FormulaSeek - Similac ProTotal Comfort vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for many parents, especially when breastfeeding is not an option. Infant formulas are designed to closely mimic the nutrient profile of human milk, providing essential nutrients needed for a baby's growth and development. In this blog post, we will compare two popular infant formulas: Similac ProTotal Comfort and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula. Both are designed to provide gentle nutrition for sensitive tummies but cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Understanding their composition and features can help parents make informed choices for their infants.
Nutritional Composition
When selecting an infant formula, it is important to understand the nutritional composition, as each formula has specific ingredients tailored to support a baby's health. Similac ProTotal Comfort features partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which makes it easier for infants to digest. Its primary carbohydrate source is lactose. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, on the other hand, uses a blend of whey and casein derived from organic cow's milk and relies on maltodextrin and lactose for its carbohydrates. Both have additional vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac ProTotal Comfort | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Partially hydrolyzed whey | Whey and casein blend |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Maltodextrin, Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, soybean oil | Palm oil, soybean oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics: 2'-FL HMO | No added probiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Contains DHA/ARA | Contains DHA/ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Contains iron and calcium | Contains iron and calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.20 | Approximately $0.25 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac ProTotal Comfort is designed with partially hydrolyzed protein, which is easier for a baby’s digestive system to process, making it suitable for those with sensitive stomachs. It also includes 2'-FL HMO prebiotics to support immune health. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is certified organic, making it a choice for parents who prioritize organic ingredients. It includes DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development.
Target Audience
Similac ProTotal Comfort is ideal for babies with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues due to its easy-to-digest protein. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is best suited for parents seeking an organic option for their baby's nutrition and who value more natural ingredients.
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Parent’s Choice Gentle
- Kirkland Signature ProCare
Alternatives to Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitivity
- Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic LactoRelief
- Organic Infant Formula by Holle
- Similac Organic
Potential Drawbacks
Similac ProTotal Comfort can be costly, and availability may vary by location, making it challenging to consistently find in stock. Some parents may also have concerns about non-organic ingredients. Earth's Best can be slightly more expensive, and some parents may wish to avoid palm oil, which is a controversial ingredient due to its environmental impact.
Conclusion
Both Similac ProTotal Comfort and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula offer excellent options for infant nutrition, tailored to different needs. Similac ProTotal Comfort is suitable for babies with sensitive digestive tracts, while Earth's Best is ideal for parents seeking organic certification. Ultimately, parents should consider their baby's specific needs and consult with a pediatrician to make the best choice.
Sources*
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort Online
Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | 0.10 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.32 g | 0.02 | Protein | 2.30 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 250.00 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 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 ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 23.00 | Calcium | -23.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 29.00 | Phosphorus | -29.00 | 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 |
| 44.00 mg | 8.00 | Sodium | -8.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 10.00 | Potassium | -10.00 | 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 ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle 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 | 18.00 | Inositol | -18.00 | 6.00 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 |