Key Differences Table Between Similac For Spit Up and Enfamil AR
| Aspect | Similac for Spit Up | Enfamil AR |
|---|---|---|
| Lactose Sensitivity | Lactose-free | Contains lactose |
| Protein Source | Milk protein isolate | Whey, casein, nonfat milk |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup, rice starch | Lactose, maltodextrin, rice starch |
| Fat Sources | High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, High Oleic Sunflower Oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotic galactooligosaccharides | Dual prebiotic blend for immune health |
| Similac for Spit-Up | Absent | Present (potential calcium absorption concerns) |
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This article will compare two popular Anti-Reflux formulas in the US: Similac Spit Up vs Enfamil AR. We will analyze their nutritional compositions and ingredients to give you the information you need to make an informed choice.
Let’s get after it!
Our Short Answer
Although both formulas are suitable for spit-up babies, they have key differences.
Similac for Spit Up is lactose-free, which means if your baby has lactose sensitivities, it’s your best choice.
Enfamil AR is a more natural option, as it uses lactose and maltodextrin instead of corn syrup, so it’s the one we recommend if your baby doesn’t have lactose issues.
That said, our official recommendation is that you take a look at the alternatives below in the article before making your final decision.
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OVERVIEW OF THE TWO FORMULAS
Similac For Spit-Up: Reduces spit-up with rice starch, clinical studies show 54% reduction, non-GMO, lactose-sensitive-friendly, contains DHA, lutein, and vitamin E for brain and eye development, no palm olein oil, no artificial growth hormones.
Enfamil AR: Reduces spit-up with rice starch, over 50% reduction in one week, dual prebiotic blend for immune health, DHA for brain and eye growth, gentle milk protein, SNAP benefits eligible.
Similac For Spit-Up
This baby formula aims to keep those adorable bibs drier by reducing spit-up. It achieves this by using rice starch, which makes the formula slightly thicker and easier to digest.
Clinical studies have shown that Similac for Spit-Up can reduce spit-up frequency in healthy infants by 54%. The non-GMO formula is lactose-sensitive-friendly and boasts an exclusive blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E – all vital for brain and eye development.
It doesn’t contain palm olein oil, which promotes excellent calcium absorption – key to your little one’s healthy growth. Also noteworthy is Similac’s claim of being the first infant formula brand free of artificial growth hormones.
Remember when mixing that the rice starch may make the formula appear a bit grainy; don’t worry, this is normal and won’t affect feeding.
Enfamil AR
Also hot on the trail for reducing spit-up is Enfamil AR. Like its counterpart, this baby formula uses rice starch to thicken the mixture slightly, a tweak that’s been proven to reduce frequent spit-up by over 50% in one week.
Unique to this brand is its dual prebiotic blend that aids in immune health and nourishes the gut – a cornerstone for overall health. Moreover, Enfamil AR contains DHA, which is vital for supporting brain and eye growth.
Enfamil takes pride in being recommended by pediatricians and trusted by parents. Their gentle milk protein makes it easy on your little one’s tummy. Remember, this formula can be purchased using SNAP benefits – a massive plus for financially-strapped families desiring top nutrition for their infants.
NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION
Similac for Spit-Up: 2.1g protein (milk protein isolate), 11g carbs (corn syrup, rice starch), 5.4g fat (High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil), ideal for lactose-sensitive babies, avoids palm olein oil.
Enfamil AR: 2.5g protein (whey, casein, nonfat milk), 11.3g carbs (lactose, maltodextrin, rice starch), uses lactose, palm olein oil in fat blend, potential calcium absorption concerns.
Protein Content
Protein in an infant’s diet contributes significantly to physical growth and brain development.
Similac for Spit-Up utilizes milk protein Isolate, which provides 2.1g of protein per 5 fl oz serving. This protein source is an effective choice as it contains all the essential amino acids babies need for development.
On the other hand, Enfamil AR contains 2.5g of protein per 5 fl oz serving. Enfamil AR uses a blend of whey and casein proteins and nonfat milk as their sources.
Similac has a better source of protein for sensitive babies thanks to using milk protein isolate. This means that the amount of lactose in the formula is around 1-2%, which is ideal for babies with lactose sensitivities (the usual cause of spit-up and reflux)
Carbohydrate Content
Carbohydrates provide the necessary energy for your baby’s constant growth and development.
Similac for Spit-Up formula primarily derives its carbs (11g per serving) from corn syrup and rice starch. The addition of rice starch not only provides energy but also helps reduce spit-up.
With 11.3g of carbohydrates per serving, Enfamil AR gets its carb content from lactose, maltodextrin, and rice starch, which, like in Similac, aids in reducing spit-up.
Technically, Enfamil AR has a more natural carb blend because it uses lactose instead of corn syrup like Similac. However, for babies with lactose sensitivities, Similac’s formula is a better option, because it avoids it.
In most cases, lactose>corn syrup, but as always, it depends on your baby’s needs.
Learn more: Corn Syrup in Baby Formula
Fats and Oils
Fat is another crucial element in your baby’s diet, supplying energy and aiding brain development.
In Similac for Spit-Up, fats come from High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, and Coconut Oil, accounting for a total fat content of 5.4g per serving. These oils are necessary components that aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and contribute to producing hormones.
Enfamil AR also boasts a similar fat composition, reaching 5.1g per serving obtained from Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, and High Oleic Sunflower Oils. These oils provide the necessary fatty acids babies need for growth and development, particularly brain development.
Similac for Spit-Up has a better fat blend, without a doubt.
Enfamil AR uses palm olein (a more processed version of palm oil), a controversial ingredient linked with poor calcium absorption if consumed regularly.
Learn more: Palm Oil in Baby Formula
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are important in baby formulas – they’re the good guys that help developing tummies digest food, fight harmful bacteria, and keep the digestive tract healthy.
Probiotic-friendly bacteria are in small amounts in Enfamil AR and Similac for Spit-Up. Added are prebiotic galactooligosaccharides, which act as food for the probiotics. Both these formulas pack a punch of beneficial gut health ingredients.
Enfamil AR goes one step further with its dual prebiotic blend that doesn’t just nourish those friendly gut bacteria and aids in immune support.
BEST PLACES TO BUY Similac For Spit Up AND Enfamil AR
Similac For Spit-Up
Buy Similac For Spit Up at Walmart
Enfamil AR
WHAT ARE THE BEST ALTERNATIVES TO Similac For Spit Up AND Enfamil AR?
Even though both formulas can work for your baby, there are better options. Here are our recommendations:
- Hipp Anti-Reflux: A great alternative known for its organic ingredients. This German-based formula uses natural locust bean gum to make it thicker and easier on sensitive tummies. It also features an impressive prebiotic and probiotic blend similar to breast milk’s nutritional profile. *Read: Enfamil AR vs Hipp AR
- Hipp Comfort: Another splendid option from Hipp, this formula is specifically designed for babies who have problems digesting lactose. Much like its sibling, Hipp Anti-Reflux, it has organic ingredients and an excellent blend of prebiotics and probiotics, perfect for keeping your little one’s daily belly woes at a minimum. *Read: Hipp AR vs Comfort
LAST WORDS
We hope this comparison between Similac for Spit Up and Enfamil AR helps you make the best decision for your baby.
We strongly encourage you to read about the alternatives above before purchasing any of the two formulas.
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!
