Similac Advance and Pro Advance are infant formulas from the Similac brand manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. The brand has created a wide range of infant formulas to serve the various needs different babies have. Some of the categories that Similac’s formulas cater to include a regular formula for healthy babies, lactose-free formulas for the babies with lactose intolerance, hypoallergenic formula for those with allergies to regular formula ingredients, easy-to-digest formulas, and more.
We all know that infants depend on milk to feed as soon as they are born and that mum’s breast milk is the best option for the baby, but sometimes, breastfeeding is not possible, or the milk is not enough to feed only then are infant formulas used.
Abbott Laboratories have devoted themselves to developing specially designed infant formulas mimicking a mother’s breast milk as much as possible both in characteristics and also in benefits
Similac Advance and Similac Pro Advance closely resemble each other in terms of nutritional composition with only very slight differences. They supply all the essential nutrients and bioactive ingredients to a nursing baby just like those the baby would obtain from their mum’s breast milk. Both formulas contain OptiGro, which is a unique blend of all the nutrients and ingredients found in breast milk. Babies fed with these formulas, grow strong and healthy just as they would if they were feeding on breast milk instead.
Similarities
- HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide):
Both formulas contain HMO; Similac Pro Advance includes 2′-FL HMO that is similar to the one found in a mother’s breast while the HMO in Similac Advance is obtained from genetically modified animals and plants to made to resemble one from breast milk.
HMO is a vital and the third most abundant component in breast milk. It functions as a building block for the baby’s immunity. It feeds the good bacteria in the baby’s digestive tract so they can multiply and acts as a barrier for invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that would cause infections.
It also influences the cells that coordinate with the immune system to help in reducing inflammation.
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid):
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the general development of the baby’s brain in their formative years. It also contributes to improved cardiovascular health, better vision, and reduced inflammation.
- Lutein
It is a carotenoid found naturally in plants that have powerful antioxidant abilities; it protects the DHA from the effects of free radicals that roam in the body. It also contributes to the development of cognitive abilities such as learning, reasoning, and memory.
- Vitamin E
It is a common, occurring vitamin but powerful antioxidant that protects body cells from free radicles.
Differences
- Different labels and Packaging colors
Of course, one difference you will spot at a glance is their package appearance, the labels read differently. Similac Pro Advance is in a tin with a grey cover while Similac Advance is in a tin with a blue cover.
- Similac Pro Advance is the upgraded version of Similac Advance
The Pro Advance formula is made from non-rbST cow’s milk, while Similac Advance is made from cow’s milk with some genetically modified ingredients.
- HMO
HMO in Pro Advance formula is made closest to the one in breast milk than that of Similac Advance.
Which milk tastes better?
Ordinarily, a baby that has been breastfeeding could tell the difference and might react to it. However, Similac have done an excellent job to try to close the gap in the characteristics between their formulas and breast milk as possible. With Similac formulas, the baby cannot tell the difference.
Prices
The two formulas are available in powder form in cans and also in bottles ready-to-feed in liquid. They can be purchased from the company’s website once you sign up and from stores like Amazon, Target, and Walmart etc.
| Similar Pro Advance | Similac Advance |
| Powdered 36 once can (pack of 3) for a month supply- from $129.71 | Powdered 36 once can (pack of 3) for a month supply – from$115.68 |
| Ready to feed bottle 1 quartz bottle (pack of 6) –from $66.23 | Ready to feed bottle 8 fl OZ (pack of 24) –from $51.68 |
A comparison of the two formulas:
| Similac Advance | Similac Pro-Advance |
|---|---|
| Some ingredients are GMO engineered | Non-GMO ingredients |
| From treated rbST cow milk | Non-rbST treated cow milk |
| HMO is from genetically modified sources | Has 2’-FL HMO found in breast milk |
| Contains OptiGro mixture | Contains OptiGro mixture |
What We Think:
Ultimately it is your decision to make and it might also be influenced by how your baby responds to either formula but we feel that the difference between the two formulas is very minor and both cater really well for the baby’s nutrition. The difference between their prices is also minimal so if you are concerned about genetically engineered ingredients being in baby formula, we would advise you to consider Similac Pro Advance.
Reviews
In the following reviews we will be comparing how the two Similac products we have already discussed compare with other infant formulas from Similac and also from Enfamil Company. We will be sharing more about the formula, what is unique about it, and its ingredients and their function in the body.
Similac Pro Advance Vs Pro Total Comfort
Pro Total Comfort is also an infant formula for Similac. Since we have already discussed extensively Similac Pro, we will be covering more about Pro Total Comfort its ingredients and benefits as well as how it compares with Similac Pro Advance next.
Pro Total Comfort
You will probably be surprised to learn that Pro Total Comfort is another infant formula from Similac brands. Abbott Laboratories has been devoting their research to create a broad range of infant formulas because they understand that different babies have different formula needs.
Pro Total Comfort was designed to ensure that your baby does not experience discomfort related to formula digestion. Science has it that some babies experience uncomfortable digestive symptoms after feeding on regular formulas in the market that use lactose and milk proteins from cow’s milk. Some of the symptoms most babies manifest are fussiness, excessive gas, and crying. Similac boasts of noticing the changes in your baby after just a day of using this product.
Similac uses ingredients that make their formula have the same characteristics as that of breast milk with the same benefits to the baby. The ingredients in Pro Total Comfort are designed to be easy for the baby to digest without causing undesirable symptoms.
Pro Total comfort uses lactose-free cow milk as a source. Instead of using lactose as a sweetener or carbohydrate source, it uses corn maltodextrin and sugar. Protein is obtained from whey protein hydrolysate instead of from milk protein. The protein is hydrolyzed to make the molecules small enough for easier digestion. This formula is also enriched with special prebiotics known as 2’FL HMO, just like in Similac Pro Advance. The prebiotic is a building block for a strong immune system.
It is important to mention that when considering which formula is most suitable for your little one don’t just choose a formula because its added ingredients that promise being gentle, especially if your baby is healthy. It is better to be guided on these matters by a pediatrician.
Price: 36 ounce tin (pack of 3) – from $134.06
Find out how the two products compare side by side from the table below:
| Similac Pro Advance | Pro Total Comfort |
|---|---|
| Designed for healthy babies | Designed for delicate tummies |
| Includes 2’-FLO HMO immune boosters | Includes 2’-FL HMO immune booster |
| Includes DHA, Lutein and Vit E for brain and eye development | Includes DHA, Lutein, and Vit E for brain and eye development |
| Uses milk proteins from cow milk | Uses hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Uses lactose in cow milk for carbohydrate | Uses corn maltodextrin for carbohydrates |
What we think:
Although both products provide the same essential nutrients and share the same 2’-HMO there is an obvious difference between the ingredients making Similac Pro Advance and Pro total comfort; the former depends on cow milk ingredients and the latter eliminates staple cow milk ingredients such as lactose and milk proteins. We think your choice here should be driven by your baby’s tolerance for cow milk products. If your baby experiences trouble digesting lactose and milk proteins we recommend Pro Total comfort otherwise if the baby is healthy, Similac Pro advance is great.
Similac Advance Vs Enfamil A+ Vs Enfamil Enspire
Since we have already extensively discussed on the Similac Advance, we will be sharing more on the two Enfamil products. The same company manufactures both products are manufactured by Mead Johnson Nutrition Company. It is most likely you wouldn’t realize that the brand name Enfamil is coined from the words ‘infant meal’. These high-quality products are laden with nutrients and minerals and are designed to offer a complete meal to your little one.
Enfamil A+
Enfamil A+ formula serves infants ranging from 0 to 6 months and is manufactured by Enfamil. It is made from cow milk with ingredients that tailored to be easily digested by an infant. It is critical to emphasize that if possible, a mother’s breast milk is the best option, especially for a newborn. Formulas are only interventions if the breast milk is not available. With that said, Enfamil A+ is a perfect choice, especially if your little one has been showing digestion difficulties such as gassiness and constipation.
It includes all the essential nutrients and immune building ingredients that are also found in breast milk. This formula is minerals and vitamins dense, including DHA and choline, for your infant’s rapidly growing brain. It also includes a dual prebiotic blend that is designed to work longer in the digestive tract to fortify your growing infant immune system.
Price: 496 gm. pack – from $47.97
Enfamil Enspire
Enfamil Enspire is a carefully crafted product. It is made from non-GMO cow milk and soy products.
It uses the lactose in cow’s milk as a sweetener, whey protein-lipid concentrate for a protein source, vegetable fats from coconut, palm and soy oil, and a blend of vitamins and minerals. The formula is rich and will give your baby similar benefits as those experienced from breast milk.
Enfamil Enspire has a unique ingredient that is also found in breast milk, called MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and Lactoferrin. Research has it that MFGM and Lactoferrin are vital for cognitive and immune system development as well as cardiovascular health. Additionally, it has DHA, ARA, and inositol for brain and eye, and other organs and muscle developments.
The table below will give you a glance at how the three products compare:
| Similac Advance | Enfamil A+ | Enfamil Enspire |
| Made from ingredients that are genetically engineered | Non-GMO ingredients | May include ingredients with traces of GMO |
| Use lactose from cow milk | Use cow milk with lactose | Uses soy and cow milk with lactose |
| For infants up to 1yr | For infants up to 6 months | For infants up to 18 months |
| Includes HMO, DHA, Lutein and vitamin E | Includes DHA, ARA, choline, vitamins, and minerals | Includes DHA, Lactoferrin, MFGM, prebiotics (PDX and GOS), Vitamins and nucleotides. |
| Sources proteins from milk protein | Sources protein from whey concentrate and casein | Sources proteins from whey protein-lipid concentrate. |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
What we think:
Enfamil products are pricier but they are also rated as more nutritious. All the products are made from cow milk but Enfamil A+ and Enfamil Enspire are patterned more like breast milk than Similac Advance. If you are looking for an affordable infant formula that meets the nutrition threshold and can be used by up to a year old baby, then go by Similac Advance. But if you care for complete nutrition, Enfamil Products are perfect. Enfamil A+ though is stage one infant formula and is ideal for babies under 6 months while Enspire will serve even older babies.
Similac Advance Vs Similac Sensitive
Both of these products are from Similac brands and serve babies up to one year old. You can refer to our discussion above to learn more about Similac Advance. We will be discussing Similac Sensitive and check out how the two compare.
Similac Sensitive
Similac Sensitive shares most ingredients with Similac advance; the only difference is that Similac Sensitive is designed for infants with a sensitive tummy. It uses cow milk with reduced lactose to minimize tummy sensitivity in babies.
Similac Sensitive is nutritious featuring Similac OptiGro, a blend of ( DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E) that provides the same nutrients found in breast milk that are critical for supporting the baby’s brain and eyes development. Also, it is enriched with vegetable oils, vitamins, nucleotides, and minerals.
Similac Sensitive uses both cow milk and soy milk. If your baby is allergic to cow milk or soya is best to consider choosing hypoallergenic infant formulas that are much safer. It is also not a suitable option if your little one suffers from galactosemia. That said Similac Sensitive is an excellent formula if your baby’s discomfort is from lactose intolerance alone.
Price:
1.41lb – from $35.11
Ready to feed bottles 32 OZ – from $16.48
Below is a comparison of Similac Advance and Similac Sensitive
| Similac Advance | Similac Sensitive |
| Made from cow milk | Made from soya & cow milk with reduced lactose |
| Suitable for babies with no intolerances | Ideal for babies that are lactose intolerant. |
| Enriched with HMO,DHA, lutein and Vit E | Enriched with prebiotics, DHA, lutein, Vit E |
What we think:
Both products provide same nutrition needs the only difference being that lactose is significantly reduced in Similac Sensitive so as not to cause tummy troubles for babies that are lactose intolerant. So if your baby falls in that category, we feel Similac Sensitive is a safer option than Similac Advance.
Similac Advance Vs Similac Alimentum
Both formulas are from Similac brands. We will be covering more about Alimentum, its ingredients and benefits, and how the two formulas compare. You can refer to the discussion we have had about Similac Advance.
Similac Alimentum
Alimentum is a nutritious and complete hypoallergenic infant formula. Hypoallergenic means that your baby can use it even if they are allergic to cow’s milk. If your baby is allergic to cow milk or soya, they will develop distressful symptoms rapidly upon feedings, such as developing hives and rashes, itching, or swelling. It is even possible to develop more severe and life-threatening symptoms such as wheezing and difficult breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death. The good news is that these symptoms are easy to notice, and therefore you can discontinue feeding and seek immediate medical intervention.
Similac Alimentum easy-to-digest formula is designed for infants with food allergies and colic due to protein sensitivity. The proteins are pre-digested through the process of hydrolyzes to make them hypoallergenic for the baby to digest.
The formula is lactose -free and is enriched with DHA, ARA, minerals, and vitamins found in breast milk that plays a vital role in supporting brain and eye development. This formula, however, does not have prebiotics, which is crucial for supporting a healthy gut.
It uses hydrolyzed protein, which means the proteins are already broken down and will be easier for the baby to digest.
Price: 12.1 OZ. (pack of 6) – from 165.24
The table below is a comparison of Similac Advance and Similac Alimentum.
| Similac Advance | Similac Alimentum |
| Suitable for healthy babies | Suitable for babies with food allergies and colic due to protein sensitivity |
| Enriched with DHA, lutein, and Vit E and minerals | Enriched with DHA ,ARA, vitamins and minerals |
| Contains some genetically engineered ingredients | Non-GMO ingredients |
| Uses cow milk proteins | Uses hydrolyzed milk proteins |
| Check Price | Check Price |
What we think:
You want to be careful what infant formula you choose for your baby, and this is especially critical if your baby has food allergies. Similac Alimentum is perfect if for babies dealing with food allergies or colic. Otherwise, if your baby is healthy with no issues with digestion, then Similac Advance is great too.
Similac Advance vs Neosure
Both are from Similac brands of infant formulas. NeoSure caters specifically for preterm babies. We will be discussing more about it next. You can refer to our discussion above to learn about Similac Advance.
NeoSure:
Sometimes your baby arrives earlier than expected and you are at a loss how best to feed the baby. Breastfeeding is, of course, the best option, but if that is not very practical at the moment, you can consider using infant formula provided you consult with your pediatrician first.
NeoSure is designed to provide the extra nutrition to give the boost your baby needs so they can catch-up growing. It is enriched with more calories, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals than formulas designed for fully developed babies such as Similac Advance.
It is made from non-GMO cow milk ingredients that are engineered after breast milk. It is also enriched with Similac OptiGrow (DHA, ALA, lutein nucleotides, vitamins, and minerals) that are fundamental for brain and eye development. Additionally, NeoSure has a powerful immune booster in the form of 2’-FLHMO, also found in breast milk.
Price: 13.1 ounces (Pack of 6) – from $110.52
Below is a comparison between the two products:
| Similac Advance | NeoSure |
| Suitable for healthy full-term babies | Perfect for preterm infants |
| Contains HMO immune builders | Contains 2’-fl HMO like the one found in breast milk |
| Contains Similac OptiGro blend | Contains Similac OptiGro blend |
| Genetically engineered ingredients are used | Non-GMO ingredients |
| It Contains more fat, calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. | |
| Check Price | Check Price |
What we think:
Both products offer the same nutritional benefits but only choose NeoSure if your baby is born preterm; otherwise, your baby will gain excess weight from the extra calories in NeoSure. That said, we still emphasize that you consult with your pediatrician for guidance.
Similac Pro Advance vs Enfamil
Similac Pro Advance and Enfamil are both designed for healthy babies and they are made from cow’s milk. Both brands provide complete nutrition specially patterned to mimic breast milk. The main difference between Similac Pro Advance and Enfamil is that Similac uses more sugar in their formula and in all Similac’s 20 brands of baby formulas, it uses comparatively less natural ingredients compared to Enfamil. Enfamil is also more expensive compared to Similac formulas and while Enfamil has 15 different formula brands, Similac has 20.
You can refer to the discussion we already had about Pro Advance to learn more about it. For now, we will share more about Enfamil.
Enfamil infant:
This is the basic infant formula for Enfamil from Mead Johnson Nutrition and serves fullterm babies up to a year old. It is a complete nutritional baby formula designed after mature breast milk for promoting brain and immune development and overall growth of your little one.
It is enriched with DHA and choline also found in breast milk for cognitive development, a dual prebiotic blend (galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose) for promoting strong gut health and essential vitamins, and minerals.
Check out from the table below how the two products compare:
| Similac Pro Advance | Enfamil |
| Uses Non-GMO ingredients | Uses Non-GMO ingredients |
| Contains 2’FL HMO for immunity support | Contains dual prebiotic blend for immunity support. |
| Contains DHA, Choline for cognitive abilities development | Contains DHA and Choline for cognitive abilities development |
| Check Price | Check Price |
What we think:
Similac Pro Advance is the upgraded version of the basic Similac Infant formula, while Enfamil is the basic in the Enfamil Infant formulas. They both share similar nutritional content, and the only difference is that both products contain different amounts of vitamins and minerals, the difference might not be that significant. For example, Similac Pro Advance has more Vit D, niacin, biotin and riboflavin. In contrast, Enfamil has higher amounts of folic acid, choline, inositol, and vitamins B12, C, E, and K. Since, the two products have insignificant differences we suggest you choose the one you would prefer and observe how it works for your baby then switch if need be.
Similac Pro Advance vs Pro Total Comfort
Choosing the right formula for your little one can be quite confusing since there are many formulas from the same companies with similar features, and for most parents, they start with a regular formula and observe if it is suitable for their babies depending on how they react. Because babies tummies are not fully developed yet, some babies are not able to digest lactose and milk proteins from cow’s milk; as a result, they experience tummy discomforts such as gassiness causes them to cry or fussy. Infant formula companies recognize this need among others we have already discussed, and develop a suitable formula that addresses those particular needs. Pro Total Comfort was designed for the babies who are lactose intolerant, and also those who are not able to milk proteins while Similac Pro advance is for healthy babies with no digestion problems.
They also use different ingredients; Pro Advance uses lactose as the carbohydrate source, while Pro Total comfort uses corn maltodextrin and sugar. Protein in Pro Advance is from milk proteins while in Pro Total comfort, it is obtained from whey protein hydrolysate, which is a protein that has been broken down to smaller molecules that are easier for the baby to digest.
Both products contain DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E for your baby’s brain and eye development as well as the powerful 2’FL HMO immunity block builder similar to the ones found in breast milk.
Below is a comparison between the two products:
| Similac Pro Advance | Pro Total Comfort |
|---|---|
| Designed for healthy babies | Designed for delicate tummies |
| Includes 2’-FLO HMO immune boosters | Includes 2’-FL HMO immune booster |
| Includes DHA, Lutein and Vit E for brain and eye development | Includes DHA, Lutein, and Vit E for brain and eye development |
| Uses milk proteins from cow milk | Uses hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Uses lactose in cow milk for carbohydrate | Uses corn maltodextrin for carbohydrates |
What we think:
Both formulas are great at providing the essential nutrients your baby needs. First try using Similac Pro Total, if your baby reacts, then switch to Pro Total comfort. Otherwise, if your baby is healthy both formulas are good choices and you can use any, but it is always important to be guided by your pediatrician.
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Hi there! I am Ashley Davis, a mom of three kids and the editor here at Motherhoodhq.com. I have been a parent since 2011 and have been doing full-time consulting as a baby sleep expert since 2019. When I am not researching or testing the next baby gear hitting the market, you’ll find me teaching my toddlers a trick or two – especially over the last few months with the lockdown. I hope you’ll find my guides and reviews helpful as you make your next purchase decision. If you have any questions, you can reach me at ashley.d@motherhoodhq.com.
