Similac and Enfamil are popular baby formulas that many new parents choose when it comes time to feed their little ones. They are both under the umbrella of Abbott Laboratories, so they share similarities in ingredients and nutrition. However, there are still significant differences between them that parents should be aware of when deciding which one to buy.
What Are the Similarities Between Similac and Enfamil?
Two of America's most significant infant formula producers make Enfamil and Similac despite their different packaging. The formulas offer a variety of products for parents to choose from depending on their child's specific nutritional needs. Both use Nutramigen as their primary ingredient for protein, which originates from cow's milk. Additionally, both use lactose as a source of protein.
Lactose can cause allergic reactions or digestive issues for lactose intolerant babies. Enfamil and Similac, like most baby formula brands, also use corn syrup as an added source of carbohydrates. While Enfamil and Similac both use vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, and B6 as essential vitamins in their formulas (in addition to other essential vitamins), Enfamil contains Vitamin D3, whereas Similac does not.
Other similarities between the two brands include adding lutein, which helps promote eye health. They also both use choline, which aids cognitive development, and taurine, which improves cardiovascular health.
What Are the Differences Between Similac and Enfamil?
There are several differences between Enfamil and Similac that parents should know about before choosing their formula brand.
Lowered Protein Levels in Enfamil
Testing proved babies were not getting enough nutrients from higher levels of protein found in early versions of the powder; Enfamil then lowered the protein content in their formula.
Increase in DHA Content
DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, has been shown to improve brain function and help with eye development for infants, but it can also cause allergic reactions in babies who have fish allergies. Allergies can be a significant problem for parents of formula-fed babies since up to 30% are sensitive to milk or soy proteins.
Higher Fat Counts
Researchers recommend that total fat count make up no more than 30% of your baby's diet until they reach six months old; both Enfamil and Similac achieve that number quickly. However, if you want lower fat levels, look for growth milk from Similac, which takes advantage of reduced quantities of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The Time Frame for When Powder is Fresh
The powder form of both formulas requires careful monitoring to keep it fresh. Both Enfamil and Similac powder lose their freshness three hours after opening.
The solution? We recommend using smaller bottles; having smaller bottles will save you money and help keep the formula safe for your child.
What to Know Before You Decide
When choosing between Enfamil or Similac, you will want to know which benefits best align with your needs. One might be cheaper but might not have as many vitamins. Others might have more calories per bottle, but they could be processed foods that are not substantial for your child's developing body.
- Storage: It is essential to think about storage issues: if you plan on traveling with a baby, a liquid formula might be more convenient than packing powder. But there are powder packets that are travel size and perfect for a bottle on the go.
- Powder vs. Liquid: It is hard to go wrong with either brand in terms of nutrition—but depending on what kind of parent you are, one might fit into your lifestyle better than another. For instance, powders are often easier to deal with since you do not need refrigeration. However, many parents find that liquid formulas tend to be more affordable.
- Taste: A good starting point is thinking about your child's palate. If you want the baby to develop a taste for real food versus relying too heavily on formula, getting familiar with different textures and flavors can help teach babies how to eat certain foods.
- Preference: If it does not bother you if your baby drinks from a bottle, there are even more reasons to choose Enfamil or Similac. You can base such decisions solely on which brand your little one prefers. We recommend following their lead in what they will best tolerate. Yes, babies do have preferences.
Call Dolman Law Group Today
Each formula has its own unique set of benefits. Both Enfamil and Similac are safe for infants, but your decision might boil down to which one you prefer.
If you have any problem with either Enfamil or Similac, be it insurance or poor quality, Dolman Law Group is here to help. We help parents receive legal guidance whenever such products cause problems. Call today.