Similac
NeoSure
⚠️ Important: NeoSure is designed specifically for babies born prematurely, used after hospital discharge under pediatrician guidance. It is not intended for healthy full-term babies — how long to use it (often to 12 months corrected age) is your pediatrician's call.
Our verdict
For babies born early, NeoSure is the formula NICUs most often send families home with — 22 calories per ounce with extra protein and minerals for catch-up growth, plus MCT oil for immature digestion. Parent reports of steady catch-up weight gain are strikingly consistent; so are constipation complaints from its nutrient density. This is a pediatrician-directed product, not a shelf comparison — our numbers are here for context, not choice.
Score breakdown
What's great
- Purpose-built nutrient-enriched formula for babies born prematurely, used after NICU/hospital discharge
- Strong track record of catch-up weight gain reported by parents and hospitals
- Frequently the brand NICUs send families home on, easing transition
- Available at major retailers and pharmacies; ready-to-feed option for sterile convenience
Worth knowing
- Highest price per ounce of mainstream US formulas in this set (~$2.28-2.67/oz)
- Higher iron and nutrient density is associated with constipation complaints from some parents
- Not intended for healthy full-term babies; use and duration should be directed by a pediatrician
- Contains corn syrup solids alongside lactose
- 13.1 oz can is small — frequent repurchasing
What's in it
| Protein | Nonfat cow milk and whey protein concentrate |
| Carbs | Corn syrup solids and lactose |
| Fats | Soy oil, high oleic safflower oil, medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil), coconut oil (no palm olein) (no palm oil) |
| Key features | 22 Cal/fl oz — more calorie-dense than standard 19-20 Cal term formulas · Increased protein, vitamins, and minerals vs term formula, designed for catch-up growth after premature birth · MCT oil for easier fat absorption in preterm infants · OptiGRO blend: DHA, lutein, and vitamin E · No artificial growth hormones; no palm olein |
| Stage | 0-12 months (typically used for the first year, corrected age, per pediatrician direction) |
| Forms | powder, ready-to-feed |
| Where to find it | Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, Target, H-E-B, Abbott Store, Amazon; RTF bottles also used in hospitals |
Note: NeoSure is designed specifically for babies born prematurely as a post-discharge (after NICU) formula, and is typically started and continued under pediatrician guidance — it is not a general-population formula and comparisons on price/features should carry that caveat. It is 22 Cal/fl oz with elevated protein, vitamins, and minerals vs term formula. The 13.1 oz can makes ~87 fl oz of prepared formula. Price basis: Walmart 2-pack of 13.1 oz cans at $59.76 ($29.88/can, $2.28/oz); Walgreens single can $34.99 ($2.67/oz) — so typical range is ~$2.28-2.67/oz. Sold on Amazon, but only an amazon.com search-results URL (no /dp/ product URL) appeared in search results, so asin is null per verification rules. Enfamil EnfaCare is the main competing preemie post-discharge formula.
Best for
What parents say
Recurring themes we found across public parent discussions (https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/14018029, https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/15939772, https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/14018040, https://www.inspire.com/groups/preemie/discussion/neosure/) — not reviews submitted on this site.
Loved
- Consistent reports of strong, steady weight gain — including striking catch-up stories (e.g., 2 lb 12 oz to 10 lb) and 'hit every milestone' comments
- Many parents say NICU/pediatrician recommended it and it 'just worked'
- Several report little spit-up or fussiness relative to expectations
Common complaints
- Constipation is the most recurrent complaint, often attributed to the high iron/nutrient density; some families switched because of it
- Occasional gas and spit-up reports
- Price and small can size; availability dips during shortages caused stress for preemie parents
Common questions
How long should a preemie stay on NeoSure?
Commonly through the first year of corrected age, but this is entirely a pediatrician decision based on growth tracking — some babies transition to term formula earlier, some stay longer.
Why is NeoSure 22 calories instead of 20?
Babies born early need denser nutrition for catch-up growth — NeoSure packs more calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals into the same volume, plus MCT oil that preterm digestive systems absorb more easily.
Does NeoSure cause constipation?
It's the most recurrent complaint in parent reviews, generally attributed to the elevated iron and nutrient density. Persistent constipation is worth raising with your pediatrician rather than self-switching — preemie nutrition trade-offs are their territory.
Reviews from parents like you
Real submissions from readers — moderated for spam, never edited for opinion.
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