FormulaSeek - Similac ProTotal Comfort vs Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for many parents, as it can greatly impact a baby's nutritional intake and overall health. With numerous options on the market, understanding the differences between formulas is essential. Two popular formula choices are Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Ready-To-Feed (RTF) and Similac ProTotal Comfort. This blog post will provide an in-depth comparison of these two products, examining their nutritional composition, key differences, special features, target audiences, and potential alternatives.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional components of infant formulas play a vital role in addressing the specific needs of infants. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Similac ProTotal Comfort offer distinct nutritional profiles to cater to different sensitivities and dietary requirements.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is formulated to be gentle on sensitive stomachs. It typically contains a protein blend designed for easier digestion and reduces fussiness. The carbohydrate source generally includes lactose, which is similar to that found in breast milk, along with a fat blend that excludes palm oil to ease digestion.
Similac ProTotal Comfort is designed for babies with delicate tummies and often contains partially hydrolyzed proteins, allowing for more comfortable digestion. It uses carbohydrates like maltodextrin, providing easily digestible energy. This formula also balances nutritious fats to closely mimic the natural fat content of breast milk.
Key Differences
Below is a table highlighting the key differences between Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Similac ProTotal Comfort:
| Criteria | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | Similac ProTotal Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Non-hydrolyzed whey protein | Partially hydrolyzed protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | Sunflower oil, coconut oil | High oleic safflower oil, coconut oil, soy oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics included | Both prebiotics and probiotics included |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard levels | Enhanced levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Estimated $0.75/oz | Estimated $0.70/oz |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Both formulas are tailored to meet specific needs. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF provides a ready-to-feed option that is ideal for quick preparation and reduces the risk of mixing errors. It's designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, which helps reduce fussiness. Similac ProTotal Comfort offers a formula with partially hydrolyzed proteins, making it easier to digest and potentially reducing colic symptoms. In addition, it includes both prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health and immune function.
Target Audience
Understanding which formula suits your baby's needs best can be challenging, but specific characteristics can guide your choice. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF may best serve babies with lactose sensitivity who experience fussiness due to digestive issues. Similac ProTotal Comfort is targeted toward infants with delicate tummies who may benefit from partially hydrolyzed proteins or those with a predisposition to colic or digestive discomfort. It also offers enhanced iron and calcium for additional nutritional support.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
- Enfamil Sensitive
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity
- Kirkland Signature Sensitive
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
- Parent's Choice Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Gentle Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Each formula has potential drawbacks worth noting. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF can be more costly due to its ready-to-feed convenience and may not be as widely available in all regions. Additionally, while the RTF formulation reduces preparation time, it's heavier for regular transport. Similac ProTotal Comfort, although typically less expensive, may not suit infants with a high sensitivity to even partially hydrolyzed proteins. Both formulas, like many commercial products, may include ingredients that concern some parents, such as added sugars or non-organic contents.
Conclusion
Choosing between Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Similac ProTotal Comfort ultimately depends on your infant's specific nutritional and digestive needs. Similac 360 is ideal for parents seeking a convenient, gentle option for sensitive tummies, especially when lactose sensitivity is a concern. In contrast, Similac ProTotal Comfort may be preferable for infants with general digestive sensitivities who also benefit from prebiotic and probiotic support. Before making a final decision, it's highly recommended to consult with a pediatrician to ensure that the chosen formula supports your baby's unique dietary requirements.
Sources*
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 5.40 g | ||
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.20 | 10.90 g | |
| 2.32 g | 0.22 | Protein | 2.10 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 Sensitive RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 21.00 | Calcium | -21.00 | 84.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 19.00 | Phosphorus | -19.00 | 56.00 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 | 14.00 | Sodium | -14.00 | 30.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 11.00 | Potassium | -11.00 | 107.00 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 Sensitive 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 |