There is an ongoing debate on which formula tastes and works better for babies with colic, reflux or allergies, is it Nutramigen or Alimentum? When it comes to this discussion, one formula does not win out over the other. They both have several pros and cons and finding the best one will all depend on your baby and their tastes.
Nutramigen
The formula Enfamil Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula for infants that is made with iron. It is meant to be used for babies who have allergies, reflux, colic, intolerances and upset stomach that is caused by cow's milk formula. Just like any hypoallergenic formula, you can expect to pay more for this than the standard infant formula. There are two versions that are available, the powdered one and the read to feed ones or the RTF, which comes in bottles.
Nutramigen is not a typical formula, it is made in order to help babies with special needs like colic, allergies, and gas. The unique formulation includes nutrients that are found in breastmilk in order to help your baby have a healthy immune system and growth.
Nutramigen is dairy-free. Dairy can cause fussiness and gas in a lot of babies. Do not worry if your baby does seem to react to dairy because generally, they will outgrow that intolerance after a year. But until that time, a dairy-free formula like Nutramigen will surely help ease their symptoms. Babies that have severe cow's milk dairy allergy will also find relief with this formula.
This formula is soy-free as well. Soy is one of the most allergen in babies. Nutramigen completely avoids all soy products, thus making it safe for babies who have MSPI or milk soy protein intolerance. By leaving soy out of their formula, even more, babies can use Nutramigen.
The formula is proven to work fast for babies with gas and colic. Since no mother wants to see their baby in pain, it is a relief to know that most babies will show improvement within 48 hours of using this formula. When a baby has reflux, all you want to do is to make the pain go away as fast as you could. Knowing that this formula is proven to help should be a major plus in any mother's book.
Alimentum
Similac Alimentum is another hypoallergenic formula for babies with colic or allergies. It is used in place of a traditional infant formula or breastmilk. Since babies with allergies and colic need different accommodations, this formula is not meant for all babies. Like Nutramigen, there is both a powder and a ready to feed version or Alimentum.
This formula is also proven to work fast. One study showed that it starts working within 24 hours of use. When your child is crying in pain, you may feel helpless. Being able to reduce their discomfort is a necessity when looking for a new formula. Alimentum is a pre-digested hypoallergenic baby formula that includes iron. It has the complete nutrition that babies need from birth to up to 12 months.
Which tastes better, Alimentum or Nutramigen?
Neither of them tastes better. The general consensus is that both formula smells strong and that it is best if parents do not taste them. Your baby may refuse the formula but he or she is less likely to find the taste intolerable.
Can babies be allergic to Alimentum or Nutramigen?
It is unusual but yes. Powdered Alimentum, powdered Nutramigen and ready to feed Nutramigen contain corn, but ready to feed Alimentum does not. If your baby is allergic to corn, you might want to go only with ready-to-feed Alimentum. If your baby has milk allergies, he or she may not be able to drink Alimentum or Nutramigen as these formulas contain hydrolyzed cow's milk proteins which may not be good for babies with cow's milk protein allergy.
If you are in doubt, you can start with Nutramigen, only because it has probiotic. A probiotic can help promote gut health and healing. It is what your baby needs if they have an allergy, reflux or colic. Babies may reject these formulas because of the taste, so you need to move on to Alimentum. Both brands are known and they are trustworthy. Both formulas promise to work efficiently and quickly. Overall, you can't go wrong with Nutramigen or Alimentum if your baby has high needs that require specialty formula.
ALSO READ: Breast Feeding vs. Formula: Which is Better?
