FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive vs Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula can be a daunting task for new parents, as the nutritional needs of infants are unique and critical to their health and development. Similac, a trusted brand in the world of infant nutrition, offers a range of formula options catering to different dietary requirements and sensitivities. Among these are Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive and Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF. This blog post aims to compare these two formulas, highlighting their nutritional composition, key differences, and target audiences, to aid parents in making an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional makeup of an infant formula is crucial as it directly impacts a baby's health and development. Here, we'll delve into the protein types, carbohydrate sources, fat sources, and essential vitamins and minerals present in Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive and Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is designed for infants with lactose sensitivity and provides a gentle nutrition blend tailored to such needs. It typically utilizes a mix of protein sources optimized to ease digestion.
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF offers a formulation designed for ease of digestion as well, featuring partially hydrolyzed protein to help reduce fussiness and gas, making it suitable for infants with sensitive tummies.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey dominant | Partially hydrolyzed whey |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, soy oil | Safflower oil, soy oil, palm olein |
| Prebiotics & Probiotics | Prebiotics (2’ FL HMO) | Prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Yes, optimized levels | Yes, same levels |
| Iron & Calcium Content | Standard levels | Standard levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.20* | Approx. $0.25* |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary depending on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is specifically formulated for infants with lactose sensitivity, offering a gentle formula that supports overall growth and immune health through its unique HMO blend similar to that found naturally in breast milk.
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF is designed to cater to babies exhibiting signs of digestive discomfort by incorporating partially hydrolyzed protein and a unique prebiotic blend that encourages healthy gut flora and overall ease of digestion.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is ideal for infants who show signs of lactose sensitivity or are unable to handle regular milk-based formulas comfortably.
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF caters more to infants who struggle with general digestion of formula due to its hydrolyzed protein, making it suitable for babies prone to gas, colic, or fussiness.
Alternatives
Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula with Iron
- Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Gentle Infant Formula
Alternatives for Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Abbott Elecare
- Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
Potential Drawbacks
While Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is an excellent choice for lactose-sensitive infants, it may not be suitable for those seeking a fully lactose-free option. Additionally, it comes at a slightly higher price point.
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF, despite its digestive benefits, is available at a higher price compared to regular formulas, which might be a concern for budget-conscious parents. Furthermore, the presence of palm olein oil might be contentious due to dietary preferences or perceived digestibility issues.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive and Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF bring unique advantages for specific infant dietary needs. The 360 Total Care Sensitive formula excels at catering to lactose-sensitive infants, thanks to its specialized protein blend. Meanwhile, ProTotal Comfort RTF serves as a relief mechanism for babies with sensitive tummies, providing partially hydrolyzed protein for ease of digestion.
Ultimately, parents should consider their baby’s specific dietary requirements, budget, and sensitivity concerns. Consulting with a pediatrician can further assist in making the best decision for a child's nutritional health and wellbeing.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Online
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort 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 Sensitive | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 5.40 g | ||
| 10.90 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 10.70 g | |
| 2.10 g | Protein | 0.22 | 2.32 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 Sensitive | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.00 mg | -21.00 | Calcium | 21.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 56.00 mg | -19.00 | Phosphorus | 19.00 | 75.00 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 |
| 30.00 mg | -14.00 | Sodium | 14.00 | 44.00 mg |
| 107.00 mg | -11.00 | Potassium | 11.00 | 118.00 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 Sensitive | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort 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 |