SIMILAC NEOSURE is a 22 Cal/fl oz, nutrient-enriched formula for babies who were born prematurely. Designed to be used as a preterm post-discharge formula. Use under medical supervision. This formula is known to support excellent growth during baby's first year and is an easily digestible and well-absorbed fat resource. The bottle contains 2 ounces of ready to use infant formula. Halal, Kosher and Gluten free.
Read our guide on transitioning home from the NICU.
Feeding Instructions for Similac NeoSure Ready-to-Use Formula
1Preparation & Inspection
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bottle. Examine the Similac NeoSure bottle carefully—check the seal is intact, look for any damage to the container, and verify the expiration date printed on the label. The ready-to-use formula comes pre-mixed at 22 calories per fluid ounce for optimal nutrition density.
2Mixing & Temperature
Shake the bottle gently but thoroughly to ensure the OptiGRO™ blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E is evenly distributed throughout the formula. This nutrient blend supports your baby's brain, eye, and immune system development.
For warming: Place the sealed bottle in a bowl of warm water for several minutes if your baby prefers warmed formula. Room temperature feeding is also perfectly acceptable for many babies.
?? Critical Safety Warning: Microwave heating is strictly prohibited. Microwaves create uneven heating that can result in scalding hot spots capable of burning your baby's mouth and esophagus. This is particularly dangerous for premature infants with sensitive tissues.
3Bottle Assembly & Safety Check
Remove the cap from the NeoSure bottle and attach a sterilized nipple. For premature infants, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific nipple type or flow rate appropriate for your baby's developmental stage. Secure the nipple ring tightly to prevent leakage during feeding.
Always perform a temperature test: dispense several drops onto your inner wrist. The formula should feel neutral to slightly warm—never hot. This step is non-negotiable for infant safety.
4Feeding Technique & Monitoring
Position your baby in a semi-upright posture to reduce air intake and support comfortable digestion. Premature infants may exhibit unique feeding patterns—some tire quickly, others need frequent breaks, and feeding duration can vary significantly from full-term babies.
Observe your baby's cues throughout the feeding: Watch for signs of satiety (turning away, slowing down), distress (fussiness, pulling away), or fatigue (drowsiness, weak sucking). Premature babies often need smaller volumes more frequently rather than larger feedings.
5Post-Feeding Protocol
Discard any remaining formula immediately after the feeding session concludes. Bacteria from your baby's saliva begins multiplying in the formula within minutes. Refrigerating and reusing partially consumed bottles creates serious infection risk, especially concerning for premature infants with developing immune systems.
Formula left at room temperature for over two hours should also be discarded, even if never offered to your baby.
Common Questions About Similac NeoSure
What is Similac NeoSure and which babies need it?
Similac NeoSure is a specialized 22-calorie-per-ounce infant formula created specifically for premature babies transitioning home from the hospital. It's designed for infants born early who need enhanced nutrition to support catch-up growth during their first year. Your pediatrician or neonatologist determines if NeoSure is appropriate based on your baby's birth weight, gestational age, and current growth trajectory.
What is OptiGRO and why does it matter?
OptiGRO is Abbott's exclusive blend of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid), lutein (a nutrient found in breast milk), and vitamin E. This combination supports three critical areas of development: brain function, visual system maturation, and immune system strength. Clinical studies show OptiGRO contributes to improved visual acuity at 6 months corrected age and enhanced early language development at 14 months corrected age in preterm infants.
How does NeoSure differ from standard infant formulas?
NeoSure provides increased caloric density (22 cal/oz vs. 20 cal/oz in standard formulas), higher protein content to support rapid growth, increased calcium and phosphorus for bone mineralization, and 25% of its fat content comes from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are more easily absorbed by premature digestive systems. The formula is also enriched with specific nutrients known to support the accelerated development premature infants require.
Is Similac NeoSure appropriate for full-term babies?
No, Similac NeoSure is formulated exclusively for premature or low-birth-weight infants under medical supervision. Full-term babies born at healthy weights should use standard infant formulas like Similac Advance or Similac Pro-Advance, which provide appropriate nutrition for typical infant development. Using NeoSure without medical indication could result in excessive caloric intake and inappropriate nutrient ratios.
How long will my baby need NeoSure formula?
Duration varies based on individual growth patterns and medical recommendations. Many premature infants use NeoSure throughout their first year, though some transition to standard formula earlier once they achieve adequate catch-up growth. Your healthcare provider will monitor growth charts, developmental milestones, and nutritional markers to determine the optimal transition timing. Never switch formulas without consulting your pediatrician.
What are medium-chain triglycerides and their benefits?
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are specialized fats with shorter molecular chains than typical dietary fats. They're absorbed directly into the bloodstream without requiring bile acids for digestion, making them ideal for premature infants whose digestive systems are still maturing. MCTs provide readily available energy and support nutrient absorption, helping babies get maximum benefit from each feeding despite potential digestive limitations.
Can I mix NeoSure powder with the ready-to-use formula?
Never mix different formula preparations or brands without explicit direction from your healthcare provider. Combining powder and ready-to-use formulas can alter the caloric concentration and nutrient ratios, potentially causing digestive issues or inadequate nutrition. The ready-to-use format is specifically calibrated to provide exact nutritional specifications—any modification should only occur under medical supervision.
What does "corrected age" mean in developmental milestones?
Corrected age adjusts your baby's age based on their original due date rather than actual birth date. For example, if your baby was born 8 weeks early, at 6 months after birth, their corrected age is 4 months. Premature babies typically reach developmental milestones according to corrected age rather than chronological age. The visual acuity and language development improvements seen with NeoSure are measured using corrected age to provide accurate developmental assessment.
Is Similac NeoSure gluten-free, kosher, and halal?
Yes, Similac NeoSure is certified gluten-free, kosher, and halal, making it suitable for families following various dietary laws and those avoiding gluten. These certifications ensure the formula meets strict preparation and ingredient standards required by these dietary guidelines.
How should I store unopened NeoSure bottles?
Store unopened Similac NeoSure bottles in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room temperature storage is ideal—avoid areas near stoves, heating vents, or sunny windows. Check expiration dates regularly and rotate your stock, using oldest bottles first. Once opened, any unused formula must be discarded immediately; refrigeration and reuse of opened bottles is unsafe.
What's the maximum time formula can remain at room temperature?
Unopened, ready-to-use formula can remain at room temperature until its expiration date. Once opened or feeding begins, use the formula within one hour. If the bottle sits at room temperature for more than two hours without feeding starting, discard it. These timeframes are shorter than recommendations for older children because infant immune systems, especially in premature babies, are more vulnerable to bacterial growth.
Can I transition directly from hospital formula to NeoSure?
Hospital discharge planning typically includes formula recommendations from your neonatology team. Some premature infants transition directly from hospital formula to NeoSure, while others may need a gradual transition or different approach based on their specific medical situation. Always follow your discharge instructions and maintain close communication with your pediatrician during the transition period. Any concerns about tolerance, growth, or feeding patterns should be reported promptly.
What if my baby shows signs of formula intolerance?
Contact your pediatrician immediately if you observe persistent symptoms such as excessive spit-up, severe gas or bloating, blood in stool, unusual fussiness, rash development, or inadequate weight gain. Premature infants may have sensitivities requiring specialized formulas. Your healthcare provider can assess whether symptoms indicate true intolerance, reflux, feeding technique issues, or other concerns, and recommend appropriate interventions. Never switch formulas independently.
Does NeoSure require special preparation beyond ready-to-use bottles?
The ready-to-use format requires no preparation—it's pre-mixed to exact specifications and sterilized during manufacturing. This eliminates measurement errors and contamination risks associated with powder mixing. Simply shake, check temperature if warming, attach a nipple, and feed. The convenience of ready-to-use bottles is particularly valuable during nighttime feedings and for premature infants where precise nutrition is critical.
Why does my preemie need higher calorie formula?
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