FormulaSeek - Enfamil Enspire vs Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a vital decision for many parents as it directly impacts a newborn's growth and development. Infant formulas are designed to emulate breast milk and provide essential nutrients babies need during their early months of life. Among the myriad options available, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive and Enfamil Enspire stand out as premium choices. This blog post explores the similarities and differences between these two notable formulas, helping parents make informed choices.

Nutritional Composition

Understanding the nutritional composition of infant formulas is critical as it determines the suitability and effectiveness for your baby's needs. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive and Enfamil Enspire offer robust nutrient profiles, each with unique attributes.

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is focused on gentle nutrition with easily digestible proteins which might be more suitable for babies with sensitive stomachs. It features a proprietary blend of carbohydrates and unique fat blend designed to mimic the health benefits of breast milk.

Enfamil Enspire, on the other hand, prides itself on incorporating a blend of proteins that closely emulate breast milk. It provides comprehensive nutrition, featuring both DHA and ARA, essential for brain and eye development.

Key Differences

Aspect Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Enfamil Enspire
Protein Source 25% whey, 75% casein 60% whey, 40% casein
Carbohydrate Source Corn syrup solids, Lactose Lactose
Fat Source Palm olein, soy oil, coconut oil High oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil
Prebiotics/Probiotics 2'-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharide) Lactoferrin, MFGM (milk fat globule membrane)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Yes Yes
Iron Content 1.8 mg/100 Cal 1.8 mg/100 Cal
Calcium Content 78 mg/100 Cal 78 mg/100 Cal
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.24 (Note: Prices are estimated) $0.30 (Note: Prices are estimated)
Organic/Non-GMO Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is specially designed for infants who have sensitivities to lactose, featuring a unique blend that is easier on the stomach while still providing comprehensive nutrient coverage. Additionally, it incorporates 2'-FL HMO, which is an immune-nourishing prebiotic.

Enfamil Enspire's noteworthy inclusion of Lactoferrin and MFGM are intended to promote immune support and brain development. These components are part of what makes Enspire one of the closest formula options to breast milk.

Target Audience

For babies experiencing lactose sensitivity or digestive discomfort, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is tailored to provide them with soothing, gentle nutrition. Meanwhile, Enfamil Enspire is ideal for infants who can tolerate lactose and whose parents are seeking a formula that nurtures brain and immune system development.

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Alternatives

1. Similac Pro-Sensitive

2. Gerber Good Start Soy

3. Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity

4. Parent's Choice Sensitivity (Walmart)

5. Happy Baby Sensitive

Enfamil Enspire Alternatives

1. Enfamil NeuroPro

2. Similac Pro-Advance

3. Nestlé NAN Supreme

4. Plum Organics Grow Well

5. Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle

Potential Drawbacks

Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, while effective for lactose sensitivity, may be on the pricier side for some parents, and its use of palm olein oil may be controversial for those avoiding certain oils.

Enfamil Enspire, despite its advanced formulation, also comes at a premium cost. It might not be as widely available in all retail outlets, and its ingredients such as MFGM can deter some parents who prefer simpler formulations.

Conclusion

In the journey of choosing the right infant formula, both Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive and Enfamil Enspire offer distinct benefits tailored to unique infant needs. Parents seeking a gentle, low-lactose formula might find comfort in Similac’s sensitivity formulation, whereas those aiming for a formula that closely matches breast milk’s benefits might consider Enfamil Enspire.

Ultimately, it’s crucial for parents to consult with a pediatrician when choosing a formula to ensure it meets their baby's dietary needs and developmental requirements.

Sources*

Buy Enfamil Enspire Online

Buy Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Online

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Nutrient comparison

Enfamil Enspire +/- Data +/- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
5.30 g Fat 0.10 5.40 g
11.10 g 0.20 Carbohydrate 10.90 g
2.10 g Protein 2.10 g
780.00 mg Linoleic Acid 220.00 1000.00 mg

Minerals comparison

Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.

Enfamil Enspire +/- Minerals +/- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
78.00 mg -6.00 Calcium 6.00 84.00 mg
43.00 mg -13.00 Phosphorus 13.00 56.00 mg
8.00 mg 2.00 Magnesium -2.00 6.00 mg
1.80 mg 0.00 Iron 0.00 1.80 mg
1.00 mg 0.25 Zinc -0.25 0.75 mg
15.00 mcg 10.00 Manganese -10.00 5.00 mcg
75.00 mcg -15.00 Copper 15.00 90.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 0.00 Iodine 0.00 15.00 mcg
2.80 mcg 0.80 Selenium -0.80 2.00 mcg
27.00 mg -3.00 Sodium 3.00 30.00 mg
108.00 mg 1.00 Potassium -1.00 107.00 mg
63.00 mg -2.00 Chloride 2.00 65.00 mg

Vitamins comparison

Vitamins from both formulas are listed in the center. If they exist in a formula they will have a value next to them. The difference will be show under the +/- column for easy visibility.

Enfamil Enspire +/- Vitamin +/- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
300.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin A 0.00 300.00 IU
70.00 IU 10.00 Vitamin D -10.00 60.00 IU
2.00 IU 0.50 Vitamin E -0.50 1.50 IU
9.00 mcg 1.00 Vitamin K -1.00 8.00 mcg
80.00 mcg -20.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) 20.00 100.00 mcg
140.00 mcg -10.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) 10.00 150.00 mcg
60.00 mcg 0.00 Vitamin B6 0.00 60.00 mcg
0.30 mcg 0.05 Vitamin B12 -0.05 0.25 mcg
1000.00 mcg -50.00 Niacin 50.00 1050.00 mcg
16.00 mcg 1.00 Folic Acid -1.00 15.00 mcg
500.00 mcg 50.00 Pantothenic Acid -50.00 450.00 mcg
3.00 mcg -1.40 Biotin 1.40 4.40 mcg
12.00 mg 3.00 Vitamin C -3.00 9.00 mg
24.00 mg 0.00 Choline 0.00 24.00 mg
24.00 mg 0.00 Inositol 0.00 24.00 mg