Enfamil AR vs ByHeart Formula (2026): Which Formula Is Better?

Why These Two Aren't Really Competitors

Enfamil AR (~$30/12.9 oz) and ByHeart (~$36/24 oz) get compared because they're both popular formulas that parents research heavily. But they solve completely different problems. Enfamil AR uses rice starch to physically thicken in a baby's stomach, reducing spit-up by approximately 50% in clinical trials. ByHeart is a premium standard formula built around minimally processed whole milk protein, organic lactose, and a specialized fat blend — designed for everyday feeding of healthy babies.

If your baby has reflux, ByHeart won't help. If your baby is healthy, Enfamil AR's rice starch is unnecessary. The "better" formula depends entirely on your baby's situation.

Enfamil AR: Purpose-Built for Reflux

Enfamil AR (Added Rice) is engineered around one functional ingredient: rice starch. This starch remains liquid at room temperature, flows through a standard bottle nipple, and thickens only when it reaches the acidic environment of a baby's stomach. The thickened formula is heavier and stays down more effectively, reducing the volume and frequency of spit-up episodes.

• Price: ~$30 for 12.9 oz powder
• Protein: Intact nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate (conventional dairy)
• Carbs: Lactose + rice starch (functional thickening agent)
• Fats: Palm olein, soy, coconut, high-oleic sunflower oils with DHA/ARA
• Key claim: Reduces spit-up by ~50% in clinical studies
• Bottle prep: Standard nipple works — no cross-cut needed; may require vigorous shaking
• Availability: Widely stocked at US retailers (Walmart, Target, Amazon, pharmacies)

ByHeart: Premium Whole-Milk Standard Formula

ByHeart launched with a research-first approach, conducting its own clinical trial before going to market — unusual in the formula industry. Its standout feature is using whole milk protein processed through a proprietary low-heat method, which ByHeart claims preserves more of the protein's natural structure compared to the high-heat processing used by most conventional formulas.

• Price: ~$36 for 24 oz powder (also available via subscription)
• Protein: Whole milk protein processed with proprietary low-heat method — not separated into whey and casein
• Carbs: Organic lactose only — no corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, or glucose syrup
• Fats: Organic high-oleic sunflower, coconut, and soy oils with DHA from algal oil; patented fat blend
• Key claim: Whole milk protein is closer to breast milk protein structure; completed own clinical trial
• Bottle prep: Mixes easily with standard preparation
• Availability: Online (byheart.com), Amazon, and expanding retail presence

Ingredient Philosophy: Medical Function vs Premium Quality

These formulas represent two very different design philosophies:

• Enfamil AR's approach: Add a functional ingredient (rice starch) to a nutritionally complete base formula to solve a specific medical problem. Ingredient quality is standard; the value proposition is reflux reduction.
• ByHeart's approach: Start with the highest-quality versions of standard ingredients — whole milk protein, organic lactose, optimized fats — to create the best possible everyday formula. No specialty functions.
• Protein processing: ByHeart's low-heat whole milk protein retains more natural structure. Enfamil AR's conventionally processed whey/casein is standard but fully nutritionally adequate.
• Carbohydrate quality: ByHeart uses only organic lactose. Enfamil AR uses lactose plus rice starch — the starch is there for function, not nutrition.
• Fat quality: ByHeart's fat blend is designed for optimal absorption and includes organic oils. Enfamil AR uses a standard vegetable oil blend with palm olein.

Price Comparison and Value

On a per-ounce basis, ByHeart offers more powder per dollar, but the cost comparison only matters if both formulas are appropriate for your baby:

• Enfamil AR: ~$30 for 12.9 oz (~$2.33/oz of powder). Widely available with manufacturer coupons, Enfamil rewards, and WIC coverage in some states.
• ByHeart: ~$36 for 24 oz (~$1.50/oz of powder). Subscription discounts available; no WIC coverage.
• True cost of reflux: If your baby needs AR, the "value" includes less wasted formula from spit-up, fewer clothing/bedding changes, and reduced baby discomfort — which is worth far more than the per-ounce price difference.

Digestibility and Stool Differences

• Enfamil AR: The rice starch can produce firmer, sometimes greenish stools. Some babies experience mild constipation. This is a known trade-off of the thickening mechanism — if constipation becomes problematic, discuss alternatives with your pediatrician.
• ByHeart: Parents widely report soft, easy-to-pass stools — ByHeart attributes this to their whole milk protein and organic lactose combination. Their clinical trial data showed less constipation compared to a leading conventional formula.
• Gas: Both use intact cow's milk protein, so neither is designed for milk protein sensitivity. ByHeart's gentler protein processing may result in slightly less gas for some babies, but results vary individually.

Which Formula Should You Choose?

• Choose Enfamil AR if: Your baby has frequent, problematic spit-up; your pediatrician has recommended an anti-reflux formula; or your baby is losing significant formula to reflux and it's affecting weight gain or comfort
• Choose ByHeart if: Your baby has no reflux issues and you want a premium formula with minimally processed whole milk protein, organic lactose, and a clean ingredient profile
• If your baby has reflux AND you want premium ingredients: Start with Enfamil AR to manage the medical need, then transition to ByHeart once reflux resolves (typically 6-12 months). Medical function takes priority over ingredient quality.
• If your baby has mild spit-up that doesn't cause distress: Try ByHeart first — some parents find its gentle protein processing reduces mild spit-up enough. If it doesn't improve, ask your pediatrician about switching to Enfamil AR.

The Bottom Line

Enfamil AR and ByHeart are both well-made formulas, but they exist in different categories. Enfamil AR is a medical tool — it reduces reflux through rice starch thickening and should be used specifically when a pediatrician recommends it. ByHeart is a premium everyday formula that prioritizes ingredient quality and gentle processing for healthy babies. You wouldn't compare a prescription to a supplement — and that's roughly the dynamic here. Match the formula to the need: reflux babies benefit from AR's proven spit-up reduction, while healthy babies thrive on ByHeart's thoughtfully sourced ingredients.