FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for a baby's health and development, especially when breastfeeding is not an option or needs to be supplemented. Infant formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional composition of human breast milk, but they can differ significantly in ingredients and benefits. This blog post will compare two popular infant formulas: Similac 360 Total Care and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, to help you make an informed choice for your little one.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional composition of infant formulas is essential for ensuring that your baby receives all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. Here’s a comparison of the nutritional components of Similac 360 Total Care and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula:
Similac 360 Total Care boasts a unique blend of nutrients that closely resemble human breast milk. It includes a balance of proteins from nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate, lactose as a primary carbohydrate source, and a mix of high oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils for fats.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula is designed for parents who prefer organic options. It uses organic nonfat milk and organic whey protein powder, with lactose as the main carbohydrate source. The fat blend includes organic palm olein oil, soy oil, and sunflower or safflower oil.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate | Organic nonfat milk, organic whey protein powder |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | Organic palm olein oil, soy oil, sunflower/safflower oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Yes, 2’-FL HMO prebiotics | No |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Yes | Yes |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Iron-fortified | Iron-fortified |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.30-0.40 | $0.25-0.35 |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Organic, Non-GMO |
Note: Prices are estimated and subject to variation by region and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care is designed to mimic the composition of breast milk closely, providing 2’-FL HMO prebiotics for immune support and cognitive development. It is particularly beneficial for parents who want a non-GMO formula with added components that support brain and eye health.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula stands out as an organic option, free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and artificial growth hormones. This formula is excellent for parents looking for an organic-certified choice without compromising on nutritional value.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is a versatile formula suitable for various infants. It is ideal for babies who do not have specific dietary restrictions but need an option that supports overall development, including immune system and cognitive functions.
Earth’s Best Dairy Infant Formula is perfect for parents who prefer organic products and desire a high-quality formula similar to breast milk. Babies with mild sensitivities to non-organic compounds can particularly benefit from this formula.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk
- Perrigo Nurture Infant Formula
Alternatives to Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
- HiPP Organic Combiotic Formula
- Similac Organic Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy with DHA/ARA
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Lebenswert Bio Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care may be more expensive compared to some other brands, which can be a factor for families on a tight budget. Additionally, even though it is non-GMO, it is not certified organic, which might be a concern for some parents.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, while organic, includes palm olein oil, which some parents might avoid due to concerns about digestibility or sustainability. It also lacks prebiotics and probiotics, which could be seen as a downside for those looking for added gut health support.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula are excellent choices, depending on the specific needs and preferences of your baby and family. Similac 360 Total Care is an excellent option for parents seeking advanced nutrition with prebiotic benefits. Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula suits parents prioritizing organic and non-GMO products. Regardless of your choice, it is crucial to consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby's nutritional needs are met.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
Buy Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
Start here
Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.50 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.60 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.13 | 2.20 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 250.00 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -1.00 | Phosphorus | 1.00 | 43.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -2.00 | Magnesium | 2.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 0.75 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 19.00 | Copper | -19.00 | 71.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | -3.00 | Sodium | 3.00 | 27.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -5.00 | Potassium | 5.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -3.00 | Chloride | 3.00 | 68.00 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -0.50 | Vitamin E | 0.50 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 0.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 0.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | -10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 10.00 | 160.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -3.00 | Vitamin B6 | 3.00 | 63.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.05 | Vitamin B12 | 0.05 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | -50.00 | Niacin | 50.00 | 1100.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -1.00 | Folic Acid | 1.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 50.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | -0.20 | Biotin | 0.20 | 4.60 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 8.00 | Choline | -8.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 18.00 | Inositol | -18.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |