When you’re a new parent, you double-check everything — from the crib screws to the temperature of the bath water. Feeding is no different. I still remember standing in the formula aisle, scanning labels, and wondering if I was about to make the right choice for my baby.
Similac has been one of the most popular formula brands in the U.S. for decades. You can find it in nearly every grocery store, pharmacy, and big-box retailer. Many hospitals even use it for newborns before discharge.
But in recent years, headlines about recalls and safety warnings have made parents pause. So it’s fair to ask: is Similac formula safe for your baby? Let’s start with the quick answer.
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Quick answer — Is Similac formula safe?
Yes. For most healthy, full-term babies, Similac is safe when used the right way. It follows U.S. FDA rules. But not every baby is the same. Safety can change based on:
- A product batch — some batches have been pulled from shelves.
- Your baby’s needs — very early babies or sick babies may need other feeds.
- How you mix and store it — wrong prep can cause harm.
If you have a preemie or a baby with health problems, ask your pediatrician first.
What is Similac?
Similac is a large baby formula brand. Abbott Nutrition makes it. You can find it in many stores. They make:
- Infant formulas (birth to 12 months).
- Toddler formulas (12–24 months).
- Special formulas for spit-up, lactose issues, and other needs.
In the U.S., all baby formulas must meet FDA rules for nutrients. That helps keep them safe. But formulas differ by ingredient and purpose.
Recent safety concerns & recalls
In 2022, some powdered Similac made headlines. Abbott pulled some batches after reports of a rare infant infection. The company removed those cans to be safe.
Other, smaller actions have happened too, such as:
- Some ready-to-feed bottles were pulled because caps might not seal right.
- Abbott has sometimes withdrawn a few batches after extra checks.
Abbott says it has raised safety checks at its plants. They test more and track lots better now. If you worry, you can check your can’s lot number on Abbott’s recall page.
Heavy metals & contaminants in formula
Many parents are shocked to learn all baby foods can have tiny amounts of heavy metals. Even organic foods can have them. This is because lead, arsenic, and other metals are in soil and water. Plants take them in as they grow.
Tests by Consumer Reports and other labs have looked at baby formulas, including Similac. Some Similac products had higher levels than other brands. Others had lower levels. All tested products were still within U.S. legal limits.
Legal limits mean the FDA says the amount is safe. But “as low as possible” is even better. Some companies try to cut levels further, even if they are already legal.
If you are worried, check the label and look for test results. You can also pick formulas with fewer plant ingredients, like rice, to lower possible risk.
NEC lawsuits & premature babies
NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) is a rare but serious gut disease. It mainly affects premature babies. Studies show preemies fed cow’s milk–based formula, like some Similac products, may face higher risk. Babies on human milk or fortified breast milk have lower risk.
Some families of preemies have sued Abbott. They claim they were not warned about the risk. These cases are still in court.
If you have a preemie, doctors often suggest:
- Use donor breast milk if you can.
- Try preemie formulas that are not cow’s milk–based.
- Talk to your baby’s care team before changing formula.
If your baby was born full-term and healthy, NEC is rare. But it’s still worth knowing why Similac may not be the best choice for every newborn.
Similac safety vs. competitors
People often ask if Enfamil is safer than Similac, or if European formulas are cleaner.
U.S. brands like Similac and Enfamil must follow the same FDA rules.
European brands follow EU rules, which focus more on organic sources and limiting some additives.
The main difference comes from where the ingredients come from, where the formula is made, and the recipe used. That doesn’t mean one brand is always safer than another.
In the end, safety depends more on how each product is made, stored, and used than on the name on the can.
Pros and cons of Similac formula
Pros
- Easy to find in most U.S. stores.
- Many special options for sensitivities or reflux.
- Meets all FDA nutrition rules.
Cons
- Has had recalls in recent years.
- Some products tested with higher heavy metals than rivals.
- Not ideal for many preemies due to NEC concerns.
How to use Similac safely
Even the best formula can cause problems if it is not prepared or stored the right way. Here is what I keep in mind:
- Check the date — Formula loses quality over time. If it is past the date, throw it away. No “just one more scoop.”
- Check for recalls — Abbott has a recall checker online. Type in your can’s lot number for a quick check.
- Mix it right — Too much powder can stress your baby’s kidneys. Too little means less nutrition. Always use the scoop in the can.
- Store it well — Keep unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Once opened, seal it and use within the time on the label.
- Watch your baby — If you see a rash, diarrhea, or unusual fussiness, stop and call your doctor.
When my first baby was born, I made a list of these rules and stuck it to the fridge. That way, tired me could not forget.
My personal take as a mom
I used Similac for two of my kids. My first had it from day one because the hospital sent us home with it. My second started on it but I switched after a few weeks due to reflux.
Here is what I liked: I could find it in almost any store. Even during the shortage, I could still get it. There were many blends for different needs.
Here is what worried me: the recalls. Once you see the news or get the email, it is hard not to worry.
I learned that what works for one baby may not work for another. My doctor’s advice helped me balance safety, cost, and peace of mind.
Final verdict – Should you use Similac?
If your baby is full-term, healthy, and your doctor says it is fine, Similac can be a safe choice. It meets U.S. rules and has options for common feeding issues.
If your baby is premature or has health problems, ask your doctor about other options. In some cases, avoiding cow’s milk–based formulas is better.
In the end, the brand matters less than how well it fits your baby’s needs, how you prepare it, and how it helps them grow.
FAQs – Is Similac Formula Safe?
Is Similac formula safe for newborns?
Yes. Most Similac formulas are safe for healthy, full-term newborns if you prepare them as the label says. Always check for recalls before use.
Can Similac formula cause health problems?
Not for most babies. Problems can happen if the formula is recalled, mixed wrong, or if your baby has special health needs, like being premature.
Has Similac formula been recalled recently?
Yes. Some batches have been recalled in past years. Check your can’s lot number on Abbott’s recall site to be sure it is safe.
Is Similac safe for premature babies?
Not always. Cow’s milk–based formulas, like some Similac products, can raise NEC risk in preemies. Ask your doctor about other options.
How do I make sure Similac formula stays safe?
Follow the label. Store it in a cool, dry place. Use it before the expiration date. Watch for any signs of reaction in your baby.
