Being a parent means making so many decisions, from choosing the best baby bassinet to the best baby travel high chair (not to mention a wide array of baby powder brands.)
When it comes to baby formula, here’s another tough decision to make: Enfamil AR vs Gentlease.
Everyone knows that babies have more sensitive stomachs than adults do. That is why it’s important to be careful about what you’re giving them.
Some babies are overly sensitive to regular infant formula and because of that, they might become gassy and irritable.
If your baby has tummy problems (or any other digestive issues), he’ll be crying a lot and you’ll feel miserable because you don’t know how to help him.
Happy baby = happy parenting.
Luckily, Enfamil formulas made for sensitive babies’ tummies come to the rescue!
There are many other baby formulas made for restless tummies on the market, but not every one of them is capable of providing relief to babies.
Enfamil AR and Enfamil Gentlease are two formulas praised by mothers. The best of all is that they aren’t only effective but affordable as well!
Now you may be asking yourself: But which one is best for my baby?
It depends on what type of issues your little one is having.
Enfamil AR is specifically designed for babies who have reflux issues (spit up more than what is normal), whereas Enfamil Gentlease is suitable for babies who become irritable and gassy when they are fed regular formula.
To help you make the best choice for your baby, here is everything you need to know about these two baby formulas for sensitive tummies (plus their worthy alternatives)!
Enfamil AR Infant Formula
- Contains 48 - 2 fl. oz. Nursette Bottles
- Enfamil A.R. spit up baby formula with Iron is a gentle milk powder formula clinically proven to reduce spit up by over 50 percent in 1 week
- Gentle, complete nutrition tailored for your baby through their first 12 months
- Has DHA to help support brain and eye development
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If your baby is struggling with excessive spit ups, then Enfamil AR will be your best bet. It’s one of the best formulas for reflux!
We all know that babies spit up from time to time, which is a sign of a developing digestive system, but frequent spit-ups or vomiting (five times or more per day) mean it’s time you find something that’s more sensitive on your little one’s stomach.
Enfamil AR infant formula is specifically designed for this problem. This baby formula has a thicker consistency than other formulas on the market.
This thicker consistency helps reduce spitting up by 50% because it’s easier to keep down (given that it’s heavier).
But still, you need to also take a few other factors into consideration.
Some of my friends (and I’m sure many other parents) tend to add rice cereal to the regular formula in order to make it thicker, but this is not good for a baby.
The reason is that the baby is fed with empty calories instead of rich nutrients that are essential for his healthy development.
Instead of doing that, a better alternative for your baby would be Enfamil AR formula.
This formula helps with acid reflux issues and it meets guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, it provides complete nutrition for your little one.
Regardless if you have a 4-month-old or 8-month-old baby, this formula is suitable for any infant for the duration of his first year of life. This is really great because you won’t need to change formulas frequently.
Key ingredients & nutritional info
Enfamil AR baby formula is made of many ingredients, the main ones of which include:
• Non-fat milk
• Calcium carbonate
• Iron
• Vegetable oil (sunflower, palm, coconut, and soy)
• Prebiotics
• Probiotics
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid)
• Rice starch
The above ingredients are highly nutritious and everything your little one needs. This formula doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like artificial flavoring or additives.
Prebiotics in this baby formula is responsible for enhancing digestive health, whereas DHA and ARA are beneficial for a baby’s eyes and also support brain development.
If your little one has a problem maintaining a healthy weight due to frequent spit-ups or vomiting, these nutritious ingredients and the thicker formula will surely help your little one gain weight.
Also, rice starch is added to the formula, which serves to thicken the baby formula so that it stays down and is more nutritionally beneficial than adding rice cereal.
Forms
Enfamil AR infant formula is available in two forms, namely powder and liquid forms, with various dosing options.
The liquid form is a great solution for parents who are busy because, obviously, you don’t need to spend extra time mixing water with the formula.
You can find it in the practical serving size of 2 fl oz, which means you won’t need to worry about your baby not finishing the bottle and wasting formula.
Another advantage of the liquid formula option is that you won’t have to deal with all that foaming and bubbling that happens when you manually mix the formula with water.
If you know that you’ll be able to prepare your little one’s bottles whenever you want to, then powder formula is a great and more affordable alternative. It comes in large tins and tubs of various sizes.
Now you’re probably wondering how you’ll be able to take the powder with you when you’re traveling somewhere, right? Here’s a solution for that as well! You get handy pre-measured powder packets that will make your life easier.
All you need to do is dump them into a bottle of water and voila – your baby formula is ready!
Keep in mind to always follow the instructions on the package when it comes to preparing formula.
If you add more powder than is recommended, the formula will be too thick for your little one.
Also, if you add less than the recommended amount, this might make your baby’s reflux even worse than before.
The right consistency is key, so make sure to always follow the instructions on the package.
RELATED: Can You Mix Formula And Breastmilk + Tips On How To Do It
Enfamil Gentlease
- One 27.7 ounce can of Enfamil baby formula milk powder
- Clinically shown to ease fussiness, colic, baby gas, and crying in 24 hours with baby probiotics and easy to digest proteins that have been partially broken down
- Gentle formula provides complete nutrition tailored for your baby through their first 12 months
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Enfamil Gentlease is ranked among the best formulas for gassy babies.
If your baby won’t stop crying, chances are he’s feeling gassy or fussy due to difficulties digesting the formula you’re currently giving him.
Fussy babies are often impossible to deal with because nothing can pacify them.
You can hold them in your arms for an eternity, but they’ll still cry because the real reason behind it lies in the formula they’re currently on.
Again, the only solution is to switch the current formula with something more sensitive on their stomach, like Enfamil Gentlease.
Unlike the majority of other formulas on the market that are made of complex proteins, Enfamil Gentlease contains simple proteins that babies can digest easier.
Complex proteins are more suitable for little ones with more mature stomachs, so keep that one in mind when looking for the right formula for your baby.
Enfamil Gentlease, as the name implies, is really gentle on the stomach and helps reduce colic (excessive crying), baby gas, fussiness, and of course, crying.
This formula is a great supplement whether you’re bottle-feeding or breastfeeding (or when switching from breast milk to formula).
So, if you notice that your baby is unusually restless and fussy, and you can’t think of any reason why he might be acting that way, try giving him Enfamil Gentlease first before looking for other more expensive products.
Also, be sure to burp your baby both during and right after feeds because this will help him get rid of some of the air that babies tend to swallow during feeds.
Key ingredients & nutritional info
Enfamil Gentlease baby formula is made up of several key ingredients, some of which include:
• Non-fat milk
• Whey protein
• Folic acid
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: DHA and ARA
• Calcium carbonate
• Vegetable oil (palm, sunflower, coconut, soy)
This formula consists of a simple 60:40 protein ratio of whey to casein.
This baby formula mimics breast milk because it’s patterned after it. That’s the main reason it is more digestible and gentle on babies’ stomachs than other formulas on the market.
DHA and ARA are two ingredients that are also found in breast milk. As stated earlier, they are essential nutrients for a baby’s brain and eye development.
With this formula, you can be sure that your baby will get quality and rich nutrients that are completely natural. The formula doesn’t contain any artificial flavoring, colors, or sweeteners.
Forms
Just like the previous formula, Enfamil Gentlease also comes in two forms: liquid and powder.
The liquid form is premixed, which means it’s perfectly suitable for parents with a hectic lifestyle who don’t have much time for prepping bottles.
Sometimes even a minute of extra time can mean a lot to you if you’re really in a hurry. You know what they say: Modern problems require modern solutions.
Regarding the powder, I have some good news for you!
Here’s another aspect of the Enfamil AR vs Gentlease battle.
Unlike Enfamil AR powder that gets foamy and bubbly when mixing with water, Enfamil Gentlease will spare you the trouble because it doesn’t bubble or foam much. Of course, the powder comes in different sizes.
Again, make sure that you follow the instructions on the package regarding the mixing ratio of this powder for maximum effectiveness.
If you prepare it incorrectly, your baby won’t get the right nutrients that are essential to his development.
Worthy Alternatives
Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
- Contains 4 - 27.8 ounce cans (Total = 111.2 ounce) of hypoallergenic baby formula, lactose and sucrose free milk powder with iron that provides nutrition for the first 12 months
- Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Baby Formula delivers Clinically-Proven Relief when managing colic due to cow’s milk allergy for a happier, better-rested baby & mom
- FAST RELIEF NOW: as early as the first feeding, with 90% of infants improving within 48 hours FEWER ALLERGIES IN FUTURE:
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This hypoallergenic formula helps manage colic fast! If your little one is allergic to cow’s milk protein found in baby formula, it’s good to know that this formula contains Enflora LGG (baby probiotics) that boosts the immune system and, as a result, prevents allergies from occurring in the future.
It also contains a hydrolyzed protein that is similar to breast milk protein. Its purpose is to make it easier for the baby to digest.
Enfamil Nutramigen offers many benefits. It is hypoallergenic, promotes skin health and digestive system, and most importantly, is easy to digest.
It’s a gentle, lactose-free formula abounding in DHA, ARA, and choline that is responsible for brain support. It is suitable for infants up to 12 months old.
Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- SOOTHING NUTRITION: Modeled after the complete nutrition & gentleness of breastmilk, this formula offers nutrition for babies up to 12 months experiencing colic, excessive crying, fussiness & gas
- PROBIOTIC FORMULA: Good Start Soothe formula features prebiotics, Comfort Proteins & probiotics that improve the good bacteria in tummies & promote soft stools; Its our closest formula to breastmilk
- GIVE YOUR BABY A GOOD START: Your baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time;
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If you’re looking for baby formulas that are specifically designed for sensitive tummies, don’t forget to check out this Gerber brand because it is a real gem in the sea of formulas.
It’s true that it costs a little more than others, but you can be sure that it delivers exactly what it says (or better said, what’s written on its package).
Good Start SoothePro doesn’t contain soy, which is really good for babies with digestive problems. If I had to compare it with other baby formulas on the market, it would be Enfamil Gentlease.
Just like Gentlease, this formula also consists of simple proteins (that help reduce fussiness, colic, gas, and crying)as well as probiotics and prebiotics (to improve the good bacteria in your baby’s stomach and softening stools.
It also contains DHA that supports eye and brain development and is non-GMO. Basically, it’s everything a parent would want in the best formula for their baby!
RELATED: Enfamil Vs Similac: Which Formula Is Better For Your Baby?
Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
- 4-COUNT VALUE SIZE: Get 4 value-size cans to help make sure you don’t run out; 4 19.8-oz cans make approximately 143 4-fl-oz bottles
- 24-HOUR DIFFERENCE: Our hypoallergenic formula starts reducing excessive crying due to protein sensitivity within 24 hours
- EASY TO DIGEST: Lactose-free formula has broken down proteins that are easier to digest for babies with food allergies
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Does your baby have sleeping problems, rashes, or diarrhea? Is he colicky?
If these symptoms sound familiar to you, you should definitely consult with your pediatrician, who may recommend giving your child Similac Alimentum or Nutramigen to help reduce these issues.
Here’s another question: Is your baby sensitive to cow’s milk protein? If yes, then this formula is a great option.
However, keep in mind that this baby formula is still based on milk (and not soy), so in case your little one suffers from complete lactose intolerance, you should consider alternatives such as lactose-free Similac Sensitive.
Similac Alimentum comes in powder form, which needs to be mixed with water before feeding, and also premixed liquid form, which is great for on-the-go parents.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
- Emerging evidence from a recent clinical study showed MFGM in formula supports cognitive development similar to breast milk
- Get brain building nutrition inspired by breast milk from the formula brand thats #1 recommended by Pediatricians
- For easing fussiness, gas and crying within 24 hours
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Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease helps reduce fussiness, crying, and gas within 24 hours. And not only that, it gives your child rich nutrition and is suitable for babies who are up to 12 months old.
It contains proteins that are easy to digest, dual prebiotics, as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals (vitamin K1, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin E acetate, taurine, L-carnitine, etc.) to support the baby’s immune system.
Unlike the majority of other formulas, Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease contains MFGM that nourishes the brain first.
It supports the baby’s cognitive development in the same way as breast milk does because it contains a fat-protein blend of MFGM and DHA.
Apparently, it’s the only formula on the market containing this fat-protein blend!
Conclusion: Enfamil AR Vs Gentlease?
And here’s the verdict for Enfamil AR vs Enfamil Gentlease: Which one is best for your baby? First of all, allow me to highlight the fact that Enfamil is one of the best formula brands available on the market.
Their formulas are made of carefully selected ingredients for babies’ sensitive tummies.
So, if you ask me, I suggest trying both Enfamil AR and Enfamil Gentlease formulas to see which one is best for your baby!
If you’re in doubt about which one to try first, I personally suggest going with Enfamil AR. I was more than satisfied with this formula when I gave it to my little one!
However, the key lies in trying different products because you never know which one might be just perfect for your little one.
If your baby has digestive issues such as excessive spit-ups, fussiness, gas, colic, and so on, know that Enfamil AR and Gentlease are great options for you and your baby.
If one of these two formulas doesn’t help, then try the other one. As they say, if you don’t try, you’ll never know.
The thing with babies is that they can’t tell you what bothers them, so all you can do is assume and try different products in the hopes that you’ll find the right one for your baby.
With these two formulas, chances are high that they are just what your baby needs to be perfectly happy and healthy!
If you don’t find either of them helpful (and even if you do), consider first chatting with your pediatrician who will advise you on the best route to follow, especially if your little one has a hard time gaining weight, or has bad poops – these are usually the first indicators that the formula you’re giving him is not suitable.
FAQs
What is the best infant formula for babies struggling with colic and gas?
Enfamil is undoubtedly one of the best formula brands out there.
Note that some of their formulas are non-GMO, while others are regular.
If your baby is struggling with fussiness and gas, Enfamil Gentlease is your best bet.
However, not every baby reacts the same way to a formula. If you notice that your little one is still having digestive issues, then try another formula like Enfamil AR, ProSobee, or Reguline.
Enfamil Reguline helps with constipation, which is more characteristic of babies who are fed with formulas than those who are breastfed.
If your baby is still struggling with digestive problems even after trying all these Enfamil formulas, then consider changing the formula brand and consulting with your pediatrician.
Is it okay to mix Enfamil AR with Enfamil Gentlease?
Not every baby has one specific digestive issue like reflux; some babies have a mix of symptoms (both gassy stomach and reflux).
If that is the case with your baby, you’re probably wondering if it’s okay to mix Enfamil AR with Enfamil Gentlease.
The answer is: Yes, you can mix these two formulas if your baby is struggling with both gassy stomach and reflux.
However, keep in mind that you should always check with your pediatrician first, as they may prescribe a more suitable option for your baby.
RELATED: Similac Sensitive Vs Pro Sensitive: Which Formula Is Better?
Does Enfamil AR help babies gain weight?
If your little one is struggling with excessive spit-ups and reflux, he might have problems gaining weight because of it.
Enfamil AR will both reduce spit-ups and reflux, and help him put on some healthy weight.
Enfamil AR has a thicker consistency than other formulas on the market, which makes it easier for a baby to keep it down because it’s heavier.
Also, this formula abounds in rich nutrients that also help for weight gain.
What are the signs that formula is upsetting my baby’s stomach?
There are a few main signs that your baby is having digestive issues, such as fussiness, colic, refusing to eat, poor sleep, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
If you notice that your little one is making painful faces or has tense muscles, these are also signs that your baby is feeling uncomfortable and in pain due to stomach problems.
If your baby has an upset tummy, it’s best to consult with your baby’s doctor. Also, you can try switching their formula for some time to see whether or not the problem lies in the formula.
How long does it take for a baby to become accustomed to a new formula?
Every baby is unique, so when it comes to adjusting to new formulas, it’s an individual experience.
Most become accustomed to a new formula within two weeks (or sooner), while others may need more time to adjust (perhaps five or six weeks).
As always, stay patient, track your baby’s progress, and look for signs of possible discomfort when switching to a new formula.
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