FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Similac 360 Total Care RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring the healthy growth and development of your baby. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming for parents to decide which formula will best meet their baby's needs. Similac is a well-known brand that offers a variety of formulas designed to support the nutritional needs of infants. In this blog post, we'll compare two popular ready-to-feed (RTF) formulas from Similac: Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Similac Advance RTF. Understanding the differences and similarities in their compositions and benefits will help you make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Similac Advance RTF provide complete nutrition to infants, but they differ in specific components. Similac 360 Total Care is designed to closely mimic breast milk, with a unique combination of ingredients that support immune health, brain development, and digestive comfort. It contains 2’-FL HMO prebiotics, which are found in breast milk. Similac Advance RTF, on the other hand, is focused on providing essential nutrients for growth and development, with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care RTF | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey to casein ratio of 60:40 | Whey to casein ratio of 48:52 |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | High-oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | High-oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil |
| Prebiotics & Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO | No prebiotics or probiotics added |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Contains DHA/ARA | Contains DHA/ARA |
| Iron & Calcium Content | Added iron and calcium | Added iron and calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.40/oz (estimated) | Approximately $0.30/oz (estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care RTF includes 2'-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO), a prebiotic that supports the development of the immune system and is structurally similar to HMOs found in breast milk. This formula is ideal for infants who can benefit from immune support and digestive comfort.
Similac Advance RTF, with its focus on balanced nutrition, is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and DHA/ARA to aid the overall growth and cognitive development of infants. Its composition suits babies on a standard feeding routine without special dietary needs.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care RTF is designed for infants who need enhanced digestive support and immune system boosting. It is particularly beneficial for breastfed babies transitioning to formula. Similac Advance RTF is suited for healthy babies with typical growth patterns and no specific dietary sensitivities or requirements.
Alternatives
Similac 360 Total Care RTF Alternatives
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro RTF
- Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula RTF
- Happy Family Organic Sensitive Formula RTF
- Parent’s Choice Gentle RTF
Similac Advance RTF Alternatives
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant RTF
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro RTF
- Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula RTF
- Happy Family Organic Infant Formula RTF
- Parent’s Choice Infant RTF
Potential Drawbacks
One concern for Similac 360 Total Care RTF is its slightly higher price per ounce, which could be a barrier for families on a budget. Additionally, the availability might vary by location. While Similac Advance RTF is more affordable, it lacks the added prebiotics found in the 360 Total Care, which may be a consideration for parents seeking immune support for their infants.
Conclusion
Choosing between Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Similac Advance RTF ultimately depends on your baby's specific nutritional needs and any existing dietary considerations. Similac 360 Total Care RTF is ideal for infants who need additional immune support and digestive comfort, while Similac Advance RTF offers balanced nutrition for babies with typical growth patterns. As always, consult with your pediatrician to select the best formula for your baby’s health and developmental needs.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 5.40 g | ||
| 11.20 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 11.00 g | |
| 2.07 g | 1.00 | Protein | 1.07 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 1000.00 | 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 Advance RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 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 Advance RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |