WIC Contract Infant Formula

Infant formula products

Starting August 1, California WIC will provide Enfamil milk based and Similac soy based formulas.

Enfamil Infant

12.5 oz powder or 13 oz liquid concentrate

Similac Soy Isomil

12.4 oz powder or 13 oz liquid concentrate

Enfamil Gentlease

12.4 oz powder

Enfamil Reguline

12.4 oz powder

Enfamil AR

12.9 oz powder

Infant formula flyers

WIC provides breastfeeding services and infant feeding support to all families. Download our Infant Formula Flyer (English) to see all the formula products WIC will offer starting August 1.

We are currently working on adding flyers in more languages.

Product information

Are formula brands the same?

All standard formulas for healthy babies must meet the same strict guidelines established by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Formulas must meet high standards for both quality and nutrition. Both Enfamil and Similac brand formulas have similar products with very similar ingredients.

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Will families receive the same amount of formula?

Yes. The number of cans is based on the food package and will not change.

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Will larger or multiple sizes of containers be allowed?

The containers are the “12 ounce” size that makes 90 ounces of prepared formula. The size and type will be listed in the benefits issued.

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Why is WIC making this change?

Each State WIC program has a contract for formula. When the contract is renewed, WIC is required to select the infant formula with the best contract price. This allows the State to serve more participants. With this latest change, CDPH/WIC has contracts with two different companies. Enfamil will be the brand for the milk based formulas, and Similac will be the brand for the soy based formula.

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How do I mix the new formula?

Prepare formula exactly as directed on the formula label. When changing brands but not changing the type of formula, you will see that the directions stay the same. For example, to make a bottle with Enfamil Infant powder, add 2 ounces of water to the bottle and then add 1 level scoop of formula. This is the same way you prepare Similac Advance powder. Always use the scoop provided in the formula can when mixing powdered formula.

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What should I expect when I change formula brands?

Babies generally adjust well when changing from one brand of formula to another. All major brand name formulas provide adequate nutrition for babies and contain similar ingredients.

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How to find your WIC formula

The California WIC App will list the benefits available to you. Buy the brand, type, size and number of cans included in your WIC Food Balance.

Here are some ways to find your WIC Food Balance:

Use the free California WIC App.
Ask for a printout at your WIC office.
Look at your store receipt from your last shopping trip.
Ask the cashier or customer service desk at the store to print out your WIC Food Balance.
Call the toll-free customer service number on the back of your WIC Card (1-844-4MY-FAMILY or 1-844-469-3264).

To check if you have the right formula, use the WIC App’s scan feature to check the UPC barcode on the formula container.

Infant feeding resources

The following handouts provide helpful information on feeding your baby. Find more nutrition and health resources for infants.

Feed Me! Birth to 6 Months:

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Helping Baby Change to a New Formula:

English (PDF)

Let your Baby Set the Pace:

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

When You Feed Me Formula:

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

My baby

What if I try to make the change and my baby will not take a new formula?

Every baby is different. If you have concerns with how your baby is adjusting, talk to your baby’s health care provider.

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Will I see changes in my baby when making the switch to a new brand of formula?

It is not likely that you will see any changes because formula brands are similar. To ensure a smooth transition, be sure to prepare your baby’s formula exactly as directed on the container. When changing from one brand to another, you do not need to make any changes to how much or how often you have been feeding baby.

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I have heard that my baby’s poop can be different on a new formula.
It is common to see changes in your baby’s poops. You might see:
- Color of poops may get a little more green or brown
- Texture of poops may be a little looser or firmer
- Changes in how often your baby poops
- More gas for a few days
If you are concerned about any changes you see, talk to your baby’s health care provider.
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Why does my baby spit up more on the new formula?

It is possible, though unlikely, that a baby may temporarily spit up more than usual when they change formulas. This may be because the formula has a different taste than your baby is used to. If this does happen, it should get better over time. If the spitting up seems to get worse, talk to your health care provider.

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My baby does not seem to like the new formula and makes a face.

Your baby, especially if they are older, might notice the new formula has a different taste or smell. It may take a week or so for your baby to get used to the taste of the new formula. This is common.

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What if my baby is allergic to the new formula?

An allergic reaction is very unlikely when you are changing brands for the same type of formula. For example, Similac Advance (milk based) and Enfamil Infant (milk based) are the same types of formula. They have similar ingredients. If your baby is showing signs of an allergic reaction, talk to your health care provider right away.

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My baby gets special formula with a prescription from the doctor. Will that change too?

If your baby has a doctor’s prescription for a special formula, continue to work with the staff at your WIC office. They can help with requests for special formulas.

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Page Last Updated: June 2, 2025