FormulaSeek - Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula vs Similac NeoSure Post Discharge
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring your baby's nutritional needs are met, particularly if breastfeeding is not an option. With a variety of formulas available, it can be daunting for parents to decide which one best fits their baby’s unique requirements. Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge are two popular options, each catering to specific dietary needs and conditions. This blog aims to meticulously compare these two formulas, helping parents make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
When it comes to nutritional components, both Enfamil Sensitive and Similac NeoSure are formulated to meet the essential nutritional needs of infants, but they do so in slightly different ways.
Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula: This formula is designed for babies who experience fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity. It features partially hydrolyzed protein, broken down into smaller pieces to make it easier to digest. The carbohydrate source is corn syrup solids, catering specifically to sensitive stomachs. Its fat sources include a blend of palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils.
Similac NeoSure Post Discharge: This formula is specially created for premature babies who are transitioning from hospital care to home. It contains higher levels of protein and calories to support rapid growth. The protein content is a blend of nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate. It includes lactose as the primary carbohydrate source and vegetable oils, like soy and safflower oils, as the fat source.
Key Differences
| Feature | Enfamil Sensitive | Similac NeoSure |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey | Whey Protein Concentrate, Nonfat Milk |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Syrup Solids | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, High Oleic Sunflower Oils | Soy, Safflower Oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | Prebiotics (2’-FL HMO) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Includes DHA & ARA | Higher DHA & ARA Levels |
| Iron & Calcium Content | Moderate | Higher to support bone growth |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50 per ounce | $0.60 per ounce |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Enfamil Sensitive: This formula's primary feature is its lactose-free formula, designed to reduce fussiness and gas in babies with lactose sensitivity. Its partially hydrolyzed protein makes it easier for infants to digest.
Similac NeoSure: An important feature of NeoSure is its fortified levels of nutrients tailored for babies born prematurely. It offers more calories, protein, and higher levels of DHA for brain development, alongside prebiotics for enhancing gut health.
Target Audience
Enfamil Sensitive: This formula is ideal for infants who experience lactose sensitivity, resulting in fussiness and gas.
Similac NeoSure: Designed for premature infants who need additional nutrients to support catch-up growth and brain development.
Alternatives
Alternatives for Enfamil Sensitive
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity
- Similac Sensitive
- Up & Up Sensitivity (Target brand)
- Kirkland Signature Infant Formula (Costco)
Alternatives for Similac NeoSure
- Enfamil Enfacare
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Enfamil Sensitive: Parents may find it more costly than standard formulas, and some may object to the inclusion of palm olein oil due to digestion concerns.
Similac NeoSure: This formula is on the pricier side and might not be widely available at all retail locations. Some parents may also have concerns about the higher sugar content due to lactose.
Conclusion
Both Enfamil Sensitive and Similac NeoSure serve specific needs effectively. Enfamil Sensitive is recommended for babies experiencing lactose-related fussiness and gas issues. Conversely, Similac NeoSure is targeted towards supporting the development and growth of premature infants. Parents should weigh the pros and cons of each formula, keeping in mind their baby’s unique needs, and always consult with a pediatrician before making a decision.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula Online
Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.20 | 5.50 g | |
| 10.90 g | 0.80 | Carbohydrate | 10.10 g | |
| 2.20 g | Protein | 0.60 | 2.80 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 | 750.00 mg |
Ingredient comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
Minerals comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
| Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88.00 mg | -17.00 | Calcium | 17.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 59.00 mg | -3.00 | Phosphorus | 3.00 | 62.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | -1.00 | Magnesium | 1.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 1.00 mg | -0.20 | Zinc | 0.20 | 1.20 mg |
| 15.00 mcg | 5.00 | Manganese | -5.00 | 10.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | -45.00 | Copper | 45.00 | 120.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.50 | Selenium | -0.50 | 2.30 mcg |
| 33.00 mg | 0.00 | Sodium | 0.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | -32.00 | Potassium | 32.00 | 142.00 mg |
| 67.00 mg | -8.00 | Chloride | 8.00 | 75.00 mg |
Vitamins comparison
Vitamins from both formulas are listed in the center. If they exist in a formula they will have a value next to them. The difference will be show under the +/- column for easy visibility.
| Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | -50.00 | Vitamin A | 50.00 | 350.00 IU |
| 70.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 70.00 IU |
| 2.00 IU | -1.60 | Vitamin E | 1.60 | 3.60 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | -2.00 | Vitamin K | 2.00 | 11.00 mcg |
| 80.00 mcg | -95.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 95.00 | 175.00 mcg |
| 140.00 mcg | -10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 10.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -40.00 | Vitamin B6 | 40.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | -0.10 | Vitamin B12 | 0.10 | 0.40 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | -950.00 | Niacin | 950.00 | 1950.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | -9.00 | Folic Acid | 9.00 | 25.00 mcg |
| 500.00 mcg | -300.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 300.00 | 800.00 mcg |
| 3.00 mcg | -6.00 | Biotin | 6.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 15.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 8.00 | Choline | -8.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 24.00 mcg | -11.00 | Inositol | 11.00 | 35.00 mg |