r/pediatrics • u/lilantibody • 1d ago

Formula types

Hi everyone!
I’m trying to find a good resource that breaks down the different types of infant formula (Similac, Enfamil, etc.), their indications, and when you would choose one type over another.

I especially struggle with remembering which formulas are partially vs. extensively hydrolyzed, when hydrolyzed formulas are indicated, and how to decide which type of formula is appropriate in different situations.

Does anyone have a good chart, guide, website, or other resource that makes this easier to understand and remember? Any tips or tricks for learning the different formula types would also be really appreciated!

Thank you!

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13

u/vader61 1d ago

Your state’s WIC formulary is a good option. Let’s you know what formulas are covered by WIC and usually has a “similar to” section for each

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u/Autoharpie 1d ago

This podcast (by NASPGHAN) about infant formulas is so good! I learned so much, I’ve been recommending it to everyone I work with.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bowel-sounds-the-pediatric-gi-podcast/id1479342168?i=1000772834488

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u/mctc 1d ago

Bowel Sounds is so good

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u/ElegantSwordsman 1d ago

I tell patients for the most part they are like different brands of the same raisin flake cereal. Some taste better to me but in theory have the same ingredients and nutrients. It doesn’t really matter unless your baby has a specific condition.

Any formula sold in the US is FDA regulated to have the proper nutrients.

Cow milk protein vs goat milk protein? Doesn’t matter.

Organic Bobbie vs Enfamil? Whatever fits your environmental ethos the best.

Soy? I wouldn’t recommend. 50% of CMPA cross react anyway.

CMPA? Hydrolyed like alimentum or nutramigen. Somehow still not working, go further with peptide or amino acid based formula.

Spit up? I feel like the “sensitive” labels don’t really affect anything, but the patient is welcome to try. I’m also not a fan of thickening feeds, so I don’t like the pre thickened formulas, but again patients are welcome to try.

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u/lifeofhatchlings 6h ago

I say it's like Coke vs Pepsi - they both have a regular one, a diet one, a cherry one, etc.... analogy being most formulas brands have a regular term one, a preterm one, a sensitive one, a hydrolyzed one, one for spit up, etc.

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u/Misterx46 1d ago

I think " organic" formula is an oxymoron. I'm actually a fan of thickened feeds for excessive spit up. The one big difference between formula and breast milk is you have to pay for Formula. I tell my parents to stay cheap, they are FDA regulated dont pay for the name.