The information below provides categories of formulas by protein type for premature and term infants, as well as children older than 12 months of age. Formulas within each category are comparable and safe to substitute for each other, in case of shortages. Any substitution should only be done under the recommendation and supervision of a healthcare professional.
NASPGHAN and GIKids does not endorse any specific formulas, nor the general use of formula over possible use of breast milk as the optimal source of infant nutrition. NASPGHAN and GIKids would also note that toddler formula is not necessary for otherwise healthy children >12 months of life.
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Alfamino Infant (Nestlé)
Elecare Infant (Abbott)
Neocate Infant (Nutricia)
Neocate Syneo (NOT for use in infants/children with short bowel syndrome) (Nutricia)
Puramino DHA & ARA infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Alfamino Jr (Nestlé)
Elecare Jr (all flavors and unflavored) (Abbott)
Equacare Jr (all flavors and unflavored) (Cambrooke)
Essential Care Jr (all flavors and unflavored) (Cambrooke)
Neocate Jr (all flavors and unflavored) (Nutricia)
Neocate Splash (all flavors) (Nutricia)
Puramino Jr (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Comforts Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Gerber Extensive HA (Gerber)
H-E-B Baby Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Nutramigen (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Nutramigen Ready to Feed (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Pregestimil (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Similac Alimentum Powder (Abbott)
Similac Alimentum Ready To Feed (Abbott)
Up & Up Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
* Store Brand Formulas (Available at many retail outlets including, but not limited to, Aldi, Amazon, CVS, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, Topco and Walgreens, Walmart)
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Nutramigen Toddler (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Pediasure Peptide (Abbott)
Peptamen Jr Liquid (Nestlé)
Peptamen Jr Powder (Nestlé)
Similac Alimentum for Toddlers Powder (Abbott)
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Premature Infant Formula Ready To Feed (Reckitt Mead Johnson)***
Similac Neosure (Abbott)
Similac Neosure Ready To Feed (Abbott)***
Similac Special Care Ready To Feed (Abbott)***
** Formulas in this standard formula/intact and/or partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein category are safe to substitute for each other in case of national shortages. All formulas listed are FDA reviewed and meet US Government and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) nutritional standards, with variations in ingredients, including but not limited to macro (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and micro (vitamin, mineral) blends, subtypes and/or added levels.
*** Calories per ounce can vary
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Comforts Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Earth’s Best Organic Soy (Earth’s Best)
Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant Based (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Good Start Soy (Gerber)
H-E-B Baby Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Little Journey’s Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Similac Soy (Abbott)
Similac Soy Isomil Ready To Feed (Abbott)
Up & Up Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
* Store Brand Formulas (Available at many retail outlets including, but not limited to, Aldi, Amazon, CVS, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, Topco and Walgreens, Walmart)
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Babies R Us Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Babies R Us Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Babies R Us Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Babies R Us Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Babies R Us Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Babies R Us Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Burt’s Bees Baby Infant Milk Organic (Perrigo)
Burt’s Bees Baby Sensitive (Perrigo)
Burt’s Bees Baby Ultra Gentle (Perrigo)
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula (Perrigo)
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula (ByHeart)
Comforts Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Comforts Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Comforts Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Comforts Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Comforts Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula (Perrigo)
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula Ready To Feed (Perrigo)
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity (Perrigo)
Earth’s Best Organic Gentle Formula (Perrigo))
Enfamil AR (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enspire (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Gentlease Ready To Feed (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Newborn Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil NeuroPro Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil NeuroPro Ready To Feed (Reckitt Mead Johnso)
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Reguline (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Good Start Gentle (Gerber)
Good Start Gentle Pro (Gerber)
Good Start Nourish (Gerber)
Good Start Nourish Ready To Feed (Gerber)
Good Start Soothe Pro (Gerber)
H-E-B Baby Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Kirkland Signature Pro Care Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Little Journey’s Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Little Journey’s Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Little Journey’s Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Little Journey’s Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Mama Bear Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Mama Bear Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Mama Bear Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Mama Bear Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Mama Bear Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Meijer Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Meijer Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Meijer Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Meijer Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Meijer Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Meijer Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Member’s Mark Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Member’s Mark Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Member’s Mark Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Member’s Mark Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Nan Pro (Nestlé)
Nan Supreme Pro (Nestlé)
Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Parent’s Choice Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Parent’s Choice Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Parent’s Choice Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Parent’s Choice Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Rite Aid Tugaboos Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Rite Aid Tugaboos Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Rite Aid Tugaboos Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Rite Aid Tugaboos Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Rite Aid Tugaboos Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Rite Aid Tugaboos Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Similac Advance (Abbott)
Similac Advance Ready To Feed (Abbott)
Similar Pro Advance (Abbott)
Similar Pro Advance Ready To Feed (Abbott)
Similac Pro Sensitive (Abbott)
Similac Pro Sensitive Ready To Feed (Abbott)
Similac Pro Total Comfort (Abbott)
Similac Sensitive (Abbott)
Similac Total Comfort (Abbott)
Similac 360 Total Care Advance (Abbott)
Similac 360 Total Care Advance Ready to Feed (Abbott)
Similar 360 Total Care Sensitive (Abbott)
Similar 360 Total Care Sensitive Ready To Feed (Abbott)
Simply Right Baby Care Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Simply Right Baby Care Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Simply Right Baby Care Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Simply Right Baby Care Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Simply Right Baby Care Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Simply Right Baby Care Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Similac Spit Up (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Abbott)
Tippy Toes Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Tippy Toes Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Tippy Toes Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Tippy Toes Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Added Rice Infant Formula (not for use in infants with rice allergy) (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Gentle Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
Well Beginnings Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)*
* Store Brand Formulas (Available at many retail outlets including, but not limited to, Aldi, Amazon, CVS, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, Topco and Walgreens, Walmart)
** Formulas in this standard formula/intact and/or partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein category are safe to substitute for each other in case of national shortages. All formulas listed are FDA reviewed and meet US Government and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) nutritional standards, with variations in ingredients, including but not limited to macro (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and micro (vitamin, mineral) blends, subtypes and/or added levels.
COMPARABLE FORMULAS THAT ARE SAFE TO INTERCHANGE (In alphabetical order by label)
Comforts Toddler Beginnings (Perrigo)*
CVS Health Toddler Beginnings (Perrigo)*
Earth’s Best Organic Toddler (Perrigo)
Earth’s Best Organic Toddler Ready To Feed (Perrigo)
Enfamil Enfagrow Enspire Toddler (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow NeuroPro Baby and Toddler (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow NeuroPro Toddler Ready To Feed (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow Premium Toddler (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow Premium Gentlease Toddler (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow Premium Toddler Transitions (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow Premium Toddler Transitions Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow Toddler (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Enfamil Enfagrow Toddler Next Step (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro Toddler (Gerber)
Gerber Good Start Gentle Supreme Toddler (Gerber)
Gerber Good Start Grow Toddler (Gerber)
Little Journey’s Toddler Next Stage Formula (Perrigo)*
Meijer Toddler Beginnings (Perrigo)*
NIDO 1+ (Nestlé)
NIDO 1+ Lacto Ease (Nestlé)
Parent’s Choice Toddler Beginnings (Perrigo)*
Parent’s Choice Toddler Next Stage (Perrigo)*
Pediasure Grow and Go Liquid (Abbott)***
Pediasure Grow and Go Powder (Abbott)
Similac Gain Plus (Abbott)
Similac Go & Grow Toddler (Abbott)
Similac Go & Grow Sensitive Toddler (Abbott)
Tippy Toes Toddler Beginnings (Perrigo)*
Up & Up Toddler Next Stage (Perrigo)*
* Store Brand Formulas (Available at many retail outlets including, but not limited to, Aldi, Amazon, CVS, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, Topco and Walgreens, Walmart)
** Formulas in this standard formula/intact and/or partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein category are safe to substitute for each other in case of national shortages. All formulas listed are FDA reviewed and meet US Government and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) nutritional standards, with variations in ingredients, including but not limited to macro (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and micro (vitamin, mineral) blends, subtypes and/or added levels.
*** Calories per ounce can vary
The information provided is intended solely for educational purposes and not as medical advice. It is not a substitute for care by a trained medical provider. NASPGHAN does not endorse any of these products and is not responsible for any omissions . For additional information please email formula@naspghan.org.
Background: The FDA announced on February 17, 2022 (FDA advisory), that they are investigating an outbreak of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections in 4 infants across 3 states (Texas, Ohio, Minnesota) that have been linked to consumption of Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formulas produced in Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility.
Currently, the FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formula if it meets all of the following criteria:
- the first two digits of the product code (located on the bottom of the can, as shown below) are 22 through 37; and
- the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
- the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with the FDA to investigate Cronobacter sakazakii cases among infants who have consumed powdered infant formula in the 10 days before illness onset.(Onset dates are estimated to range from November 2020 to present date.) Please email cronobacter@cdc.gov if you have been involved in the care of any formula-fed infants with laboratory confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii infection between November 2020 and the present date. CDC staff will contact you to request additional information and will notify the appropriate local or state public health jurisdiction.
The table below contains possible substitutions for recalled formulas on February 17, 2022. New, updated information will be available soon.
Any substitution should only be done under the recommendation and supervision of a healthcare professional.
| RECALLED FORMULA | COMPARABLE FORMULA (in alphabetical order by formula name) |
| Elecare Infant (Abbott) | Alfamino Infant (Nestle)
Neocate Infant (Nutricia) Neocate Syneo (NOT for use in children with short bowel syndrome) (Nutricia) Puramino DHA & ARA infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson) |
| Elecare Jr (all flavors and unflavored) (Abbott) | Alfamino Jr (Nestle)
Equaquare Jr (Cambrooke) Essential Care Jr (Cambrooke) Neocate Jr (Nutricia) Neocate Splash (Nutricia) Puramino Jr (Reckitt Mead Johnson) |
| Similac Alimentum Powder (Abbott) | Gerber Extensive HA (Gerber)
Nutramigen (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Pregestimil (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Similac Alimentum Ready to Feed Liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Hypoallergenic Infant Formula (Perrigo)(Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon) |
| Similac Advance, Pro Advance and 360 Total Care
(Abbott) |
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula (ByHeart)
Enfamil Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Enfamil Neuro Pro Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start Gentle (Gerber) Good Start Gentle Pro (Gerber) Store Brand Advantage Infant Formula (Perrigo) (Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon) |
| Similac Soy (Abbott) | Earth’s Best Organic Soy (Earth’s Best)
Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant Based (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start Soy (Gerber) Store Brand Soy Infant Formula (Perrigo)(Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon) |
| Similac Sensitive, Pro Sensitive and 360 Total Care Sensitive (Abbott) | ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula (ByHeart)
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity (Earth’s Best) Earth’s Best Gentle Formula (Earth’s Best) Enfamil Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Enfamil Newborn Infant (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Enfamil Neuro Pro Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Enfamil Reguline (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start Gentle (Gerber) Good Start Soothe Pro (Gerber) Similac Sensitive Ready to Feed Liquid or Concentrate Liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Sensitivity Infant Formula (Perrigo)(Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon) |
| Similac Spit Up (Abbott) | Enfamil AR (Reckitt Mead Johnson)
Similac for Spit Up Ready to Feed Liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Added Rice Infant Formula (Perrigo)(Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon) |
| Similac Total Comfort and Pro Total Comfort (Abbott) | ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula (ByHeart)
Enfamil Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Enfamil Neuro Pro Gentlease (Reckitt Mead Johnson) Good Start Gentle (Gerber) Good Start GentlePro (Gerber) Similac Total Comfort Ready to Feed Liquid (Abbott) Store Brand Complete Comfort Infant Formula (Perrigo)(Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, HEB, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Topco and Amazon) |
These formulas are for term infants and older. The information provided is intended solely for educational purposes and not as medical advice. It is not a substitute for care by a trained medical provider. NASPGHAN does not endorse any of these products and is not responsible for any omissions .
Background: The FDA announced on February 17, 2022 (FDA advisory), that they are investigating an outbreak of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections in 4 infants across 3 states (Texas, Ohio, Minnesota) that have been linked to consumption of Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formulas produced in Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan facility.
Currently, the FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered formula if it meets all of the following criteria:
- the first two digits of the product code (located on the bottom of the can, as shown below) are 22 through 37; and
- the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
- the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with the FDA to investigate Cronobacter sakazakii cases among infants who have consumed powdered infant formula in the 10 days before illness onset.(Onset dates are estimated to range from November 2020 to present date.) Please email cronobacter@cdc.gov if you have been involved in the care of any formula-fed infants with laboratory confirmed Cronobacter sakazakii infection between November 2020 and the present date. CDC staff will contact you to request additional information and will notify the appropriate local or state public health jurisdiction.
