FormulaSeek - Enfamil Enspire vs Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring your baby’s optimal health, growth, and development. Infant formulas are crafted to mimic human breast milk as closely as possible, and while breastfeeding remains the gold standard, many parents rely on formula due to various personal or medical reasons. Among the array of formulas available in the market, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Enfamil Enspire are two popular choices that serve different needs. This blog post will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two formulas to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
Nutritional composition is the backbone of any infant formula, as it determines the formula's ability to deliver necessary nutrients for your baby’s development. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is designed for babies with sensitive tummies and includes ingredients that are easier to digest. It features a whey-to-casein ratio similar to breast milk and employs partially hydrolyzed protein. In contrast, Enfamil Enspire is known for its emphasis on brain development, containing MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and Lactoferrin—substances naturally found in breast milk, touted for their cognitive and immune benefits.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | Enfamil Enspire |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Partially hydrolyzed whey protein | Non-hydrolyzed milk protein (casein and whey) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soy Oil | Palm Olein Oil, Coconut Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | 2’-FL HMO Prebiotic | Lactoferrin, MFGM |
| Omega-3 Levels | Available (DHA) | Enhanced (DHA/ARA) |
| Iron Content | 1.8 mg/100 kcal | 1.8 mg/100 kcal |
| Calcium Content | 83 mg/100 kcal | 78 mg/100 kcal |
| Estimated Cost Per Ounce | $0.19* | $0.20* |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and vendor.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is specially formulated for infants with lactose sensitivity and digestive issues. Its easy-to-digest formula helps reduce fussiness and gas due to lactose intolerance. The inclusion of HMO prebiotics supports a healthy digestive system.
Enfamil Enspire is notable for its focus on brain development and immune support, thanks to its unique ingredients like MFGM and Lactoferrin. Both components are known for contributing to cognitive development and strengthening the immune system, respectively.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is ideal for babies who have lactose sensitivity or experience colic-like symptoms due to lactose intolerance. Conversely, Enfamil Enspire is more suitable for parents who prioritize brain development and immune support in their little ones due to its unique Lactoferrin and MFGM components.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
- Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
- Parent’s Choice Tender
Alternatives to Enfamil Enspire
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron
- Parent’s Choice Advantage
Potential Drawbacks
Both formulas, while excellent, come with certain limitations. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF may be considered expensive by some and might lack certain advanced nutrients prevalent in other formulations. Availability can sometimes be an issue depending on location.
Enfamil Enspire, despite its robust nutrient profile, is also priced on the higher side and may not be suitable for families on a strict budget. Additionally, the presence of palm olein oil is controversial due to potential impacts on bone strength.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Enfamil Enspire offer excellent options catered to different infant needs. Similac is best for those dealing with lactose sensitivity, while Enfamil prioritizes cognitive development and immune support. Ultimately, choosing the right formula will depend on your baby’s specific requirements and conditions. Parents should always consult their pediatrician to make the best-informed decision for their baby’s nutritional needs.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Enspire Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Enspire | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Ingredient comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |