FormulaSeek - Similac NeoSure Post Discharge vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents, particularly when breastfeeding may not be an option. The perfect formula supports an infant's growth, development, and nutritional needs. This is especially important for babies with specific dietary requirements or medical conditions. In this blog post, we'll compare two popular formulas: Similac NeoSure Post Discharge, designed for preterm infants transitioning home, and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, known for its organic ingredients and easy digestibility.

Nutritional Composition

Nutritional composition is a defining factor when selecting an infant formula. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge focuses on providing higher-calorie content to support underweight or premature infants. Its protein source includes both whey and casein, creating a blend that mimics breast milk's natural proteins. Meanwhile, Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is formulated with an emphasis on easy digestion using whey as the primary protein source, minimizing discomfort for sensitive tummies.

Both formulas differ in their carbohydrate sources: Similac utilizes lactose, whereas Earth's Best incorporates maltodextrin to reduce lactose concentration for sensitivity. The fat sources in both include essential oils necessary for infant growth but vary significantly in combination and type, impacting digestibility and long-term health impacts.

Key Differences

Component Similac NeoSure Post Discharge Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
Protein Source Whey and Casein Whey
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Maltodextrin, Reduced Lactose
Fat Source High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil Palm Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics N/A Prebiotics (GOS)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Standard Enhanced
Iron and Calcium Content Higher Standard
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.25 (estimated) $0.30 (estimated)
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Organic, Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge stands out due to its high-calorie formula and added nutrients, such as higher iron content, tailored for preemies recovering and building weight. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, with its organic certification and prebiotics, is crafted for infants with sensitive digestion, supporting gut health and easy nutrient absorption.

Target Audience

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge is best suited for premature infants or those with unique nutritional requirements when leaving the hospital. In contrast, Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is formulated for infants with a sensitivity to lactose or those needing a gentler formulation without sacrificing nutritional content.

Alternatives

Alternatives to Similac NeoSure Post Discharge

  • Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
  • Gerber Good Start SoothePro
  • Premature Infants: Infacare Preterm Formula
  • Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
  • Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk

Alternatives to Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula

  • Gerber Good Start GentlePro
  • Happy Baby Organic Sensitive Formula
  • Kabrita Goat Milk Formula
  • Baby's Only Organic Lactorelief
  • Similac Sensitive Infant Formula

Potential Drawbacks

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge's higher iron content could lead to constipation, and its specialized nature may come with a higher price. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, while organic, is on the pricier side, and its inclusion of palm oil has been scrutinized due to potential health and ethical concerns. Availability may vary geographically, affecting continuous access.

Conclusion

Both Similac NeoSure Post Discharge and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula have their unique strengths, each catering to different infant needs. Similac is ideal for preterm babies requiring added nutritional support, while Earth's Best is great for those with sensitivities preferring organic options. Regardless of choice, it is essential for parents to consult with a pediatrician to ensure the formula chosen aligns with their infant's health and developmental needs.

Sources*

Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge Online

Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online

+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.

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Nutrient comparison

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge +/- Data +/- Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
5.50 g 0.20 Fat 5.30 g
10.10 g Carbohydrate 0.70 10.80 g
2.80 g 0.50 Protein 2.30 g
750.00 mg Linoleic Acid 750.00 mg

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 Gentle Infant Formula
105.00 mg 23.00 Calcium -23.00 82.00 mg
62.00 mg 16.00 Phosphorus -16.00 46.00 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 0.20 Zinc -0.20 1.00 mg
10.00 mcg -5.00 Manganese 5.00 15.00 mcg
120.00 mcg 45.00 Copper -45.00 75.00 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 -3.00 Sodium 3.00 36.00 mg
142.00 mg 34.00 Potassium -34.00 108.00 mg
75.00 mg 12.00 Chloride -12.00 63.00 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 Gentle Infant Formula
3.60 IU 1.60 Vitamin E -1.60 2.00 IU
11.00 mcg 2.00 Vitamin K -2.00 9.00 mcg
175.00 mcg 95.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) -95.00 80.00 mcg
150.00 mcg 10.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) -10.00 140.00 mcg
100.00 mcg 40.00 Vitamin B6 -40.00 60.00 mcg
0.40 mcg 0.10 Vitamin B12 -0.10 0.30 mcg
1950.00 mcg 950.00 Niacin -950.00 1000.00 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 6.00 Biotin -6.00 3.00 mcg
15.00 mg 3.00 Vitamin C -3.00 12.00 mg
16.00 mg -8.00 Choline 8.00 24.00 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