GUIDE
Similac Sensitive vs. Enfamil Gentlease
Published on ·Updated on
Similac Sensitive (now sold as Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive) reduces lactose and replaces it with corn maltodextrin — targeting lactose sensitivity. Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed milk and whey proteins and is clinically shown to reduce fussiness within 24 hours — targeting protein digestion. Neither is hypoallergenic, and neither is suitable for confirmed cow's milk protein allergy.
Similac Sensitive and Enfamil Gentlease are two of the most commonly recommended formulas for gassy, fussy babies. They take different approaches to the same problem, and understanding the difference can help you choose the right one — or know when to look beyond both.
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“Partially hydrolyzed formulas can be helpful if your baby is very fussy, gassy or colicky.”
Dr. Matthew Badgett, MD, Pediatrician, Cleveland ClinicIs Similac Sensitive the Same as Enfamil Gentlease?
No. Both are "gentle" formulas for fussy, gassy babies, but they solve the problem in different ways. Similac Sensitive (now sold as Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive) reduces lactose and replaces it with corn maltodextrin, targeting lactose sensitivity. Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed milk and whey proteins, targeting protein digestion. Neither is hypoallergenic.
They're not interchangeable. If your baby's issue is lactose sensitivity, Gentlease's partially hydrolyzed protein won't address it. If the issue is protein digestion, Similac Sensitive's reduced lactose won't either. Picking the right one depends on which mechanism matches your baby's actual trigger — and often, neither is needed because most newborn fussiness resolves on its own between 6 and 12 weeks regardless of formula changes.
What Is the Similac Equivalent of Enfamil Gentlease?
Similac Pro-Total Comfort is the closest Similac equivalent to Enfamil Gentlease. Both use partially hydrolyzed whey protein — the same "easier to digest" mechanism. If your baby is on Enfamil Gentlease and you want a Similac alternative that works the same way, Similac Pro-Total Comfort is the match, not Similac Sensitive.
Similac Sensitive (now Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive) is actually closer to Enfamil Sensitive — both reduce lactose. So the product-to-product mapping looks like this: Enfamil Gentlease ↔ Similac Pro-Total Comfort (partially hydrolyzed protein), and Enfamil Sensitive ↔ Similac Sensitive (reduced lactose). Picking the wrong pair is one of the most common mistakes parents make when switching brands.
For more on feeding basics, see our baby feeding chart.
Wait — Did You Mean Enfamil Sensitive vs. Enfamil Gentlease?
A lot of parents searching for "Enfamil Sensitive vs. Gentlease" are actually comparing two formulas within the Enfamil line, not Similac vs. Enfamil. Here's the quick clarification:
Enfamil Sensitive is Enfamil's reduced-lactose formula. It's designed for babies with lactose sensitivity — similar in approach to Similac Sensitive.
Enfamil Gentlease is Enfamil's partially hydrolyzed protein formula. It's designed for babies with protein digestion issues — a different mechanism.
So within Enfamil: Sensitive = less lactose, Gentlease = easier-to-digest proteins. They're not the same product, and they target different causes of fussiness. If you were comparing Enfamil Sensitive vs. Enfamil Gentlease specifically, the choice depends on whether your baby's issue is lactose-related or protein-related — same framework as the Similac comparison below.
The Honest Starting Point
Here is the critical context worth knowing before any formula switch: true lactose intolerance in infants is extremely rare. Most newborn fussiness and gas is normal — immature digestive systems producing gas as they learn to process any food. Switching formulas may or may not help, and the improvement often coincides with natural digestive maturation rather than the formula change itself.
Give any formula switch at least 1–2 weeks before evaluating.
| Feature | Similac Sensitive | Enfamil Gentlease | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach to gentleness | Reduced lactose (milk sugar) | Partially hydrolyzed proteins (broken-down milk protein) | Different strategies. Similac targets lactose sensitivity. Gentlease targets protein digestion. |
| Protein source | Intact milk protein isolate | Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein | Gentlease proteins are partially broken down for easier digestion. Similac's are intact. |
| Carbohydrate source | Corn maltodextrin (primary), some lactose | Corn syrup solids (primary), some lactose | Both replace most lactose with corn-derived carbs. Different corn sugars, same purpose. |
| Fat source | High oleic safflower, soy, coconut oils (no palm olein) | Palm olein, soy, coconut, high oleic sunflower oils | Similac is palm-free. Gentlease uses palm olein (may affect stool firmness). |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No | Neither is suitable for confirmed cow's milk protein allergy. Both are for mild sensitivity. |
| DHA/ARA | Yes | Yes | Both include DHA and ARA. |
| FDA approved | Yes | Yes | Both meet all FDA requirements under 21 CFR 107 |
| Price per oz (powder) | ~$1.20–$1.40/oz prepared | ~$1.20–$1.40/oz prepared | Very similar pricing. Both are slightly more expensive than standard formulas. |
The Ingredient Differences That Actually Matter
The core difference is what each formula changes from the standard version.
Protein: intact vs. partially hydrolyzed
Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein. "Partially hydrolyzed" means the proteins are broken into smaller fragments, which may be easier for some babies to digest. This is different from extensively hydrolyzed protein (used in hypoallergenic formulas like Nutramigen or Alimentum) — partially hydrolyzed proteins still contain larger protein fragments and are NOT suitable for confirmed cow's milk protein allergy.
Similac Sensitive uses intact milk protein isolate — the protein is not broken down. If protein digestion is your baby's issue, Gentlease's approach addresses it more directly.
Carbohydrates: corn maltodextrin vs. corn syrup solids
Both formulas replace most lactose with corn-derived carbohydrates. Similac Sensitive uses corn maltodextrin. Enfamil Gentlease uses corn syrup solids. Despite the alarming name, corn syrup solids in formula are not the same as high-fructose corn syrup — they are a glucose polymer used as a carbohydrate source. Both serve the same function: providing calories without lactose.
The EU does not permit corn syrup solids as the primary carbohydrate in infant formula. If this matters to you, neither of these formulas meets that preference — you would need to look at European formulas or standard lactose-based formulas instead.
Fat source: palm olein again
Similac Sensitive does not use palm olein. Enfamil Gentlease does. If your baby is already constipated and fussy, the palm olein difference may compound the issue. Switching to Similac Sensitive addresses both lactose sensitivity and palm olein exposure.
What the Marketing Doesn't Tell You
Neither brand will tell you the most important thing: most newborn fussiness resolves on its own between 6 and 12 weeks, regardless of formula changes. The "improvement" many parents see after switching to a gentle formula often coincides with natural digestive maturation.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that formula switching did not improve outcomes for most fussy babies. The AAP recommends giving any formula at least 2 weeks before switching, and consulting a pediatrician if symptoms persist.
Both Similac Sensitive and Enfamil Gentlease use corn-derived carbohydrates as their primary sugar source. If you switched to a gentle formula specifically to avoid "bad ingredients," you may be surprised to find corn syrup solids or maltodextrin on the label. These are safe and well-studied, but they are worth knowing about.
Store-brand gentle formulas exist and meet the same FDA requirements. Parent's Choice Sensitivity and Up & Up Sensitivity are available at Walmart and Target respectively, at 30–40% less per ounce.
| Product | Typical Price | Cost Per Oz (Prepared) | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive (powder, 20.1 oz) | $30–$36 | ~$1.30/oz prepared | ~$155–$180/month |
| Enfamil Gentlease (powder, 19.9 oz) | $30–$36 | ~$1.30/oz prepared | ~$155–$180/month |
| Store-brand gentle formula (for reference) | $18–$25 | ~$0.80–$0.95/oz prepared | ~$100–$130/month |
Tinylog tracks formula intake so you can spot what's working.
Log each bottle in seconds — see daily totals, track which formula your baby is on, and have real data ready for your pediatrician. Especially useful when trying gentle formulas.
Taste, Mixing, and Practical Differences
Taste: Both taste different from standard formula. Gentlease has a slightly bitter taste due to the hydrolyzed protein. Similac Sensitive is slightly sweeter. Some babies accept one more readily than the other.
Mixing: Both dissolve reasonably well. Gentlease can be slightly foamier due to the hydrolyzed protein. Let the bottle settle or use a formula pitcher.
Stool changes: Expect stool changes with either formula. Reduced lactose formulas may produce looser stools. Partially hydrolyzed formulas may produce greenish stools. Both are normal and not cause for concern.
Availability: Both are widely available at every major retailer. Neither requires specialty ordering.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Gentle formulas are for mild fussiness and gas — not for true allergy or intolerance. If your baby's symptoms are severe or do not improve after 2 weeks on a gentle formula, talk to your pediatrician about hypoallergenic options.
Signs That Need Medical Evaluation
- Blood or mucus in stools (possible CMPA — needs hypoallergenic formula, not gentle)
- Persistent vomiting (not just spit-up) after most feedings
- Failure to gain weight or weight loss
- Severe eczema flares that worsen with formula changes
- Wheezing, hives, or facial swelling after feeds (seek immediate care)
- Fussiness that does not improve after 2 weeks on gentle formula
Blood in stool, persistent vomiting, or failure to gain weight are NOT mild sensitivity symptoms. These require pediatric evaluation and potentially a hypoallergenic formula (Alimentum, Nutramigen, or PurAmino).
The Bottom Line
Similac Sensitive and Enfamil Gentlease address fussiness through different mechanisms. Similac Sensitive targets lactose sensitivity. Enfamil Gentlease targets protein digestion. Neither is hypoallergenic.
Choose Similac Sensitive if: you suspect lactose is the issue, you prefer a palm-olein-free formula, or your baby tends toward constipation.
Choose Enfamil Gentlease if: you suspect protein digestion is the issue, your baby does well with the standard Enfamil line, or your pediatrician specifically recommended it.
Important context: most newborn fussiness resolves on its own by 3 months. If a gentle formula does not help after 2 weeks, do not keep switching — talk to your pediatrician about next steps, which may include a hypoallergenic formula.
If you are switching formulas, tracking feeds and symptoms (gas, spit-up, fussiness, stool changes) for 1–2 weeks gives you and your pediatrician a clear picture. Tinylog makes this easy — a few taps per feed. Whichever formula you go with, sign up for free recall alerts to get notified if your formula is ever recalled.
For hypoallergenic options, see Alimentum vs. Nutramigen vs. PurAmino. For the standard formula comparison, see Enfamil vs. Similac. For constipation-specific guidance, see best formula for constipation.
Related Guides
-
Enfamil Sensitive vs. Enfamil Gentlease — The intra-Enfamil comparison
-
Best Formula for Gassy Babies — What actually helps
-
Enfamil vs. Similac — A complete comparison
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "21 CFR Part 107 — Infant Formula." Code of Federal Regulations.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Choosing an Infant Formula." HealthyChildren.org, 2024.
- Iacovou M, et al. "Randomised clinical trial: reducing the intake of cow's milk protein in infants." Journal of Pediatrics, 2018.
- Koo WW, et al. "Palm olein in infant formula affects bone mineralization and calcium absorption." Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2006.
- Vandenplas Y, et al. "Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cow's milk protein allergy in infants." Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2007.
- U.S. FDA. "Infant Formula Guidance Documents and Regulatory Information." fda.gov, 2023.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Formula recommendations should be discussed with your pediatrician, especially for babies with allergies, reflux, or other medical conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Similac Sensitive the same as Enfamil Gentlease?
- No. Both are 'gentle' formulas for fussy, gassy babies, but they solve the problem in different ways. Similac Sensitive (now sold as Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive) reduces lactose and replaces it with corn maltodextrin, targeting lactose sensitivity. Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed milk and whey proteins, targeting protein digestion. Neither is hypoallergenic. They're not interchangeable — but both aim at mild sensitivity, not true allergy.
- What's the difference between Enfamil Sensitive and Enfamil Gentlease?
- Enfamil Sensitive is Enfamil's reduced-lactose formula — similar in approach to Similac Sensitive. Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed proteins instead of reducing lactose. So within the Enfamil line: Sensitive = less lactose, Gentlease = easier-to-digest proteins. If you're specifically comparing Enfamil Sensitive to Enfamil Gentlease, Enfamil Sensitive is Enfamil's closer equivalent to Similac Sensitive, while Gentlease is Enfamil's partially hydrolyzed offering.
- What's the Similac equivalent of Enfamil Gentlease?
- There isn't a perfect one-to-one match, because Similac Sensitive and Gentlease use different approaches. The closest Similac equivalent is Similac Pro-Total Comfort, which also uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein — the same approach as Gentlease. Similac Sensitive is closer to Enfamil Sensitive (both reduce lactose), not to Gentlease.
- Is Similac Total Comfort the same as Enfamil Gentlease?
- Very close in approach, not identical in ingredients. Similac Pro-Total Comfort uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein — the same gentleness strategy as Enfamil Gentlease. Both aim at easier protein digestion for fussy babies. The carbohydrates and fat blends differ, but mechanistically they're the most direct Similac-vs-Enfamil match for partially hydrolyzed protein.
- Is Similac Sensitive or Enfamil Gentlease better for gas?
- It depends on the cause. If lactose sensitivity is the issue, Similac Sensitive (reduced lactose) may help. If protein digestion is the issue, Enfamil Gentlease (partially hydrolyzed protein) may be more effective. Most newborn gassiness is normal and resolves on its own regardless of formula.
- Is Enfamil Gentlease partially hydrolyzed?
- Yes. Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein. 'Partially hydrolyzed' means the proteins are broken into smaller fragments that may be easier to digest, but it is NOT the same as 'extensively hydrolyzed' or hypoallergenic formulas. Gentlease is not suitable for babies with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy.
- Is Enfamil Gentlease the same as hypoallergenic?
- No. Enfamil Gentlease uses partially hydrolyzed proteins, which are easier to digest but still contain intact cow's milk protein fragments. It is NOT suitable for babies with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Hypoallergenic formulas like Nutramigen or Alimentum use extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based proteins.
- Can I switch between Similac Sensitive and Enfamil Gentlease?
- Yes. You can switch between gentle formulas. Give each formula 1–2 weeks before evaluating. Switching too frequently makes it hard to determine what is actually helping.
- When should I use a gentle formula instead of a standard formula?
- Try a gentle formula if your baby has persistent fussiness, excessive gas, or frequent spit-up that does not improve after 2–3 weeks on standard formula. Most fussiness in the first 6–8 weeks is normal newborn adjustment, not formula intolerance.
- Does Similac Sensitive have corn syrup?
- Yes. Similac Sensitive uses corn maltodextrin as its primary carbohydrate to replace most of the lactose. Enfamil Gentlease uses corn syrup solids for the same purpose. Both replace lactose with a corn-derived sugar to reduce lactose content.