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Much like adults, some babies tend to have a sensitive stomach and if your little one is showing symptoms of an upset stomach a little too frequently, it might be the infant formula. However, given the advancement of technology in the food space, Enfamil has been able to come up with formulas exclusively for infants with sensitive stomachs.
Especially if you have just switched to formula feeding or are new to this space, you must most likely be facing difficulties with choosing the right infant formula. Your baby might be spitting more than normal or might even be showing signs of gas, diarrhea, constipation, or fussiness. This is most likely because a baby’s little stomach takes some time to adjust to formulas. However, we understand that terrible feeling of having to see your baby suffer.
Enfamil Gentlease and Enfamil AR to the rescue! Enfamil Gentlease and Enfamil AR are the two top-selling formulas by Enfamil, both of them available at an affordable price and both of them being insanely effective for stomach-related issues in babies. However, if there are two formulas sold as two different names, what is the difference?
Enfamil AR vs Gentlease:
The primary difference between Enfamil AR and Enfamil Gentlease is this-
- Enfamil AR: Made specifically for babies that spit up more than ideal, owing to a reflux issue
- Enfamil Gentlease: Made for infants who find it difficult to digest regular formula, resulting in gas and irritability, all due to their delicate and sensitive stomach
Now that we know of the basics, let us discuss these formulas in detail to help you make a more informed decision for your baby.
Enfamil AR vs Gentlease: The Differences:
| Point of Difference | Enfamil AR | Enfamil Gentlease |
| Pros | This AR formula (anti-reflux) has been clinically proven to reduce spit-ups in 1 week. | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Milk Powder is best for easing gas. |
| It might also help the baby gain weight since they will be able to retain the formula instead of spitting it up. | Being milk-based and containing easily digestible proteins, it helps babies who suffer from stomach sensitivity issues like gas and irritability. | |
| It matches the reflux reduction guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. | ||
| Since Enfamil AR has a thicker consistency compared to other regular formulas, it lessens the number of times a baby spits up by as much as 50 %. | ||
| Price | $35.99 for a 19.5 oz tub$135.99 for 4 19.5 oz tubs | $40.00 for a 27.7 oz can$155.99 for 4 27.7 oz cans |
| $31.99 for a 19.9 oz can$120.00 for 4 19.9 oz cans | ||
| Purpose | It is intended for babies with reflux issues – babies who spit up more than the ideal 5 times in a day. | It is intended for babies who have low metabolism and digestive power. |
| Formulation | Liquid + powder | Liquid + powder |
| Cons | Some reviews report that AR powder formula tends to become foamy and bubbly when mixed in water due to the thick consistency. | Most reviews report that it actually shows results within the magical 24 hours of first consumption. |
| You always have to mix the powder well to avoid clumping in the nipple of the feeding bottle. | No such conditions of mixing. | |
| It is also recommended to use the liquid instead of the powder as the liquid formulation solves the dissolvability and clumping issue. | It also is highly recommended by most mothers for supplementing breastfeeding or as a transitional formula when they decide to switch to the formula completely. Most babies, as per reviews, hardly noticed any difference when they were fed a Gentleease as against breast milk. | |
| Reviews | 4.6/5 Stars with 2461 reviews on the Enfamil website | 4.8/5 Stars with 4907 reviews on the Enfamil website |
| 4.7/5 Stars with 2599 reviews on Amazon | 4.8/5 Stars with 3599 reviews on Amazon |
Enfamil AR vs Gentlease: The Ingredients List:
| Contents | Enfamil AR | Enfamil Gentlease |
| Prebiotics | Prebiotics for easy digestion (polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides) | No prebiotics |
| Iron | Iron and thickened with rice starch | MFGM iron |
| DHA | Crypthecodinium Cohnil oil | |
| ARA (Arachidonic Acid) | Polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides | Mortierella Alpina oil |
| Solids | Non-fat milk solids | Partially hydrolyzed non-fat milk solids that mimics breastmilk, Whey protein concentrate solids (soy), Corn syrup solids |
| Vegetable oil | High oleic sunflower, soy, coconut, palm olein oils | |
| Calcium | Calcium phosphate, Calcium pantothenate | Calcium carbonate, Calcium chloride |
| Sulfates | Magnesium sulfate, Cupric sulfate, Sodium citrate, Zinc, sulfate, Ferrous sulfate | Ferrous sulfate, Zinc sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Cupric sulfate |
| Vitamins | Vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B12, K, B1, B6, Niacin, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Choline, Inositol | Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, D3, B6, B12, K1, E acetate, A Palmitate Biotin, Inositol, Niacin, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Choline, Inositol |
| Others | L-carnitine, Taurine, Thiamine, Choline chloride, Sodium selenite, Maltodextrin, Lactose | Taurine, L-carnitine, Sodium citrate, Sodium selenite, Potassium iodide, Potassium chloride, Manganese phosphate |
Enfamil Gentlease Versus Enfamil Sensitive
Before we get into the difference between Enfamil Gentlease versus Enfamil Sensitive, let’s explore how they are similar to each other:
- Both these baby formulas contain DHA that helps in brain development.
- They are easy-to-digest protein that is a complete nutrition package for babies up to one year old.
Enfamil Gentlease versus Enfamil Sensitive: The Differences
| Point of Difference | Enfamil Sensitive | Enfamil Gentlease | |
| Pros | This formula is made for babies who have gas because of lactose sensitivity. | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Milk Powder is best for easing gas. | |
| It contains the bare minimum of lactose of 56.6%. | Being milk-based and containing easily digestible proteins, it helps babies who suffer from stomach sensitivity issues like gas and irritability. | ||
| Price | $35.99 for a 19.5 oz tub | $40.00 for a 27.7 oz can$155.99 for 4 27.7 oz cans | |
| $135.99 for 4 19.5 oz tubs | $31.99 for a 19.9 oz can$120.00 for 4 19.9 oz cans | ||
| Purpose | It is designed for lactose-intolerant babies. | Gentlease reduces fussiness and crying due to gas. | |
| Formulation | Powder | Liquid + powder | |
| Allergen information | Non-GMO | Gluten-free | |
| Reviews | 4.7/5 stars with 5149 reviews on the Enfamil website | 4.8/5 Stars with 4907 reviews on the Enfamil website | |
| 4.8/5 stars with 994 reviews on Amazon | 4.8/5 Stars with 3599 reviews on Amazon |
Enfamil Gentlease versus Enfamil Sensitive: The Ingredients List
| Contents | Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive | Enfamil Gentlease |
| MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) | Whey protein-lipid concentrate | MFGM iron |
| DHA | Schizochytrium Sp. oil | Crypthecodinium Cohnil oil |
| ARA (Arachidonic Acid) | None | Mortierella Alpina oil |
| Solids | Corn syrup solids, milk protein isolate | Partially hydrolyzed non-fat milk solids that mimics breastmilk, Whey protein concentrate solids (soy), Corn syrup solids |
| Vegetable oil | High oleic sunflower, soy, coconut, palm olein oils | |
| Calcium | Calcium Pantothenate, Calcium carbonate, Calcium phosphate | Calcium carbonate, Calcium chloride |
| Sulfates | Manganese sulfate, Cupric sulfate, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate | Ferrous sulfate, Zinc sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Cupric sulfate |
| Vitamins | Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, A Palmitate, E AcetateNiacin. Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Choline, Inositol | Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, D3, B6, B12, K1, E acetate, A PalmitateBiotin, Inositol, Niacin, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Choline, Inositol |
| Lactose | Minimal | 20% lactose |
| Others | L-Carnitine, Taurine, Thiamine, Cholie chloride, Soy lecithin, Sodium selenite, Potassium Iodide, Potassium chloride, Magnesium phosphate, Sodium chloride, Potassium citrate | Taurine, L-carnitine, Sodium citrate, Sodium selenite, Potassium iodide, Potassium chloride, Manganese phosphate |
Takeaway:
Before you go, here are some helpful tips on feeding a baby-
- Never microwave a formula!
If you have leftover formula milk and want to use it to feed the baby in their next sitting, it is recommended to use it at room temperature. However, if you are very keen to heat it up, it is advised to use a bottle warmer or to submerge the milk in hot water instead of microwaving it. - Remember to make the baby burp after every three ounces to avoid baby spit-up and gas due to the trapped air bubbles
- Always talk to your child’s pediatrician if you feel like your baby is more gassy than usual, cries nonstop, spits up more than normal after burping and feeding: these could be a more serious symptoms known as reflux and requires a diagnosis and treatment from a physician.
Above all, use the baby feeding time as baby bonding time. You will be spending a lot of your day feeding them and use this time to make a connection with your baby. Choose a calm and relaxed place, sing to them, talk to them, and always – always- look into your baby’s eyes while you feed!
Enfamil AR v/s Gentlease FAQs
1. Is it okay to mix Enfamil AR with Enfamil Gentlease?
2. Does Enfamil AR cause gas ?
3. How long can I use Enfamil AR or Enfamil Gentlease for my baby ?
4. Is it okay to add rice cereal to thicken a baby formula ?
Sources:
Reviewed By:
Brandi Nicole, Lactation Consultant
Brandi Nicole is a pediatric nurse, a postpartum doula, and an international board-certified lactation consultant. She is a proud member of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the United States Lactation Consultant Association, and the Bay Area Lactation Associates.
On behalf of the editorial team at Parenthoodbliss, we follow strict reporting guidelines and only use credible sources, along with peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and highly respected health organizations. To learn about how we maintain content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
