Enfamil vs Similac: Which is the Best Baby Formula?

Last Updated: September 22, 2021

How many times have you entered a supermarket for enfamil vs similac, went to the baby formula aisle, and wished that you could have your baby sample taste all formulas before investing in one? But, do you know which is the best baby formula for your little one?

Finding the right baby formula for your infant is a difficult task since all babies have varied requirements. While some babies do better on regular formula, some need special attention with spit-up specific or sensitive stomach specific formulas. Even if you luckily find a brand that works well, that’s still only half the battle because most brands further have different types of formulas under one brand name.

The most popular baby formula brands: Enfamil and Similac also have at least 5 different types of formulas each. We totally understand what a pain finding the right baby formula could be and on that note, we have taken the responsibility of finding you the best baby formula for your baby.

In this blog ahead, on the basis of our exhaustive research, we have compared 6 similar versions of both brands, Enfamil and Similac. We attempt to offer you all the information you’d need to make an informed decision for your baby.

Enfamil vs Similac

1. Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula vs Similac Sensitive Infant Formula; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula	Similac Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula
Purpose	Both of these formulas are made specifically for babies with a sensitive stomach and those who show some vulnerability to gas and fussiness. While they are different on some parameters, the goal of both these formulas remains to “reduce gas, crying, and fussiness.”
Similarities between formulas	Similar levels of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and water. Both formulas use corn syrup solids that help a baby digest cow milk easier. Both formulas are available in non-GMO versions.
Differences between formulas	Uses partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solids from soy that aid a baby’s sensitive stomach to seamlessly digest cow milk.	Contains Linoleic Acid and contains added 2′ -FL HMO sugars, that serve as a powerful prebiotic as regular sugar can be very hard for a baby to digest. It also has milk protein isolate, which, though is an easy-to-digest ingredient, can potentially cause allergies and indigestion in a baby.
Our verdict: Enfamil Gentlease stands as a clear winner here owing to the fact that their ingredients are much more gentle for a baby who suffers from gas. They also do not use any added sugars and do not contain the milk protein isolate which, ironically, can cause indigestion in a baby. However, if you already have tried Gentlease and your baby does not seem to like it, Similac’s Sensitive formula could be the next best alternative.

2. Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula vs Similac Spit-Up Infant Formula; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil A.R Has a thick formula equipped with prebiotics that enhances digestion.	Similac Spit-Up Similac does not go into detail about their formula, and all we know is that it is meant to reduce spit-up.
Purpose	Both of these formulas specifically cater to babies who struggle with a spit-up problem. While 5 spit-ups per day are considered normal, some babies tend to spit up more than that due to their generally sensitive stomachs.
Similarities between formulas	Both use rice starch to thicken the formula. Both are loaded with sugars to help fussy tummies settle; Similac uses two different sources of sugar while Enfamil uses one. Both have closely similar mixtures of vitamins and minerals.
Differences between formulas	Enfamil, as their main ingredient, uses nonfat milk, vegetable oils, rice starch, lactose, and maltodextrin. Enfamil AR contains 2 prebiotics	Similac, as their main ingredient, uses corn syrup, modified rice starch, milk protein isolate, vegetable oils, and a prebiotic. Their mixture does not contain enough milk sources helpful for spit-up.
Our verdict: None of these two formulas are perfectly ideal. However, because Enfamil contains less sugar and more prebiotics as against Similac, they are a winner again.

3. Enfamil Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Infant Formula vs Similac Expert Care Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil Nutramigen	Similac Alimentum
Purpose	Both of these formulas target babies that are allergic to cow milk and tend to show colicky symptoms as a result thereof. It should be noted that cow’s milk has proteins more difficult to digest than human breast milk, yet, while most babies do not show any side effects, some cannot tolerate cow’s milk at all.
Similarities between formulas	Both contain casein hydrolysate (milk), which are easy-to-digest proteins derived from cow’s milk proteins. Both use sugars to aid digestion. Enfamil uses corn syrup, while Similac uses corn maltodextrin; both of which are glucose but break down differently than lactose.
Differences between formulas	Clinically proven to reduce colic and future incidences of cow’s milk allergies while still providing overall health for your infant. Nutramigen is considered hypoallergenic is easy to digest and as a remedy to milk protein allergies. Enfamil uses modified corn starch to thicken the formula which does increase the digestibility of the formula but might not be tolerated well by babies as it is ‘modified’ in nature.	Similac’s Alimentum is claimed to reduce colic symptoms in as little as one day because of its easy-to-digest formula while promoting a baby’s overall health. The formula is also labeled as lactose-free, which is not completely true as it is still milk-based with dairy products, however, it sans lactose. Similac uses corn maltodextrin instead of cornstarch and adds sugar on top of the corn maltodextrin.
Our verdict: Enfamil’s Nutramigen wins again since it is not only easier to digest but also helps babies tolerate milk better as they grow up. Another winning point is the fact that they do not add sugars after cornstarch as Similac does.

4. Enfamil Infant Milk-based Baby Formula vs Similac Advance Complete Nutrition Infant Formula; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil Infant Milk-based	Similac Advance Complete Nutrition
Purpose	Both of these formulas intend to provide the basic nourishment required by a baby in their initial years of life. Both of these products are basic baby formula models.
Similarities between formulas	Both are milk-based formula options, including nonfat milk, lactose, whey protein, and a mixture of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil. Neither contains any added extra sugars. Both offer DHA (a fatty acid), Choline (a nutrient grouped with vitamin B), and Vitamin K as their key ingredients. Both contain a prebiotic.
Differences between formulas	Enfamil formula, apart from the aforementioned, also has Palm Olein oil. Palm Olein oil is a fatty acid similar to breast milk and can be difficult on sensitive baby tummies.	Similac, apart from the aforementioned, also contains Lutein that helps enhance a baby’s vision.
Our verdict: Similac Advance Formula is a clear winner over Enfamil’s Infant Formula not only because it contains Lutein but also for the lack of potentially problematic Palm Olein Oil.

5. Enfamil NeuroPro vs Similac 2′ -FL HMO Pro Advance; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil NutramigeNeuroPro	Similac 2′ -FL HMO
Purpose	Both formulas intend to mimic breast milk with their formula by attempting to supply as many nutrients as available in breastmilk, albeit in powder milk.
Similarities between formulas	Both are DHA boosted, easy-to-digest formulas. Both offer similar levels of fat (about 5 grams per serving), protein, carbohydrates, and water. Both offer the same vitamins and minerals. Neither contains added or artificial sugars. Both use nonfat milk, lactose (which helps absorb calcium), a mixture of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil to create the base of their formulas.
Differences between formulas	Enfamil NeuroPro supports brain development. Enfamil is the only brand to introduce MFGM. Good to know: MFGM stands for Milk Fat Globule Membrane, a fat protein-coupled with DHA, which was previously only found in breastmilk and known to support cognitive development. Basically, this ingredient surrounds fat droplets in breastmilk and helps brain structure enhance in infants. Breast Milk contains 55% fat; fat being a necessary nutrient for the growth of an infant’s brain as well as to provide the overall energy and support growth. Contains Palm Olein, which, as mentioned in the last point, is a fatty acid similar to breast milk and can be difficult on sensitive baby tummies.	Similac Pro Advanced supports immunity. Similac contains 2′ -FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide or HMO. Good to know: 2′ -FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide also supports brain development and it is essentially an immune-boosting prebiotic, earlier found only in breastmilk. Prebiotics help nourishes healthy bacteria, allowing them to thrive in the GI tract. Contains significantly high amounts of omega fatty acids in the form of Linoleic Acid. Claim to reduce colic symptoms in just one feeding. Also claimed to avoid artificial growth hormones and GMOs in the formula. Contains Lutein that helps enhance baby vision.
Our verdict: Both of these formulas are excellent in what they do. While Enfamil NutramigeNeuroPro effectively helps support the development of the brain, given the ingredients; Similac 2′ -FL HMO helps boost the immunity. You should pick between these formulas on the basis of the requirements of the baby. For example, if the baby is weaker than other babies of the age, try Similac 2′ -FL HMO Pro Advance. If you do not have any problems with the baby’s immunity and if your baby is as healthy as they should ideally be, Enfamil’s Neuro-Pro could be a wise choice.

6. Enfamil ProSobee vs. Similac Soy Isomil; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil ProSobee	Similac Soy Isomil
Purpose	Both Enfamil and Similac offer a complete milk-free formula for those babies who cannot digest cow’s milk proteins. Soy-based formulas are a natural and gentle alternative for lactose intolerant babies.
Similarities between formulas	Both use corn syrup as the first ingredient. Both use soy protein isolate. Both do not contain any form of milk-based products. Both offer the nutrition necessary for a baby to flourish, including vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and water.
Differences between formulas	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’s formula contains added sugar to its soy formula. It also has a higher Linoleic Acid level.
Our verdict: Only since Enfamil’s ProSobee recipe uses fewer sugars, it is a better option in our opinion.

7. Enfamil Enfagrow Premium vs. Similac Go And Grow; Best Baby Formula

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil Enfagrow Premium	Similac Go And Grow
Purpose	Both Enfamil Enfagrow Premium and Similac Go & Grow, give a good nutritious foundation for your toddler’s development.
Similarities between formulas	Both are high in DHA, which aids in the formation of the brain. There are two kinds of probiotics in both of these products.
Differences between formulas	Calcium, Vitamin D, Zinc, and 19 other minerals are included to aid in growth and development and to round out a toddler’s diet. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals and contains dual prebiotics to boost overall immune health.	Has DHA, lutein, and vitamin E that are vital nutrients for the brain and visual development of your child. It has prebiotics that helps with digestion, and it’s non-GMO and free of chemical growth hormones.
Our verdict: Since Enfamil has twice as much DHA as Similac and has 30% less sugar, Enfamil is a better choice.

Enfamil vs Similac FAQs :

1. How do I know when a baby formula does not suit my baby ?

Well, typically, a baby will not drink the formula if they don't like it. Besides, if your baby seems to get fussy, irritable and also shows physical symptoms like rashes, indigestion, gas and excessive spit ups, it is a clear indicator of the fact that you need to change the baby formula.

2. Can I add my one ingredients to a store-bought baby formula ?

Since all baby formulas are made after extensive research, it is advised to never add anything on your own to the formula.

3. Can I DIY baby formula ?

Homemade formulas might lack a lot of ingredients and nutrients required by a baby for healthy growth. It will be very difficult to apply the science behind mixing breastmilk and making the best baby formula. Hence, it is advised to use a store-bought baby formula. Also it can be dangerous or even deadly to make your own baby formula.

4. Can babies drink two different formulas ?

Yes, it is okay to use varied baby formulas as per baby’s needs, however, never mix two powders at once and always speak to your doctor before using multiple formulas.

5. What is the best baby formula offered by Enfamil and Similac ?

The best formula choices, limited to these two brands, would be as follows-

Point of comparison/ Formula name	Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula	Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula
Contents	Contains DHA and AHA for neural, brain, and eye development Also has partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk to make digestion easy	Contains Lutein and avoids GMOs However, does have a potentially allergenic milk protein isolate and much more sugars than Enfamil for a tastier formula

6. Is it safe to breastfeed and use formula too ?

Yes, it is completely ok and safe for the parents to give the little one formula in addition to the mother’s breast milk, also known as supplementing. This process is also encouraged by most families as a feeding method, be it due to its need in case of low breast milk supply, or as convenience or preference/choice.

7. Is it ok to feed babies two different formulas ?

The switching between two different formulas isn’t a problem at all, there will be no baby fuss or change in the stool as most parents might think of it. In fact, not only switching, but it is completely ok to also mix two different baby formulas if the baby responds better, instead of one.

8. Is it true that babies who drink formula tend to sleep much better ?

Unfortunately they don’t. There are studies that prove that adding solids or formula to the baby’s diet does not guarantee a long nap, especially as they are easy to digest. There is no difference in the sleep patterns.

9. Does not wearing a bra increase milk supply ?

If you wear a bra that happens to compress the breasts and/or are tight around the rib band/cup, then it might cause some issues with the flow of milk and supply. In fact, if you wear the wrong type, it can also lead to constricted or plugged milk ducts. This is why it is necessary to wear nursing bras when breastfeeding.

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.

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