Similac V. Enfamil: How Do The Infant Formulas Compare?
Does the Similac recall have you weighing whether to switch brands?
We’re guessing that the Similac recall will have a lot of parents who may be, you know, a little turned off at the idea of beetle parts in baby formula, considering making a switch to another brand. So what’s the difference between the major infant formula brands anyway?
“The vitamins and minerals in all formulas are similar, since these are governed by strict regulations. However, the nutritional fine points of the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins differ from one brand to another, as the marketing departments of each company are very willing to point out, especially to pediatricians,” according to askdrsears.com, which offers a lengthy comparison of the three major baby formula brands, Similac , Enfamil and Carnation. The site warns that, whichever formula you choose, it should be enriched with DHA, which has brain-building benefits.
For those of you weighing a switch, Robin O’Brien, a writer on Buzzle.com, lays out the key differences between Similac and Enfamil,
noting, however that a straight comparison is complicated by the multitude of formulas each brand makes.
“However,” she writes, “most parents, who bottle feed using Enfamil or Similac, will use Enfamil LIPIL or Similac Advance.”
Here, according to O’Brien, is why someone might choose Enfamil over Similac:
Enfamil does contain more levels of DHA and AHA than does Similac; about 17mg compared to around 11mg. Many parents have noted that Enfamil doesn’t pack like Similac, which takes the guesswork out of whether you’ve sifted the powder correctly before scooping. Finally, Enfamil is cheaper than Similac.
And here’s O’Brien’s case for Similac:
Enfamil formula is made using palm olein oil; Similac does not. One study suggests that formulas with a fat blend including palm olein oil (e.g., Enfamil, Prosobee) cause less frequent and firmer stools. Similac claim that their infant formula provides 50% more calcium absorption than Enfamil. They also claim that their new, improved formula has fewer bubbles and therefore makes babies less gassy.
Finally, Similac claim that switching to Similac Isomil Advance will reduce fussiness, gas and spit-up in most babies in about 3 days. Many parents complain that the brand of infant formula they’re using causes constipation, gassiness, spit-up and colic in their baby. Often times switching brands eases the condition; often times it doesn’t. Usually, it is choosing a different type of milk formula which is specifically made for the condition that eases the baby’s discomfort.
Unfortunately, the debate as to whether Similac or Enfamil causes adverse reactions for babies is contradictory and often quite heated. One camp will give a big thumbs up for Enfamil, whereas the other camp will rave about the benefits of Similac. Sadly, doctors and hospitals can fail to give guidance, as many are under contract to supply one brand or the other — hardly independent advice.
Good to know. Similac users, what’s your take? Are you going to wait out the recall and stay brand loyal, or are you totally turned off and looking to make a switch?
Photo: The Consumerist
I’m making the SWITCH!! Similac and the whole beetles episode has just been a bit much for me to handle. We only have two more months of formula feeding, I just hope the transition is made smoothly.
I’d switch, simply because Abbott Labs is being too cagey for me. They obviously don’t want us to know which insect is involved, or they wouldn’t just be calling it a ‘beetle’. My best guess right now is Flour (Mealworm) Beetles are the culprit, but we could be talking about roaches (they aren’t technically beetles, but who’s to say they are being technically accurate?).
I have already made the switch!!! I am so angry with Similac. My son has been VERY sick for the last week, worse spit up, stools at every feeding–some VERY loose, stomach pain, and we were 3/4 of the way through a recalled tub (4 of 4 sent right from the Abbott labs themselves).
What choice do we have? What I want to know is how long these beetle parts will be in my son’s system? The Enfamil has already calmed all of his issues…
We’ve used Enfamil LIPIL or Enfamil Premium LIPIL since I started supplementing around 7 months, and never had a problem. My mother in law was at Costco one day and put a Kirkland brand formula can up to the Enfamil can and compared–exact same ingredients. She bought us two huge cans of the Kirkland brand. They sat in the pantry for about two weeks because I thought they were cheap, until one night we were in a pinch and needed to use it. My son didn’t notice any difference, there was no change in pooping/peeing, so after a few days I let my brand-craving go and we’ve been Kirkland brand ever since. Just last weekend I was at a wedding and saw an old college friend who is now working for Costco’s corporate offices. Kirkland brand is made in the same plant as Enfamil–it’s the same thing, just a different package. It’s amazing what corporations can charge for a label.
I definitly going to switch to Enfamil. This Similac beetle thing is freaking me out! I just pray that the switch won’t affect the baby. Let’s see!
And what about the polydextrose in Enfamil that the company has managed to just gloss over and not inform the public about? As a Mom, I was not happy to learn that polydextrose – a substance not naturally found in any foods and chemically manufactured from an artificial sweetener – had been added to my baby’s formula without my knowledge! I had to learn this from my Dr and after my own research, found that this “polydextrose” is widely used in diet bars and sugar free products. I certainly didn’t want the same artifical ingredients found in atkins bars included in my baby’s formula! These types of bars are known to have a laxative effect even in adults! My baby’s diarrhea resolved when I switched and she is much better for it – from personal experience, to any considering switching right away to Enfamil, this is something to be aware of. You might get more problems than you bargained for.
I gave my son expressed breastmilk for two months then switched to formula. We tried Similac ready-to-feed first, since that’s what we got from the hospital, but he threw up all three times we tried to give it to him. Then I got a sample of Enfamil powder in the mail, so I gave it a go, and he hasn’t had any problems with it at all.
My son wasn’t eating enough according to the MD and was on Similac Advanced formula. We couldn’t force-feed him, so we took him off of everything solid and he still didn’t care for a lot of formula for the last three weeks. Come to find out the last 5 containers he had were on the Similac recall list. I made the switch to Enfamil now and he’s eating twice as much! He didn’t have any other abdominal issues, but his appetite wasn’t there. I’m upset that Similac didn’t recall them prior to this date! I trusted them and they should have let their parents know this! Even if they get a product out without bug parts, I may not switch back.
Comments My 3 month old daughter was taking similac expert care due to being born premature. I would say about 1 to 2 weeks ago she started will abdominal problems and different stool color and infrequencies. it got so bad we had to take her to a pedi gastrointestinal doctor. after a lab was done on some stool the doctor found some bacteria. not knowing about the recall the doctor decided to change her to enfamil lipil. havent had any problems since then
My 4 month old just all of a sudden had no interest in eating. Then I learned about the recall. The last 3 tubs we had been using were contaminated! I am still so sad. Today is the first bottle of Enfamil. If it works I am never going back. It is cheaper right?
I am definately making the SWITCH to a deifferent formula. I am still researching as to which one I will be switching to. I think for how much money we pay for Similac formula and they can’t even keep beetles out of it then it really has me questioning how “great” their formula really is…
I am definately making the SWITCH to a deifferent formula. I am still researching as to which one I will be switching to. I think for how much money we pay for Similac formula and they can’t even keep beetles out of it then it really has me questioning how “great” their formula really is…
What’s the big deal? Similar things could well be in Enfamil as well! My son is on Enfamil, every time I prepare the formula, I found there labels have loads of B.S., not as honest as Similac. This recall just confirms this kind honesty. Enfamil? Regardless of what, they won’t tell you. My daughter was on Similac. Good formula.
Gerber Good Start is the best! I switched and I wish I would have gone with Good Start from the start, no pun intended.
Similac is still the closest alternative to breastmilk. Contains more antioxidants, nucleotides and the baby absorbs more calcium. I will use the ready-to-use or concentrate for now until the powder is back. I will NOT use Enfamil because of the polydextrose! You need to google it! Also “fm” – Expert Care was not even recalled. Get your information correct and stop panicking!
We will be switching formula as well. We tried to give our four month old the ‘ready to go’ similac bottles, the ones that were not contaminated, and they have given her diarrhea and black stooles. I’m also wondering what type of preservatives they are putting in this ‘ready to go’ formula? Its a nasty brown color, I think doctors should not be recommending similac
My son is 10 months old now.He is a very good eater but a month ago, he refused to drink similac. He loved to eat solid food but totally refused to drink formula (similac).But previously he never gave me a problem.I asked my pediatrician to switch from similac or provide any other food that can replace nutrients from formula as he is a good eater.But she asked me to somehow give him 24 to 28 ounces of formula for a day.I literally forced him to drink because doctor made me think i am something terribly wrong if i do not give him atleast 24 ounces formula in a day.I also mixed it in food as doctor suggested.Now when i come to think of it, i am so guilty and i really feel very bad.My son didn’t take it because they were recalled which i came to know later.THIS IS ATROCIOUS!!!!
i started using enfamil lipil when my daughter was a month and a half as a supplement and she spit up alot she couldnt hold it down but come to find out she just needed to be switched to enafamil soy and i havent had any problems with it at all. i reccomend enfamil.
Actually, Enfamil is produced by Mead Johnson company in New Jersey, and Kirkland brand formula is produced by Perrigo company in Michigan. Perrigo is a manufacturer of over the counter drugs and generic products.
Perrigo is contracted by the Kirkland brand to produce their formula, which, when comparing ingredients, is closest to Enfamil.
The internet makes it easy to discover this info – just take some time to do your research!