially in the first 6 months) but understandably, sometimes there is not enough.
Or you have to be somewhere that is not convenient (or socially acceptable) to breast feed, or use a breast pump!
And not forgetting that mum deserves a break too!
Luckily, baby formula is made to contain the same nutrients breast milk does. But the base can differ. Which results in different types of baby milk powder:
1. Cow’s Milk Formula
Most baby formulas are made from cow’s milk. Albeit in a way that’s easy for infants to digest.
With some additional ingredients in (i.e. fortified). Like iron or probiotic supplements.
2. Soy Formula
For the lactose-free (or vegan) route, you can buy a soy-based baby milk powder instead.
3. Specialized Formula
And there are formulas (e.g. hydrolyzed formula) with predigested proteins to address allergies to protein in cow’s milk or breast milk.
Or for infants with skin conditions like eczema (e.g. hypoallergenic formula).
There is even formula for premature babies!
Essential Nutrients In Formula
1. DHA & AA/ARA
These are types of fatty acids naturally present in breast milk.
They contribute to the baby’s brain and vision development. And thus, many commercial baby milk powders include them too.
DHA and AA are indicated separately on labels.
Where there should roughly be an equal amount of DHA and AA in your baby’s milk powder. To mimic breast milk as closely as possible.
2. Nucleotides
And to strengthen the baby’s immune system, there needs to be nucleotides. Also key in the development of digestive organs.
3. Choline
Only recently considered an essential nutrient for babies, the recommended amount is 125-150mg for babies between 0-12 months.
But only a handful of brands meet this.
It is important for the body’s nervous system and brain function as well as cell growth. The human body does not produce much of this on its own.
Adults can get it from meat, eggs and some vegetables. Babies get it from their mother’s womb or breast milk.
4. Prebiotics And Probiotics
What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
Prebiotics encourage the growth of probiotics in the gut.
Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial in keeping the balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria in your gut!
The human body (even for adults) does not naturally produce its own probiotics!
5. Vitamins Like A, C, D, E, And The B Vitamins
These are necessary for good skin and vision. As well as for a healthy brain, nerves and blood cells.
Boosting the immune system and helping minerals like calcium absorb into the body.
Vitamin B9 is called folic acid. And it’s significant for red blood cell production. Besides this, it helps in developing the link between the brain and spinal cord too.
6. Minerals Like Calcium, Iron, Zinc
Calcium- for bone, teeth, nails, etc. And muscle and nerve function
Iron – for blood production
Zinc – has so many uses in the body! Cell growth and repair, immune system, to breakdown carbohydrates, etc
How To Choose The Best Milk Powder For Your Baby
1. Review The Product Label For Nutritional Ingredients
Check the product label that it contains all of the essential ingredients!
2. Select Based On Age
Not unlike picking out the best baby stroller in Malaysia:
Deciding which milk powder to buy depends on how old your child is!
As the ratio of ingredients will generally reflect the respective nutritional requirements according to age group.
Baby formula stages:
- Stage 1 (Birth – 6 months old)
- Stage 2 (6 months – 1 year-olds)
- Stage 3 (1 – 3 years old)
3. Bring Your Child To A Pediatrician
If you suspect that your child may have an allergy (or any other anomaly) to their current milk powder, consult a pediatrician on the next course of action.
It may also be that your baby is either having too much or too little milk.
Abnormal symptoms to look out for are:
- Slow or fast weight gain
- Continuous crying
- Vomiting
- Loose skin
- Less urine
- Holding their legs up to their chest
Top 10 Baby Milk Powder Brands In Malaysia
Not in any particular order:
- S-26 (Wyeth Nutrition)
- Similac
- Enfalac/ Enfagrow/ Enfamil – all by Mead Johnson (same manufacturer for SUSTAGEN)
- Frisolac
- Anmum
- Isomil
- Nestle NAN Pro
- Mamex (Dumex)
- Pediasure
- Nutricia AptaGro
15 Best Baby Milk Powder In Malaysia 2021
Best Formula Milk For Baby 0 To 6 Months & 6 – 12 Months
Unless mentioned otherwise, you can assume that the milk powder listed here are all cow milk based.
1. Similac 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder
Certified halal by JAKIM and popular in private hospitals:
Similac 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder is affordable and has all the necessary nutrients and more. However, the DHA content is less than in other brands.
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA, AA, 2’-FL, Nucleotide, Omega 3 & 6, Taurine and Choline
- Size: 1.2kg
- Price: RM120
- Price/kg: RM100
2. S-26 Gold SMA Infant Formula Milk Powder
Higher in iron and choline, but lowest in calcium compared to other milk powder brands for infants:
This cow and soy milk formula by local brand, Wyeth Nutrition (under Nestle) is suitable for babies up to a year old!
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA & AA, Alpha-Lactalbumin, Lutein, Oligofructose, Taurine, Nucleotides
- Size: 1.8kg
- Price: RM203
- Price/kg: RM112.8
3. Enfalac A+ Infant Formula Milk Powder
Specialists like to recommend Enfalac A+ Infant Formula Milk Powder for newborns. As it is particularly high in DHD, calcium, ARA and folic acid. It too, is certified halal by JAKIM.
It’s one of the few brands that just about meet the minimum choline requirement (e.g. 122mg vs 125mg)
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: MFGM Complex, DHA, ARA, Choline, Dietary Fibers, Omega 3 & 6
- Size: 2.4kg
- Price: RM281
- Price/kg: RM117 – 121.8
4. Frisolac Step 1 Baby Milk Formula
Sold in 3 different sizes (400g, 600g and 900g), Frisolac comes all the way from Holland cow farms.
That put emphasis on their cows’ well being and preserving as much of the natural nutrients as possible!
This formula has one of the highest calcium and choline content among milk powder brands in this list!
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA & AA, Omega 3 & 6, Salic Acid, Dietary Fibers
- Size: 900g
- Price: RM109
- Price/kg: RM121.1
5. 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!
Babies seem to like the taste of this formula. It’s less sweet and doesn’t appear to cause constipation or diarrhea either.
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA & AA, Omega 3 & 6, Nucleotides, Lutein, Vitamin E, Folic Acid
- Size: 900g
- Price: RM100
- Price/kg: RM111
6. Isomil Soya Milk Powder
Isomil by Abbott family is a 100% lactose-free soy-based milk formula that’s surprisingly high in calcium!
Additional ingredients include duo carbohydrates (for easier absorption), lutein (for vision) and prebiotics (FOS).
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA & AA, Omega 3 & 6, Nucleotides, Lutein, Vitamin E, Folic Acid
- Size: 850g
- Price: RM71
- Price/kg: RM83.5
7. Nestle NAN Pro Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder
Unlike other milk powder brands on this list, Nestle NAN Pro Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder contains probiotics for your baby’s gut health!
Specifically bifidobacterium lactis probiotic to reduce the chances of diarrhea! Yay for less mess in your baby’s diaper!
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA & ARA, Omega 3 & 6, Nucleotides, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Probiotic, Nucleotides
- Size: 1.3kg
- Price: RM129
- Price/kg: RM99.2
8. Mamex Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder
Except for a slightly lower content in iron and zinc (compared to other brands):
Mamex Step 1 Infant Formula Milk Powder still has a reasonable balance of nutrients. Including choline and calcium! With prebiotics too!
- Suitable For: 0 – 12 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA, AA, Prebiotics GOS/lcFOS (9:1), Omega 3 & 6, Nucleotides, Taurine
- DHA: 87 mg/100g
- Size: 1.2kg
- Price: RM108.9
- Price/kg: RM90.75
Nutrition Comparison Table (0-12 Months)
Unit is mg/100g unless specified.
| Milk Powder | Price/kg | DHA | AA/ARA | Nucleotides | FOS (g) | Taurine | Lutein (mcg) | Folic Acid (mcg) | Choline | Calcium | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similac 1 | 100 | 56 | 112 | 57.6 | 1.6 | 29 | 91 | 76 | 80 | 380 | 5.4 | 4.5 |
| S-26 Gold SMA | 112.8 | 95.3 | 95.3 | 20.2 | 3.9 | 36.4 | 88 | 82.9 | 124 | 289 | 6.2 | 4.7 |
| Enfalac A+ | 121.8 | 87 | 173 | 15.8 | 3.1 | 31 | n/a | 87 | 122 | 400 | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| Enfalac A+ Gentlease | 134.7 | 87 | 173 | n/a | n/a | 31 | n/a | 82 | 122 | 420 | 6.1 | 5.1 |
| Frisolac 1 | 121.1 | 63 | 63 | n/a | 3.1 | 46 | n/a | 85 | 105 | 425 | 6 | 4.6 |
| Frisolac Comfort | 125 | 53 | 53 | 14.43 | 2.9 | 40 | n/a | 90 | 155 | 385 | 5 | 4.4 |
| Anmum Infacare 1 | 111 | 44 | 44 | 25 | 0.44 | 31 | n/a | 70 | 90 | 390 | 4.7 | 3.8 |
| Isomil | 83.5 | 50 | 100 | n/a | 1.6 | 34 | 85.2 | 75 | 60 | 532 | 7.8 | 6 |
| NAN PRO 1* | 99.2 | 61 | 61 | 15.6 | n/a | 32 | n/a | 74 | 46 | 330 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Mamex 1 | 90.75 | 49 | 86 | 18.9 | 5.9 | 39 | n/a | 75 | 118 | 365 | 4.3 | 3.6 |
*only NAN PRO 1 contains probiotic with 1 x 10^6 cfu/g.
Best Formula Milk For 1 Year Old And Above
Toddlers still require a lot of DHA, AA and folic acid. And the following formulas have a higher calcium and folic acid intake too.
Don’t forget to look into getting or replacing your current baby car seat so that it fits your growing toddler!
9. Enfagrow A+ Mindpro Step 3
Kids have more variety with the 4 available flavors (original, vanilla, chocolate or honey). And the product can come in many sizes (600g, 1.2kg, 1.7kg, etc or even 3.6kg)!
But the most startling thing about this formula, is the higher-than-average DHA content for healthy brain development! And no added sugar!
As well as MFGM Complex – which helps build immunity! You can read more about it on here.
- Suitable For: 1 – 3 Years Old
- Key Nutrients: MFGM Complex, DHA, Yeast Beta-Glucan, Choline, Iodine, Vitamin A & Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron
- Size: 1.2kg
- Price: RM100
- Price/kg: RM89
10. Enfalac A+ Step 2 Formula Milk Powder
Step 2 of Enfalac A+ has both DHA and AA in ample amounts. Along with nucleotides, taurine, iron, zinc folic acid, choline and calcium!
From a glance though, you can see that it differs from Enfalac A+ in the increased calcium!
- Suitable For: 6 – 18 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA, ARA, Choline, Sialic Acid, Dietary Fibers
- Size: 900g
- Price: RM93
- Price/kg: RM109.2 – 113.6
11. Similac 2 Formula Milk Powder
Similac 2 reduces DHA, AA, nucleotides, taurine and lutein from Similac 1.
But this formula has more folic acid, calcium, iron and choline!
- Suitable For: 6 – 18 Months Baby
- Key Nutrients: DHA, AA, 2’-FL, Nucleotide, Omega 3 & 6, Taurine and Choline
- Size: 900g
- Price: RM93
- Price/kg: RM103.3
12. S-26 Gold Progress Formula Milk Powder
Aside from choline and DHA, the nutrition balance in S-26 Gold Progress Formula Milk Powder is low compared to other brands.
It is however, sucrose-free. And its main selling point is αlipids™. With sphingomyelin and phospholipids. These are crucial for brain-nerve communication!
- Suitable For: 1 Year & Above
- Key Nutrients: αlipids, DHA, Choline, Lutein and Oligofructose, alpha-lactalbumin, Vitamins D and K, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamins A, C and E, Selenium
- Size: 2.4kg
- Price: RM177.7
- Price/kg: RM74 – 84.4
13. Anmum Essential Step 3 Milk Formula
There is an abundance of calcium and iron in the Anmum Essential Step 3 Milk Formula. And FOS and inulin for optimum absorption of nutrients in the digestive system!
The milk is sourced from New Zealand (Fonterra Trusted Goodness). Without any additional sugar!
- Suitable For: 1 Year & Above
- Key Nutrients: DHA, GA, MFGM, Sialic Acid, Omega 3 & 6
- Size: 1.5kg
- Price: RM89
- Price/kg: RM59.3 – 60
14. Pediasure Optiheight Milk Formula Vanilla
From the name of this milk formula, you can guess that it’s for helping your little one catch up to the height of his/ her peers!
By introducing Arginine & Natural Vitamin K2! Other than calcium!
It also happens to be gluten-free and safe for those with lactose intolerance! With probiotics in the mix, too!
- Suitable For: 1 – 10 Years Old
- Key Nutrients: DHA, AA, Omega 3 & 6, Calcium, Arginine, Natural Vitamin K2, Calcium, Probiotics, Dietary Fibers
- Size: 1.8kg
- Price: RM159
- Price/kg: RM88.3 – 88.75
15. Nutricia AptaGro Step 3 Milk Formula
Nutricia AptaGro Step 3 Milk Formula contains prebiotics and probiotics in a milk powder formula without sucrose.
The DHA content in this formula is high. As is the folic acid!
- Suitable For: 1 – 3 Years Old
- Key Nutrients: Prebiotics GOS/lcFOS (9:1), Probiotics, DHA, Vitamin A, C & D
- DHA: 89.7 mg/100g
- Size: 1.2kg
- Price: RM99.9
- Price/kg: RM83.25
Nutrition Comparison Table (1 Years & Above)
Unit is mg/100g unless specified.
| Milk Powder | Price/kg | DHA | AA/ARA | Nucleotides | FOS (g) | Taurine | Lutein (mcg) | Folic Acid (mcg) | Choline | Calcium | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enfagrow A+ Mindpro Step 3 Original (NEW) | 89 | 100 | n/a | 2 | 3.2 | n/a | n/a | 220 | 100 | 730 | 9 | 3.4 |
| Enfagrow A+ Step 3 | 83.6 | 88 | n/a | 2 | 3.2 | n/a | n/a | 220 | 100 | 730 | 9 | 4.8 |
| Enfagrow A+ Gentlease Step 3 | 87.4 | 63 | 125 | n/a | n/a | 30 | n/a | 150 | 115 | 620 | 6 | 4.1 |
| Enfalac A+ Step 2 | 113.6 | 82 | 163 | 16.8 | 2.6 | 27 | n/a | 96 | 115 | 590 | 7.4 | 4.8 |
| Similac 2 | 103.3 | 48 | 95 | 47.4 | 1.32 | 31.3 | 135 | 104 | 96 | 600 | 6.8 | 4.5 |
| S-26 Gold Progress | 84.4 | 56 | 15.1 | 15.1 | 3 | 27.3 | 163 | 87.2 | 140 | 418 | 5.8 | 2.4 |
| Frisolac Step 2 | 113.3 | 31 | 21 | n/a | 2.7 | n/a | n/a | 160 | 220 | 535 | 7.2 | 5.1 |
| Anmum Essential Step 3 | 60 | 53.6 | n/a | n/a | 4.48 | n/a | n/a | 98 | n/a | 810 | 11.4 | 5.4 |
| Pediasure Optiheight* | 88.75 | 21 | n/a | n/a | 2.06 | 33.3 | n/a | 111 | 139 | 463 | 6.48 | 3.1 |
| AptaGro Step 3** | 83.25 | 89.7 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 55 | n/a | 141 | 106 | 535 | 6 | 4.5 |
*Pediasure Optiheight contains probiotic with 1 x 10^6 cfu/g.
**AptaGro Step 3 contains probiotic with 1 x 10^7 cfu/g.
Conclusion
Get the best milk powder in Malaysia so you don’t have to compromise your baby’s growth! For scenarios where and when it’s not possible to give him/her breast milk!
Also, don’t ever feel guilty about not being able to give your child breast milk!
You can start off by selecting milk powder brands according to the nutrition content and price. But ultimately, your baby will decide which brand they prefer!
