Similac Soy Vs. Similac Sensitive: What’s the Difference?

Once a woman has given birth, she may decide to breastfeed the baby or opt for formula exclusively. Formulas are healthy substitutes for breast milk. They contain all the nutritional values that a growing baby needs. As a mother, you can choose between Similac soy or Similac sensitive formula.

So what is the difference between Similac Soy & Similac Sensitive? The significant difference that these two formulas have is what they are made of. Similac soy is made out of soy-based, while Similac sensitive is milk-based.

Is Similac Sensitive Soy-Based?

Similac sensitive formula is not soy-based; instead, it is milk-based. This is a preferred formula for babies who are lactose intolerant. Since the digestive systems are still developing, it may be difficult for them to handle raw milk products hence the introduction of Similac sensitive.

This formula usually is recommended for infants who are suffering from gas and fussiness even though these conditions are not fatal and frequently clear up once the child gets older. However, it may be uncomfortable for them at their tender age.

However, you should note that Similac sensitive is not suitable for babies with galactosemia.

What is Similac Soy Used for?

Similac soy is a formula with a soy base. It is mostly given to babies who are experiencing gas, and they are being fussy. It helps in soothing the baby’s tummy gently. It has been proven to help a baby who has feeding issues.

Similac soy formula is loved by most parents due to other reasons as well, like allergy prevention; it is believed to reduce colic as well. Others believe that if they give the child’s soy formula, then they will suffer from unnecessary diseases when they grow up because it fortifies their immunity.

Soy formula is also preferred due to the mild environmental effects it has. It is greatly preferred to cow milk.

Also Read: How Long Can Formula Sit at Room Temperature?

What is the Comparison Between Similac Soy and Similac Sensitive Formula?

Even though both of these formulas are made for baby’s who are fussy and have gas, they have different reasons why people choose either of the two.

The comparisons between the two formulas include:

Similac soy is a soy-based formula, while Similac sensitive is a cow milk-based formula.
Similac soy formula does not have lactose, while Similac sensitive has small traces of lactose in it.
Similac soy is made with soy protein isolate, while Similac sensitive has milk protein isolate in it.
Similac soy is recommended for infants who are suffering from galactosemia while Similac sensitive is not. This is due to the make- up ingredients in it.

Ingredients in Similac Soy Formula

Since it is a soy-based formula, it is bound to have a high soy protein isolate. The reason for a high protein isolate is to ensure that the formula replaces what it doesn’t have due to a lack of milk. There is soy, coconuts, sugar corn syrup, and vegetable oils as a substitute for fats among others

Ingredients in Similac Sensitive Formula

This formula is designed for baby’s who are sensitive to lactose. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t any lactose in it, but the amounts found in it are very minimal.

They normally interchange the milk with a milk protein isolate. It also has some corn syrup to cater to the carbohydrates and a mixture of vegetable oils, among others. It also has Opti grow, which helps in the development of your child’s brain and eye development.

Reasons for Feeding Your Baby with Formula

Low breast milk

There are women who battle with low production of milk after giving birth. Instead of getting frustrated about your health due to the limited production, get a formula to give him/her.

Please choose a suitable one that will help him /her to develop and provide for health their needs.

Health issues

In case you have some health issues like HIV, you should avoid breastfeeding so that you don’t transmit it to the child.
If you have tuberculosis and you have not treated it, or it is highly active.
In case you are undergoing radiation therapy. This also may be determined whether it is a short term restriction or not by your doctor.
If you are dependent on an illicit drug, then breastfeeding your baby is not recommended.
If you have been infected with a T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 or 11.
In case you are on cancer chemotherapy agents that interfere with cell division and DNA replication.

Also Read: Similac Advance vs Similar Sensitive

The Formulas Come in 3 Different Forms

One is ready to drink formula which only needs to be heated up and then fed to the baby. If you want to warm it, run it under warm water or let it stand in a container with warm water so that it can heat up. Remember it should be warm, not hot.

Then there’s concentrate liquid formula which only needs an addition of water, and then you can shake to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and fed to the baby after being warmed up.

The third one comes in powder forms. The preparation time and process can be long and messy, especially if the baby is really hungry. If you buy a lot of ready to drink formulas, then you can leave them out at room temperature unless you open one which will require refrigeration.

Similac sensitive comes in a 1-qt ready to drink bottle,12-oz powdered tin, and 1.41-1lb powdered container. All these come unflavored. Similac soy is sold in different quantities as well to be able to meet everyone’s budget.

It is important to note that the ready to drink formulas are quite pricier than the other ones. If you started with ready to drink or concentrated formula and you wish to change to the powdered formula, then you can do so comfortably. There are no health implications.

If you are using powdered formula, then you should observe the following steps.

Observe high standards of hygiene by thoroughly washing your hands with warm water and soap. Ensure that the baby’s bottle has been cleaned with warm water and rinsed well.

Measure the required amount of clean boiled water into the baby bottle. Boiling water is essential since the powdered formula is not sterile.

Use the scoop provided in the tin to put the desired amount of powder in the bottle. Ensure that the scoop is dry before returning it to the tin.

Close the baby bottle with its cap and shake until the mixture is uniform. Always ensure that the bottle cap is back on after feeding the baby so that the feeding tip is not contaminated by dirt and bacteria.

Once you have done that, you can either feed the baby immediately since the water is still warm or store it in the refrigerator to be used later on. In case you have made a mess, then you are supposed to clean up right away.

Please note that you should avoid leaving the formula out in the open when not using it. The opened and refrigerated ones should be consumed in a span of 24 hours.

If it is not consumed within that period, then you should pour it out and make a fresh one. You can also pre-make a formula for the baby to feed on at night.

Also Read: Similac VS Gerber: All You Need to Know!

Conclusion

If you have to give your little one formula, then it is imperative that you determine his/her condition before settling on one. If you want to raise your child on a vegetarian diet, then Similac soy formula will be the best option for you.

The best thing is that whichever one you choose, it will help your baby in case they are suffering from fussiness and gas. This will help the baby have a smooth feeding time when they are very young. It will also give the mother peace of mind when they see their child feeding well.