FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care RTF vs Enfamil Nutramigen RTF


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for any parent, as it can have profound implications on your baby's growth, development, and overall well-being. With a variety of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to identify which formula best suits your infant's needs. Among the widely recognized options are Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two infant formulas, assisting parents in making an informed choice.

Nutritional Composition

The nutritional composition of infant formulas is a key consideration, as it closely mimics the nutrients found in breast milk. Similac 360 Total Care RTF is designed to provide complete nourishment with a focus on immune support, brain development, and digestive health. It contains a unique blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E to support cognitive growth. Enfamil Nutramigen RTF, on the other hand, is a hypoallergenic formula formulated for infants with cow's milk protein allergy. It contains extensively hydrolyzed proteins, making it easier to digest.

Key Differences

Component Similac 360 Total Care RTF Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
Protein Source Whey, Casein Extensively Hydrolyzed Whey
Carbohydrate Source Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin Corn Syrup Solids, Modified Corn Starch
Fat Source Safflower Oil, Soy Oil Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut Oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics 2’-FL HMO prebiotics No added prebiotics or probiotics
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Included Included
Iron Content 1.9 mg per 100 kcal Available
Calcium Content 78 mg per 100 kcal Available
Estimated Cost per Ounce Approximately $0.20* Approximately $0.22*
Organic or Non-GMO Non-GMO Non-GMO

*Note: Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.

Special Features and Benefits

Similac 360 Total Care RTF is enriched with prebiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria, which can enhance digestive health and immune function. The formula leverages OptiGRO, a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, aimed at supporting brain and eye development. Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is distinct for its hypoallergenic properties; its extensively hydrolyzed proteins are beneficial for infants who cannot tolerate cow's milk protein, potentially reducing colic, rash, and other allergy symptoms within 48 hours.

Target Audience

Similac 360 Total Care RTF is ideal for infants with standard nutritional needs but could also benefit those looking for immune support and cognitive development enhancements. Meanwhile, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is particularly suited for babies with cow's protein milk allergy, lactose sensitivity, or infants with colic due to protein sensitivity.

Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care RTF

  • Similac Pro-Advance
  • Similac Pro-Sensitive
  • Gerber Good Start Gentle
  • Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
  • Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula

Alternatives for Enfamil Nutramigen RTF

  • Similac Alimentum
  • Gerber Extensive HA
  • Enfamil Prosobee
  • Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
  • EleCare for Infants

Potential Drawbacks

One of the main concerns with Similac 360 Total Care RTF is its cost, which may not fit within every family's budget. Additionally, some parents might prefer organic options that this formula does not provide. On the other hand, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF, while highly effective for babies with allergies, is also on the higher end of the price spectrum, and its taste and smell might be less appealing to some infants.

Conclusion

Choosing between Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF largely depends on your infant's specific dietary needs and any health sensitivities they may have. While Similac 360 Total Care RTF offers comprehensive nutritional support for healthy infants, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF serves as a specialized formula addressing allergy concerns. It is crucial for parents to consult with their pediatrician to identify which formula will best support their infant's growth and nutritional requirements.

Sources*

Buy Similac 360 Total Care RTF Online

Buy Enfamil Nutramigen RTF Online

+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.

View All Compares

Start here

Nutrient comparison

Similac 360 Total Care RTF +/- Data +/- Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
5.40 g 0.10 Fat 5.30 g
11.00 g 0.70 Carbohydrate 10.30 g
1.07 g Protein 1.73 2.80 g
1000.00 mg 140.00 Linoleic Acid 860.00 mg

Minerals comparison

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

Similac 360 Total Care RTF +/- Minerals +/- Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
78.00 mg -16.00 Calcium 16.00 94.00 mg
42.00 mg -10.00 Phosphorus 10.00 52.00 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 -0.25 Zinc 0.25 1.00 mg
5.00 mcg -20.00 Manganese 20.00 25.00 mcg
90.00 mcg 15.00 Copper -15.00 75.00 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 -23.00 Sodium 23.00 47.00 mg
105.00 mg -5.00 Potassium 5.00 110.00 mg
65.00 mg -21.00 Chloride 21.00 86.00 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 RTF +/- Vitamin +/- Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
300.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin A 0.00 300.00 IU
60.00 IU 10.00 Vitamin D -10.00 50.00 IU
1.50 IU -0.50 Vitamin E 0.50 2.00 IU
8.00 mcg -1.00 Vitamin K 1.00 9.00 mcg
100.00 mcg 20.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) -20.00 80.00 mcg
150.00 mcg 60.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) -60.00 90.00 mcg
60.00 mcg 0.00 Vitamin B6 0.00 60.00 mcg
0.25 mcg -0.05 Vitamin B12 0.05 0.30 mcg
1050.00 mcg 50.00 Niacin -50.00 1000.00 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 1.40 Biotin -1.40 3.00 mcg
9.00 mg -3.00 Vitamin C 3.00 12.00 mg
24.00 mg 0.00 Choline 0.00 24.00 mg
24.00 mg 7.00 Inositol -7.00 17.00 mg