FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care RTF vs Similac Advance
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for the growth and development of your baby. With a wide variety of options available on the market, it can be overwhelming for parents to decide which is best suited for their little one's needs. Two popular choices from Similac are Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care RTF. Both formulas are designed to provide essential nutrients during the infancy stage but have different compositions and features that make them suitable for various needs.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional profile of an infant formula can significantly influence growth and immune health. Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care RTF both promise to deliver well-rounded nutrition, but they do it with slightly different ingredients.
Similac Advance: This formula uses a blend of cow's milk whey and casein proteins, primarily sourced from lactose as the carbohydrate. It contains palm olein, safflower, soy, and coconut oils as its fat sources. The formula is enriched with vitamins A, C, D, E, and essential minerals to support bone health and development.
Similac 360 Total Care RTF: Similar to Similac Advance, it also uses a cow's milk protein mix, but with a formulation that closely replicates the composition of breast milk. The carbohydrates are mainly sourced from lactose, and the fat blend includes high oleic safflower, soy, coconut, and palm olein oils. Additional fortifications include vital vitamins and minerals for comprehensive nutrition.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac Advance | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | 60:40 Whey to Casein | Similar to Breast Milk's Protein Composition |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, Safflower, Soy, Coconut Oils | High Oleic Safflower, Soy, Coconut, Palm Olein Oils |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | Prebiotics | Enhanced Prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included, Closely Matching Breast Milk |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard Levels | Optimized for Growth |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.15/oz | Approximately $0.20/oz |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Note: Prices are estimated and may vary based on retailer and location.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance features a special blend of prebiotics and nutrients designed to strengthen the immune system while promoting healthy digestion. It's a reliable choice for general nutrition, covering the essential bases adequately.
Similac 360 Total Care RTF mimics breast milk more closely than many other formulas. It includes an enhanced prebiotic formulation to support gut health and boasts nutrients that help with brain development, making it suitable for parents looking to supplement or replace breastfeeding.
Target Audience
Similac Advance suits babies who can tolerate regular formula well and thrive on balanced nutrition. It is perfect for infants without specialized dietary needs or sensitivities.
Similac 360 Total Care RTF is ideal for infants with delicate stomachs or parents seeking a formula as close to breast milk as possible. It provides extra support for babies who might be facing challenges with standard formulas.
Alternatives for Similac Advance
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Formula
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Perrigo Advantage Premium Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care RTF
- Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Sensitivity Formula
- Holistic Blend Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance: While comprehensive, it may not cater to babies with specific dietary needs, lactose intolerance, or those requiring a hydrolyzed formula. The cost, while reasonable, can still add up over time.
Similac 360 Total Care RTF: This formula usually comes at a higher price point due to its advanced composition. It may not be necessary for all infants who thrive on less specialized formulas.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care RTF are excellent options catering to infants in diverse situations. Similac Advance offers balanced nutrition suitable for most infants, and Similac 360 Total Care RTF offers enhanced features for those requiring closer alignments with breast milk. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by a pediatrician's advice, particularly if your child has special dietary needs or health conditions. Consider budget, availability, and your child's specific dietary needs when making the final choice.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care RTF Online
Buy Similac Advance Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 0.20 | 5.60 g | |
| 11.00 g | 0.30 | Carbohydrate | 10.70 g | |
| 1.07 g | Protein | 1.00 | 2.07 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 33.00 | Calcium | -33.00 | 45.00 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 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 |