Similac vs Enfamil for supplementing: Which is the best formula?

Similac vs Enfamil for supplementing, which is best for your baby?

All formulas are similar in that they contain minerals and vitamins as required by the governing body. They, however, differ on the nutritional levels as brands try to outdo each other to become the best formula for babies.

Some brands may have high levels of fats while others may have high levels of proteins depending on their target market.

Therefore, you need to choose a formula that meets the needs of your baby.

In this article, we are going to look at the most popular formulas used by parents; Similac and Enfamil. Have you tried any of them? How similar or different are they? Which one did your baby prefer?

Similac vs Enfamil for supplementing when breast milk is not enough

It is important to note that supplementation formulas are meant to be used by moms who are still breastfeeding. Thus, they should not be given to children who are not being breastfed since they are meant to supplement breast milk in case the baby is not getting enough.

If your milk dries completely, pediatricians recommend that you switch to regular formula.

Similac for supplementation

Similac for supplementation is a formula that is meant to be used by breastfeeding moms who want to introduce formula to their little ones.

• It does not have any artificial growth hormones so it provides a gentle way to introduce a baby to formula without the risk of allergic reactions.
• Other than having minerals, vitamins, proteins and several other nutrients, this formula contains prebiotics. Prebiotics are important in that they make the baby’s stool softer just like when taking breast milk. Thus, infants do not get constipated when they take Similac for supplementing.
• This brand of formula also has OptiGro. This is a unique blend of ingredients found in breast milk such as DHA, Vitamin E and Lutein that promote brain and eye development in infants.
• In addition, Similac contains nucleotides, which help to boost the development of the baby’s immune system.
• It is palm Olein oil-free and this helps to promote the absorption of calcium in the body and ensure strong bone development.
• Similac for supplementation is packed in 2 Oz bottles which makes it very convenient for night time feeding and when on the go.
• There is no measuring or mixing.  Simply shake the bottle well and place the nipple (that comes with the formula) on top and then feed the baby. There is no waste too or the need to use extra bottles or heating.
• The only downside of this formula is that it is a bit expensive compared to Enfamil for supplementation.

Enfamil for supplementation

This is also a formula meant for breastfeeding moms who choose to introduce their babies to formula.

• It is said to complement breast milk due to the fact that it has important nutrients that promote healthy growth of infants. For instance, Enfamil contains DHA, choline and AHA but at higher levels than in Similac, which promote brain development.
• Unlike Similac, Enfamil for supplementation is made using palm olein oil.
• While Similac manufacturers argue that the lack of palm olein oil in their formula increases calcium absorption in the body, Enfamil argues that palm olein oil causes the stool to be firmer and encourages a more frequent bowel movement.
• This formula has vitamin D, which makes it very easy on a baby’s digestive system. Thus, if your baby has tummy issues, this is a great formula for preventing gas and colic. Moreover, ensure you choose a good anti-colic bottle so as to minimize the amount of air that baby swallows when feeding. See this review for a complete guide on the best bottle for gas.
• Enfamil formula does not come packed in bottles like Similac. Therefore, you have to measure it (it comes with a measuring cup) and mix.
• Nonetheless, it is more affordable compared to Similac.

FAQ about Similac vs Enfamil for supplementing

Q 1. Between Enfamil and Similac, which helps to reduce gas and fussiness?

It is not unusual for babies to experience gas pain and fussiness. You can tell that your baby has gas when he or she becomes extremely fussy especially after feeding and seems very uncomfortable.

They type of formula the baby is taking can also contribute to gas.

However, some formulas have been specifically designed to ease gas pain in babies. Both Similac and Enfamil brands have come up with special formulas that are extremely good at preventing gas. Similac has Sensitive while Enfamil has Gentlease.

Similac Sensitive is specially designed to ease fussiness and gas in babies who are sensitive to lactose. It is lactose-free and does not contain any artificial growth hormones. Most importantly, it helps in brain and eye development since it contains a mixture of DHA, Vitamin E and Lutein.

Enfamil Gentlease is a milk-based formula that is also clinically made to ease gas and fussiness in babies. It has been tested and found to relieve gas pain in babies within 24 hours.

Unlike Similac Sensitive, Enfamil Gentlease has a little amount of lactose. Most pediatricians recommend this brand of formula since it has easy to digest proteins that have been broken down partially to make it gentle on baby’s stomach.

Gentlease also contains a blend of DHA and choline, which play a significant role in cognitive development.

Q2. Which formula helps to reduce spit up?

There are several reasons why babies spit up. Some of the common causes include having too much gas in the tummy and taking too much milk when feeding. Spit up occurs quite often but some babies spit up more than others.

In most cases, you do not need to take any action as the spit up will gradually end on its own as the baby gets older.

You can however minimize spit up by positioning the baby properly during feeding so that they do not swallow too much air. Also, not shaking them after feeding and burping them will help a lot.

If the baby is formula fed, you can try formulas that are specially made to reduce spit up such as Similac for spit-up and Enfamil A.R.

Similac for Spit up has been clinically proven to prevent spit up in babies by 54%. It is a milk-based formula that contains rice starch to thicken it. It has no artificial growth hormones and has a mixture of special nutrients-DHA, Vitamin E and Lutein-which support baby cognitive development.

Enfamil A.R. infant formula is also clinically proven to reduce spit up by more than 50% within a week. It contains a blend of DHA, prebiotics and vitamins that support the development and boost the baby’s immune system. Its ability to reduce spit up has been attributed to the rice starch, which has been added to thicken it. A thicker consistency makes it harder for babies to spit up. The rice cereal formula also adds to balanced nutrition. The added prebiotics help to improve the digestive health of the baby.

Q3. How to prepare baby formula easily

Watch this video below to learn how to prepare baby formula effortlessly.

Final words

In conclusion, whichever formula you choose for supplementing, you do not have to feel guilty or apologize for trying to ensure that your baby gets all the required nutrients for growth and development. At times, you may want to justify your reasons for choosing between Similac vs Enfamil for supplementing, but there is no need to as long as both provide enough nutrients to get your baby through the first year.

Lynn

Lynn is a freelance writer, a wife, and a mother of two beautiful kids. Lynn started Infant Empire with the aim of making parenting easier for fellow mums and dads. She believes the parenting tips provided here will be of great help to all parents.