FormulaSeek - Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF vs Similac 360 Total Care
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents, as it plays a significant role in a baby's early development and nutrition. With a myriad of options available, understanding each product's specific benefits and composition can help parents make informed choices. In this article, we'll compare two popular infant formulas, Similac 360 Total Care and Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF, to help guide parents in finding the right fit for their baby's needs.
Nutritional Composition
When comparing infant formulas, it's essential to analyze their nutritional components, such as protein type, carbohydrate sources, fat sources, vitamins, and minerals. Similac 360 Total Care is formulated with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to mimic the composition of breast milk closely. It often includes a blend of whey and casein proteins, lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, and a variety of oils like safflower and soybean oil for fats.
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF, on the other hand, is tailored for babies with sensitive tummies, featuring partially hydrolyzed protein to make digestion easier. It uses a combination of lactose and maltodextrin for carbohydrates and includes palm olein oil, which has garnered mixed reactions regarding digestion and absorption of calcium and fat.
Key Differences
| Attribute | Similac 360 Total Care | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey and Casein | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose and Maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soybean Oil | Palm Olein Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics | Prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Yes | Yes |
| Iron and Calcium Content | High | High |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.15* | Approximately $0.20* |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Note: Prices are estimated and can vary based on location and vendor.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care is designed to support overall infant health with a formula that closely mimics breast milk. It includes prebiotics that aid in digestive health and supports a robust immune system. Meanwhile, Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF is specially designed for infants with stomach sensitivities, utilizing partially hydrolyzed proteins which are easier to digest and proven to reduce fussiness, gas, and crying.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is suitable for a broad range of infants, particularly those without specific dietary allergies or sensitivities. It's ideal for parents looking for a non-GMO formula that closely resembles breast milk. Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF is particularly beneficial for infants experiencing digestive discomforts, such as colic or lactose sensitivity, and those requiring a gentler protein source.
Alternative Formulas for Similac 360 Total Care
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula
Alternative Formulas for Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Sensitivity Infant Formula
- Similac Sensitive
- HiPP Comfort
Potential Drawbacks
Both formulas come with potential drawbacks. Similac 360 Total Care, while nutritionally balanced, may be on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF can be pricier and may be harder to find in regular retail stores. The use of palm olein oil in the ProTotal Comfort formulation has raised concerns about reduced bone mineralization in some studies, although actual impacts can vary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between Similac 360 Total Care and Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF largely depends on your baby's specific needs and sensitivities. Similac 360 Total Care is a great option for daily nutritional needs with a focus on mimicking the benefits of breast milk, while Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF serves infants who require gentler nutrition due to digestive sensitivities. As always, consult with your pediatrician to better understand your baby's individual needs and optimize their nutritional intake.
Sources*
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care 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 RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 0.20 | 5.60 g | |
| 10.70 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 10.50 g | |
| 2.32 g | 0.25 | Protein | 2.07 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 RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |