FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF vs Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is pivotal for a baby's health and development, especially when breastfeeding is not an option or requires supplementation. Infant formula provides nutrients that are crucial for a baby’s growth, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Two popular options in the market are Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF. Both are designed for infants with sensitive tummies and aim to ease digestive issues often caused by regular formulas.
Nutritional Composition
In assessing Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF, it's important to understand their nutritional makeup:
Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula: This formula uses partially hydrolyzed proteins to aid in digestion. It typically employs a whey-to-casein ratio that mimics breast milk and relies on lactose reduced carbohydrates to help those with lactose sensitivity. The fat source includes a mixture of vegetable oils that may feature palm oil, which supports energy supply and nutrient transportation. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and DHA for brain development.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF: This formula is ready-to-feed (RTF) and contains a blend of non-GMO ingredients. The protein source focuses on easy digestion with a whey and casein combination. Similac incorporates carbohydrates like lactose and corn syrup solids. The fat source is composed of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, free from palm oil to avoid associated digestive discomfort. It offers additional prebiotics to bolster gut health and higher DHA levels for cognitive development.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Enfamil Sensitive | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey-to-casein ratio (Partially hydrolyzed) | Whey-to-casein combination |
| Carbohydrate Source | Partially reduced lactose | Lactose, Corn syrup solids |
| Fat Source | Vegetable oils (may include Palm oil) | High oleic safflower oil, Soy oil, Coconut oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | 1-FOS Prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | High DHA | Enh, Omega-3 DHA/ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard iron and calcium | High iron and calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50 | $0.75 |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Note: Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Enfamil Sensitive and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive each have unique features:
Enfamil Sensitive: This formula features partially hydrolyzed proteins, reducing potential allergens and aiding in easier digestion. It includes DHA, which is essential for brain and eye development.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF: This ready-to-feed formula eliminates the mixing step, ensuring precise nutrient content and convenience. It boasts the inclusion of prebiotics which support the gut's beneficial bacteria, and an omega-rich formula to help cognitive and visual development.
Target Audience
Enfamil Sensitive: Ideal for infants with mild lactose sensitivity who may struggle with standard formulas. Additionally, it is beneficial for babies experiencing regular gassiness or fussiness.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF: Suitable for sensitive stomachs, offering a ready-to-feed option, reducing preparation inconvenience. It suits parents looking for prebiotics-enhanced formulas for digestive health.
Alternatives
For Enfamil Sensitive
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Aptamil Sensavia Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula
For Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
- Similac Pro-Total Comfort
- Similac Advance Non-GMO
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula
- Nestlé NAN Prebio Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Enfamil Sensitive: Being slightly more costly and without prebiotics, this option may not offer the bifidogenic support some parents seek. The presence of palm oil may be a concern due to digestion difficulties for some infants.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF: The ready-to-feed format is more expensive than powdered alternatives, increasing the overall cost. Its corn syrup solids content might not suit parents looking for more natural carbohydrate sources.
Conclusion
Both Enfamil Sensitive and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF address specific digestive needs, making them valuable choices for infants with sensitivities. Enfamil is an ideal choice for parents focusing on protein hydrolyzation and avoiding corn syrup solids, while Similac offers convenience and the fortification of both DHA and prebiotics for gut health. It is essential to align formula choice with individual baby needs and preferences, and consulting with a pediatrician is always advisable for personalized recommendations.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF Online
Buy Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | 0.10 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.90 g | Carbohydrate | 10.90 g | ||
| 2.10 g | Protein | 0.10 | 2.20 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 Sensitive RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.00 mg | -4.00 | Calcium | 4.00 | 88.00 mg |
| 56.00 mg | -3.00 | Phosphorus | 3.00 | 59.00 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 | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 15.00 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 |
| 30.00 mg | -3.00 | Sodium | 3.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 107.00 mg | -3.00 | Potassium | 3.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -2.00 | Chloride | 2.00 | 67.00 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -10.00 | 140.00 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 | 0.00 | Inositol | 0.00 | 24.00 mcg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 IU |