Similac vs Enfamil

HELP!!!!   I just learned that I qualify for WIC.  However, my little one is three months old and been on Enfamil up until now.  I'm a nervous (paranoid) first time Mommy - so I called his doctor's office to see if it was OK to switch to Similac (that's all WIC will pay for).  The phone nurse tried to steer me away from it - saying it doesn't have as much DHA and ARA in it (vitamins for brain and eye development).  I can't find how much similac has in it.  Enfamil says they have 17%,  Does anyone know if Similac isn't as good as Enfamil?  Was that just her opnion?  The nutritionist at the WIC office says it's like coca cola vs pepsi.  Any input is greatly appreciated! ~Stacy

The nurse is right in that it doesn't have as much DHA and ARA. However, Similac does have everything required to be sold in the US (formula is *strictly* monitored by the Feds). http://www.buzzle.com/articles/enfamil-vs-similac-brand-infa nt-formula.html Why Enfamil is better? Enfamil does contain more levels of DHA and AHA than does Similac; about 17mg compared to around 11mg. Many parents have noted that Enfamil doesn't pack like Similac, which takes the guesswork out of whether you've sifted the powder correctly before scooping. Finally, Enfamil is cheaper than Similac. Why Similac is better? Enfamil formula is made using palm olein oil; Similac does not. One study suggests that formulas with a fat blend including palm olein oil (e.g., Enfamil, Prosobee) cause less frequent and firmer stools. Similac claim that their infant formula provides 50% more calcium absorption than Enfamil. They also claim that their new, improved formula has fewer bubbles and therefore makes babies less gassy. Finally, Similac claim that switching to Similac Isomil Advance will reduce fussiness, gas and spit-up in most babies in about 3 days. Many parents complain that the brand of infant formula they're using causes constipation, gassiness, spit-up and colic in their baby. Often times switching brands eases the condition; often times it doesn't. Usually, it is choosing a different type of milk formula which is specifically made for the condition that eases the baby's discomfort. Unfortunately, the debate as to whether Similac or Enfamil causes adverse reactions for babies is contradictory and often quite heated. One camp will give a big thumbs up for Enfamil, whereas the other camp will rave about the benefits of Similac. Sadly, doctors and hospitals can fail to give guidance, as many are under contract to supply one brand or the other - hardly independent advice. Whichever brand you choose, be it Similac or Enfamil or some other, you can rest assured that it has been passed safe by the FDA. All brands for sale contain all the nutrients that your child needs for healthy development. If your baby is perfectly happy with the infant formula you are using, then stick with it. But if not, then by all means change brands, but first try to ascertain what might be causing your child's discomfort and select the right type of infant formula that will relieve the symptoms.

I can't believe that the phone nurse would say that.  They are essentially the SAME formula, just like pepsi/coke.  I have WIC, also, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with my children.  In fact, before I ever had WIC, my ped's office recommended Similac over Enfamil.  It is all in which rep gives what to which doctor/hospital. Good luck!  Laurie

I don't know about there...but here, if your Doctor writes a note to WIC....they will give you what the Dr. says for formula. Gracie was on Enfamil Lipil for Premature/underweght babies and WIC covered it with the note from hre Doc. HTH, Michelle

Did the nutritionist get her degree at Cola U????? I get WIC when I have foster children.  In Texas WIC must comply to your doctors orders.  Have your pedi write on a precsription pad - Feed _____ Enfamil with Lipil only. Last year WIC only supplied Enfamil, this year it is Similac.  It all depends on who gives them the best $$$ deal.  The same with cereal, milk, pb, juice etc - only certain brands are approved.

Thanks so much for your responses, ladies!  I tried the script from the doc, but WIC won't take it.  They said the similac is so similar to Enfamil.  They will only pay for 'specialty' formula such as the preemie kind. I guess I will give Similac a try - lots of babies are on it, I am sure he will be fine, ~Stacy

I would call the state headquaters of WIC for your state.  They cannont overrule what your pedi says.  Got to wic.gov (I think) and you should find a state link there.  Tell your local office you are contacting state headquarters.

I personally have had all my kids on Carnation Good Start, I tried enfamil for Lex and he did not do well. But I know plenty of people with kids on Enfamil, Similac, Parent's Choice, the Target brand etc. All those babies are great! It has what is required by law. I am sorry they scared you like that. I think that some others gave you some good links to find the info needed!

my sister used enfamil, i used similac.  we both have beautiful brilliant girls.  doctors and hospitals are oftened contracted with a specific formula company.  i am guessing your doc is with enfamil...that is probably what you were given at the hospital?  for what it is worth...if i carry this one to term he/she will be a good starts baby because my friend is a pediatric nutritionist for nestle.   similac will be fine, dont worry! ps i run a daycare and have only seen one less than stellar formula and that is parents choice...but that was only on one very underweight infant...heartier babies even do well on that.  mhope any of this helps