FormulaSeek - Similac NeoSure Post Discharge vs Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula can significantly impact a baby's health and development, especially when breastfeeding is not an option. Infant formulas aim to closely mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk, ensuring adequate growth, proper digestive health, and brain development in newborns. Among the myriad of formulas available, Similac NeoSure Post Discharge and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula are two popular choices. Each has its unique advantages and cater to different needs. This post will delve into a detailed comparison to help parents make an informed choice tailored to their infant's needs.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional composition of infant formulas is crucial as it determines the suitability for various needs, such as preemie growth or sensitivity to ingredients.
Similac NeoSure Post Discharge is designed specifically for premature babies post-discharge. It contains higher amounts of calories, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals than standard formulas, supporting rapid growth and development in babies who need to catch up. It uses nonfat milk as the primary protein source along with whey protein concentrate, features carbohydrates derived from lactose, and provides fats from medium-chain triglycerides and plant oils.
Earth’s Best Dairy Infant Formula is a standard organic formula suitable for full-term infants. It has a protein composition primarily derived from partially hydrolyzed whey and casein, focusing on lactose as the carbohydrate source while deriving fats from a mix of organic oils such as safflower and coconut. This formula is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to foster balanced growth in infants.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate | Partially hydrolyzed whey/casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Medium-chain triglycerides, plant oils | Organic safflower, coconut oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Included, 2’-FL HMO prebiotics | Included, GOS prebiotic |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | 0.32% DHA and ARA | 0.4% DHA and ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Higher levels, suitable for preemies | Standard levels for full-term infants |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.20 (Estimated Price) | $0.15 (Estimated Price) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | USDA Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac NeoSure Post Discharge is specifically formulated to support the growth and nutritional needs of premature babies after they leave the hospital. Its nutrient-rich composition aims to promote catch-up growth, brain, and eye development. The inclusion of 2’-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide) offers immune support akin to that found in breastmilk.
Earth’s Best Dairy Infant Formula provides full-term infants with a balanced diet using organic ingredients. It offers a good balance of proteins and carbohydrates for easy digestion and includes DHA and ARA for brain development, as well as a prebiotic (GOS) that supports digestive health.
Target Audience
Similac NeoSure Post Discharge is primarily aimed at babies born prematurely who need added nutrition after hospital discharge to ensure appropriate developmental milestones and weight gain.
Earth’s Best Dairy Infant Formula targets full-term infants whose parents prefer an organic diet. It suits those without particular dietary needs or allergies, providing a balanced nutritional start.
Alternatives
Alternatives for Similac NeoSure Post Discharge
- Enfamil EnfaCare
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Stage 2
- SMA Gold Prem 2
- Nutricia Aptamil Pronutra+ Preterm
Alternatives for Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro Organic
- Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula
- Holle Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac NeoSure Post Discharge can be more expensive than standard formulas, which may impact budgeting for some families. Its specific nutritional profile might be excessive for full-term infants and can sometimes result in digestion issues like gas or constipation.
Earth’s Best Dairy Infant Formula might not be suitable for babies with protein allergies or those who are lactose intolerant. Its organic certification often commands a higher price, and availability in some regions might be limited compared to more commonly stocked brands.
Conclusion
Both Similac NeoSure Post Discharge and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula are excellent choices for different infant needs. Similac NeoSure is particularly beneficial for premature babies needing enhanced nutrition for catch-up growth. On the other hand, Earth's Best Dairy is perfect for parents preferring organic solutions for their full-term infants without specific dietary sensitivities. It’s critical for parents to evaluate the needs of their baby when selecting a formula and consult their pediatrician for personalized advice to ensure optimal infant health and development.
Sources*
Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge Online
Buy Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac NeoSure Post Discharge | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.50 g | 0.20 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.10 g | Carbohydrate | 0.50 | 10.60 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.60 | Protein | 2.20 g | |
| 750.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 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.
| Similac NeoSure Post Discharge | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 27.00 | Calcium | -27.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 62.00 mg | 19.00 | Phosphorus | -19.00 | 43.00 mg |
| 9.00 mg | 1.00 | Magnesium | -1.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 1.20 mg | 0.45 | Zinc | -0.45 | 0.75 mg |
| 10.00 mcg | -5.00 | Manganese | 5.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 120.00 mcg | 49.00 | Copper | -49.00 | 71.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.30 mcg | -0.50 | Selenium | 0.50 | 2.80 mcg |
| 33.00 mg | 6.00 | Sodium | -6.00 | 27.00 mg |
| 142.00 mg | 32.00 | Potassium | -32.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 7.00 | Chloride | -7.00 | 68.00 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.
| Similac NeoSure Post Discharge | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.60 IU | 1.60 | Vitamin E | -1.60 | 2.00 IU |
| 11.00 mcg | 3.00 | Vitamin K | -3.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 175.00 mcg | 75.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -75.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | -10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 10.00 | 160.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 37.00 | Vitamin B6 | -37.00 | 63.00 mcg |
| 0.40 mcg | 0.10 | Vitamin B12 | -0.10 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1950.00 mcg | 850.00 | Niacin | -850.00 | 1100.00 mcg |
| 25.00 mcg | 9.00 | Folic Acid | -9.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 800.00 mcg | 300.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -300.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mcg | 4.40 | Biotin | -4.40 | 4.60 mcg |
| 15.00 mg | 3.00 | Vitamin C | -3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 16.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 35.00 mg | 29.00 | Inositol | -29.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 350.00 IU | 50.00 | Vitamin A | -50.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 70.00 IU | 10.00 | Vitamin D | -10.00 | 60.00 IU |