Choosing a formula for your baby is just a minefield of questions, doubts, and budgeting. The cost of formula very quickly adds up and is one of the greatest expenses in the first year of your baby’s life.
The average family spends between $1200 and $2000 on the baby formula in the first year. This is a staggering figure and so it is very important to decide from the beginning what your budget is and stick to it.
There are plenty of choices of baby formula from generic brands to store brands to the high-end brands that come with a fantastic reputation built over many many years.
We have compared two brands Parent’s Choice vs Enfamil.
Parent’s Choice is a brand made and produced by Walmart while Enfamil is one of the biggest brands in the baby formula market and has a fantastic reputation that they have been building for over 60 years.
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For Those Who Don’t Want To Read To The Bottom
The winner for us is going to be Enfamil as they offer a wider variety of formulas but that said there is absolutely nothing wrong with Parent’s Choice and if it works better for you and your family then go for it.
But if you have a baby that has any signs of sensitivity you may want to try out Enfamil first.
Main Differences Between Parent’s Choice vs Enfamil
Although all baby formulas have minimum standards to reach with regard to the ingredients and nutrients contained in their product this does not mean that there are no differences between them.
Here are the main differences between Parent’s Choice vs Enfamil.
Availability
Parent’s Choice is a baby formula manufactured and sold by Walmart Stores.
So even though this is a store brand it is still a recognizable store with a good reputation and you can be sure that it offers your baby all the essentials that they need to thrive. All their products are easily available in their stores.
While Enfamil has built its reputation as one of the leading baby formula brands, its formula is still not always readily available in all stores and it can be more difficult to obtain the more specialized versions of their formulas.
Price
If you are on a budget then Parent’s Choice offers you a great product at a really affordable price. The cost of formula very quickly adds up.
Enfamil is one of the most expensive formula brands on the market and although they do offer the added benefits of containing MFGM that makes it the most nutritionally close to breastmilk as possible.
But there are ways to lower the cost of purchasing Enfamil such as buying in bulk, joining their parenting group, and using coupons.
Nutritional Content
Both brands reach or exceed all the requirements set by the FDA for baby formula but Enfamil does go far above and beyond these basic requirements with the adding of nutrients such as MFGM and DHA support.
Specialty formulas
Enfamil offers a wider variety of options for specialty formulas while Parent’s Choice only provides a few options. Enfamil offers non-GMO options while Parent’s Choice does not.
Parent’s Choice Formula
Parent’s Choice is produced and sold only at Walmart and is available in several varieties. One of the biggest pros for Parent’s Choice has to be that it is easily and widely available as you no doubt have a Walmart in driving distance.
That means no worries if you run out, your little one suddenly has a growth spurt and you find yourself caught short as you will be able to pick it up easily at the store.
It is an extremely affordable baby formula that will provide all the nutrients needed for your baby to grow and develop in their first year.
Parent’s Choice formula contains several key ingredients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E. But this does not mean that it is necessarily the highest quality option available.
Features of Parent’s Choice
- A range of varieties available such as standard infant formula, Advantage, Soy-Based, Toddler, and next stage to name a few.
- Key Ingredients – Parent’s Choice formula contains several key ingredients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E.
- Available Sizes – All of their formulas are available in 12, 22.5, and 34oz.
- Price – A very affordable baby formula that you can also purchase in bulk at Walmart, saving you even more money.
Different Varieties of Formula Available
Parent’s Choice is a brand that is produced and manufactured by Walmart stores.
Although they are not a very well-known name in the baby formula market, they do produce a range of different formulas designed to help ease some of the most common problems that parents face when feeding their little ones.
Here are the varieties available from Parent’s Choice.
- Infant Formula with Iron
- Advantage
- Gentle Formula
- Sensitivity Formula
- Organic Formula
- Soy-Based Infant Formula
- Formula with Added-Rice
- Infant Formula for Supplementation when Breastfeeding
- Toddler Formula
- Next Stage Formula
Pros of Parent’s Choice
- Offers great value for money due to its budget-friendly price.
- Convenient in-store availability
- The main ingredients and nutritional benefits are similar to those of other brands.
- Contains all the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development in the first year.
- Smaller proteins allow babies to digest formula easier.
Cons of Parent’s Choice
- The taste is not the best and some babies dislike it.
- Can cause constipation and diarrhea
Enfamil Formula
Enfamil is one of the leading baby formula brands on the market today. They offer a huge variety of different formulas designed to assist with a wide array of issues and special dietary requirements that your baby may have or develop.
It even offers a range of pre-mixed formulas all the way from birth to toddler. Enfamil can be a little more difficult to get hold of especially if you are using one of the more specialty varieties.
It is stocked by Amazon and local stores but there is no guarantee that you would be able to get it if you were caught short and needed it in a hurry.
Enfamil is a less budget-friendly baby formula and you will pay more for it than the generic store brand but you get what you pay for.
This cost can be brought down by buying in bulk or by joining the Enfamil family and using vouchers that they provide.
It includes high-quality ingredients and nutrition such as MFGM and DHA support which offers to further support your little one’s nutritional needs and development.
Features of Enfamil
- A range of varieties available – such as NeuroPro, NeuroPro Gentlease, Premium Newborn, Enspire, ProSoBee, and Toddler Transitions
- Key Ingredients – Enfamil formula’s most noticeable ingredient difference is the adding of MFGM, which was previously only found in breastmilk and helps to support brain development.
- Available Sizes – Their formulas are available in a variety of sizes such as 20oz or single servings.
- Price – This formula brand does fall into the higher price bracket but contains high-quality ingredients and has a good reputation. It is available in most stores and also on Amazon.
Different Varieties of Formula Available
Enfamil is one of the leading brands for infant formula. They offer a variety of different formula options that are suitable for most special dietary needs.
Whether you are after their standard baby formula or your little one has a sensitive tummy Enfamil has an option for you. Here are some of the varieties available
- NeuroPro
- NeuroPro Gentlease
- Premium Newborn Enspire
- Reguline
- ProSoBee
- Toddler Transitions
Pros of Enfamil
- Comes in a range of different varieties
- Smaller proteins for easier digestion
- Nutritional values are very close to that of breastmilk
- The smell isn’t overpowering
Cons of Enfamil
- More expensive than Parent’s Choice
- May cause constipation or Diarrhea
- Contains corn syrup solids
Parent’s Choice vs Enfamil – The Winner Is…
It is difficult to choose one of these formulas over the other as they are very similar in many ways. But to be honest, Enfamil does just hit the spot here, and although it may be a little more expensive you certainly get what you pay for.
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By spending a little extra you get a formula that not only reaches the requirements but exceeds them for nutrition.
With the added MFGM and DHA support to its formulas, it ensures that your little one’s nutritional needs are met and they have the best possible start for healthy development in their first year.
But that does not mean that Parent’s Choice formula is not a healthy choice for your little one. It still provides all the nutritional needs that your baby will need in their first year of life for healthy growth and development.
If you are on a budget, it is a great choice and with the added convenience of being able to pick it up at any Walmart store. So if you can afford to stretch your budget a little we would opt for the Enfamil brand.
FAQs
Is Parent’s Choice formula the same as Enfamil?
Parent’s Choice is not exactly the same as Enfamil. They are similar in that they both contain the nutrients in order for them both to be an effective and healthy formula for your baby.
However, they differ in the ingredients that they select, nutritional value, availability, and of course pricing. Parent’s Choice is a Walmart brand that offers parents an affordable formula that still meets all the nutritional needs of your baby.
While Enfamil is one of the most well-known brands in the baby formula market, it has a solid reputation and this also means that many parents will choose them as they are synonymous with quality and expertise.
Is Parent’s Choice gentle the same as Enfamil Gentlease?
The Parent’s Choice gentle is similar to Enfamil Gentlease in that they are both designed to reduce fussiness, gas, and crying in babies.
There are differences in ingredients, pricing, and availability. Do note that even though both formulas are designed to help with the same issue doesn’t necessarily mean that they will both work with your particular baby. It varies depending on the baby and issues.
Where is Parent’s Choice formula made?
Parent’s Choice is produced in factories located in Ohio and Vermont. Most of the ingredients are sourced from the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Who makes the Enfamil formula?
Enfamil is a brand that was founded in the late 1950s and is manufactured by Mead Johnson.
The Final Thought
Choosing a baby formula is stressful and can be made even more stressful if your little one is suffering from a sensitivity or feeding issue.
Either of the brands that we have looked at will provide your little one with all the nutritional needs that they require in their first year and just because everyone says that they prefer Enfamil does not necessarily mean that your baby will!
