Enfamil vs. Similac: Which Baby Formula Is Better?

While both Enfamil and Similac share many similarities, the two baby formula brands do have a number of key differences. We dive deeply into their differences later in this article, but here’s a summary of the main ways they differ. 

• Standard milk-based baby formulas: Enfamil NeuroPro (Enfamil’s standard milk-based formula) contains milk fat globule membrane, which more closely mimics breast milk, and slightly higher levels of certain fatty acids.
• Gentle baby formulas: The Similac and Enfamil formulas that are specifically designed for fussy babies rely on different protein sources—Similac’s Pro-Total Comfort contains 100% whey protein while Enfamil’s Gentlease uses 60% whey and 40% casein.
• Spit-up baby formulas: Similac claims its spit-up formula reduces spit-up episodes by 54% while Emfamil claims a reduction of 50% with its spit-up formula.

No matter which brand you go with, all baby formulas marketed in the U.S. are required to meet certain nutrient specifications outlined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that ensure your infant receives the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

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When not breastfeeding or otherwise using human milk, most parents in the U.S. rely on standard milk-based infant formulas for nourishing their little ones. Indeed, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends formula-fed babies receive iron-fortified, milk-based formulas.

Health care providers will look to alternatives if a baby has an intolerance to a milk-based formula, but standard milk-based formulas are most often their starting point, explains Dyan Hes, M.D., a pediatrician in New York City.

“We always start with cow’s milk formula because all of the sugar is lactose, which is the same as [in] breast milk,” she says. The closer infant formulas can replicate the makeup of breast milk, the better for babies.

Similac Advance

Similac Advance is an iron-fortified, milk-based formula that includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—an omega-3 fatty acid—lutein and vitamin E to better support infant neurodevelopment. The brand boasts it omits palm olein oil in an effort to increase calcium absorption, though it’s worth noting studies show the substance naturally occurs in breast milk and has no adverse effects on developing babies.

Cost: $1.41 per ounce

Key ingredients:

• Nonfat milk
• Lactose
• Whey protein concentrate
• High oleic safflower oil
• Soy oil
• Coconut oil
• Galactooligosaccharides (prebiotics)

Enfamil NeuroPro

What sets Enfamil NeuroPro apart is its emphasis on brain and eye-boosting fatty acids. The World Health Organization recommends infant formulas contain between .3% and .5% DHA for brain health. This formulation from Enfamil contains .32%.

Cost: $1.57 per ounce

Key ingredients: 

• Nonfat milk
• Lactose
• Vegetable oil (palm olein, coconut, soy and high oleic sunflower oils)
• Whey protein concentrate
• Whey protein-lipid concentrate

The Winner: Enfamil NeuroPro

While the Advance and NeuroPro formulas appear to share a similar ingredient list, the Enfamil NeuroPro has a winning advantage: something called milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).

MFGM is a substance that occurs naturally in human milk fat, which helps this formula more closely mimic the properties of breast milk, says Delene P. Musielak, M.D., a pediatrician in St. Louis. One study in the Journal of Pediatrics found consuming formula with added bovine MFGM and bovine lactoferrin gave babies a boost in their language, cognitive and motor development.

Dr. Musielak also notes the Enfamil NeuroPro contains slightly higher levels of both DHA and arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid. These fatty acids are essential to the development of babies’ eyes and brains, though she also notes studies have been inconclusive about the long-term benefits of consuming higher levels of these fatty acids in infancy.

“Parents should use the formula that their baby tolerates best and is most affordable for the family,” Dr. Musielak says, noting that one formula isn’t necessarily better than the other. However, if finding an option that most closely resembles breast milk is important to you, then the Enfamil NeuroPro has the advantage in this comparison.

While most pediatricians start babies on standard milk-based formulas, Dr. Musielak says they may recommend a switch to gentle varieties if parents report any of the following symptoms:

• Gas
• Digestive issues
• Colic and excessive fussiness
• Sensitivity to lactose

Gentle—or partially hydrolyzed—formulas are easier for tiny stomachs to digest as they have already broken down the protein molecules found in milk. In fact, gentle formulas may better mimic breast milk in terms of protein size, according to Bridget Young, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, New York.

“On average, human breast milk proteins are smaller in size than cow’s milk proteins,” says Dr. Young. “So partially hydrolyzed formulas provide proteins that are closer in size to breast milk proteins than standard formula proteins.”

Because they contain casein and whey, however, even gentle formulas are not suitable for babies with true milk allergies.

Similac Pro-Total Comfort

The Pro-Total Comfort formula from Similac uses 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein that may be gentler on some stomachs. When it comes to this option, Dr. Hes is impressed by Similac’s inclusion of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are prebiotics naturally present in breast milk that provide immune, gastrointestinal and cognitive support.

Cost: $1.50 per ounce (at CVS)

Key ingredients: 

• Corn maltodextrin
• Whey protein hydrolysate
• High oleic safflower oil
• Sugar
• Soy oil
• Coconut oil

Enfamil Gentlease

Intended to be easier on little stomachs, Gentlease provides partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey proteins. This formula is geared toward infants struggling with digestive discomfort, and aims to ease gas and the fussiness that often goes along with it.

Cost: $1.45 per ounce

Key ingredients: 

• Corn syrup solids
• Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solids (soy)
• Vegetable oil (palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils)
• Calcium phosphate

The Winner: Similac Pro-Total Comfort

When it comes to comparing Pro-Total Comfort and Gentlease, one isn’t necessarily better than the other—it’s all about testing and choosing the option that your baby tolerates more easily, says Dr. Young.

The two formulas have different protein sources, which may affect your baby’s comfort: Gentlease uses a partially hydrolyzed mix of 60% whey and 40% casein while the Pro-Total Comfort makes use of 100% whey protein that’s been partially hydrolyzed. Dr. Young also notes differences in the carbohydrate and fat sources, explaining, again, that a parent’s decision should all come down to the baby’s preference.

If you’re dealing with an infant with lactose intolerance, however, Dr. Hes leans toward the Pro-Total Comfort formula. In addition to valuable HMOs, this variety also contains just 2% lactose versus the 20% found in Gentlease.

Spit up is simply part of new parenthood. Tiny developing digestive systems are to blame, but with proper weight gain and adequate wet diapers (about six to eight a day), pediatricians often find no cause for concern.

“If spit up is affecting the baby’s quality of life and/or disrupting sleep, we may consider switching formulas,” says Dr. Hes. “Many babies are happy spitters and they do not need a formula change…if a baby is not growing or gaining weight well, we may change to a formula that protects against spit up.”

Similac for Spit-Up

Similac claims its spit-up formula reduces spit-up episodes by 54% in healthy, 2-month-old babies compared to infants fed standard milk-based formulas. This formula uses additional rice starch to ease spit up and contains a blend of DHA, lutein and vitamin E to support infant neurodevelopment.

Cost: Previously $1.28 per ounce (currently unavailable on Amazon)

Key ingredients: 

• Corn syrup
• Modified rice starch
• Milk protein isolate
• High oleic safflower oil
• Sugar
• Soy oil
• Coconut oil
• Galactooligosaccharides (prebiotics)

Enfamil A.R.

Enfamil A.R. is a rice-starch thickened formula aimed at reducing instances of spit up in babies by as much as 50%. This option includes the same recommended amount of DHA and ARA present in the brand’s other formulations.

Cost: $1.35 per ounce

Key ingredients: 

• Non-fat milk
• Vegetable oil (palm olein, coconut, soy and high oleic sunflower oils)
• Rice starch
• Lactose
• Maltodextrin
• Galactooligosaccharides (prebiotics)
• Polydextrose (prebiotics)

The Winner: Similac for Spit-Up

First, a word of warning: Dr. Musielak says both formula options contain a thickening agent called rice starch that helps infants keep liquids down. Because these varieties are thicker than standard formulas and can clog bottles during feedings, Dr. Musielak advises parents to use a bottle with a larger nipple size. She cautions against cutting or modifying bottle tops on your own, as you want to ensure they don’t become choking hazards while feeding.

While the formulas are fairly similar—especially in their method of reducing spit-up—the increased efficacy of Similac, coupled with its lower price, pushes it into first place.

In addition to the formulas noted above, both Enfamil and Similac offer formulas designed for babies with a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein or other allergies. 

Specifically, Enfamil offers: 

• Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Powder. Crafted from extensively hydrolyzed proteins, this hypoallergenic formula is lactose-free and contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development. Enfamil also offers this formula in liquid form.
• PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder. Enfamil notes this formula is designed for babies with severe food allergies, as it’s crafted with free amino acids. 

Meanwhile, Similac offers the following for food allergies: 

• Similac Alimentum. This hypoallergenic formula contains 2’-FL HMO—an ingredient for immune support—and features a broken-down protein that’s easier for babies to digest. This formula also comes in ready-to-feed bottles. 

For those interested in organic formulas, both Similac and Enfamil have options, too. Enfamil’s Simply Organic formula contains USDA-certified organic milk, and Similac Organic is non-GMO and features organic milk and other ingredients.

No matter which baby formula you choose, rest assured that the FDA has a strict set of nutritional requirements each approved product must meet. Ultimately, formula choice comes down to preference—both yours and your baby’s.

A good rule of thumb: “Make your decision based on the first few ingredients in the list,” says Dr. Young. “These make up 98% of the formula and will have the biggest impact on your baby’s comfort.” She recommends ignoring the marketing claims and heading straight for the ingredient list, discussing with your pediatrician which options make the best choice for your baby’s digestive comfort.

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