Whether you’re new to parenting or already experienced, understanding, and then appropriately meeting the needs of a tiny, demanding human being can be quite a challenge. Added to that, if your newborn experiences colic, problems with digestion, and the like, then handling the fuss, spit-ups, plus your own panic can be an overwhelming task.
The good news is that we’re up for helping out you and your little munchkin. We took it upon ourselves to compare two of the best infant formulas that are favorites today among both parents and babies.
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Read on to find out a detailed comparison of Similac Pro Sensitive vs. Enfamil Gentlease, the best infant formulas on the market right now.
Enfamil Gentlease
If you’re looking for an immediate solution for your baby suffering from gas, diarrhea, or similar tummy issues, the Enfamil Gentlease formula could be the perfect solution. This formula means business with its claim of resolving to make a difference in just one day.
Some infants may be allergic to cow’s milk, thus undergoing GI issues. In such cases, the recommended alternative is a formula that is nonstandard, extensively hydrolyzed and hypoallergenic – criteria that Enfamil Gentlease wholeheartedly fulfills.
Enfamil Gentlease constitutes of a formula designed to help fussy babies by soothing their stomach issues including gas and bowel movements. As much as a 33% reduction in crying has been observed within 24 hours of its consumption.
This product is formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that have been developed after extensive research. The formula is designed while keeping tiny sensitive stomachs and their digestion issues in mind.
Containing a protein mix that is easy for your little one to digest, a mix of nutrients that helps in the development of your baby’s brain, immune system, vision, and overall growth, and significantly low lactose levels, the Gentlease boasts of a formula considerably similar to the ingredient mix present in breast milk.
Altogether, the Enfamil Gentlease has become a go-to solution for many parents in search of a safe option for their tot’s tummy issues.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Great choice for mommies transitioning from breastfeeding
- Proven to be helpful for fussy babies
- Good for brain development, immunity, vision, and general growth
- Low lactose levels
Cons:
- Many consumers complain of receiving the canister without a lid
- Not suitable for children sensitive to lactose
Similac Pro-sensitive:
The Similac Pro-sensitive Infant formula delivers on its promise of supporting you during your struggle to fulfill your baby’s nutritional needs. This product is designed specifically for infants suffering from bouts of gas, fussiness, and similar issues due to their developing guts and immature tummies. The Pro-Sensitive milk-based powder is, therefore, a popular option among troubled parents and kids alike.
Featuring the trademarked OptiGro, which is a mix of lutein, DHAs and vitamin E – ingredients that are present in human milk, it provides essential nutrition required by your child. It has ingredients that help with the development of your young one’s brain, eye, and cells.
Also noteworthy is Similac’s addition of the 2’-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharides), an ingredient acting as prebiotics similar to those exclusively present in the milk of lactating women which aids in strengthening the baby’s immune system. Importantly, the Pro-sensitive offers reduced lactose levels and doesn’t contain any GMOs.
Altogether, while the Similac Pro-Sensitive is among the top choices in the market, especially for children not well-tolerant to lactose, the product does have a few areas that can be improved. Its pull-tap design, foamy mixture, or higher price may not agree with you.
Pros:
- Good for lactose sensitive kids
- Decreases fussiness in majority of babies
- Good for brain, eye, and overall development
- Contains ingredients similar to breast milk
- No GMOs
Cons:
- The pull-tap design may break off
- Shaking the mix of water and powder results in an undesirably foamy liquid
- Most expensive that the usual range of baby formulas in the market
Similac Pro-sensitive v Enfamil Gentlease – A Breakdown of Features
Read on ahead to find a side-by-side comparison of the major aspects of the Pro-Sensitive and Gentlease. Of course, some babies may respond equally well to both formulae, while others may find just one of these suitable.
As per the brands’ claims, the Enfamil Gentlease and Similac Pro-sensitive both have been developed for sensitive babies with tummies that are still undergoing development. While both are effective for such infants, they do have some notable differences in their ingredients:
Palm olein oil
An added ingredient that many baby formulae constitute of is palm olein oil, which acts as a source of fat, thus matching the constituency of fatty acids found in breastmilk. However, some infants do not respond well to it, and therefore show comparatively lower rates of retention of calcium and absorption of fat.
While the Enfamil Gentlease contains ingredients that are sources of palm olein oil, the Similac Pro-sensitive offers a formula that is free from it.
Lactose content
The Enfamil Gentlease also contains 20% lactose as a source of carbohydrates, that, while tolerable for children with transient lactose deficiency, may prove to be unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant. On the other hand, the Similac Pro-sensitive is safe for kids experiencing digestive distress upon lactose consumption.
Recommended age
While the Gentlease and Pro-sensitive are both formulated for consumption by infants, they differ slightly in terms of their recommendations as to what age they are suitable up to. The Similac Pro-sensitive can be fed to children until they grow up to 12 months old.
The Gentlease, meanwhile, may be fed exclusively to infants until they are 6 months old. However, its usage may be prolonged by using it as a major nutritional source for your child up to 12 months.
Added features
Both products constitute advanced formulas that have been patterned upon the compositions of breastmilk, to provide complete nutrition to your child at approximately the same levels as that of breastfed infants.
Apart from a number of ingredients that its OptiGro includes, the Similac Pro-sensitive’s 2’-FL HMO constituent is an exclusive feature. Developed structurally similar to the 2’-FL HMO contained in human milk, it supports immature guts and is significant for boosting your little one’s developing immune system.
Plus, the brand offers the added benefit of not using dairy ingredients from animals dosed with synthetic growth hormones.
Comparatively, the Gentlease formula too consists of multiple ingredients that are nutrients present in mothers’ milk, including DHAs and ARAs. According to advanced research and clinical proofs during the product design stages, the DHAs contained in the Gentlease formula is essential for your child’s brain and eye development.
In addition, the partially broken down blend of milk protein is designed similar to the mix contained in breastmilk.
Conclusion
Altogether, while these products both have their fair share of pros, cons, and added features, it all comes down to your little one’s preferences. Your baby’s digestive abilities, stomach sensitivity, and tolerance to certain ingredients like lactose will ultimately determine which formula suits them.
Truly, both are excellent choices for parents in search of a nutrition-packed baby formula, but we do recommend that you consult your pediatrician before starting your journey with either of these brands.
