Formulas Available from California WIC
WIC recognizes and supports breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding up to age 1 and beyond by providing breastfeeding information and assistance. Whether you breastfeed or formula-feed, WIC is here to help you feed your baby with confidence.
Formula is available for infants up to 12 months old who are not exclusively breastfed.
Call the Infant Feeding Helpline with questions (888) 278-6455 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or text 91997.
Formulas Currently Offered by California WIC
Some infant formulas contain corn syrup solids – an added sugar that can increase the risk for health issues like obesity and diabetes. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that children under age 2 consume no added sugars. Click “show more” under each formula listed below to check the ingredients.
How to Prepare Formula
Always follow proper formula instructions when mixing a bottle for your baby. Do not dilute formula or make homemade formula.
Click the image above to learn how to safely mix your baby’s formula.
Enfamil Infant
12.5 oz powder
Milk-based, iron-fortified
Used for full-term, healthy infants
Recommended as the first choice for milk-based formula
Enfamil Infant Concentrate
13 fl oz liquid concentrate
Enfamil Gentlease
12.4 oz powder
Milk-based, iron-fortified
Used for full-term, healthy infants
Enfamil Reguline
12.4 oz powder
Milk-based, includes prebiotics and partially broken down proteins
Used for constipation
Enfamil A.R.
Milk-based with added rice starch
Used for spit up and GERD
Similac Soy Isomil
12.4 oz powder
Soy-based, milk-free
Used for fussiness and gas from milk sensitivity
Similac Soy Isomil Concentrate
13 fl oz liquid concentrate
Soy-based, milk-free
Used for fussiness and gas from milk sensitivity
All baby formulas are regulated by the FDA to adequately meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
Commonly Prescribed Formulas for Medical Conditions (Prescription Required)
Similac NeoSure
Milk-based
Increased protein, vitamins, and minerals for growth
Used for prematurity
Enfamil EnfaCare or NeuroPro EnfaCare
Milk-based
Increased protein, vitamins, and minerals for growth
Used for prematurity or low birth weight
Similac Alimentum
Milk-based
Hypoallergenic formula with broken-down proteins for easier digestion
Used for severe food allergies, sensitivity to intact protein, protein maldigestion, or fat malabsorption
Nutramigen with Probiotic LGG
Milk-based, powder
Hypoallergenic with broken-down proteins and lactose-free
Used for allergies, including cow’s milk and soy protein allergies, GERD, and malabsorption
Nutramigen Concentrate
Milk-based, concentrated liquid
Hypoallergenic with broken-down proteins and lactose-free
Used for colic from cow’s milk protein allergy and soy protein allergies
EleCare Infant
Amino acid-based, powder
Hypoallergenic formula
Used for severe food allergies, protein maldigestion and malabsorption, or GI conditions
Extensive HA
Milk-based, powder
Hypoallergenic formula with broken-down proteins and lactose-free
Used for severe food allergies, sensitivity to intact protein, or fat malabsorption
PediaSure
Ready-to-feed supplemental shake
Used to provide additional calories to children age 1 and older with food restrictions, including lactose and gluten intolerance
Some infants may require therapeutic formulas for medical conditions. The WIC program helps coordinate care with health care providers to provide these formulas to WIC-eligible infants and children, along with WIC services and other allowed WIC foods.
All infants and children receiving WIC services and medically necessary formulas from any source are required to submit a completed Medical Formula and Nutritionals Request Form signed by their physician. New Pediatric Referrals are required every six months, while infants and children receive WIC and formulas for medical conditions from any source.
WIC requires the health care provider to submit an authorization/referral to the patient’s Medi-Cal Managed Care plan or a prescription for the patient to take to a pharmacy that accepts Medi-Cal.
If Medi-Cal or Medi-Cal Managed Care will not cover a formula, WIC may be able to provide one of the above formulas.
For questions or assistance regarding a therapeutic formula for your infant, text 91997.
