FormulaSeek - Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF vs Similac Advance RTF


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for a baby's growth and development, especially when breastfeeding isn't an option. Proper nutrition enhances growth, supports brain development, and builds a robust immune system. Two popular ready-to-feed (RTF) formulas on the market are Similac Advance RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF. Both cater to specific needs but serve different purposes for infant nutrition.

Nutritional Composition

Understanding the nutritional components of infant formulas is essential to choose the one that best fits your baby's needs. Both Similac Advance RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF offer a balanced distribution of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Similac Advance is primarily designed for infants from birth up to 12 months, with a focus on standard nutrition. Similac NeoSure, however, is tailored for preterm infants transitioning from hospital to home, offering additional nutrients critical for catch-up growth.

Key Differences

Feature Similac Advance RTF Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
Protein Source Whey and Casein (20:80) Whey and Casein (70:30)
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Lactose and Maltodextrin
Fat Source Safflower, Soy, Coconut Oil Safflower, Soy, Coconut Oil, and MCT oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics Prebiotics (GOS) Prebiotics (GOS)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Higher DHA, ARA Enhanced DHA, ARA
Iron and Calcium Content Standard Levels Higher Levels
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.15 (Estimated) $0.18 (Estimated)
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Advance RTF is enriched with prebiotics to support a robust immune system and aids in promoting digestive health. It contains a blend that supports overall brain-eye development in infants. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is designed with higher nutrient levels such as proteins, Vitamins, and Omega-3 levels to ensure healthy growth trajectories in premature infants.

Target Audience

Similac Advance RTF is ideal for full-term infants with no specific nutritional issues. It provides a balanced formula to support general growth and development. On the other hand, Similac NeoSure is best suited for preterm infants needing additional nutritional support once they are home from the hospital. Its higher nutrient content aligns well with the catch-up growth needed in these infants.

Alternatives to Similac Advance RTF

  • Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
  • Gerber Good Start Gentle – Ready to Feed
  • Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
  • Happy Baby Organics Infant Formula
  • Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula

Alternatives to Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF

  • Enfamil Enfacare
  • Gerber Good Start premature Stage 2
  • Similac Pro-Sensitive
  • Nutramigen Hypoallergenic
  • Alimentum Hypoallergenic

Potential Drawbacks

While both formulas provide excellent nutrition, Similac Advance RTF has been noted for being slightly expensive, and some parents might not favor the inclusion of palm oil. Similac NeoSure may also appear cost-prohibitive due to its specialized formulation designed for premature infants and might not be readily available in all locations.

Conclusion

Both Similac Advance RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF are excellent infant formulas, catering to different needs. Similac Advance is a reliable choice for most full-term infants, providing balanced nutrition for healthy growth. Similac NeoSure offers enhanced nutrition perfect for premature infants transitioning to life outside of the hospital. Above all, ensure you consult with a pediatrician to select the formula best aligned with your baby's unique dietary requirements.

Sources*

Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF Online

Buy Similac Advance RTF Online

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Nutrient comparison

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF +/- Data +/- Similac Advance RTF
5.50 g 0.10 Fat 5.40 g
10.10 g Carbohydrate 1.10 11.20 g
2.80 g 0.73 Protein 2.07 g
750.00 mg 750.00 Linoleic Acid 0

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 RTF +/- Minerals +/- Similac Advance RTF
105.00 mg 27.00 Calcium -27.00 78.00 mg
62.00 mg 20.00 Phosphorus -20.00 42.00 mg
9.00 mg 3.00 Magnesium -3.00 6.00 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 5.00 mcg
120.00 mcg 30.00 Copper -30.00 90.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 0.00 Iodine 0.00 15.00 mcg
2.30 mcg 0.30 Selenium -0.30 2.00 mcg
33.00 mg 9.00 Sodium -9.00 24.00 mg
142.00 mg 37.00 Potassium -37.00 105.00 mg
75.00 mg 10.00 Chloride -10.00 65.00 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 RTF +/- Vitamin +/- Similac Advance RTF
3.60 IU 2.10 Vitamin E -2.10 1.50 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 0.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) 0.00 150.00 mcg
100.00 mcg 40.00 Vitamin B6 -40.00 60.00 mcg
0.40 mcg 0.15 Vitamin B12 -0.15 0.25 mcg
1950.00 mcg 900.00 Niacin -900.00 1050.00 mcg
25.00 mcg 10.00 Folic Acid -10.00 15.00 mcg
800.00 mcg 350.00 Pantothenic Acid -350.00 450.00 mcg
9.00 mcg 4.60 Biotin -4.60 4.40 mcg
15.00 mg 6.00 Vitamin C -6.00 9.00 mg
16.00 mg -8.00 Choline 8.00 24.00 mg
35.00 mg 11.00 Inositol -11.00 24.00 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