When it comes to choosing the right infant formula for your baby, there are a plethora of options available on the market. Two popular choices among parents are Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant. These formula brands are trusted names in infant nutrition, each offering a range of products designed to support the healthy growth and development of your baby.
However, making an informed decision can be overwhelming, as factors such as mom’s reviews, ingredients, nutrients, and price all play a crucial role in determining which formula is best suited for your baby’s needs.
In this article, we will dive deep into a comprehensive comparison of Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant, considering the perspectives of mothers who have used these formulas, the ingredients they contain, the essential nutrients they provide, and how their prices stack up against each other.
What is The Difference Between Enfamil Neuropro and Regular Enfamil?
Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant are standard milk-based formulas designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants aged 0-12 months who have no allergies or sensitivities.
The Difference between them is that Enfamil NeuroPro is a non-GMO formula with triple prebiotics including 2’FL HMO, MFGM feature, high vitamin D, and inositol, prioritizing advanced nutrition whereas Enfamil Infant, is a GMO formula that offers basic nutrition with two prebiotics and is more cost-effective.
Mom’s Reviews Comparison:
Enfamil NeuroPro:
Positive Reviews:
- Ease of Preparation: Enfamil NeuroPro is praised for its ease of preparation, making it convenient for parents and caregivers, especially when caring for infants.
- Digestive Tolerance: Many users report that their babies tolerate this formula well, experiencing fewer digestive issues such as gas or discomfort, which is crucial for infant well-being.
- Taste Acceptance: Some reviews highlight that their babies genuinely enjoy the taste of this formula. A palatable taste can make feeding smoother and more enjoyable for both the baby and the caregiver.
- Value for Price: Despite being on the higher end in terms of price, many parents believe that Enfamil NeuroPro offers good value for the quality and benefits it provides for their infants.
- Extended Shelf Life: The formula’s long shelf life is noted positively, giving parents peace of mind that they can purchase and store it in advance without worrying about it expiring quickly.
Negative Reviews:
- Costly: Enfamil NeuroPro is often criticized for its higher price compared to other infant formulas. Some parents find it expensive and wish for more cost-effective options.
- Transition Challenges: A few parents describe challenges when transitioning their babies to Enfamil NeuroPro, especially if their infants were previously breastfed or using different formula brands. This transition issue highlights the importance of a smooth switch under a pediatrician’s guidance.
Related: Enfamil Neuropro Vs. Neuropro Care: What is The Difference?
Enfamil Infant:
Positive Reviews:
Price: Many parents find that regular Enfamil is cheaper compared to Neuropro, and that’s normal because it contains basic ingredients with no added features like MFGM.
Easy to mix: Enfamil Infant receives praise for its user-friendly preparation. Parents and caregivers appreciate that it readily mixes with water, simplifying the often hectic task of infant feeding.
Negative Reviews:
GMO ingredients: Enfamil Infant is not branded as GMO-Free which makes concerns for some parents.
Ingredients Comparison:
Both Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants aged 0-12 months. However, they differ slightly in their ingredient compositions:
Protein Source:
Enfamil Infant and Enfamil NeuroPro share a common protein source, comprising 50% nonfat milk protein and 50% whey protein concentrate. However, there’s a subtle difference in their whey-to-casein ratios. Enfamil Infant maintains a 60:40 ratio, while Enfamil NeuroPro slightly alters it to a 65:35 ratio. This variance may affect the ease of digestion for some babies.
Carbohydrate Source:
Both formulas rely exclusively on 100% lactose as their carbohydrate source. Lactose is a natural sugar found in breast milk and is well-tolerated by most infants, providing a source of energy for healthy growth.
Fat Source:
Enfamil Infant and Enfamil NeuroPro have a shared foundation of fat sources, including palm oil, high oleic sunflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil. Additionally, both formulas incorporate DHA and ARA (docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid) essential fatty acids known to support brain and eye development in infants.
Extra Features:
Enfamil NeuroPro differentiates itself by including MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) in its formulation. MFGM is a complex lipid structure found in breast milk and is associated with brain development and cognitive benefits. This addition sets Enfamil NeuroPro apart in terms of potential cognitive support.
Related: Enfamil NeuroPro Vs. Enfamil Enspire OPTIMUM
Prebiotics:
Prebiotics play a vital role in supporting a baby’s gut health and immune system. Enfamil Infant includes Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Polydextrose as prebiotics. In contrast, Enfamil NeuroPro offers a more extensive array of prebiotics, featuring 2′-FL HMO (2′-Fucosyllactose Human Milk Oligosaccharide), Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and Polydextrose. This diverse prebiotic profile in NeuroPro can provide additional support for a baby’s developing digestive system.
GMO-Free:
Enfamil NeuroPro is advertised as GMO-free, which may appeal to parents who have concerns about genetically modified ingredients. In contrast, Enfamil Infant does not carry a GMO-free label.
In case you are interested in organic formulas, I have made a full comparison between HiPP Combiotic and Enfamil Infant if you want to check.
Source of ARA and DHA:
Both formulas derive their ARA from Mortierella alpina oil and their DHA from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil. These specific sources ensure a consistent and reliable supply of these vital fatty acids for your baby’s growth and development.
Generic Brands:
Enfamil NeuroPro and regular Enfamil provide parents with the option to select from among nine different generic brands, granting them the freedom to explore cost-effective alternatives while ensuring their baby’s essential nutritional requirements are met. Read: Best 9 Generic Brands of Enfamil NeuroPro and Read: The Best 9 Generic Brands of Enfamil Infant.Miner
Nutrients Comparison:
Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate:
- Enfamil NeuroPro contains 2.1g of protein per 100 calories, while Enfamil Infant provides slightly less at 2g per 100 calories. The difference is marginal but may be relevant for babies with specific protein intake needs.
- Both formulas contain 5.3g of fat per 100 calories, providing a balanced source of essential fatty acids for brain and eye development.
- The carbohydrate content is consistent between the two formulas, with both providing 11.3g per 100 calories.
Vitamins:
Both formulas have the same level of vitamins except for:
Vitamin D: Enfamil NeuroPro provides 70 IU of Vitamin D per 100 calories, slightly higher than the 60 IU offered by Enfamil Infant. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
Other Nutrients:
Inositol: Here, a notable difference exists. Enfamil NeuroPro contains 24 mg of Inositol per 100 calories, while Enfamil Infant provides a lower amount, at 6 mg per 100 calories. Inositol plays a role in cell signaling and is important for brain health and the average level in breastmilk is 22 mg per 100 calories.
Related: Enfamil Infant Vs Gerber Good Start Gentle
Minerals:
Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant offer nearly identical mineral content per 100 calories, ensuring that your baby receives essential minerals necessary for their growth, bone development, and overall well-being. This similarity in mineral composition means that both formulas can provide comprehensive mineral support for infants aged 0-12 months.
Price Comparison:
| ENFAMIL NEUROPRO | ENFAMIL INFANT |
|---|---|
| 20.7 oz 34.87 $ 1.69 /oz 28.3 oz 46.87 $ 1.66 /oz 31.4 oz 51.00 $ 1.62 /oz 32 fl oz 11.82 $ 36.9 ¢/fl oz | 12.5 oz $18.83 $1.51/oz 21.1 oz $29.86 $1.42/oz 29.4 oz $40.96 $1.39/oz 32 fl oz $9.92 31.0 ¢/fl oz |
| 4.8 of 5.0 10740 reviews | 4.8 of 5.0 10374 reviews |
| Buy 20.7 oz HERE Buy 28.3 oz HERE Buy 31.4 oz HERE Buy 32 fl oz HERE | Buy 12.5 oz HERE Buy 21.1 oz HERE Buy 29.4 oz HERE Buy 32 fl oz HERE |
When choosing an infant formula, price considerations can be significant for many families. Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant, both reputable options for infant nutrition, vary in price depending on size and packaging.
For powdered formulas, NeuroPro is more expensive per ounce in most size options. However, it’s important to note that NeuroPro provides added benefits like MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), which can justify the higher cost for parents who prioritize these features.
The same thing for the ready-to-feed formula, Enfamil NeuroPro is priced slightly higher per fluid ounce compared to Enfamil Infant. The choice between the two may depend on your budget and specific preferences.
One thing to note is that the price of both formulas has increased during this year, for example, Enfamil Infant (29.4 oz) was priced at 35.83$ (1.22 /oz) last year, and now it’s at 40.96$!! also, Neuropro 28.3 oz was only at 37.98$ (1.34 /oz) and now it’s at 46.87$ (1.66 /oz). It’s really sad to see this happen!!
Rating: Both Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant have excellent ratings, with both receiving a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 based on numerous reviews, indicating high levels of satisfaction among parents who have used these formulas.
Related: 14 Easy Ways To Save Money On Baby Formula
Switching Between Enfamil Neuropro and Enfamil Infant:
Switching between Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant should be done gradually to minimize any potential digestive discomfort for your baby. Here are steps for switching between these two formulas in both directions:
- tart Slowly: Begin by mixing the new formula (Enfamil Infant) with the old formula (Enfamil NeuroPro) to ease the transition. Start with a small amount of the new formula (e.g., 25% Enfamil Infant and 75% Enfamil NeuroPro) and gradually increase the proportion of the new formula over several days.
- Observe for Tolerance: Pay close attention to your baby’s reactions during the transition. Look for signs of digestive discomfort, such as excessive gas, fussiness, or changes in stool consistency. If you notice any severe or persistent discomfort, consult your pediatrician.
- Complete the Transition: Over a period of about a week or more, gradually increase the amount of Enfamil Infant while decreasing the amount of Enfamil NeuroPro until your baby is fully switched to the new formula.
Remember that every baby is unique, and their tolerance to formula changes may vary. If you notice any persistent issues or have concerns during the transition, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance and support. The gradual approach allows your baby’s digestive system to adapt more comfortably to the new formula, reducing the likelihood of discomfort during the transition.
The Best One?
The choice between Enfamil NeuroPro and Enfamil Infant ultimately depends on your specific priorities and your baby’s needs. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Choose Enfamil NeuroPro if:
- Non-GMO and Added Nutrients: If you prefer a non-GMO formula with additional nutritional components like MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), higher vitamin D, and inositol, Enfamil NeuroPro may be the better choice. These added elements are intended to support brain and cognitive development.
- Triple Prebiotics: Enfamil NeuroPro contains triple prebiotics, including 2’FL HMO, which can provide additional support for your baby’s gut health. If you value a more comprehensive approach to digestive health, this formula offers that.
Choose Enfamil Infant if:
- Cost-Efficiency: Enfamil Infant is notably cheaper than Enfamil NeuroPro. If budget constraints are a significant factor, and your baby doesn’t have specific dietary requirements or sensitivities, Enfamil Infant can provide essential nutrition at a more affordable price point.
- Good Basic Nutrition: Enfamil Infant is a solid choice for parents who prioritize providing their baby with adequate nutrition without the additional components found in NeuroPro. It offers a balanced formula for infant development.
- Two Prebiotics: While Enfamil Infant has two prebiotics (polydextrose and GOS) rather than three like NeuroPro, it still supports digestive health, which may be sufficient for many infants.
In summary, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as the “best” formula depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Consider factors such as your budget, your baby’s nutritional needs, and any personal preferences regarding GMO status and added nutritional components.
