In this article, you will find seven alternatives to Enfamil Gentlease. All of them are designed for sensitive tummies and solve many of the problems a baby might have when drinking formula.
Whether you need a similar formula to Gentlease because your baby is not responding well, or you have just run out of it, each of the alternatives presented in this article is a great candidate.
Let’s get after it!
Related read: Similac 360 Total Care Similarities
Our Short Answer: BEST Enfamil Gentlease Alternatives
| Alternative | Differences | Which One Is Better? |
|---|---|---|
| Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease | Contains MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and 2′-Fucosyllactose not present in regular Enfamil Gentlease. | Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease is nutritionally superior due to MFGM and 2′-Fucosyllactose (HMO). |
| Similac Sensitive | Uses Milk Protein Isolate instead of partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein. Does not include palm olein oil and contains regular sugar. | Enfamil Gentlease is preferred for its partially hydrolyzed proteins, closer Whey-to-casein ratio, absence of added sugars, and high-quality DHA. |
| Similac Total Comfort | Excludes palm olein and includes short-chain fructooligosaccharides. | Similac Total Comfort is preferred due to the elimination of palm olein and inclusion of prebiotics, despite its slightly higher simple sugars content. |
| Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive | Uses milk protein isolate and contains five human milk oligosaccharides, does not use palm olein. | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is preferable unless a child has trouble digesting cow’s milk protein or needs a hydrolyzed formula. |
| Hipp Comfort | Uses Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, focuses on organically sourced ingredients, contains special structured fat, and includes prebiotic Galactooligosaccharides and natural probiotic cultures. | HiPP Comfort is preferred for its organic ingredients and potent blend of prebiotics and probiotics. |
| Bobbie Gentle | Derived from organic ingredients, avoids palm olein or palm oils, and corn syrup. | Bobbie Gentle is the favored choice due to its organic certification, better oil sources, improved DHA & ARA concentrations, and absence of corn syrup. |
| Hipp HA | Uses lactose instead of corn syrup solids, relies on extensively hydrolyzed whey protein, and includes added probiotics. | HiPP HA is favored for its organic ingredients, less allergenic protein form, lactose as a carb source, and its combination of prebiotics and probiotics. |
Recommendation: Hipp HA is the top recommendation for its ease of digestion unless lactose intolerance is an issue, in which case Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is advised.
Enfamil Gentlease Features and Ingredients
Enfamil Gentlease is a specialized infant formula meticulously crafted for sensitive stomachs. Boasting a formula with easy-to-digest proteins, it addresses common newborn concerns such as fussiness, gas, and crying. Let’s explore its components:
- Primary Ingredients: Enfamil Gentlease has corn syrup solids, partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk, and whey protein concentrate solids derived from soy. It also incorporates a mix of vegetable oils, including palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils.
- Essential Fatty Acids: This formula contains Mortierella Alpina Oil, an Arachidonic Acid (ARA) source, and Schizochytrium Sp. Oil, known for its rich Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) content. Both ARA and DHA play vital roles in infant brain and eye development.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Enfamil Gentlease is fortified with a spectrum of vitamins and minerals, from Vitamin A Palmitate to Zinc Sulfate, ensuring a comprehensive nutritional profile.
ALTERNATIVE 1: Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease
Similarities
Just like siblings from the same family, Enfamil Gentlease and Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease share many common attributes. Both formulas feature primary ingredients such as Corn Syrup Solids, Partially Hydrolyzed Nonfat Milk and Whey Protein Concentrate Solids (Soy), and a Vegetable Oil blend (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, And High Oleic Sunflower Oils).
Additionally, both options include essential vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, E Acetate, K1, Riboflavin, Thiamin Hydrochloride, and B6 Hydrochloride, among all the necessary minerals.
They’re also designed for sensitive tummies to reduce fussiness, gas and crying within 24 hours.
Differences
Despite these similarities, there is an important distinction between the two alternatives. The secret lies in the unique fat-protein blend of Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease formula – MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane). It’s composed of proteins and fats scientifically recognized to foster cognitive development and support immune health. Additionally, Neuropro includes 2′-Fucosyllactose (a type of Human Milk Oligosaccharide), which is also beneficial for your baby’s health.
On the other hand, the regular Enfamil Gentlease doesn’t include either MFGM or 2′-Fucosyllactose components in its formula.
Which One Is Better?
If we compare them purely on nutritional terms, looking at each ingredient included in both options, Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease has the upper hand over its counterpart.
The inclusion of MFGM and 2′-Fucosyllactose (HMO) gives it an advantage. This similar blend of fats and proteins to those found in breast milk has been clinically shown to foster cognitive development and support immune health.
*Learn more: Enfamil Gentlease vs Neuropro Gentlease
ALTERNATIVE 2: Similac Sensitive
Similarities
At a basic level, both Enfamil Gentlease and Similac Sensitive provide complete nutrition for your little one.
Both include key nutrients like DHA (for brain development), Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin B12 — all critical to a baby’s growth and development.
Both formulas also contain corn syrup and vegetable oils among their first ingredients (although the types differ), which help provide necessary calories and fats.
Differences
One major difference is that Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solids, making it a suitable choice for babies struggling to digest cow’s milk protein. On the other hand, Similac Sensitive uses Milk Protein Isolate instead.
Another point of difference involves the type of fat source utilized. Enfamil Gentlease includes palm olein oil in its mix and Similac does not.
However, sugar content is another big distinction between these two formulas. Similac Sensitive counts regular sugar among its ingredients; on the other hand, Enfamil Gentlease does not contain any added sugars.
Which One Is Better?
We lean toward recommending Enfamil Gentlease over Similac Sensitive due to several reasons:
1- Presence of partially hydrolyzed proteins: This could make a significant difference for little tummies that have trouble with regular cow’s milk proteins.
2- Closer Whey-to-casein ratio to breast milk: This could lead to a more straightforward digestion process for your baby.
3- No added sugars: Babies don’t need extra sugar in their diet.
4- High-quality DHA: This is a superior source for your baby’s brain development.
*Learn more: Enfamil Gentlease vs Similac Sensitive
ALTERNATIVE 3: Similac Total Comfort
Similarities
Both Enfamil Gentlease and Similac Total Comfort share many similarities in their ingredient list.
Some common ingredients are nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, soy oil, coconut oil, Corn syrup solids (sugar), and essential vitamins such as Ascorbic Acid for a strong immune system and Niacinamide for good digestion.
Differences
Similac Total Comfort ditches palm olein, an ingredient used in Enfamil Gentlease. While palm olein is safe when consumed in normal quantities, some studies suggest it can negatively impact calcium absorption and bone density optimization in some infants.
Furthermore, Similac Total Comfort includes short-chain fructooligosaccharides—prebiotics that help nurture beneficial gut bacteria for your baby’s healthy digestive system. Unfortunately, this ingredient isn’t included in Enfamil Gentlease formula.
Which One Is Better?
Based on these comparisons, our leaning is towards Similac Total Comfort despite its slightly higher simple sugars content due to the elimination of palm olein and the addition of helpful prebiotics.
*Learn more: Similac Total Comfort vs Gentlease
ALTERNATIVE 4: Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
Similarities
Both formulas contain nonfat milk, corn syrup, soy oil, Coconut oil, and key nutrients like Ascorbic Acid (for a strong immune system), Calcium Pantothenate (for healthy growth), and Niacinamide (for good digestion). Both are marketed as sensitive formulas designed to ease common tummy troubles such as fussiness and gas.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is the most similar and best alternative to Enfamil Gentlease from Similac.
Differences
While Enfamil Gentlease employs partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solids for easier digestion, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive opts for milk protein isolate.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive boasts an exclusive blend of five human milk oligosaccharides (structurally identical to those found in breast milk), which support a healthy immune system, brain health, and digestive health. Enfamil Gentlease does not have any prebiotics added.
Also worth noticing is that while both formulas include vegetable oils for needed fats—Similac does not use palm olein—and Enfamil Gentlease uses a mix of palm olein and soy oil, coconut oil, and high oleic sunflower oil.
Which One Is Better?
Based on our analysis, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is a more appealing option if your little one doesn’t have a cow’s milk protein allergy and you want to give a formula without palm olein and enriched with an exclusive blend of probiotics.
*Learn more: Baby Formula Allergies
However, if your child has trouble digesting cow’s milk protein or if your pediatrician has recommended a hydrolyzed formula, Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease is the winner in this matchup.
*Learn more: Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease vs Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
ALTERNATIVE 5: Hipp Comfort
Similarities
Both Gentlease from Enfamil and HiPP Comfort formula are designed to cater to babies with sensitive tummies. They aim to ease fussiness, gas, and crying associated with digestion troubles.
Differences
While Gentlease includes Partially Hydrolyzed Nonfat Milk and Whey Protein Concentrate Solids (Soy), HiPP Comfort instead uses Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, which is simpler in molecular form, making it easier for tiny tummies to digest.
Furthermore, HiPP Comfort stands out due to its organically sourced ingredients. There’s a focus on sustainably certified organic palm oil for Beta-Palmitate production—a special structured fat closely to mother’s breast milk.
Moreover, HiPP Comfort includes prebiotic known as Galactooligosaccharides derived from lactose as well as natural probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk. This powerful blend is designed not only to make the formula easy-to-digest but also nourish your baby’s gut health leading to improved overall wellness.
Which One Is Better?
We pick HiPP Comfort over Gentlease. HiPP’s use of organically sourced ingredients and the inclusion of a powerful blend of prebiotics and probiotics gives it a clear edge. These components can significantly aid digestion, reducing the crying episodes that can be utterly heart-piercing for parents.
ALTERNATIVE 6: Bobbie Gentle
Similarities
Both Bobbie Gentle and Enfamil Gentlease contain essential ingredients vital for your baby’s growth and development like proteins sourced from partially hydrolyzed milk, different types of oil, certain vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and minerals like Calcium, Zinc, and Iron.
They also use Mortierella Alpina Oil and Schizochytrium Sp. Oil, sources of Arachidonic Acid (ARA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
*Learn more: DHA and ARA in Baby Formula
Differences
Bobbie Gentle’s formula is derived primarily from organic ingredients– a big green yes for parents trying to avoid GMOs- while Enfamil Gentlease doesn’t have this claim.
Bobbie Gentle avoids using palm olein or palm oils present in Enfamil Gentlease. It also avoids using corn syrup, which is a staple on Enfamil’s sensitive formulas.
Which One Is Better?
Bobbie Gentle gets our vote for several reasons, including organic certification, healthier oils, better sources and concentrations of DHA & ARA, and avoiding corn syrup, thus paving its path as an excellent alternative to Enfamil Gentlease.
*Learn more: Hydrolyzed formulas
ALTERNATIVE 7: Hipp HA
Similarities
Enfamil Gentlease and HiPP HA contain essential nutrients required to support the growth of your little one. Key among these is vegetable oils, which provide necessary fats for energy and brain development, as well as calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
In addition, both formulas incorporate beneficial long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs). HiPP HA contains LCPs derived from M. Alpina and fish oil; Enfamil Gentlease includes them from Mortierella Alpina oil and Schizochytrium Sp. Oil.
Moreover, they both include essential vitamins to bolster growth and immune function, such as Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D₃, Vitamin E Acetate, Thiamin Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B₆ Hydrochloride, Vitamin B₁₂, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Folic Acid.
Differences
Enfamil Gentlease uses corn syrup solids as the carb source while HiPP HA instead uses lactose; a sugar found naturally in milk. If your baby is lactose intolerant or has trouble digesting lactose, you might want to be cautious with HiPP HA.
Regarding proteins: Enfamil relies on partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk while HiPP HA focuses on whey protein hydrolysate, which is extensively hydrolyzed protein. This makes HiPP HA a chosen option if there’s any allergy concerns since extensively hydrolyzed proteins tend to be less allergenic compared to partially hydrolyzed ones.
*Learn more: Partially vs Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas
HiPP HA also contains added probiotics to help support your baby’s digestive health, which Enfamil Gentlease does not offer.
Which One Is Better?
HiPP HA emerges as a preferable alternative to Enfamil Gentlease for the following reasons:
- HiPP HA uses organic ingredients, ensuring your baby gets high-quality nutrition free from artificial additives.
- It contains extensively hydrolyzed protein, making it less allergenic than Enfamil Gentlease’s partially hydrolyzed proteins.
- Instead of corn syrup solids like Enfamil Gentlease, HiPP HA incorporates lactose as the natural carb source in breast milk.
- HiPP HA includes a potent blend of prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy gut environment for your baby.
*Learn more: Hipp HA vs Gentlease
Last Words and Our Favorite Formula
We hope you find a formula that suits your baby’s needs in this list of Enfamil Gentlease alternatives. If your baby has sensitivities, you should always ask a pediatrician. Before offering any formula, you need to know what type of digestive problems your baby has.
If we had to choose one formula that offers complete nutrition and that we trust we would choose Hipp HA, as it is the one with most features that make it easy to digest. The only problem it does not cover is lactose intolerance. If this is the case with your baby, we would recommend going for Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
