Elecare Vs Alimentum: Which Is Better For A Baby With Allergies?
Alimentum and Elecare are both popular types of baby formula, but they each have their own unique benefits.
Alimentum is often prescribed for babies with food allergies or intolerances, while Elecare is known for being gentle on the stomach.
Elecare and Alimentum are both designed for babies with lactose intolerance, but Elecare is completely free from milk products, while Alimentum contains a milk protein that has been broken down.
Alimentum has a stronger and harsher taste, but it is more affordable. It’s suitable for intolerances, rather than allergies.
Assessing these two formulas side by side will help you to choose which one is right for your child, so let’s explore the benefits of each, and weigh up what they have to offer.
Note: Make sure to also read my recent article where we compare Alfamino vs Puramino. These are two other hypoallergenic formula options.
Elecare Vs Alimentum – How We’ll Compare Them
These two products do share a few properties, but they have quite a few differences too, and this should help you choose between them. We are going to look at:
- Lactose-free claims
- Price
- Range of flavors
Lactose-Free Claim
Elecare’s Lactose-Free Claim
Elecare is a formula based on amino acids designed for babies that are having difficulties with ordinary formula options.
It can help babies that are struggling with lactose in particular, and it doesn’t contain any lactose-based ingredients.
This means that even if your baby has a severe milk allergy and cannot consume a lot of the alternative formulas out there, Elecare should be suitable.
It still offers lots of the same benefits as breast milk, and although it contains a small amount of soy, this rarely causes issues.
It’s an ideal option for parents who have tried lots of other formulas and are still encountering problems with their baby’s feeding and digestion.
Score: 10 out of 10
Alimentum’s Lactose Free Claim
Although Alimentum is a formula intended for children with an allergy or negative response to lactose, it does contain a small amount of dairy.
Because this has been heavily processed, it is acceptable for most allergic children, but if your child has a serious allergy, this formula may not be suitable and you might see digestive issues continuing.
Alimentum contains lots of other beneficial ingredients and has no palm olein in it, which appeals to many parents. It includes DHA, which is a fatty acid that has been linked with brain development and is usually found in breast milk.
Score: 8 out of 10
How They Compare
Overall, Elecare is a better option if your baby has a severe allergy. Even a small amount of milk might irritate your baby’s digestive system, so unless you know it can tolerate some milk, opt for Elecare.
However, if your baby’s allergy is not severe, you may prefer Alimentum.
Price
Elecare’s Cost
Elecare is not the cheapest formula on the market by a long way, and many parents find that this formula is very difficult to afford if it is not covered by insurance.
The price of Elecare will depend on where you buy it from, but it costs around $45 from Walmart, and $31 from Amazon.
Score: 6 out of 10
Alimentum’s Cost
Alimentum is a much more affordable option, costing around $190.16 for 6 cans at Walmart (which works out at around $31 per can.
Amazon sells a pack of 6 32 fl oz bottles for $70.48, costing just over $11 per bottle (although Amazon does not stock cans, which is frustrating).
Score: 8 out of 10
How They Compare
If you are operating on a budget, Alimentum is vastly preferable. It may not be an option if your baby’s allergy is severe, but many parents can safely use Alimentum and get great results, which makes it easier to adhere to a budget.
Range Of Flavors
Elecare’s Flavors
The Infant flavors are only neutral and there are no options, but if you are buying the Junior Elecare, you will find that there are several options. You can choose from banana, vanilla, and chocolate flavor.
This is ideal if your baby is becoming pickier with age, or if you find the smell of formula difficult to handle. It is also nice to be able to provide your child with some variety so that they don’t get bored.
Score: 8 out of 10
Alimentum’s Flavors
Alimentum sadly only comes in Infant formula, with no Junior version available (although you can buy the Infant version in several different forms, including as a powder and a ready-to-feed mixture).
This means that there are no other versions and no flavors because Infant formula is always plain.
This can be frustrating, especially as your child ages and wants to try new flavors. You may have to swap to another brand. It is nice to have multiple different forms available, but this won’t help if your baby has become fussy.
Score: 4 out of 10
How They Compare
Both Elecare and Alimentum should be fine for babies, but as soon as your child gets a bit older, you may find that they struggle with Alimentum’s plain flavor.
You should try to offer other options if possible to minimize the boredom, even if this means switching to alternative brands (provided these don’t cause stomach upsets).
The Breakdown
There are some significant differences between Alimentum and Elecare, and you might find that the below table helps you to assess the pros and cons of these brands accurately.
Elecare | Alimentum | |
---|---|---|
Lactose Free Claim | 10 | 8 |
Price | 6 | 8 |
Range of Flavors | 8 | 4 |
Total Score | 24 | 20 |
Check Price | Check Price |
The Winner
Elecare is the winning option, especially if you are looking for flavor variety and a formula that is truly free from lactose and lactose products. It is ideal for babies and infants that have serious issues with digesting their food.
However, it is more expensive than Alimentum, which you should bear in mind if your baby only has a mild allergy to lactose.
If you are on a budget and your formula costs are not covered by your insurance company, you might want to consider trying Alimentum, especially to begin with.
Other Questions Regarding Elecare and Alimentum
What Is The Closest Comparable Product To Elecare?
If you are looking for an alternative to EleCare, the best option is probably Similac Alimentum. This is a hypoallergenic formula that is also lactose-free, and it comes in a very similar range of flavors.
Is Elecare The Same As Alimentum?
No, they are not the same. Elecare is a hypoallergenic formula that is free from lactose, while Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula that contains lactose.
What Is the Best Hypoallergenic Formula?
There is no single “best” hypoallergenic formula, as each child will react differently to different formulas. You may need to experiment to find the one that works best for your child.
Some parents find that Elecare works well for their lactose intolerant child, while others find that Alimentum is a better option.
There are also other hypoallergenic formulas available on the market, so it is worth doing some research to find the one that will work best for your child.
What Is the Best Hypoallergenic Formula for a Baby With Severe Allergies?
If your child has severe allergies, you should speak to your doctor or allergist before trying any new formula. They will be able to advise you on the best formula for your child, based on their specific allergies.
Can I Use Elecare if My Baby Is Not Lactose Intolerant?
Yes, you can. Elecare is a hypoallergenic formula, so it is suitable for babies with any kind of allergy or sensitivity.
However, if your baby does not have any allergies, you may want to try a different formula, as Elecare is more expensive than some other options.
Can I Use Alimentum if My Baby Is Not Lactose Intolerant?
Yes, you can. Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula, so it is suitable for babies with any kind of allergy or sensitivity.
However, if your baby does not have any allergies, you may want to try a different formula, as Alimentum is more expensive than some other options.