Mothers who bottle-feed their baby formula must make a decision about which brand to use. Many babies do best if they continue with the same brand once they get used to it, and mothers also often prefer to use the same brand, as long as their baby thrives on it. Enfamil and Similac, are two of the most widely used formula brands.
Similac
Similac is a product of Abbott Laboratories, a maker of children's nutritional products. According to Similac, it is the number one formula fed in hospitals across the country. Similac offers a variety of formulas for different nutritional needs. Many Similac formulas contain Early Shield, which Similac says promotes development of a baby's brain, eyes, bones and immune system.
Enfamil
Enfamil formula is a product of Mead Johnson, a leader in the field of infant nutrition. Enfamil also has various formulas to meet different feeding situations, such as allergies or digestive problems. According to Enfamil, it was the first formula brand to add choline, a nutrient that promotes the work of cell membranes and supports muscle control.
Prebiotics
Enfamil PREMIUM contains prebiotics, which are nutrients that promote bacteria in the digestive system that are useful in stimulating the immune response. Enfamil also makes a toddler formula with prebiotics, called Enfagrow PREMIUM. Similac Early Shield also contains prebiotics, and the company says its formula concentration resembles breast milk as closely as possible.
Fatty Acids
Breast milk contains two types of fatty acids, called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and arachidonic acid, or ARA; both promote growth and development in babies, particularly in the brain and eyes. Enfamil PREMIUM formula has 17 mg of DHA in 5 fluid ounces. Enfamil also has LIPIL, a complex blend of DHA and ARA. Similac also has DHA in its Similac Special Care Advance formula.
Prematurity
Premature babies have more nutritional needs than full-term infants. They are typically smaller and might lack some nutrients such as iron. Because they can be fragile, premature babies also need extra support for their immune systems. Enfamil makes a formula called Enfamil Premature, which contains LIPIL and is specially designed for babies who need to gain weight. Similac has a formula called Expert Care NeoSure that is designed to boost the immune systems of premature babies. It also contains protein for muscle growth, and DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.
