Thanks to formula feeding, babies can now have twice the nutrients they require from breast milk and formula.
Weaning has also become easier because some follow-up formulas contain the ingredients babies need at every growth stage.
Manufacturers have made various products to cover babies around the world.
However, the variety of products can confuse some parents when comparing products of popular brands like Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360.
This is what we are focused on in this article to make it easier for parents to choose the most suitable formula for their babies.
Table of Contents
- Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360
- Enfamil Enspire
- Similac 360
- Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360 – Final Verdict
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360
When comparing two formulas from different brands, like Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360, you should consider their unique features.
The features often include details that make each formula stand out. But beyond taking notes from parents who have used these formulas, list factors that may directly affect your baby.
Things like the cost of formula, recommended age for babies, and allergies, if any.
These are factors that can be judged from a personal perspective.
A little insight into these factors and how they can affect your parenting journey would give you clarity on what to expect if you don’t get it right.
Cost of Formula
If you’re new to parenting, you’d be overwhelmed with the cost of caring for a baby if you don’t weigh the financial implications of every decision you make.
From clothes and diapers down to baby food, you’d realize even though they’re small, babies are high maintenance.
To keep it low, avoid formulas that may require you to break the bank because there’s no telling when your budget will drop.
This is for parents who aren’t financially buoyant. You can ignore this point if you have enough to shop without checking the price tags because quality is always costly.
However, if you need to review the cost of a product before adding it to your cart, this should be at the top of your list of factors to consider before choosing a formula.
Recommended Age
There are formulas designed to provide the nutritional needs of babies from birth to when they begin eating solid foods properly.
These formulas include all the nutrients babies require from birth, but not all formulas are suitable for babies at all stages.
Some formulas have products that cover from birth to 6 months or from 6 months to 12 months and above.
These follow-up products, oftentimes, do not contain the nutrients babies need at birth and below 6 months.
These transition products usually include ingredients that nourish babies through the toddler years and may contain minerals considered too strong for younger babies to digest.
Having an idea of the recommended age of babies for certain products would not only help to narrow down your options and make it easier for you to choose but also expose you to the nutritional needs of babies as they transition from one stage to another.
Allergies
Some products include certain additives that can be harmful to some babies.
Even though the reason for including these ingredients in their products may be for good, babies react to these ingredients differently, and at their tender ages, their immune systems may not be strong enough to fight for them.
For instance, soy lecithin is a primary ingredient in some products. It is used as an emulsifier to help blend all the ingredients.
Even though soy helps absorb choline, babies react to it because most of the soy in the USA is genetically modified with toxic chemicals like hexane.
However, soy is not the only allergen used in these products. There are others that you should look out for before introducing a product to your baby.
Enfamil Enspire
Regarding infant formula milk, Enfamil Enspire is the closest to breast milk because of two major components found in breast milk, Lactoferrin, and MFGM.
Lactoferrin is an important component of breast milk. You can find it in both human and cow’s milk.
It works in the gut to reduce bacterial infection by diverting iron from the bacteria to other body parts.
And since gut bacteria require iron to grow, Lactoferrin inhibits its growth.
High levels of Lactoferrin can be found in colostrum, the early breast milk in lactating mothers, and cow’s milk, which is the source of Lactoferrin used in Enfamil Enspire.
Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) is the second breast milk component in Enfamil Enspire. It is a naturally occurring membrane that surrounds fat in breast milk.
It supports cognitive development in infants. Combining these two powerful components makes Enfamil Enspire the closest formula to breast milk and differentiates it from other products.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrients | Per 100 Calories | Per 100 ml |
| Protein | 2.1g | 1.42 |
| Fat | 5.3g | 3.6 |
| Carbohydrate | 11.3g | 7.6 |
| Linoleic acid | 780mg | 540 |
| Water | 133g | 90 |
| Vitamins | |
| A | 300 IU |
| D | 70 IU |
| E | 2 IU |
| K | 9mcg |
| Thiamine | 80mcg |
| Riboflavin | 140mcg |
| B6 | 60mcg |
| B12 | 0.3mcg |
| Niacin | 1000mcg |
| Folic acid | 16mcg |
| Pantothenic acid | 500mcg |
| Biotin | 3mcg |
| Ascorbic acid | 12mcg |
| Choline | 24mcg |
| Inositol | 24mcg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 78mg |
| Phosphorus | 43mg |
| Magnesium | 8mg |
| Iron | 1.8mg |
| Zinc | 1mg |
| Manganese | 15mcg |
| Copper | 75mcg |
| Iodine | 15mcg |
| Selenium | 2.8mcg |
| Sodium | 27mg |
| Potassium | 108mg |
| Chlorine | 63mg |
Pros
- It includes the recommended amount of Omega-3 DHA.
- It is pediatrician recommended
- No added sugar or artificial growth hormones
- Includes galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose, both prebiotics that supports digestive health.
- It contains more whey than casein, making it very suitable for babies.
- It has dual HMO ( 2’FL and LnNT), supporting immune health.
Cons
- No probiotics
- Includes soy lecithin
- It has a repulsive odor
- It includes cow’s milk which can trigger allergic reactions.
- Not gentle for sensitive tummies
- It is the most expensive baby formula on the market
Similac 360
Similac 360 is a nutritionally complete milk-based and iron-fortified liquid formula. It is a blend of 5 HMO prebiotics structurally identical to those in breast milk.
It contains ingredients that are not genetically engineered and supports the immune system, brain development, and digestive health.
The ready-to-use liquid formula fits perfectly into nighttime feeds for babies who eat at night and is super convenient for parents who have to feed on the go. It offers a wide range of products, including lactose-free non-dairy soy-based options.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrients | Per 100 calories |
| Protein | 2.07g |
| Fat | 5.060g |
| Carbohydrates | 10.5g |
| Water | 134g |
| Linoleic acid | 1000mg |
| Volume | 148ml |
| Vitamins | |
| E | 1.5IU |
| K | 8mcg |
| A | 300IU |
| D | 60IU |
| Thiamine | 1000mcg |
| Riboflavin | 150mcg |
| B6 | 60mcg |
| Niacin | 1050mcg |
| B12 | 0.25mcg |
| Folic acid | 15mcg |
| Pantothenic acid | 450mcg |
| Biotin | 4.4mcg |
| Vitamin C | 9mg |
| Choline | 24mg |
| Inositol | 24mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 78mg |
| Phosphorus | 42mg |
| Magnesium | 5mcg |
| Iron | 1.8mg |
| Zinc | 0.75mg |
| Manganese | 5mcg |
| Copper | 90mcg |
| Iodine | 15mcg |
| Selenium | 2mcg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Potassium | 2.7mEq |
| Chlorine | 65mg |
Pros
- No artificial growth hormones
- No added sugars
- It contains 5 HMO prebiotics
- Non-GMO
- It contains ingredients that are not genetically engineered
- It is gluten-free
- It contains a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E
- It has 98% less lactose than other products, making it easy to digest and suitable for sensitive tummies.
- No palm oil
- It is affordable
Cons
- Not appropriate for babies who are allergic to milk.
- Not suitable for low-weight or premature babies.
- It foams, which can cause constipation.
- It contains soy.
Read Also: Novalac AC Vs Similac Total Comfort
Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360 – Final Verdict
Both products are packed with nutrients to support babies from birth.
Each product features components that make them unique, like the Lactoferrin and MFGM in Enfamil Enspire and the 5 HMOs in Similac 360.
Considering how promising both products are and the number of positive reviews from parents who have used them, one cannot be said to be superior to the other.
However, judging from the three factors to consider before choosing a formula, we can say that:
Cost
Similac 360 is less expensive than Enfamil Enspire. For the best prices, check here.
Age Recommendation
Enfamil Enspire is the closest to breast milk, with components like Lactoferrin and MFGM to support the immune system, brain development, and digestive health, which are the basic systems a baby needs to survive outside the womb till toddler age.
Allergies
Both products contain milk and soy allergens and can trigger allergic reactions in babies with such allergies.
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- Enfamil vs Similac vs Kirkland
- Enfamil Nutramigen Vs Gerber Soothe
- Aptamil Comfort Vs Similac Total Comfort
FAQs
Can I switch from Similac to Enfamil?
While many parents wonder if switching formula brands will cause fussiness or stool changes in their babies, switching between them is not a problem.
You can mix different brands of the same type of formula if your baby responds better to a mixture of one brand with another.
Which formula tastes closest to breast milk?
Thanks to the inclusion of Lactoferrin, a protein found in colostrum, Enfamil’s Enspire is closest to breast milk. (According to the brand, Enspire is the first and only infant formula in the United States. to include Lactoferrin as an ingredient.)
Can I introduce my baby Enfamil and Similac at the same time?
Most parents worry if they can switch from one formula brand to another because of the risks such as (baby fussiness, stool changes, upset, or worse) it could pose to their baby. Mixing and matching infant formulas are safe if you follow standard mixing instructions.
What is different about Enfamil Enspire?
Enfamil Enspire Optimum is the only leading brand containing Lactoferrin, a component in breast milk. It now also includes a complementary HuMO6 blend containing Dual HMOs (2’FL & LnNT), which act as prebiotics in the human digestive tract.
Is breast milk better than Enfamil?
No. Generally, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mom and baby.
Conclusion
The comparison between Enfamil Enspire Vs Similac 360 in this article would reduce the stress of parents going through the experience themselves. Even though personal experiences give better perspectives, doing trial and error with babies is not a safe and financially wise practice.