Today, we will be discussing the topic that has fueled and will continue to fuel the Google search engine. Is Similac or Enfamil better? It is complex to know why many people ask this question when they know that these are just brands selling almost the same product. That is, infant baby formula. However, selling the same product does not mean that one will not be better than the other, or to put it more lightly, mothers will prefer one brand to the other. For us to get a good grasp of the topic and provide cogent answers on whether Similac or Enfamil is better, we will first have to break each of them down into their subheadings. It will have us examine each brand on its own, what they offer infants, their ingredients, benefits, and possibly, the Pros and Cons of each of them. Finally, we will draw our conclusion for the discussion of Similac or Enfamil in detail.
What is Similac formula?
Similac is a brand of baby infant formula that began production and marketing in the 1920s by Abbott Laboratories. After its formation, it underwent some changes and came out with a concentration in the year 1951. With a good marketing plan and as a dynamic brand that looks to continually dominate the infant baby formula market, it has continued to develop through innovation, to ensure that its infant formula meets the standard set by regulations. At the time of writing this article, research brought to the limelight that Similac can be found in about 96 countries globally.
Similac development credit goes to Alfred Bosworth.
What is in Similac Baby Formula?
There are so many ingredients, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins in Similac Baby Formula, they are highlighted briefly below.
Protein for growth.
Similac baby formula contains whey proteins that are known to help with the repair of tissues in the body. They help your infant grow and maintain good tissues in the body. Similarly, the protein found in Similac is nonfat milk.
DHA for brain and eye development
Similac imitates the calories present in breast milk in their formulas so that babies that are not breastfed may also benefit from DHA, an essential brain-building and eye development naturally found in breast milk.
Carbs for growth and energy.
Babies need to grow and require energy to stay active. Similac has a good source of carbohydrates in their baby formula. However, it is common knowledge that some babies are lactose intolerant. Therefore, Similac has a different formula to cater for babies with sensitive tummies, who find it hard to digest carbs.
2’FL HMO for immune system support and development.
70% of the immune system is found in the gut. And the right balance of prebiotics must be present to feed the good gut bacteria so they can multiply and function as they should in protecting the infant from diseases and infection.
Similac has prebiotic 2’FL HMO which is close to the one found in a woman’s breast milk.
Can the ingredients found in Similac be the perfect answer to if Similac or Enfamil is better? Read more to find out.
What is Enfamil Baby Formula?
The second infant formula we will consider today is the Enfamil Baby Formula. It is an American brand of baby formula that was first incorporated in 1915 in New Jersey by Edward Mead Johnson before its relocation to another part of the US. As of today, Mead Johnson is now a subsidiary of Reckitt.
The first infant formula from Enfamil was Enfamil R which was an attempt to imitate human breast milk. Afterward, Enfamil has produced a large number and different variants of baby infant formula for its teeming market.
What is in Enfamil Baby formula?
Omega-3 DHA
Enfamil is noted to contain Omega-3 DHA proven by clinical research to be helping your baby develop visual organs, and maintain attention span and problem-solving skills. This Omega-3 DHA is identical to that found in a woman’s breast milk.
Triple Prebiotic Immune blend
The triple prebiotic immune blend is said to support good gut development. The GOS and PDX are good supporting prebiotics for the gut system. Finally, it contains the 2’FL HMO similar to the one found in breast milk which is good for immune system development. Do you think this is enough to say Similac or Enfamil is better? We definitely do not think so.
Is there a difference between Enfamil and Similac?
There is a difference between Enfamil and Similac. Though, they are reputed brands when it comes to infant formula in the United States. And they are both given the same requirements and guidelines to follow, as well as other formula brands, by the FDA and other regulations put in place to ensure that produced formulas meet the safety and consumption requirements both in the US and the rest of the world. If Similac or Enfamil is better, we have to know their differences. These differences are discussed below:
- Enfamil is pricier than Similac infant formula.
- Similac does not contain as much natural ingredients as those found in Enfamil.
- In terms of sugar, Enfamil uses less sugar in its infant formula than used by Similac.
- Similac contains less iodine, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc when compared with Enfamil.
- Enfamil does not offer as much Copper source as Similac.
- Enfamil is a rich source of vitamins C, K, B12 and E.
- Similac has Vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, and thiamine at a level higher than Enfamil.
- The other difference between Enfamil, and Similac is the amount of pantothenic acid, folic acid, choline, and inositol found in Enfamil which Similac cannot contend with.
Is Similac or Enfamil better? Main similarities between Enfamil and Similac
- They are both certified by the FDA ask safe for shelving and baby consumption.
- Enfamil and Similac are the most popular brands of infant formula in the United States.
- Their products are similar in the variety on offer to solve any feeding issue that your baby may develop.
- Similac and Enfamil have a non-GMO variant for babies that have sensitive tummies.
- They both offer customer loyalty programs for their teeming buyers.
Now that we have talked about Similac or Enfamil which is better according to their similarities? Let’s get to know whether it is possible to switch from either Similac or Enfamil, and vice versa.
Is it okay to switch from Enfamil to Similac?
Yes, it is perfectly okay to switch from Enfamil to Similac. But you want to make sure you make a gradual than sudden switch between Enfamil and Similac. The reason is that your baby’s digestive tract is just developing, and you do not want to cause any disruption or any problem to your baby’s digestion as a result of the switch. But be assured that switching between these formulas is not bad, as they are both leading brands of infant formula on the market and have both been stated to be safe for infant consumption by the FDA. Thus, it may not seem Similac or Enfamil is better than the other.
Do babies prefer Similac or Enfamil?
When babies find it hard to digest cow’s milk protein, that may mean they are allergic to it. Therefore, the recommended formula is Enfamil Nutramigen or Similac Alimentum, which are both used by infants that find it hard to digest cow’s milk. When it comes to the question, which is better Similac or Enfamil? There is no clear winner, since both formula different brands, addresses the same feeding issue in infants.
Is Similac or Enfamil more expensive?
The price range between Enfamil and Similac does not go beyond $1. However, the quantity found in each of them compared to the other may seem a bit odd, you would believe one is more expensive than the other. Thus there is no direct answer whether Similac or Enfamil is more expensive.
Comparative reviews between Similac and Enfamil
Positive reviews on Similac to help determine whether to choose between Similac or Enfamil.
Similac positive reviews
“My daughter started having stomach issues and was getting really fussy and crying all the time. I have a sensitive stomach, so I decided to try this formula to see if it helped at all, and after the first bottle, I noticed a change. We’re now on bottle #4 of this stuff, and she is like a whole new baby. She no longer looks in pain after or during eating, and she is actually staying awake and playing more.”
– Target reviewer for Similac Pro Sensitive
“Only thing that works for our little one. We tried three different special formulas for our little ones‘ tummy. Then we decided to just go simple, and it turned out, it was the best choice for him.”
– Walmart reviewer for Similac Advance Baby Formula
“My daughter started having stomach issues and was getting really fussy and crying all the time. I have a sensitive stomach, so I decided to try this formula to see if it helped at all, and after the first bottle, I noticed a change. We’re now on bottle #4 of this stuff, and she is like a whole new baby. She no longer looks in pain after or during eating, and she is actually staying awake and playing more.”
– Target reviewer for Similac Pro Sensitive
Positive reviews to determine whether to choose Similac or Enfamil.
Enfamil Positive reviews
“Recently switched to this formula due to my baby having a lot of gas and spit-up issues. Just from one feeding, I noticed the difference: he spits out less and is calmer.”
– Target reviewer for Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
“My son has acid reflux, and AR has saved our lives. We have tried many different formulas, and although he still is spitting up, it’s not nearly as much as before. I will say he does suffer from constipation and gas, but when we give him the ready-made, it’s not as bad as the powder.”
– Walmart reviewer for Enfamil A.R.
“My son has a dairy allergy, and every other formula caused him to have very hard, painful stools. This is the only one he will drink that doesn’t cause those problems. He is now 18 months old, and we still mix this with his lactose-free milk to help keep him regular and make sure he gets even nutrients and vitamins.”
– Amazon reviewer for Enfamil NeuroPro Sensitive Formula
Negative reviews on Similac to determine whether to choose Similac or Enfamil formula.
Negative Reviews for Similac
“Tried this for one week. The formula was definitely NOT for my baby. This made my baby even MORE gassy and fussy. She passed gas all the time, multiple times in an hour (imagine farting every 3 minutes or so), and the smell was absolutely terrible… like an adult’s! She would cry during feedings and didn’t sleep well. Also, it made her slightly constipated… and when she did poop, it smelled terrible too! Very disappointed, since formulas are expensive and I bought a large container, but I can’t use it.”
– Target reviewer for Similac Pro Sensitive
Negative reviews on Enfamil to determine whether to choose Similac or Enfamil formula.
Negative Reviews for Enfamil
“We were desperate to find a better formula for our baby as he was very fussy, possibly due to the formula we had been feeding him. He just looked like he was in pain and was always super gassy no matter how much we helped him “pump” it out. We decided to try this one instead, and thought “Gentlease” would alleviate his gas or whatever he was feeling – but no, in fact, I feel like he got worse and was even fussier.”
– Target reviewer for Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
Conclusion
The question, ‘is Similac or Enfamil better might be prejudiced based on a particular mother’s experience with how their baby reacted to the formula. For some mothers whose babies were intolerant to Similac, definitely will not rate it when compared to Enfamil, and the same process goes for a mother that has a love for Enfamil, and that is where the question lies, Similac or Enfamil. However, your baby’s needs and tolerance should be paramount. They are the only ones who can determine which of Similac or Enfamil is better by their reaction to either formula. However, Similac and Enfamil, having understood the needs of mothers and children, keep innovating each year to ensure more comfort for infants. It is our recommendation and based on the FDA certification that you can buy Similac or Enfamil as they are both safe for your infant.
References
Enfamil vs. Similac: Which Formula is Better? – Forbes Health
Enfamil vs. Similac: Formula types, Formats, and Costs (healthline.com)
Similac Ingredients: What’s in Baby Formula? | Similac®
Enfamil vs. Similac: Formula types, Formats, and Costs (healthline.com)