by J. Van

Created on: March 03, 2009

As many babies (including my little one) have difficulty digesting cow's milk, many parents are turning to formulas with alternative protein ingredients, such as soy. Similac Isomil Advance soy formula is easy to find in supermarkets, drug stores, and baby supply stores, and comes in the same formats as the regular (cow's milk) Similac Advance: in a powder, or in a variety of pre-mixed and concentrate sizes.

The powdered version of Similac Isomil Advance is easy to mix, and (in the 23.2 oz size) comes in the new Simplepac, a plastic container with a flip-top lid and built-in scoop that is easier to use than the tins. You can also buy the tins in 12.9 oz, 25.7, and 36 oz sizes. For the diaper bag, try the handy 0.6 oz singles, individual packages suitable for mixing up a single feeding while on the go.

The ready-to-serve liquid formula is available in 2 and 8 fluid oz bottle sizes, both of which can be fitted with a nipple for easy, quick feeding. You can also buy a 32 fluid oz bottle. All three require refrigeration only after they have been opened, and so are great to keep in the nursery for that 2 AM feeding. We found the 2 oz size very useful in early weeks, but as our baby's appetite grew, began wishing Similac also sold a 6 oz size in this format.

The price of Similac Isomil Advance is usually a few dollars more than Similac Advance. For example, at diapers.com, the 23.2 oz powder size for the soy milk formula is $25.99, as opposed to $23.99 for its cow's milk counterpart.

When prepared, the color of Similac Isomil Advance soy is a noticeably darker shade than its milk-based cousin. If you venture to taste it, you will find the flavor is also a little different, though not unpleasant. The sweet, nutty taste of the soy is definitely present, and may be a surprise to babies who have been drinking cow's milk formulas. My daughter made faces as she drank the first two ounces, and then seemed to get used to the new flavor.

Similac suggests that parents consider switching their babies to Isomil Advance to help reduce issues with fussiness, gas, and spitting up. This will definitely help infants whose only problem is with cow's milk; however, many babies who are intolerant to cow's milk protein also have problems digesting soy protein. Our little girl fell into this category, and Similac Isomil Advance seemed to upset her tummy, although perhaps not as much as the regular Similac Advance.

If you register at Similac's website, they will send you a free sample tin of Similac Isomil advance, as well as regular $5 formula coupons.

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