Enfamil vs Similac: What's the Difference?
The number of options for infant formulas have increased drastically in recent years, thus making it complicated when it comes to choosing the right one.
Two leading brands of baby formula are Similac and Enfamil, and you might find yourself comparing Similac vs. Enfamil at Walmart. Is one better than the other?
Similac and Enfamil are both infant formulas made by leading infant formula manufacturers. They both provide essential nutrition for infants, with Similac offering a number of specialized formulas for different nutritional needs.
In terms of nutrition, Similac and Enfamil offer similar levels of protein, fat, and other vitamins and minerals. Both products also contain prebiotics to support digestive health. The main difference between Similac and Enfamil is in their flavor and texture. Similac is generally considered to be sweeter and lighter in texture, while Enfamil is said to have a thicker, more robust flavor. Both brands also offer organic versions of their formulas.
Overall, both Similac and Enfamil provide adequate nutrition for infants and can be used safely. The choice of which to use ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the pros and cons of Enfamil and Similac.
Similac 2FL HMO Review
Switching between formula brands is not a problem, even though many parents wonder if doing so may cause fussiness or stool changes in their baby. In fact, you can even mix Enfamil and Similac of the same type of formula together if you feel that your baby responds better to a mixture of one brand with another.
You just need to be aware of the basic ingredients found in the same type of formula. As long as you are following standard mixing instructions, it is safe to mix Enfamil and Similac.
Can I mix Enfamil and Similac?
References:
In this article, we will dive deeper into the pros and cons of Enfamil and Similac.
All Formula Brands Are Safe
It's always helpful to ask your child's pediatrician for specific recommendations, but generally speaking, all baby and infant formula brands sold in the United States—generic or brand-name—are safe to use. Every formula is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must meet the minimum nutritional requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the "Infant Formula Act").
This means that every major brand, such as Enfamil, Similac, Gerber Good Start, or Earth's Best, plus all store brands from Walmart, Target, or Kroger, etc., are safe to use and will meet your baby's basic nutritional needs.
That said, Enfamil and Similac aren’t exactly the same.
Enfamil vs Similac: Main Similarities & Differences
Enfamil and Similac are both among the most popular milk brands in the US. Many of their products have similar content or are formulated to meet the specific needs of your baby.Similarities
- Both Enfamil and Similac offer a wide range of baby formula milk products.
- Both have a non-GMO version of their sensitive formulas.
- Both brands are declared by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as safe to be used by babies.
- Both brands offer loyalty programs: Similac StrongMoms Rewards and Enfamil Family. Beginnings Program.
Differences
- Enfamil costs more than Similac when comparing similar products.
- Enfamil has more natural ingredients compared to Similac.
- Enfamil uses less sugar compared to Similac.
- Enfamil has higher amounts of iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Enfamil contains more vitamins C, B12, E, and K.
- Enfamil has more choline, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and inositol.
- Similac is a better source of copper. Similac has higher levels of thiamin, vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, and biotin.
- Enfamil currently has 15 baby formula products, whereas Similac has 20
General Nutritional Comparison of Enfamil vs Similac
Both brands have cow milk-based, lactose-containing formulas enriched with iron, vitamins, and other minerals. For lactose intolerant babies, there are soy-based formulas as well.
Milk Proteins
Similac - Whey and casein proteins
Enfalac - Whey and casein proteins
DHA & ARA
Both brands contain DHA and ARA (Except Nestle Nourish Plus)
Similac - Contains Prebiotics
Enfalac - Contains Prebiotics
Probiotics
Enfalac - Contains Prebiotics
Probiotics
Similac - No Probiotics
Enfalac - No Probiotics
Antioxidants
Enfalac - No Probiotics
Antioxidants
Similac - Contains Antioxidants
Enfalac - No Antioxidants
Fat Source
Similac - Soy and Coconut Oil
Enfalac - Palm Olein Oil
Enfalac - No Antioxidants
Fat Source
Similac - Soy and Coconut Oil
Enfalac - Palm Olein Oil
Comparison of Enfamil vs Similac
1. Best Milk Formulas for Overall Nutrition
Enfamil NeuroPro vs Enfamil Enspire
1. Best Milk Formulas for Overall Nutrition
- Both have added ingredients usually only found in breastmilk.
- Babies with cow’s milk aversion or are extra colicky should get a different option.
Differences
- Enfamil contains 50% more DHA and AHA for neural, brain, and eye development
- Enfamil has partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk to make digestion easy
- Similac has added Lutein for eye health
- Similac avoids GMOs
- Similac may use allergenic milk protein isolate and more sugars for a tastier formula
2. Infant Formulas
- Both have about the same calories, fats, carbohydrate and protein contents.
- Both are milk-based and use a mixture of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil.
- Neither uses extra added sugars.
- Both use DHA, choline, and vitamin K along with a prebiotic.
Enfamil
- Contains more vitamins B12, C, E, and K.
- Has more pantothenic acid, folic acid, choline, and inositol.
- Higher amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and selenium.
- Uses palm olein oil because it’s a fatty acid similar to breast milk, but it’s not gentle on tummies.
Similac
- Has higher levels of vitamin D, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and biotin.
- Better source of copper
- Has added lutein for better vision health
3. Milk Formulas for Babies who Spit Up Often
- Both use rice starch to thicken their formulas
- Both have a lot of sugars to help settle fussy stomachs
- Both have similar vitamin and mineral contents
Differences
- Enfamil A.R main ingredients are nonfat milk, vegetable oils, rice starch, lactose, and maltodextrin.
- Similac’s main ingredients are corn syrup, modified rice starch, milk protein isolate, vegetable oils and one prebiotic.
- Enfamil A.R. has two prebiotics, and overall has more prebiotic content than Similac.
- Similac for Spit-up has two different sugar sources to only one in Enfamil
- Similac for Spit-up has more sugars compared to Enfamil
- Similac for Spit-up has less milk products compared to Enfamil, which could help many babies with their spit-up
- Similac for Spit-up's formula does not contain GMOs.
4. Hypoallergenic Milk Formulas
- Enfamil Nutramigen (with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Formula for Cow’s Milk Allergy)
- For babies who are allergic or show colicky symptoms to cow's milk, which have proteins that are more difficult to digest than human breastmilk.
- Both use casein hydrolysate (milk), which are smaller, more digestible proteins derived from larger cow’s milk proteins.
- Both use sugars to aid in digestion
Differences
- Enfamil Nutramigen has been clinically proven to reduce colic caused by an allergy to cow’s milk in about two days.
- Enfamil Nuramigen claims to reduce future incidences of cow’s milk allergies.
- Similac Alimentum claims that their easy to digest formula can reduce colic symptoms in at least one day.
- Has no lactose, but still contains other milk products.
- Enfamil Nutramigen uses corn syrup
- Similac Alimentum uses corn maltodextrin sugar on top of other sugars, thus Similac has more sugars than Enfamil.
- Similac Alimentum has a higher level of Linoleic Acid than Enfamil Nutramigen
5. Lactose Free Formulas
- Both are for babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins.
- Suggested to try Enfamil’s Nutramigen or Similac’s Alimentum before switching to soy.
- Both formulas use corn syrup as the first ingredient.
- Both use soy protein isolate, completely avoiding milk-based products.
Differences
- Enfamil has soy protein as the third ingredient, after corn syrup and vegetable oils
- Similac uses soy protein as the second ingredient followed by oils
- Similac adds more sugar to their soy formula than Enfamil
- Similac has a higher Linoleic Acid levels
A. Enfamil Overview
- Enfamil NeuroPro
- Enfamil Enspire : Like Neuropro but has Lactoferrin
- Enfamil A.R. : Anti-Regurgitation, for babies that spit up
- Enfamil Nutramigen : Hypoallergenic Milk Formula
- Enfamil Prosobee : Soy Formula
- Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease
- Enfamil Reguline : Contains hydrolysed milk proteins and prebiotics to help with constipation
1. Enfamil NeuroPro
- Non GMO
- Contains cow's milk and plant ingredients such as soy.
- Contains MFGM and DHA, previously only found in breast milk to support brain development.
- Contains DHA and AHA for neural, brain, and eye development
- Has partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk to make digestion easy
- Contains GOS & Polydextrose probiotics
- Main carbohydrate is lactose
Nonfat milk, whey protein-lipid concentrate, whey protein concentrate, lactose, soy oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and high oleic sunflower oil.
my little guy really took to this formula i was really worried because others i have tried have left him fussy and gassy with a nasty habit of spitting up on everything and everyone. this time no such issues i am guessing that it is due to it being so similar to breast milk so my little guy who gets formula as a supplement was better able to handle it. this was also super easy to mix up with no nasty clumps left either in the nipple or in the bottom of the bottle
2. Enfamil Enspire
Enfamil Enspire is similar to Enfamil Neuro Pro. However, Enfamil Enspire is touted as the most similar milk formula to breast milk because it has Lactoferrin, unlike Neuro Pro. Lactoferrin helps support the microbiome and prevents gastrointestinal infections.
Certified non-GMO. Contains cow’s milk and soy.
Main ingredients : nonfat milk, whey protein-lipid concentrate, whey protein concentrate, lactose, and vegetable oil (which consists of coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic sunflower oil, and palm oil).
Sub ingredients : added vitamins and minerals, lactoferrin, polydextrose, galactooligosaccharides, crypthecodiniumcohnii oil, and mortierellaalpina oil.
Got this after switching from neuro pro, I immediately noticed the cognitive and developmental benefits as my 3 month old started communicating with us using body language and a plethora of grunts, shrugs, and other lovable sounds. She’s happy now that she can communicate with us and we don’t have to guess what’s wrong.
Here is the comparison of Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Enspire based on Nylcare.com
a. Both are enriched with DHA and ARA.
- Enfamil Enspire uses crypthecodiniumcohnii oil as the source of DHA
- Enfamil NeuroPro uses schizochytrium sp. oil.
It is difficult to tell which infant formula that comes with more DHA. However, let’s just consider them to be equal in terms of DHA and ARA.
b. Both contain whey protein-lipid concentrate which is a source of MFGM (milk fat globule membrane). It is naturally found in breast milk, and is known to be a source of several bioactive compounds that are essential for brain and gut development.
c. Both contain galacto-oligosaccharides, a type of prebiotic that is beneficial for digestive health and immunity.
d. Enfamil Enspire has Lactoferrin, while Enfamil NeuroPro doesn’t.
Lactoferrin is naturally found in breast milk. It is a component of the immune system, and it provides antibacterial activity to prevent a variety of infections and diseases.
e. Both provide 100 calories per serving
f. Both have similar amounts of vitamins and minerals, except inositol. This nutrient is important for brain development because it is essential for making neurotransmitters bind to their receptors.
- Enfamil Enspire has 6 mg of inositol
- Enfamil NeuroPro has 24 mg of inositol
3. Enfamil A.R - Milk Formula for Babies who Spit Up Often
- Has rice starch to thicken their formula
- Has a lot of sugars to help settle fussy stomachs
- Main ingredients are nonfat milk, vegetable oils, rice starch, lactose, and maltodextrin.
- Enfamil A.R. has two types of prebiotics.
My LO was diagnosed with acid reflux was given meds and nothing worked. Added rice to the formula, tried many different kinds, was told it could be a lactose issue, then this finally worked!!! It is not lactose free, she did not need the meds and her spit up was completely resolved (besides normal baby spit up). Best thing I could have ever gotten! it is worth a shot if you are struggling to find a formula.
4. Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Milk Formula
- Has the Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Formula for Cow’s Milk Allergy
- Reduces colic caused by an allergy to cow’s milk in about two days.
- Claims to reduce future incidences of cow’s milk allergies.
- For babies who are allergic or show colicky symptoms to cow's milk, which have proteins that are more difficult to digest than human breastmilk.
- Has casein hydrolysate (milk), which are smaller, more digestible proteins derived from larger cow’s milk proteins.
- Uses sugars to aid in digestion, mainly corn syrup
At first it worked. But my son has milk protein allergy and this formula still have milk in it. If my son was just colicky, this formula would be it. But since he has the allergy as well, it didn’t work 100%. Also very pricey.
5. Enfamil ProSobee Lactose Free Formula
- Designed for babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins.
- Suggested to try Enfamil’s Nutramigen first before switching to soy.
- Uses corn syrup as the first ingredient and vegetable oils as the second.
- Uses soy protein isolate as the third ingredient, completely avoiding milk-based products.
- Con : Parents have given feedback that it may cause constipation
We have to use soy based formula because my baby has cow milk intolerance. It caused really bad constipations on my baby, and I switched the brand immediately after taking it only for three days. It still took two weeks to cure it. My baby has no more constipation after using the other brand. And you can see the corn syrup of this formula is really high, much higher than the other brand.
6. Enfamil Neuropro GentleEase
- Milk Formula to Reduce Gas and Fussiness
I used the original Gentlease formula to supplement my son when he wasn’t gaining weight after the first two weeks. It worked well - he likes it, smelled much less terrible than the other formulas we tried. When they switched over to this new neuropro formula I was a little nervous, but no need to be - he switched over seamlessly and now at 5 months he is eating is exclusively. It’s a little pricey - but I think it’s worth the money. If I’m
not giving him breast milk then I want to give him the best formula money can buy, even if it costs a little extra - works well for mama and baby. :)
7. Enfamil Reguline Infant Formula - Milk Formula to Reduce Constipation
- For infants up to 12 months
- Contains easy to digest hydrolysed milk proteins and prebiotic blend proven to promote soft, comfortable stools within the first week of use
I read reviews and decided to try this product. Our newborn was constipated and fussy after only a week on powdered formula, she was on gentlease which did help with gas, but then we ran into a constipation issue. I saw some moms recommend not putting their babies on this exclusively, so I followed the advice. Our daughter was only pooping once every other day the first few weeks of life, we decided to give her one 2 oz bottle every morning of reguline and it worked immediately that day. She has several soft poops a day. I took a star off because I can't imagine having her on this exclusively, the one day i made 2 bottles, she had diarrhea. It was too much for her tummy and she was extra gassy. I would recommend starting your baby off on small amounts of this to start. One bottle a day is enough for our baby.
Similac Overview
- Similac 2′FL HMO Pro Advance
- Similac for Spit Up
- Similac Alimentum : Hypoallergenic Milk Formula
- Similac Soy Isomil : Lactose-free Soy Formula
- Similac Pro Sensitive
1. Similac 2′ FL HMO Pro Advance
- Contains added ingredients usually only found in breastmilk.
- Babies with cow’s milk aversion or are extra colicky should get a different option.
- Similac has added Lutein for eye health
- Similac avoids GMOs
- Similac may use allergenic milk protein isolate and more sugars for a tastier formula
- No artificial growth hormones
My daughter loves this one. She was very fussy with a different brand so we switched her to this one. She's no longer having gas pains as she did before. This one is a game changer!
Similac 2FL HMO Price - $28.98 in Amazon
2. Similac for Spit-Up
- Uses rice starch to thicken its formula
- Has a lot of sugars to help settle fussy stomachs
- Main ingredients are corn syrup, modified rice starch, milk protein isolate, vegetable oils and one prebiotic.
- Similac for Spit-up has two different sugar sources, and overall contains more sugar content than Enfamil.
- Has less milk products compared to Enfamil, which could help many babies with their spit-up
- No GMOs.
My baby had some digestive problems beginning at 2 months. Started her on this and also had an antacid prescribed. Her colic was cured and spit up too. Also had to pair these measures with a slow flow anti colic bottle. We have continued this formula and it has worked well. Baby is now almost 10 months old.
Likes : Mixing, Ease of use, For digestion, Weight, For kids, Gas, Value for money, Constipation, Powder
Similac for Spit Up Price
Walmart - $27.97 for 22.5oz tub
Similac.com - $28.99 for 22.5oz tub
3. Similac Alimentum : Hypoallergenic Milk Formula
- For babies who are allergic or show colicky symptoms to cow's milk, which have proteins that are more difficult to digest than human breastmilk.
- Contains casein hydrolysate (milk), which are smaller, more digestible proteins derived from larger cow’s milk proteins.
- Uses sugars to aid in digestion
- Claims that their easy to digest formula can reduce colic symptoms in at least one day.
- Has no lactose, but still contains other milk products.
- Uses corn maltodextrin sugar on top of other sugars, overall has more sugar content than Enfamil.
- Has a high level of Linoleic Acid
- Cons : Bad smell
- Best Similac Formula for Constipation
Let me start by saying that I hate almost everything about this product, except the fact that it works. We had to switch from regular formula to Alimentum at the recommendation of the pediatrician due to lactose issues causing bloody stool. This worked and stopped the problem almost immediately. He actually enjoyed drinking this stuff for the six months until we could ween him onto other foods.
I'm giving this formula an overall three stars. Five stars for a product that works, and one star for expensive price and the horrible smell.
Similac Alimentum Price, 12oz - $166 for 6 cartons on Amazon
4. Similac Soy Isomil : Similac Lactose Free Formula
- For babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins.
- Suggested to try Similac’s Alimentum before switching to soy.
- Uses corn syrup as the first ingredient and soy protein as the second ingredient followed by oils.
- Completely avoids milk products.
- High Linoleic Acid levels
My newborn seems to be adjusting to this milk nicely. He was terribly gaseous with Neosure, Similac Pro, Alimentum too and I tried Soy Similac and it’s been very helpful. I also add 1 oz of pear or prune juice to the bottle to assist him in passing his stool per the Dr. direction and he is no longer crying and passing extreme gas as before.
Similac Soy Isomil Price, 30.8oz - $147.96 on Amazon
5. Similac Pro-Sensitive Infant Formula
- Formulated with 2’-FL HMO human milk oligosaccharide (Not from human milk)
- Designed for fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity
- Not for infants or children with galactosemia
- Contains DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E
Similac Pro-Sensitive Infant Formula Reviews : 4.3 out of 5 - 852 global ratings on Walmart
This formula worked best for my baby's sensitive tummy. She enjoys it more than other formulas because it has a good taste to it. She doesn't seem to get fuzzy anymore and she doesn't spit up and I haven't had any problem of constipation.The only minor problem i wish they could change is that it get to frizzy so you get less milk. Also I wish they had more ready to feed bottles available in stores.
Similac Pro-Sensitive Infant Formula Price
Alert: Similac Formula Recall 2022
FAQs
Can I use Similac and Enfamil at the same time?
Can I mix Enfamil and Similac?
Yes! We know it can be nerve-wracking to switch or mix formula brands, but it’s totally safe to mix them as long as you’re following standard mixing instructions. There’s no reason you can’t mix two different brands or switch between brands.
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