FormulaSeek - Similac ProTotal Comfort vs Similac 360 Total Care RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring a baby's optimal growth and development, especially for mothers who are unable to breastfeed. Infant formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk while offering convenience and meeting the diverse needs of infants. This post compares two popular infant formulas: Similac 360 Total Care Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Similac ProTotal Comfort. Both products cater to specific dietary needs, but they differ in various aspects including nutrient content and target audience.
Nutritional Composition
Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Similac ProTotal Comfort are formulated to support infants' nutritional needs, but they have differences in their nutritional compositions. Similac 360 Total Care RTF aims to offer a balanced diet with a focus on overall nutritional harmony, while Similac ProTotal Comfort is especially designed for babies with sensitive stomachs. The table below outlines their key nutritional components such as protein type, carbohydrate sources, fat sources, vitamins, and minerals.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care RTF | Similac ProTotal Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate (60:40 whey-to-casein ratio) | Partially hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | Palm olein, soy, coconut, and high-oleic safflower oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | HMO prebiotics | FOS prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Enhanced | Basic |
| Iron Content | 1.89 mg per 100 kcal | 1.8 mg per 100 kcal |
| Calcium Content | 78 mg per 100 kcal | 78 mg per 100 kcal |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50 (estimate) | $0.55 (estimate) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care RTF is equipped with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), designed to mimic the gut-health benefits of breast milk by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. In contrast, Similac ProTotal Comfort includes partially hydrolyzed proteins to ease digestion, making it an ideal formula for infants with gentle stomachs.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care RTF is well-suited for infants who tolerate lactose and derive benefits from a balanced nutrient profile. On the other hand, Similac ProTotal Comfort is designed for babies with a history of sensitive digestion, or those with mild lactose intolerance, as it contains partially broken-down proteins.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care RTF
- Enfamil NeuroPro
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Gentle Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Formula
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Nestle Good Start Soothe
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth’s Best Sensitivity
- Parent’s Choice Gentle
Potential Drawbacks
While both formulas are designed to meet specific needs, there are potential drawbacks. Similac 360 Total Care RTF tends to be more expensive due to its enhanced nutrient profile and ready-to-feed convenience. Similac ProTotal Comfort can also be pricier and may not be as effective for severely lactose-intolerant infants. Availability can sometimes be an issue, especially in rural areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Similac ProTotal Comfort offer tailored nutritional benefits depending on an infant's specific needs. Similac 360 Total Care RTF is recommended for parents looking for a balanced non-GMO formula that supports comprehensive development. In contrast, Similac ProTotal Comfort is optimal for babies with sensitive digestion. As always, it's crucial for parents to consult with a pediatrician when choosing an infant formula to ensure it aligns with their baby's health needs.
Sources*
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 5.40 g | ||
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.30 | 11.00 g | |
| 2.32 g | 1.25 | Protein | 1.07 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 ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 27.00 | Calcium | -27.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 33.00 | Phosphorus | -33.00 | 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 |
| 44.00 mg | 20.00 | Sodium | -20.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 13.00 | Potassium | -13.00 | 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 ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care 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 |