FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who, for various reasons, opt not to breastfeed or need to supplement breast milk. With numerous options available in the market, understanding the nutritional nuances of each can help ensure your baby receives optimal nutrition. Two popular choices are Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula. This blog post delves into a detailed comparison of these two formulas, aiding parents in making an informed decision.

Nutritional Composition

Infant formulas are meticulously designed to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk as closely as possible. Similac Advance RTF is known for its comprehensive nutrient blend, whereas Earth's Best Gentle focuses on ease of digestion. Both formulas offer unique benefits based on their ingredients.

Similac Advance RTF: This formula utilizes a milk-based protein that provides an optimal protein blend. Its carbohydrate component is mainly lactose, similar to breast milk, and it includes a blend of fats such as safflower oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil. Similac Advance RTF is fortified with vitamins and minerals essential for growth, including iron and calcium.

Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula: Known for its easily digestible proteins, this formula contains partially hydrolyzed proteins, making it a great choice for babies with sensitive stomachs. The carbohydrate source is primarily lactose, enhanced with prebiotics to support gut health. The fat blend includes palm olein and soy oil, enriched with DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.

Key Differences

Factor Similac Advance RTF Earth's Best Gentle
Protein Source (Whey-to-Casein Ratio) 20:80 Partially Hydrolyzed Whey and Casein
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Lactose
Fat Source Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil Palm Olein, Soy Oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics Prebiotics (No Probiotics) Prebiotics (No Probiotics)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Included Included
Iron and Calcium Content Fortified Iron-Fortified
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.20 - $0.25 $0.18 - $0.22
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Organic, Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Advance RTF: This formula is enriched with Lutein, Vitamin E, and other nutrients beneficial for brain and eye development, closely mimicking the nutrient profile of breast milk.

Earth's Best Gentle: Focused on being gentle on the stomach, this formula's partially hydrolyzed proteins make it easier to digest, ideal for babies with sensitivity or digestive discomfort.

Target Audience

Similac Advance RTF is suitable for healthy full-term infants who do not have feeding concerns and whose parents prefer a non-GMO formula. Earth's Best Gentle is ideal for babies with digestive sensitivities, those who experience gas or fussiness, and parents interested in organic options.

Alternatives for Similac Advance RTF

  • Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
  • Gerber Good Start GentlePro
  • Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula
  • Kirkland Signature ProCare
  • Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula

Alternatives for Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula

  • Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron
  • Beech-Nut Gentle Infant Formula
  • Happy Baby Organic Sensitive Infant Formula
  • Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
  • Baby's Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA Formula

Potential Drawbacks

Similac Advance RTF: Though beneficial for many, some parents may find it more expensive compared to powdered options. The absence of probiotics may be noted by those focused on gut health.

Earth's Best Gentle: While gentle, the inclusion of palm olein can sometimes be a concern for parents worried about potential impacts on fat digestion and absorption.

Conclusion

Both Similac Advance RTF and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula offer unique benefits tailored to different infant needs. Similac Advance is a robust choice for general use with a strong nutritional profile, whereas Earth's Best is optimal for babies with sensitive digestive systems. Parents should weigh these differences against their infant's needs and preferences, keeping in mind costs and ingredients, and consult with a pediatrician to make the most informed decision.

Sources*

Buy Similac Advance RTF Online

Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online

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Nutrient comparison

Similac Advance RTF +/- Data +/- Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
5.40 g 0.10 Fat 5.30 g
11.20 g 0.40 Carbohydrate 10.80 g
2.07 g Protein 0.23 2.30 g
0 Linoleic Acid 750.00 750.00 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 Advance RTF +/- Minerals +/- Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
78.00 mg -4.00 Calcium 4.00 82.00 mg
42.00 mg -4.00 Phosphorus 4.00 46.00 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
24.00 mg -12.00 Sodium 12.00 36.00 mg
105.00 mg -3.00 Potassium 3.00 108.00 mg
65.00 mg 2.00 Chloride -2.00 63.00 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 Advance RTF +/- Vitamin +/- Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
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 -0.50 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 18.00 Inositol -18.00 6.00 mg