Hypoallergenic formulas help a lot with dairy and lactose intolerance issues because of the small protein sizes that exist in them and being 100% lactose-free and corn-free in some formulas, this will make cow’s milk undetectable by the immune system so it won’t elicit any allergic responses.
However, many moms are confused about which one to start with because the trial period of each formula is 1 to 2 weeks. Therefore, this guide will help you choose the right one to start with without wasting time and money.
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Gerber Extensive HA Vs Alimentum: Which Formula is better?
When it comes to choosing between Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA it depends on what situation your baby has. Alimentum (Ready-to-feed) will help more with acid reflux, eczema, constipation, baby poop, and colic. Also, it’s corn-free (RTF version), whereas Gerber Extensive HA is sucrose-free and has a better taste than Alimentum. Also, it helps with eczema, constipation, and baby poop. Moreover, it’s cheap than Alimentum.
Price and Where to Buy?
| Similac Alimentum | Gerber Extensive HA |
|---|---|
| 39.99 $ 19.8 oz 2.02 /oz Not Available Now | 14.1 oz 26.47 $ 1.88 /oz Buy HERE |
| 11.73 $ 32 fl oz 36.7 ¢/oz Buy HERE | No Liquid Version |
Gerber Extensive HA vs Alimentum Ingredients :
Protein:
Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA chop the protein into very small pieces to be easy for your baby’s tummies so the immune system won’t elicit any allergic response. Alimentum formula uses casein as the source of protein whereas Gerber Extensive HA uses whey. The only difference between them is digesting time; whey protein is digested quickly by the body.
The protein size in the hypoallergenic formula is 3 KiloDalton while the normal size is from 14 to 67 KiloDalton.
Related: Gerber Extensive HA VS Neocate: What’s The Difference?
Carbohydrate:
Corn maltodextrin is common for both formulas. However, Alimentum adds sucrose to the carbohydrate source.
Fat:
Gerber Extensive HA and Alimentum have Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) as the fat source which are known of accelerating fat absorption.
Related: Nutramigen vs Alimentum: Which One is Better?
Prebiotics/Probiotics:
* Alimentum has introduced the 2’FL HMO prebiotic (2’ fucosyllactose); it is a type of HMO (human milk oligosaccharide) found only in breastmilk. Therefore, it helps babies get an immune response like breastfed babies.
« HMOs are special prebiotics found naturally in a mother’s breast milk. They are the most abundant solid ingredient in breast milk after fat and carbohydrates. In breastfed babies, HMOs are scientifically shown to positively affect the microbiome. » says nutrition news.Abbott
** Bifidobacterium Lactis is a probiotic (good bacteria) that prohibits pathogens from causing diseases in your baby’s gut. According to internationalprobiotics.org, it helps with constipation, diarrhea, excessive crying, and more.
Related: Nutramigen Vs Gerber Extensive HA: Which One is The Best?
Gerber Extensive HA vs Alimentum Generic Brands:
In case you want to save some money for traveling or shopping, generic brands will be the best choice. There is 9 hypoallergenic formula off brands to choose from, they are approved by the FDA and have the nutrient value and quality ingredients your baby needs.
Where to Buy?
| Where to Buy? | |
|---|---|
| Similac Alimentum | Buy HERE |
| Gerber Extensive HA | Buy HERE |
| Up&Up (Target) | Buy HERE |
| Parent’s Choice (Walmart) | Buy HERE |
| Mama Bear (Amazon) | Buy HERE |
| Meijer brand | Buy HERE |
| Tippy Toes | Buy HERE |
| Well Beginnings | Buy HERE |
| Kroger Comforts | Buy HERE |
| CVS Health | – |
| HEB Baby | Buy HERE |
As noticed, the generic brands are not similar to Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA. However, 80 % of moms have switched from Alimentum to Target hypoallergenic brand and the baby did well, and since Alimentum is similar to Gerber hypoallergenic formula, Up & Up hypoallergenic formula will be also a good generic for Gerber formula.
Regarding generic brands, you can’t judge until you try because every baby is different.
You may want to see a detailed article about The Best Generic Alimentum Formula (Tested by Moms)
Alimentum Vs Gerber Extensive HA For Eczema:
There are many possible reasons for eczema (atopic dermatitis) including food allergies, the most common is cow’s milk. Hypoallergenic formulas are made to resolve this problem of cow’s milk and lactose intolerance by chopping the protein into very small pieces.
Therefore, Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA will both help with eczema in case your baby has a cow’s milk allergy. Especially the Gerber hypoallergenic formula.
Food allergies are not always the reason, the eczema could show up because of inheriting dry, sensitive skin or because of skin contact with irritating substances. The cold weather is also one of the causes, it’s a trigger you must discover. Until discover it, use cremes like tubby todd it helps!
Related: EleCare Vs Neocate: Full Comparison (With Charts)
Alimentum Vs Gerber Extensive HA For Acid Reflux:
Acid reflux happens when the sphincter (a muscle at the lower end of the food tube) is opened. Therefore, the liquid goes back from the stomach to the food tube. This situation happens frequently in babies under 1 year old.
Most mom’s reviews recommend Alimentum ready-to-feed for acid reflux because it’s thicker/heavier and it’s corn-free whereas Gerber Extensive doesn’t help a lot with spit-up.
Alimentum vs Gerber Extensive HA For Constipation:
Generally, most babies on hypoallergenic formulas don’t constipate because the small pieces of proteins that exist in them are fast digested. However, it could happen especially when introducing solid foods.
There are signs to know if your baby is constipated; like being very fussy, spitting up more often, having hard/dry poops, or the baby is struggling when passing stools.
Gerber Extensive HA and Alimentum RTF will help both to relieve constipation because they don’t have palm oil that reduces calcium and fat absorption and they have the MCT that accelerates fat absorption. Moreover, babies on both formulas have loose stools with a frequency of once to twice a day.
You may want to see the best soy formula for constipation in this article.
Alimentum Vs Gerber Extensive HA For Colic:
Dairy allergy and the maturity of the digestive system are two of many possible reasons for colic. Therefore, the hypoallergenic formula where the protein size is small will help a lot.
Thus, Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA help to reduce colic and crying time in babies, Alimentum claims that will happen in less than 24 hours, but moms’ reviews indicate that will help in one week.
You may want to see The Best Formula For Babies With Colic
Alimentum vs Gerber Extensive HA Taste and Smell:
All hypoallergenic formulas in the US have horrible taste and smell because they contain predigested protein and don’t add sweeteners. However, the taste and smell of Gerber Extensive HA are less bad than Alimentum.
In case you insist on feeding your baby hypoallergenic formulas with good taste, order the HIPP hypoallergenic formula from Europe.
The taste concern is temporary, your baby will get used to the taste in 1 to 2 weeks. Don’t worry!!
Gerber Extensive HA Vs Alimentum Poop:
Most babies on Gerber Extensive HA and Alimentum RTF have a very happy diaper with a frequency of once to twice a day, and loose/watery stools for both formulas, they differ in terms of color; Alimentum has a green to brown color whereas Gerber HA has a green to dark green poop color.
You may want to see What Does a Hypoallergenic Formula Poop Looks Like?
Can you switch back and forth between Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA?
Yes, you can switch between Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA as many as you want because they are of the same type of formula (hypoallergenic) and they are lactose-free. However, give each formula at least 2 weeks to see better results.
Furthermore, you can mix and match both formulas as long as you are following standard mixing instructions.
How to Switch?
There are two ways to switch between those two hypoallergenic formulas. The first way is switching gradually by mixing Similac Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA until your baby drinks 100% new formula, this switching is better to be over 2 weeks to get the baby used to the new taste, or you can switch cold turkey. Both ways are safe.
Final Thoughts:
Every baby is different, trying formula by formula is the only choice you have. However, this guide will help you avoid many wrong decisions, so this will save you money and time.
I recommend starting with Alimentum ready-to-feed because it’s corn-free, things that other hypoallergenic formulas don’t have, also according to moms’ reviews, it shows better results than Gerber Extensive HA it’s a lifesaver, although it’s expensive.
Credits :
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