Which do you pick, Enfamil AR or Enfamil Gentlease? Both are designed to reduce digestion problems in babies and are quality and affordable baby formulas. Find out which one is suitable for you.
My name is Sharon Dunn and I discuss both Enfamil and Similac baby formulas in great detail. Today’s comparison is between two high quality Enfamil products.
Babies have sensitive tummies and cannot handle all formulas equally. Enfamil AR and the Enfamil Gentlease are designed to reduce the symptoms of poor digestion in babies. But how to decide which formula is more suitable for your baby? Read below to find out.
Choosing between the Enfamil AR vs. Gentlease is not too hard, as they both may service your needs. But your baby may have a specific preference to what works BEST.
Both the formulas work well and are approved by pediatricians. These have DHA and added nutrients to aid your baby’s proper development. This article will cover a detailed review of the two formulas and try to answer any questions you may have.
Enfamil AR by Sharon Dunn
Table of Contents
- Enfamil AR
- Enfamil Gentlease
- How Each Formula Can Help Babies
- The Negative Aspects / Cons of Each Formula
- How to Prepare Each Formula
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
Enfamil AR
- Main Ingredients
Enfamil AR contains starch-based rice, so it thickens your baby’s tummy and reduces spit-up. It is particularly helpful for babies with reflux issues who can’t keep any food in the stomach, but rather regurgitate them from the stomach.
It is high in Vitamin C, Prebiotics, Vitamin E and Omega- 3 DHA. it doesn’t contain any artificial growth hormone, antibiotics, or corn syrup.
Other ingredients of Enfamil AR include non-fat milk, vegetable oil, rice starch, lactose, maltodextrin, galactooligosaccharides, polydextrose, etc.
The box you buy should contain the full list of the ingredients. Make sure to check that before purchasing so you can fully review everything in the formula firsthand.
- Nutritional Information
The Enfamil AR is high in Protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals.
Per 100 calories contain 2.5 gm protein, 5.1gm fat, 11.3gm carbohydrates, 133gm of water, and 780 mg of Linoleic acid.
In addition, it contains 78 mg of Calcium, 53 mg of Phosphorus, 8mg magnesium, 1.8 mg of Iron, and 1 mg of Zinc. Manganese, copper, iodine, selenium, sodium, potassium, and chloride are the rest of the minerals.
The Enfamil AR is high in vitamin content. It contains Vitamins A, D, E and K. Thiamine, riboflavin, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, Biotin, ascorbic acid, choline, and inositol.
- Forms
The Enfamil AR comes in both powder and liquid forms. The liquid one comes in ready-to-eat formula bottles.
The powdered form needs to be mixed in a bottle. It requires vigorous mixing and should be fed in a semi-liquid form.
The powder is available in 19.5 oz, 12. 9 oz, and 30.4 oz size tubs.
The liquid is available in 2 FL. Oz bottle. You can also buy the powder form in cases of 4 or 6.
Enfamil Gentlease
- Main Ingredients
The Enfamil Gentlease is a milk-based formula that promises to reduce gas and stomach issues in your baby. It uses partially hydrolyzed milk protein blends that are easy to digest along with DHA and Choline.
The formula design is similar to breast milk, with a 60:40 ratio between whey and casein.
DHA and Choline are brain-building ingredients that are necessary for your baby in the first 12 months.
The easy-to-digest protein blend makes it easier for your baby to digest this formula without suffering from bloating and can be a good replacement for breast milk.
- Nutritional Information
Per 100 calories or 5 FL oz contains 2.3gm of protein, 5.3gm of fat, 10.8 gm of carbohydrates, 133 gm of water, and 800mg of Linoleic acid.
Refer to the product label on the can to get updated information on ingredients and nutritional value.
- Forms
The Enfamil Gentlease comes in powder and liquid ready-to-eat forms.
The powder comes in cases of 4-6 cans each. The cans come in sizes of 29.1oz, 20.9oz and 12.4oz respectively.
How Each Formula Can Help Babies
The Enfamil AR and the Enfamil Gentlease are both formulated to ease stomach issues in babies and contain nutrients to ensure proper brain and immunity development in infants. You can select one based on the specific needs of your baby. However, neither formula can be fed to premature babies for not being sterile.
- Enfamil AR
As mentioned before, the Enfamil AR has added rice starch and is specifically designed to reduce spit-ups by babies. But there’s more.
The product is made following acid reflux prevention guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and contains DHA as well as probiotics. It is a trusted brand and recommended by pediatricians worldwide.
The Enfamil AR is a better solution compared to mixing rice cereals with milk. Mixed rice cereals don’t supply the necessary nutrients your baby needs and just provide empty calories. The Enfamil AR is also easier to feed using a bottle instead of rice cereal mixes.
This formula is gentle enough to feed infants under 12 months of age.
- Enfamil Gentlease
Gentlease is formulated for babies sensitive stomachs who find it hard to digest regular formulas. It is designed with milk-based proteins that are slightly hydrolyzed for better digestion.
Infants who suffer from digestion problems get gassy and irritated after feeding. Frequent spit-ups, diarrhea and upset stomach are symptoms of digestion problems. The Enfamil Gentlease provides comfort from these problems within 24hrs of feeding.
The Gentlease has a taste and formula similar to breast milk and can be used as a substitute for that. Because of the similarity in taste, it is easier for babies to transition from breast milk to formula.
The texture of Gentlease is thinner than AR and can be fed easily with a bottle. You can choose the liquid ready-to-feed version if you don’t feel like mixing them every time before feeding.
The Negative Aspects / Cons of Each Formula
- Enfamil AR
AR has some negative side effects that can be seen in some babies. The formula thickens in the stomach. This can sometimes cause constipation in your baby. Also, it can be tough to feed through a nipple due to its thick consistency.
To prepare a bottle of Enfamil AR, you need to shake vigorously to properly mix the thick formula. This traps air bubbles inside that can make the baby gassy and unsettled. A recommended 5 minute waiting period can be annoying.
You must wait for some time after mixing the AR to let the air bubbles escape and make your baby burp after feeding.
Your baby may get common rashes after switching to or changing formulas. It is normal and should subside when the baby becomes accustomed to the new formula.
- Enfamil Gentlease
The formula works differently for each baby. The Enfamil Gentlease has a strong smell, which some babies may not like. The formula can also create irregular bowel movements in some.
If you are buying these online, then be careful about the seal. The cans can get heavily damaged, and you should not use an open can no matter what. Contact the seller and immediately discard the formula.
Some reviewers also reported missing a scoop or lid when ordered online.
The powder version doesn’t work as promised for some but you can try the liquid ready-to-use one in that case.
How to Prepare Each Formula
You should be careful while handling baby formula because one little mistake can seriously harm your baby’s health.
- The formula should be kept in a cool, airy place with the lid on. You should not use open or expired products
- Wash your hands properly before starting
- Make sure the bottle, ring, nipple, and cap are all clean. You can boil them in water after each use to keep them sterile
- You can ask a pediatrician about the kind of water you should use. Some pediatricians advise using boiled water to prepare the bottle
- Fill up the bottle with water and make sure it’s not warm. Warm formula spoils quickly. Refrigerate or feed the baby immediately if you’re using warm water
- Scoop the required amount of formula into the bottle and shake well to mix. Check the taste and temperature (which should be neutral) on your wrist before feeding the baby
Final Verdict
The Enfamil AR and the Enfamil Gentlease are both great formulas to feed your baby. Every formula reacts differently for every infant.
What may work for others, may not work for your kid. The Enfamil AR and the Enfamil Gentlease are both pediatrician approved. These also have great reviews.
So, if you’re having trouble with other formulas, make sure to give these two a try. Consult with your pediatrician and if one does not work after a trial run, do not be afraid to try the other.
My personal experience, while just a small sample, is that Enfamil AR parents are extremely loyal and find that product works for their babies.
Ready To Use Example:
FAQ
- How Can I Ensure My Baby Doesn’t Burp Out the Formula?
Make sure to always burp your baby while feeding to reduce acid reflux. Using a formula such as Enfamil AR that promises to reduce spit-ups can also help.
The Enfamil AR contains rice starch that thickens inside your baby’s stomach to prevent burping out. It is more reliable than mixing rice cereal into the formula.
- Can I Microwave Baby Formula?
No. You should never microwave baby formula. Baby formula spoils very fast. You should immediately feed it to the baby after preparing or refrigerating it at 35°-40°F. Never freeze the formula. Let it come to room temperature before feeding. Do not use the formula that has been outside the refrigerator for two hours and finish feeding within an hour of starting or discard otherwise. Always read the label before preparing.
