Enfamil vs. Similac vs. Organic

Which is the better or preferred formula to use when breastfeeding is not possible at all?

[icunurse]

According to the nutritionist where I work, Similac does NOT have palm olein oil in it. By using a different type of oil, it increases calcium absorption (studies are available and on the Similac website). If cost is a factor, I just saw in one of the magazines for parents an ad for the "Bright Beginnings" brand that you can find at Kmart, Walmart, etc. that has DHA/ARA and it doesn't use palm olein oil.
Traci
~Connor's Mom~

We really had good luck with Enfamil. While our ped tried not to push us in any direction, he did say that he leaned more towards Enfamil than Similac. On the other hand, one of my coworkers had great luck with Similac Advance.

[kijip]

All of them are roughly the same. I talk to different docs and parents who all have some reason to prefer the brand that they like best. All of the formula fed babies I know have done fine on whatever their parents used. Toby, after we had to end breast feeding, took whatever formula he was offered. After a bit, we stuck to Enfamil since it seemed less stinky to us than Similac and since it was easier for us to mix up without clumps in his bottle.

The only FDA approved organic infant formula is Horizon. It is only available on the west coast. The Baby's Only stuff is NOT FDA approved for use with infants less than 12 months. If you read the label, is says 12 months and older. If I was using an organic formula I would make sure it is Horizon.

All of the companies, even Horizon, will send free samples. That might be a good way to start.

[aa2mama]

Since infant formulas are FDA regulated, they are all going to be nutritionally adequate for your baby (like the PP said, Horizon is the only organic approved for infants). Beyond that, it boils down to you or the baby's personal preferences.

Enfamil tends to mix easier. I have heard many people say that Similac causes their babies to be gassy or constipated, but for others it works just fine. Horizon formula isn't available where I live, so I don't know anyone who's used it. Other options that you didn't mention are the store-brand formulas, such as Target's Healthy Baby, Walmart's Parents Choice or Costco's formula. Those will save you a lot of money and they foam less than some of the other brands. Also, if your baby has reflux, I would highly recommend trying Good Start Supreme.

The following link provides a good comparison of formulas:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp

HTH!

Edited to change wording.

Thank you for the great information and link.
I appreciate the time you took to write.