Enfamil RestFull, the newest addition to the Mead Johnson product line is described by the manufacturer as, “Specially designed to help babies feel full longer and sleep better.”

Though distributed as a new product, Enfamil RestFull actually contains the same ingredients as Enfamil A.R.

According to Kathy Ann Gipson-Davis, a registered dietician and certified specialist in pediatric nutrition and a member of Mead Johnson’s Medical Affairs Department, “A.R. stands for Added Rice Starch and is intended for babies who are frequent spitters.”

“The formulation (of Enfamil A.R. and Enfamil Restfull) is the same but RestFull is designed to satisfy a different need,” said Gipson-Davis.  

“By indicating use for bedtime feeding on the label, we are offering parents a more convenient and nutritionally balanced option than adding rice cereal to infant formula,” added Gipson-Davis.

Good for parents, not for babies
No spitting, feel full longer, sleep better.  What new parent—bleary-eyed and sleep-deprived wouldn’t find Enfamil RestFull a.k.a. Enfamil A.R. appealing?

But consider the following: If babies “feel full longer” does that mean they feed less often? If babies “sleep better” does that mean the sleep more soundly and for longer periods of time?

Fewer feedings and longer periods of sleep in newborns (both Enfamil A.R. and Enfamil RestFull are recommended for infants 0-12 months of age) are typically cause for concern not celebration. Frequent feedings during the early weeks ensure that babies get the calories they need to grow. Furthermore, studies show that babies who spend more time in deep sleep (REM sleep) may be at greater risk for SIDS.

Perhaps there’s a reason why babies eat often (every 1-3 hours) and sleep for short periods of time (1-4 hours).  As parents, you need to be certain that what is in your best interest is also in your baby’s interest.