Infant Formula Comparison: Liptomil, Aptamil, Similac, France Lait, Isomil, Neocate, and More

by Maroa Noa · 13 Jun 2026

Choosing the right infant formula is one of the most important — and most overwhelming — decisions a new parent can face. With so many brands, stages, and "special" formulations on the market, it's easy to feel lost.

This guide is designed to help you understand what's actually inside each formula, who it's generally intended for, and what alternatives exist—so you can have a more informed conversation with your baby's healthcare provider.

Breast milk remains the recommended source of nutrition for infants, where possible. 

When formula is needed, standard first infant formulas are suitable for the vast majority of healthy babies, and the choice between most mainstream brands often comes down to availability, budget, and your baby's individual tolerance – not dramatic nutritional differences.

Specialised formulas — including soy-based formulas (like Isomil), amino-acid formulas (like Neocate), and preterm formulas (like NAN Pre) — are intended for specific medical conditions and should only be used under the guidance of a paediatrician or healthcare provider. Please do not switch to or introduce these formulas based on this article alone.

 

Understanding Formula Categories

Before comparing individual brands, it helps to understand the broad categories these formulas fall into:

• Standard (first) infant formulas — cow's milk-based formulas suitable for most healthy, full-term babies from birth
• Soy-based formulas — for specific situations where cow's milk protein is to be avoided
• Extensively hydrolysed and amino-acid-based formulas – for diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy and similar conditions, used under medical supervision
• Preterm/specialised medical formulas — for premature or low-birth-weight infants, used in hospital settings or under close medical supervision

 

Standard (First) Infant Formulas

These formulas are cow's milk-based and designed for healthy, full-term infants from birth. 

Most differences between brands in this category come down to specific added ingredients (such as HMOs, prebiotic blends, or whole milk vs skimmed milk bases) rather than fundamental nutritional adequacy — all must meet strict regulatory standards for infant nutrition.

1. Aptamil

Aptamil is one of the most recognised formula brands globally, with a strong focus on replicating breast milk's composition as closely as possible.

Key ingredients:

• Whey-dominant protein (60:40 whey-to-casein ratio in Stage 1)
• GOS/FOS prebiotic blend (in a 9:1 ratio)
• Some ranges include Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as 2'-FL
• DHA and ARA (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) for brain and eye development
• Nucleotides, taurine, and L-carnitine
• Iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and D

Who should use it: Aptamil is generally suitable for healthy, full-term infants from birth as a standard first formula. Its emphasis on prebiotics and HMOs may appeal to parents looking for formulas with ingredients closer to those naturally found in breast milk.

Alternative recommendation: Cow & Gate offers a similar nutritional profile at a typically lower price point, making it a sensible alternative if Aptamil is unavailable or budget is a consideration.

 

2. Cow & Gate

Cow & Gate is part of the same parent company as Aptamil and shares many core nutritional principles, often positioned as a more accessible, value-oriented option.

Key ingredients:

• Whey-based protein for easier digestion
• GOS prebiotics to support gut health
• DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
• Iron, vitamin D, and a standard range of vitamins and minerals required for infant nutrition

Who should use it: Cow & Gate is suitable for healthy, full-term babies from birth and is often chosen by parents who want a trusted, well-established brand without the premium pricing of some other ranges.

Alternative recommendation: Aptamil, if you're specifically looking for additional ingredients such as HMOs, or Kendamil, if you prefer a whole-milk-based formula with a "cleaner" ingredient list (no palm oil, for example).

 

3. Kendamil

Kendamil has gained popularity for its distinctive approach: using whole milk as a base (rather than skimmed milk plus added vegetable oils) and its commitment to avoiding certain ingredients common in other formulas.

Key ingredients:

• Whole cow's milk base (providing naturally occurring milk fats)
• Vegetable oils — rapeseed, sunflower, and coconut oil (no palm oil)
• Plant-based DHA (typically from algae/Schizochytrium oil) rather than fish oil
• GOS prebiotics
• No soy, no corn syrup, no added refined sugars (in organic ranges)
• Whey-to-casein ratio that shifts across stages (60:40 in Stage 1)

Who should use it: Kendamil may appeal to parents specifically seeking a formula free from palm oil and soy, with a whole-milk base and plant-based DHA. It's suitable for healthy, full-term infants from birth. 

Kendamil also offers a goat milk-based range for parents seeking an alternative protein source (though this is still cow-milk-protein-free, not suitable as a substitute for those with a diagnosed cow's milk allergy).

Alternative recommendation: Aptamil or NAN, if Kendamil isn't available in your region — both offer similarly comprehensive standard formulas, though with different base ingredients (skimmed milk plus vegetable oils rather than whole milk).

 

4. NESTLÉ NAN (including NAN Pre)

NAN is one of the most widely available formula brands globally, with a broad range of products for different needs and stages.

Standard NAN ranges typically include:

• Whey-predominant protein, often partially hydrolysed in some variants (OPTIPRO range) for easier digestion
• DHA and ARA
• Probiotics (such as Bifidobacterium lactis) in some variants
• Iron, vitamins, and minerals to meet standard infant nutrition requirements

NAN Pre—a special case:

NAN Pre (Pre-NAN) is a specialised medical formula designed specifically for premature or low-birth-weight infants (typically those weighing less than 2.5 kg at birth). It is nutritionally different from standard NAN formulas:

• Higher protein content to support rapid catch-up growth
• Includes Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) for easier fat absorption, as preterm infants often struggle to digest long-chain fats efficiently
• Higher levels of calcium and phosphorus to support bone mineralisation
• DHA and ARA for brain and visual development
• Designed to be calorie-dense to support weight gain

Who should use it: Standard NAN formulas are suitable for healthy, full-term infants from birth. NAN Pre, however, is strictly for premature or low-birth-weight infants and should only be used under medical supervision, typically initiated in a hospital setting and continued at home only on a doctor's advice.

Alternative recommendation: For standard feeding, Aptamil or Cow & Gate offer comparable whey-based formulas. For preterm infants, NAN Pre should not be substituted with a standard formula without medical guidance — your paediatrician may also discuss Similac's specialised preterm range as an alternative, where available.

 

5. Similac

Similac is one of the most established formula brands, particularly in the United States, with a wide range of formulas for different needs.

Key ingredients (Similac Advance, standard range):

• Milk-based protein (whey and casein)
• OptiGRO — Abbott's proprietary blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E
• Prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides)
• Nucleotides to support immune function
• 5 HMOs in some newer formulations
• No palm olein oil (to support calcium absorption)
• Iron, calcium, and a standard vitamin and mineral profile

 

Similac also offers specialised variants, including the following:

• Similac Sensitive — contains a partially broken-down carbohydrate source, intended for babies with fussiness or gas related to lactose sensitivity
• Similac Soy/Isomil (see below) — for situations where a soy-based formula is appropriate

Who should use it: Standard Similac Advance is suitable for healthy, full-term infants from birth. Similac Sensitive may be considered for babies experiencing mild digestive discomfort, though this should ideally be discussed with a healthcare provider first, as digestive symptoms can have various causes.

Alternative recommendation: Aptamil or NAN for a similar whey-based standard formula; consult your paediatrician before switching to Similac Sensitive or any "comfort" formula, as persistent digestive symptoms warrant a proper assessment.

 

6. France Lait

France Lait is a widely distributed formula brand across Francophone Africa, including Kenya, generally positioned as a standard, accessible infant formula.

Typical key ingredients:

• Cow's milk-based protein
• DHA and ARA (in most modern formulations)
• Prebiotic fibres (GOS, in many ranges)
• Standard vitamin and mineral fortification (iron, vitamin D, calcium)

Who should use it: France Lait is generally suitable for healthy, full-term infants as a standard formula option. 

As with all formulas in this category, the exact ingredient list can vary by stage and by specific product line, so it's worth checking the tin for the precise formulation available in your region.

Alternative recommendation: Aptamil, Cow & Gate, or Optilait offer similar standard formula profiles if France Lait isn't available or if your baby doesn't tolerate it well.

 

7. Optilait

Manufacturer: Distributed primarily across African markets

Optilait is another standard infant formula commonly found in Kenyan and broader African markets, generally formulated to meet standard international infant nutrition guidelines.

Typical key ingredients:

• Cow's milk-based protein (whey and/or casein blend, depending on stage)
• Added DHA and ARA in most modern formulations
• Prebiotic fibres to support digestive comfort
• Iron, calcium, vitamin D, and other standard micronutrients

Who should use it: Optilait is generally suitable for healthy, full-term infants as a standard feeding option. As formulations can vary by batch and market, always check the most current ingredient list on the packaging.

Alternative recommendation: France Lait or Cow & Gate as similarly positioned standard formulas, or Aptamil if you're seeking a more premium positioning with HMOs.

 

8. Liptomil

Manufacturer: Distributed across various markets, including parts of Africa and Asia

Liptomil is a standard infant formula generally positioned as an accessible, everyday option for healthy infants.

Typical key ingredients:

• Cow's milk-based protein
• DHA and ARA in most current formulations
• Prebiotic fibre blends
• Iron and standard vitamin/mineral fortification

Who should use it: Like France Lait and Optilait, Liptomil is generally positioned as a standard formula suitable for healthy, full-term infants. 

Because formulations and availability can vary significantly by region, it's particularly important to check the specific product's ingredient list and consult your paediatrician if you're considering it for the first time.

Alternative recommendation: Aptamil, Cow & Gate, or NAN as more widely studied and globally distributed alternatives if accessibility or consistency of supply is a concern.

 

Soy-Based Formula

9. Isomil

Isomil is a soy protein-based formula, historically used as an alternative to cow's milk-based formulas in specific circumstances.

Key ingredients:

• Soy protein isolate (instead of cow's milk protein)
• Corn syrup and/or sucrose as the carbohydrate source (lactose-free)
• Soy oil and coconut oil as fat sources
• Iron (typically at a higher level than standard formulas, around 1.8mg per 100 calories)
• Standard vitamin and mineral fortification
• L-carnitine and taurine

Who should use it: Isomil is generally used in situations involving lactose intolerance or galactosemia, or where a cow's milk-free diet is recommended. However, it's important to note that soy-based formulas are not automatically recommended for infants with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy, as some infants who are allergic to cow's milk protein may also react to soy protein. 

This is precisely why this category requires medical guidance — your paediatrician can help determine whether a soy-based formula, an extensively hydrolysed formula, or an amino-acid-based formula is most appropriate for your baby's specific situation.

Alternative recommendation: For suspected cow's milk protein allergy specifically, your paediatrician may recommend an extensively hydrolysed formula or, in more severe cases, an amino acid-based formula such as Neocate (see below) rather than soy.

 

Extensively Hydrolysed and Amino-Acid-Based Formulas

10. Neocate

Neocate is an amino-acid-based formula – the most "broken down" type of formula available, designed for infants with severe food allergies or related conditions.

Key ingredients:

• 100% free amino acids as the sole protein source (rather than whole proteins or even broken-down protein fragments)
• Vegetable oils — including MCT oil (from palm kernel and/or coconut oil), high oleic sunflower oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil
• Notably, Neocate does not contain added soy oil — a point of difference from some other amino-acid-based formulas
• Corn syrup solids are a carbohydrate source in many formulations
• Standard vitamins, minerals, and trace elements required for nutritional completeness

Who should use it: Neocate is a medical food, indicated for infants with diagnosed cow's milk allergy, multiple food protein allergies, or related gastrointestinal and allergic conditions – particularly when extensively hydrolysed formulas haven't been tolerated or aren't appropriate. 

Because amino acids are the simplest, least allergenic form of protein, Neocate is generally reserved for more severe cases.

This formula must only be used under medical supervision, as a diagnosis of severe food allergy typically requires clinical assessment, and ongoing use should be monitored by a healthcare team.

Alternative recommendation: Depending on the severity of the allergy, your paediatrician may first trial an extensively hydrolysed formula (where proteins are broken into smaller fragments, but not as completely as in amino-acid formulas) before considering Neocate. 

 

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

 

How to Choose: A Practical Decision Guide

If your baby is healthy and full-term, with no diagnosed allergies or digestive conditions:

Any of the standard formulas — Aptamil, Cow & Gate, Kendamil, NAN, Similac, France Lait, Optilait, or Liptomil — are reasonable starting points. At this point, the decision often comes down to:

• Availability in your area
• Budget — premium brands like Aptamil and Similac are often priced higher than France Lait, Optilait, or Liptomil
• Specific preferences — such as wanting a whole-milk base (Kendamil), or HMO-enriched formulas (Aptamil, some Similac ranges)
• Your baby's individual tolerance — some babies settle better on one brand than another, and this can only really be determined through observation

If your baby shows signs of lactose intolerance or galactosemia (diagnosed by a doctor):

Isomil may be considered, though always under medical guidance, as the suitability of soy-based formulas depends on the specific diagnosis.

If your baby has a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy:

This is a clinical decision. Your paediatrician will likely start with an extensively hydrolysed formula and may progress to Neocate (amino acid-based) if needed.

Soy-based formulas like Isomil are not automatically the first choice here, as cross-reactivity with soy protein can occur in some infants with cow's milk allergy.

If your baby was born prematurely or with low birth weight:

NAN Pre (or a similar specialised preterm formula, depending on what's available and recommended) is typically used under hospital or medical guidance, with a transition to standard formula once your baby reaches an appropriate weight and your doctor advises the switch.

 

There's No Single "Best" Formula — Only the Right One for Your Baby

With so many brands, claims, and "premium" ingredients competing for attention, it's easy to feel like there's a single "correct" answer hiding somewhere in all this information. 

In reality, for the vast majority of healthy babies, the differences between well-regulated standard formulas are far smaller than marketing might suggest — and the formula that works best is often simply the one your baby tolerates well, that's accessible to you, and that fits your family's circumstances.

For babies with specific medical needs – allergies, intolerances, prematurity – the right formula isn't a matter of preference at all but a clinical decision made together with your healthcare provider.

Whatever you choose, know this: a well-fed, well-loved baby is the goal — and there's more than one way to get there.

 

FAQs

Q: Is it safe to switch between different standard formula brands (e.g., from Aptamil to Cow & Gate)? 

Generally, switching between standard, cow's milk-based formulas is considered safe for most healthy infants, though some babies may experience brief digestive adjustment (such as changes in stool consistency) for a few days. 

Q: My baby seems fussy or gassy. Should I switch to a "sensitive" or soy formula? 

Fussiness and gas are extremely common in infants and have many possible causes, most of which aren't related to the formula itself (feeding technique, swallowed air, normal developmental fussiness, etc.)

Q: What's the real difference between Aptamil and Cow & Gate, since they're made by the same company? 

The core nutritional adequacy of both is similar, as both meet the same regulatory standards for infant formula. The differences tend to lie in additional ingredients — for example, certain Aptamil ranges include HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) that may not be present in the equivalent Cow & Gate product.

Q: Are HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) necessary? 

HMOs are naturally found in breast milk and are increasingly being added to formula in an effort to more closely replicate breast milk's composition, particularly for gut and immune health. 

Q: Can I use Isomil if my baby has a cow's milk allergy? 

Not necessarily, and this should be a decision made with your paediatrician. Some infants with a cow's milk protein allergy can also react to soy protein, which is why soy-based formulas aren't automatically recommended as the first alternative for a diagnosed cow's milk allergy. 

Q: How long can my baby use NAN Pre? 

NAN Pre is specifically formulated for premature or low-birth-weight infants and is typically used during hospitalisation and for a period afterward, as guided by your paediatrician.  

Q: Is whole milk-based formula (like Kendamil) better than formulas using skimmed milk plus vegetable oils? 

Both approaches are designed to meet the same nutritional standards for infant formula, and there isn't strong evidence to suggest one approach is definitively "better" for all babies. 

Q: Where can I find these formulas in Kenya? 

Most of the standard formulas covered in this article — including Aptamil, NAN, Similac, France Lait, Optilait, and Liptomil — are widely available through supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers across Kenya.