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If you interrogate any experienced mom, she will tell you the most controversial argument has been the best baby formula between Nutramigen vs Alimentum.
Sure, both brands reign supreme and you may not be able to tell the difference unless you use the formula or source first-hand information from previous users.
Trying a formula would not be a good idea since the products are pricey. Reading the reviews of users would help a deal, but it doesn’t mean the formula will work for your baby because it worked for others.
Let’s get down to it and see what each formula encompasses before you make the enormous decision.
Why Nutramigen or Alimentum?
If the infant or toddler is suffering from eczema, colic, gas, acid reflux, diarrhea, vomiting or spit up; the reason could be the formula he’s been feeding.
The symptoms are usually related to milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. The severity of the symptoms will prompt you to switch to a different formula that does not include those ingredients during the formulation process.
The best alternatives for milk allergy are hypoallergenic infant formulas. Nutramigen and alimentum are hypoallergenic formulas that have proved to bring a tremendous difference to allergic babies.
These formulas are packed with proteins that have been broken down into tiny particles for simple digestion by the little tummies -reducing the allergic symptoms.
The Similac Alimentum version is a balanced hypoallergenic nutrition created for infants with protein milk allergy. You can choose from the powder vs ready-to-use bottles.
Similac Alimentum Ingredients and nutrients
It is made with predigested proteins that have fully been broken into pieces for easy digestion to lessen the extreme allergic symptoms connected with indigestion.
With the vital nutrients, this formula is a close match to mom’s breast milk. There is AHA, DHA and all the unique minerals and vitamins naturally present in breastfed milk. None of the ingredients is artificially modified.
Effectiveness
The formula has been found to lessen colic, acid reflux, spit up, eczema and other protein allergic symptoms in roughly 24-hours.
Taste
Most hypoallergenic formulas carry a taste and smell that is unpleasant; and Similac Alimentum is no exception. But the ready-to-use version has a better taste, hence it is a great alternative to choosy babies.
Price
The Similac Alimentum is pretty pricey like it is the case with most hypoallergenic brands. But since you’re looking for a dietary necessity, you may choose to overlook the price for intended purpose.
Enfamil Nutramigen Is a hypoallergenic formula designed to provide the nutritious benefits for the first year of life. Like Alimentum, there is a powdered as well the ready-to-feed formula.
Enfamil Nutramigen ingredients and nutrients
The infant formula does not include sucrose and lactose during the processing stage. Rather, it is formulated with iron and hydrolyzed proteins so that it is easy on the tummies of babies with milk allergy.
Importantly, there is Omega 3 DHA, choline & ARA for healthy brain growth and; probiotics for soft stool and allergy management.
Effectiveness
Nutramigen has been found to provide fast relief within 24-hours after drinking. Clinically, it has been proven to manage, gassiness, colic, spit up in 90 percent of babies within 48-hours and up 50 percent in potential future allergies like eczema.
Taste
Like Alimentum, the smell and taste are detestable but bearable if the baby is well prepared. But it is the only choice if the baby is intolerant to lactose and daily-based formulas.
Price
Nutramigen is a specialized formula so it is expected to be a little pricier than generical formulas. However, bulk buying has been found to be fairly cheaper and a better way to save some few dollars.
Nutramigen and Alimentum: Which is Better and Final Verdict
Our favorite choice is Enfamil Nutramigen. When looking at the ingredients, you’ll find Nutramigen has double the quantity of DHA than Alimentum. DHA is a vital ingredient for the well establishment of eyes and brain.
Another important ingredient we don’t find in Alimentum is probiotic which is helpful in the growth of bacterial that’s useful in digestion. Additionally, it is vital for soft stool and allergy control.
From our analysis, we recommend you start with Nutramigen, since we find the composition of nutrients better than Alimentum. But you can swap over to Alimentum if the response is unpleasant.
Besides, you won’t go wrong with Similac Alimentum or Enfamil Nutramigen since they’re both created to deliver the same goal; but it’s important you analyze each of them carefully before you make a decision.
Ultimately, deciding between Nutramigen or Alimentum will all depend on how the baby responds. Some baby will prefer a particular taste and detest the other. In the end, it is the baby who will determine the brand you should settle for.
Alimentum or Nutramigen: Which Taste Better
Overall, the smell and taste are unpleasant. But there’s no other choice if baby is allergic to cow milk since the only solution is a hypoallergenic formula. However, the ready-to-use taste is more bearable than the powdered version.
Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen: Side Effects
If the baby is completely allergic to cow protein, we suggest you choose some other options like soy or consult the doctor for other formula options you might consider. Generally, most babies will experience diarrhea, fever, skin changes or rash if they’re entirely intolerant to milk proteins.
Disadvantages of Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen
The top drawback that cut across every parent is the seemingly detestable taste. Both the taste and smell are a turn-off to most babies. Actually, some babies have been found to refuse the formula but others will have no issue to consume it.
Fortunately, the ready-to-feed version has a more forgiving taste you can switch to if the baby shows aversion to the powdered form.
Another notable issue is price that seem to be on the higher side when compared to ordinary formulated brands.
Nutramigen and Alimentum Alternatives
Since Nutramigen and Alimentum are pricey, you may be wondering if there are better alternatives you can consider if the budget is less. You may also look for an alternative if the response is not satisfactory. Or the baby shuns the two brands because of taste.
Gerber Extensive HA is a Hypoallergenic Infant Formula that closely imitates the two brands. Like Nutramigen or Alimentum, it is formulated for babies with severe allergies to protein milk from cows.
It is whey protein that has extensively been broken to be well-tolerated by infants with extreme milk allergies.
Unlike the two brands, this one is fairly affordable but offering every nutrient, mineral and vitamin the baby needs for healthy growth.
Besides, the taste is better and more pleasing when compared to Nutramigen and Alimentum. Only downside is that it is only provided in powdered version.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, you need to monitor your baby and check any sign of allergy or lactose intolerance. Present your curiosity to the baby’s doctor if there is a disturbing symptom that needs attention.
Remember the baby cannot communicate her problems and it is up to you to read the signs. We prefer an appointment with the doctor for further advice before making a formula decision between Nutramigen vs Alimentum. The allergic symptoms could be a medical and not a formula subject.