FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Similac Advance RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents who are unable or choose not to breastfeed. Infant formula serves as the primary source of nutrition for many babies, and selecting a formula that meets your baby's needs can impact their health and development. Similac is a trusted brand that offers a variety of infant formulas tailored to different nutritional requirements. In this blog post, we compare two popular options: Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Advance RTF (Ready-To-Feed), examining their nutritional compositions, special features, and more to aid parents in making an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
When it comes to infant nutrition, the composition of a formula is essential. Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Advance RTF are both designed to provide comprehensive nutrition, but they do so with different approaches.
Similac 360 Total Care is designed to be closest to breast milk in composition. It contains a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, which are essential for brain and eye development. It includes ingredients to support immune health, and it also contains prebiotics to support gut health.
Similac Advance RTF, on the other hand, is known for its ready-to-feed convenience and balanced nutrition, with a focus on DHA and vitamin E. It does not contain palm olein oil, which some parents prefer to avoid.
Key Differences
| Key Component | Similac 360 Total Care | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | 20% Whey, 80% Casein | Non-Fat Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soy Oil | Coconut Oil, High Oleic Safflower Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics: 2'-FL HMO | No added Prebiotics or Probiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Contains DHA | Contains DHA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Infant-appropriate levels | Infant-appropriate levels |
| Estimated Cost Per Ounce | $0.30 (estimated)* | $0.32 (estimated)* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care is renowned for its carefully formulated blend that aims to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk. Its inclusion of prebiotics is designed to aid in digestive health, and its high-quality fats are critical for brain and eye development. Similac Advance RTF is convenient for parents due to its ready-to-feed nature, eliminating the need for mixing and minimizing preparation time.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is ideal for parents looking for a formula that closely resembles breast milk, especially those who want to support their baby's immune and gut health. Similac Advance RTF is suitable for parents who value time-saving and hassle-free feeding without compromising on balanced nutrition, making it a good option for busy or traveling families.
Alternatives
Similac 360 Total Care Alternatives
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
Similac Advance RTF Alternatives
- Enfamil Ready to Feed Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro Ready to Feed
- Perrigo Parent's Choice Gentle Ready to Feed
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula
- Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care, despite its high nutritional quality, can be costly for some families, and availability may vary by location. It's also important for parents to ensure their child does not have soy allergies due to soy oil content. Similac Advance RTF's main drawback is its cost per ounce, which is generally higher due to the convenience factor. Additionally, some parents may have concerns regarding the use of certain oil blends in infant formula.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Advance RTF offer high-quality nutrition tailored to infants' needs. Similac 360 Total Care is ideal for parents seeking a formula close to breast milk with added prebiotics. In contrast, Similac Advance RTF offers a no-mix, ready-to-feed option suited for convenience. Parents should consider their child's specific needs and consult a pediatrician before making a decision, especially if their baby has dietary restrictions or allergies. Always read labels and stay informed about the ingredients to ensure the choice aligns with your baby's health requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.20 | Fat | 5.40 g | |
| 10.50 g | Carbohydrate | 0.70 | 11.20 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 2.07 g | ||
| 1000.00 mg | 1000.00 | Linoleic Acid | 0 |
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 | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | 0.00 | Phosphorus | 0.00 | 42.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | 0.00 | Magnesium | 0.00 | 6.00 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 | 0.00 | Manganese | 0.00 | 5.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | 0.00 | Selenium | 0.00 | 2.00 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Sodium | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | 0.00 | Potassium | 0.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | 0.00 | Chloride | 0.00 | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin E | 0.00 | 1.50 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 | 0.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B12 | 0.00 | 0.25 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | 0.00 | Niacin | 0.00 | 1050.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Folic Acid | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | 0.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 0.00 | 450.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | 0.00 | Biotin | 0.00 | 4.40 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | 0.00 | Vitamin C | 0.00 | 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 |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |