Selecting the appropriate infant formula is a significant choice for parents, especially for those who might not be able to breastfeed their babies or opt for a combination feeding approach. Two well-known contenders in the infant formula market, Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro have gained attention due to their claimed benefits for infants’ growth and development. To provide the best nutrition for your baby, it’s essential to evaluate these formulas from multiple perspectives, considering not only the manufacturer’s claims but also the real-world experiences of moms who have used them.
This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro, scrutinizing four key aspects that parents prioritize when making this critical choice: mom’s reviews, ingredient quality, nutrient content, and financial impact.
What’s The Difference Between 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro?
Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro are non-GMO standard milk-based formulas for babies with no sensitivity or allergy to specific ingredients, but they differ in their approach:
The Difference is that Similac 360 Total Care aims to promote infant nutrition with a focus on gut health, offering five HMO prebiotics while Enfamil Neuropro’s goal is to support infant brain development and immune health through the inclusion of MFGM, HuMO 6 immune blend, and 2′-FL HMO prebiotic.
User Reviews Comparison:
User reviews offer valuable insights into the practical experiences of parents who have chosen Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro infant formulas for their little ones. Here’s a more detailed comparison based on these reviews:
Similac 360 Total Care:
Positive Reviews: Parents praise Similac 360 Total Care for its appealing taste, making it more palatable for infants. Many find it convenient for travel thanks to its multiple liquid bottles (2-fl-oz, 8-gl-oz, and 32-fl-oz), which is a significant advantage for busy families. Its reputation for being gentle on the baby’s stomach is another prominent positive point, reducing discomfort caused by gas or digestive issues.
Negative Reviews: Some users, however, express concerns about the formula’s price, considering it relatively high. While it is generally well-tolerated, a few parents report that it may occasionally cause spit-up, which can be unsettling. Additionally, there are mentions of dark or unusual stool colors, which might raise concerns. Finding it in physical stores can also be challenging in some locations, causing inconvenience for some users.
Enfamil Neuropro:
Positive Reviews: Enfamil Neuropro is appreciated for its good taste, making it an easier choice for infants with picky preferences. It’s highly regarded for being easy to mix and prepare, simplifying feeding routines for parents. Users also find that it is easy for babies to digest, contributing to a comfortable feeding experience. The formula is considered a good value for the price by many parents.
Negative Reviews: Similar to Similac 360 Total Care, Enfamil Neuropro is criticized for its high price point, which can be a drawback for budget-conscious families. Some users report occasional transition issues when switching to this formula, though this is common when changing infant feeding routines. A less pleasant smell is noted by a few parents as a minor concern.
In summary, both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro earn positive reviews for taste, ease of preparation, and digestive benefits. However, the cost is a shared concern for both formulas, with occasional issues like spit-up or transitioning problems being specific to each.
Related: Enfamil Neuropro Vs Enfamil Gentlease
Ingredients Comparison:
Age Range:
Both Enfamil Neuropro and SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE are designed to cater to infants from birth to 12 months. This extensive age range ensures that these formulas can provide essential nutrition throughout the entire first year of an infant’s life, accommodating their changing needs as they grow.
Protein Source:
Both formulas utilize a combination of nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate as their primary protein sources. This choice mirrors the composition of breast milk, making these formulas a suitable alternative for infants who are not breastfed.
Whey-to-Casein Ratio:
The whey-to-casein ratio is an important consideration as it impacts the digestibility and nutritional profile of the formula:
Enfamil Neuropro boasts a whey-to-casein ratio of 65:35. This means it contains 65% whey protein and 35% casein protein. Whey protein is highly soluble and digests quickly, making it a great source of essential amino acids for muscle growth. Casein, on the other hand, digests more slowly, providing a sustained release of amino acids, which can help keep the baby feeling full for longer periods.
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE features a whey-to-casein ratio of 48:52, with 48% whey protein and 52% casein protein. This variation may be preferred for infants with specific digestion needs, as a higher casein content can provide a more sustained and gradual release of amino acids, potentially reducing the likelihood of fussiness or spitting up in some infants.
Carbohydrate Source:
Both formulas use 100% lactose as the primary carbohydrate source. Lactose is naturally found in breast milk and is the primary source of energy for growing infants. It is highly digestible and well-tolerated.
Fat Source:
Enfamil Neuropro: The fat source includes palm oil, high oleic sunflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, along with DHA/ARA. These fats provide essential energy for infants and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, contributing to overall growth and development.
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE: This formula does not contain palm oil but instead incorporates a combination of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, also enriched with DHA/ARA. This diverse fat profile ensures balanced nutrition for infants.
Extra Features:
Enfamil Neuropro: It sets itself apart with the inclusion of MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), known for its potential role in brain development and immune support. Additionally, it includes HuMO6, an Immune Blend of 2’-FL HMO, Polydextrose, Galactooligosaccharides, Vitamin C & E, and Selenium that contributes to the developing immune system.
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE: Distinguishes itself with 5 HMO prebiotics, that promote digestive health and support the development of a robust gut microbiome. This makes it a unique choice for parents who prioritize digestive well-being.
Related: Enfamil NeuroPro Vs. Enfamil Enspire OPTIMUM
Prebiotics:
Enfamil Neuropro: Enfamil Neuropro contains 2′-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide), Polydextrose, and Galactooligosaccharides as prebiotics. These ingredients promote a healthy gut microbiome and contribute to the digestive comfort of infants.
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE: Offers a comprehensive array of prebiotics, including 2′-FL HMO, Lacto-N-Tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6′-Sialyllactose, and 3′-Sialyllactose. This diverse prebiotic blend supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which is vital for digestion and overall health.
GMO-Free:
Both Enfamil Neuropro and SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE are verified as GMO-free formulas, ensuring that they do not contain genetically modified ingredients.
Generic Brands:
Parents can take advantage of cost-effective options as both formulas are compatible with 9 generic brands. This flexibility allows parents to maintain high-quality nutrition for their infants without straining their budget.
Related: Best 9 Generic Brands of Enfamil NeuroPro
Source of ARA:
In both formulas, ARA, an essential fatty acid for brain and eye development, is sourced from Mortierella alpina oil. This ensures a consistent and reliable supply of this important nutrient.
Source of DHA:
Enfamil Neuropro: DHA is sourced from Schizochytrium sp. oil, contributing to neurological and visual development.
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE: It utilizes Crypthecodinium cohnii oil as the source of DHA, similarly supporting brain and eye development.
Nutrients Comparison:
Macronutrients:
When examining macronutrients, it’s evident that Enfamil Neuropro and 360 Total Care differ in their nutritional composition. Enfamil Neuropro provides a higher amount of protein and carbohydrates per 100 calories, making it a suitable choice for parents who prioritize these nutrients.
Protein is crucial for an infant’s growth and development, supporting the formation of muscles and tissues. The additional carbohydrates offer a valuable energy source for active and growing babies.
In contrast, 360 Total Care offers a greater fat content, which is essential for energy and plays a pivotal role in brain development. This variation in macronutrient composition allows parents to choose a formula that aligns with their baby’s specific dietary requirements.
Related: Similac Advance Vs Enfamil Neuropro
Vitamins:
The vitamin profiles of Enfamil Neuropro and 360 Total Care reveal noteworthy distinctions. Enfamil Neuropro is enriched with higher levels of several vitamins, including Vitamin C, D, E, K, B12, and Folic acid. These vitamins play critical roles in various aspects of an infant’s health, such as immune function, bone development, and overall growth. The presence of these vitamins in elevated quantities can be appealing to parents who seek to provide their infants with comprehensive nutrition.
On the other hand, Similac 360 Total Care offers significantly greater amounts of Vitamin B1, B2, Niacin, and Biotin. These B vitamins are crucial for metabolism, cellular function, and the conversion of food into energy. Parents looking to emphasize these aspects of their baby’s nutrition may find 360 Total Care’s vitamin composition particularly appealing.
Related: Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care
Minerals:
Minerals:
In terms of minerals, Enfamil Neuropro has more Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, Sodium, and Potassium compared to 360 Total Care. These minerals are essential for various aspects of infant growth and development, including bone health, enzymatic reactions, and overall physiological processes.
On the other hand, 360 Total Care is fortified with higher levels of Copper and Chloride. Copper plays a vital role in iron metabolism and overall growth, while Chloride is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance and cellular function.
Price Comparison:
| ENFAMIL NEUROPRO | SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE |
|---|---|
| 20.7 oz 34.87 $ 1.69 /oz Buy 20.7 oz | 20.6 oz 35.18 $ 1.70 /oz Buy 20.6 oz |
| 28.3 oz 46.87 $ 1.66 /oz Buy 28.3 oz | – |
| 31.4 oz 51.00 $ 1.62 /oz Buy 31.4 oz | 30.8 oz 47.98$ 1.55 /oz Buy 30.8 oz |
| – | 2-fl-oz $1.25 62.41 ¢/fl oz Buy 2-fl-oz |
| – | 8-fl-oz $2.78 34.75 ¢/fl oz Buy 8-fl-oz |
| 32 fl oz 11.82 $ 36.9 ¢/fl oz Buy 32 fl oz | 32-fl-oz 10.92$ 34.12 ¢/fl oz Buy 32-fl-oz |
| 4.8 of 5.0 10740 reviews | 4.8 of 5.0 1234 reviews |
Price:
When comparing the prices of Enfamil Neuropro and Similac 360 Total Care in various sizes and formats, it appears that Similac 360 Total Care is slightly cheaper for larger sizes and liquid forms. For example, in the 32-fl-oz ready-to-feed formula, Similac 360 Total Care is priced at $10.92, whereas Enfamil Neuropro is priced at $11.82. On a per-ounce basis, Similac 360 Total Care costs approximately 34.12 cents/fl oz, while Enfamil Neuropro is priced at 36.9 cents/fl oz.
Furthermore, 360 Total Care has multiple liquid sizes; 2 fl oz, 8 fl oz, and 32 fl oz, which makes it convenient for travel, night, and outfeeding because these small bottles fit perfectly in the diaper bag.
Ratings and Reviews:
Both formulas have received positive reviews from parents. Enfamil Neuropro boasts a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 with 10740 reviews which makes it very popular, while Similac 360 Total Care has received positive feedback from 1234 reviewers, also with a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0.
Can You Mix Enfamil Neuropro and 360 Total Care?
Mixing Enfamil Neuropro and Similac 360 Total Care, both of which are similar types of infant formulas, is generally normal and doable. These formulas are designed to provide balanced nutrition for infants with no health issues and have the same main ingredients, nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate as a protein source, and lactose as a carbohydrate source. Thus, if you find that mixing them works well for your baby, it can be a suitable option.
How to Switch Between Similac 360 Total Care and Neuropro?
Switching between Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro or any infant formula is better done gradually. Here are steps to make a smooth transition:
- Gradual Transition: Start by mixing the current formula (either Similac 360 Total Care or Enfamil Neuropro) with the new one in gradually increasing proportions over several days or weeks. For example, you might start with 75% of the old formula and 25% of the new formula, then gradually shift to 50/50, and eventually to 25% old formula and 75% new formula.
- Observe Your Baby: During the transition, closely monitor your baby’s reaction to the new formula. Look for signs of digestive issues, allergies, or discomfort. If your baby experiences adverse reactions, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
- Stay Consistent: It’s important to maintain consistency once you’ve completed the transition. Stick to the new formula your pediatrician recommended to ensure your baby gets the necessary nutrition.
- Stay Hydrated: Offer your baby water or breast milk during the transition to help prevent dehydration, especially if they’re not taking the new formula as readily.
- Be Patient: Babies may need time to adjust to the new taste and composition of the formula. Be patient and give your baby time to adapt.
- Proper Storage and Preparation: Ensure that you follow the proper storage and preparation guidelines for the new formula, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This is crucial for maintaining the safety and quality of the formula.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the comparison between these two formulas unveils the distinctive strengths of each infant formula.
Similac 360 Total Care sets itself apart with its inclusion of five HMO prebiotics, affordability, and the absence of palm oil, making it a favorable choice for those looking to support their baby’s gut health.
On the other hand, Enfamil Neuropro’s remarkable addition of HuMO6, MFGM, and strong user ratings underscores its focus on brain and immune system development.
Resources:
https://hcp.meadjohnson.com/s/product/a4R4J000000PpQdUAK/enfamil-neuropro-infant
https://www.abbottnutrition.com/our-products/similac-360-total-care
