Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care are standard milk-based non-GMO formulas with nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate as protein sources and 100% lactose as a carbohydrate source.
The difference between them is that Similac Pro Advance is a cheap formula with 2 prebiotics and the OptiGRO feature whereas Similac 360 Total Care stands out with 5 HMO prebiotics, emphasizing advanced support for a baby’s immune and digestive systems, potentially warranting a higher cost.
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The Best One?
The best formula for your baby depends on their specific needs and how they react to different formulas. Both Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Pro Advance have their advantages, so it’s essential to consider your baby’s requirements:
- GMO Status: Both Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Pro Advance are non-GMO formulas.
- Gut Health: Similac 360 Total Care stands out for gut health as it contains a blend of 5 HMO prebiotics, making it an excellent choice for promoting a healthy digestive system.
- Gas Relief: Based on parents’ reviews, Similac 360 Total Care appears to be more effective in addressing issues related to gas in babies.
- Weight Gain: Similac Pro Advance is preferred by some parents for its reported positive impact on weight gain in infants.
- Price: Similac Pro Advance is known for its affordability in the powdered form, while Similac 360 Total Care offers competitive pricing in the ready-to-feed format.
Mom’s Reviews Comparison:
Similac 360 Total Care:
Positive Reviews:
Babies love the taste and readily accept it: Many reviewers noted that their babies enjoyed the taste of Similac 360 ready-to-feed formula and had no issues accepting it. This is important as some babies can be picky about the taste of formula, and a formula that is well-liked by infants can make feeding easier.
Easy to travel with: The convenience of this formula extends to travel. Its ready-to-feed nature and lack of refrigeration requirements make it a suitable choice for family trips or vacations.
Easy to use, no need for mixing: The convenience of not having to mix the formula was appreciated by many parents. They could use it straight from the bottle without any preparation, making it a time-saver.
Good for babies with gas or fussiness: Several reviewers mentioned that this formula was gentle on their babies’ stomachs and helped alleviate gas or fussiness. This is a significant benefit for parents with babies who are prone to digestive discomfort.
Availability during shortages: Some reviewers noted that they were able to find Similac 360 ready-to-feed formula even during formula shortages, providing peace of mind to parents who rely on it.
Negative Reviews:
Formula price: Some parents said that the formula was generally expensive compared to other options, even when there were no shortages.
Spitting up, dark, or unusual stool colors: A few reviewers reported issues such as babies spitting up or having unusual stool colors after using this formula. These concerns may be specific to individual babies and their reactions to the formula.
Availability issues in local stores: Several reviewers mentioned that they had trouble finding this formula in their local stores, which added to the inconvenience.
Similac Pro Advance:
Positive Reviews:
Easy to digest: Many parents mentioned that their babies had no issues with digesting Similac Pro-Advance and that it was gentle on their tummies.
Helps with Weight Gain: Parents have noted that their babies thrived on this formula, gained weight appropriately, and received essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.
Easy to mix: Parents appreciated the ease of mixing and preparing Similac Pro-Advance.
Easy Transition from Breastfeeding: Several reviewers mentioned that this formula provided a smooth transition from breastfeeding to formula feeding. Babies had no issues or irritability when switching to this formula.
Negative Reviews:
Sensitivity Issues: Some parents have reported that their babies experienced sensitivity issues, including gas, reflux, or vomiting while using this formula.
Price: Several users mentioned that Similac Pro-Advance is relatively expensive compared to Similac Advance
Taste Preferences: A few reviewers mentioned that their babies didn’t like the taste of this formula, and transitioning to it was challenging.
Ingredients Comparison:
Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care are both infant formulas designed for babies from 0-12 months of age. They have several similarities in terms of ingredients, but there are also some differences worth noting:
Protein Source:
- Both formulas use nonfat milk as the primary protein source, which is a common ingredient in infant formulas.
- They also contain whey protein concentrate, with a whey-to-casein ratio of 48:52. This ratio is designed to mimic the protein composition found in breast milk.
Carbohydrate Source:
- Both Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care use 100% lactose as the carbohydrate source. Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar in breast milk and is well-tolerated by most babies.
Fat Source:
- The fat source in both formulas includes high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil. These fats provide essential fatty acids needed for a baby’s growth and development.
- It’s important to note that these formulas do not contain palm oil, which some parents prefer to avoid due to concerns about its potential impact on nutrient absorption.
DHA/ARA:
- Both formulas are fortified with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ARA (Arachidonic Acid), which are important fatty acids for brain and eye development in infants.
- Similac Pro Advance sources DHA from Schizochytrium sp. oil and ARA from Mortierella alpina oil.
- Similac 360 Total Care sources DHA from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil and ARA from Mortierella alpina oil.
Prebiotics:
- Both formulas contain prebiotics, which can help support a baby’s developing gut microbiome.
- Similac Pro Advance includes 2′-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide) and short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
- Similac 360 Total Care includes 2′-FL HMO, Lacto-N-Tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6′-Sialyllactose, and 3′-Sialyllactose. These additional prebiotic ingredients may offer extra benefits for gut health.
« HMOs are special prebiotics found naturally in a mother’s breast milk. They are the most abundant solid ingredient in breast milk after fat and carbohydrates. In breastfed babies, HMOs are scientifically shown to positively affect the microbiome. » says nutritionnews.Abbott
GMO-Free:
- Both formulas are GMO-free, which means they do not contain genetically modified ingredients. This can be an important consideration for some parents.
Extra Features:
- Similac Pro Advance is marketed with OptiGro, which includes a blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E to support brain, eye, and overall growth and development.
- Similac 360 Total Care does not specify additional features like OptiGro in its formulation.
Generic Brands:
Both formulas have 9 generic brands to choose from in case you have financial issues or one of these formulas are not available. Read Best 9 Generic Similac Advance & Pro Advance Formula.
In summary, Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care share many common ingredients, including protein sources, carbohydrate sources, and prebiotics. They are both GMO-free and suitable for infants from 0-12 months. However, Similac 360 Total Care includes a wider range of prebiotic ingredients, which may offer potential benefits for gut health.
Nutrients Comparison:
Both Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care provide similar levels of micronutrients and vitamins per 100 calories (5 fl oz), which makes them nutritionally comparable:
Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates:
- Both formulas provide 2.07 grams of protein, 5.60 grams of fat, and 10.5 grams of carbohydrates per 100 calories. These macronutrient levels are consistent between the two formulas.
Vitamins:
- Both formulas supply the same levels of essential vitamins per 100 calories:
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin D: 60 IU
- Vitamin E: 1.5 IU
- Vitamin K: 8 mcg
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 100 mcg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 150 mcg
- Vitamin B6: 60 mcg
- Vitamin B12: 0.25 mcg
- Niacin: 1050 mcg
- Folic Acid (Folacin): 15 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid: 450 mcg
- Biotin: 4.4 mcg
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): 9 mg
Other Nutrients:
- Both formulas contain choline and inositol at the same level: 24 mg per 100 calories.
Inositol is a nutrient important for cell signaling, nerve function, lipid metabolism, and overall health.
Minerals:
In terms of minerals, there don’t appear to be significant differences between Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care. Both formulas provide similar amounts of essential minerals, which are important for a baby’s growth and development.
Price Comparison:
| Similac Pro Advance | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|
| 30.8 oz 37.48 $ 1.22 /oz 32-fl oz 10.42$ 32.6 ¢/fl oz | 20.6 oz 35.99 $ 1.75 /oz 30.8 oz 44.88$ 1.46 /oz 32-fl-oz 9.82$ 30.7 ¢/fl oz |
| 4.5 of 5.0 665 reviews | 4.8 of 5.0 1218 reviews |
Buy 30.8 oz HERE Buy Ready-to-feed | Buy 20.6 oz HERE Buy 30.8 oz HERE Buy Ready-to-use |
In terms of price, Similac 360 Total Care is slightly more expensive per ounce compared to Similac Pro Advance when purchasing the larger can. However, when comparing the price per fluid ounce for the ready-to-feed versions, Similac 360 Total Care is slightly more affordable.
Additionally, 360 Total Care has a higher average rating based on parents’ reviews, indicating greater babies’ experience with this formula.
Alternatives to Similac Pro Advance:
When searching for an alternative to Similac Pro Advance, you have several options to consider. Here are some alternatives, each with its unique features:
- Similac Advance:
- Similac Advance is a product from Similac and is a trusted formula for infants.
- It is designed to provide complete nutrition for infants and is easy to digest.
- If your baby has been using Similac Pro Advance, transitioning to Similac Advance may be relatively smooth since both are from the Similac brand.
- Read: Similac Advance Vs. Pro Advance.
- Enfamil NeuroPro:
- Enfamil NeuroPro is formulated to support brain development with added MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and DHA.
- It is a suitable alternative if you want a formula that emphasizes cognitive development.
- Enfamil Infant:
- Enfamil Infant is designed to provide complete nutrition for infants from birth to 12 months.
- It is well-tolerated by many babies and is easy to digest.
- Enfamil Infant is a versatile formula suitable for a wide range of infant needs.
- Enfamil Enspire:
- Enfamil Enspire is a premium formula aiming to mimic the benefits of breast milk.
- It contains both MFGM and Lactoferrin, which are found in breast milk and may support immune and cognitive development.
- Gerber Good Start Gentle:
- Gerber Good Start Gentle is designed to be gentle on a baby’s stomach and is suitable for babies with sensitive tummies.
- It contains Comfort Proteins, which are easy to digest and may reduce the risk of colic, gas, and fussiness.
- This formula is a good choice if your baby has experienced digestive issues with other formulas.
Alternatives to 360 Total Care:
When looking for an alternative to Similac 360 Total Care, there are several infant formulas available on the market that you can consider. Here are some alternatives, each with its unique features:
- Similac Advance:
- Similac Advance is another product from Similac, and it’s a trusted formula for infants.
- It contains OptiGro, a blend of essential nutrients found in breast milk.
- If your baby has been using Similac 360 Total Care, transitioning to Similac Advance may be relatively smooth since they are both from the Similac brand.
- Read: Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care.
- Enfamil NeuroPro:
- Enfamil NeuroPro is known for its emphasis on brain-building nutrition.
- It contains MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and DHA, which are beneficial for brain development.
- Enfamil NeuroPro is considered a good alternative if you’re looking for a formula that focuses on cognitive development.
- Enfamil Infant:
- Enfamil Infant is designed to provide complete nutrition for infants from birth to 12 months.
- It is easy to digest and well-tolerated by many babies.
- Enfamil Infant is a versatile formula suitable for a broad range of infant needs.
- Enfamil Enspire:
- Enfamil Enspire is a premium formula that aims to mimic the benefits of breast milk.
- It contains both MFGM and Lactoferrin, which are found in breast milk and may support immune and cognitive development.
- Enfamil Enspire is a suitable choice if you’re looking for a formula with additional components found in breast milk.
Switching Between Pro Advance and 360 Total Care:
Switching between infant formulas like Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care should be done gradually to help your baby’s digestive system adjust. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the transition:
- Gather Supplies: Ensure you have an adequate supply of both Similac Pro Advance and Similac 360 Total Care on hand to make the transition smooth.
- Gradual Transition: Start by mixing the two formulas together to create a blend. Begin with a small proportion of the new formula (Similac 360 Total Care) and a larger proportion of the old formula (Similac Pro Advance). For example, you can start with a mixture of 25% 360 Total Care and 75% Pro Advance.
- Monitor Your Baby: Observe your baby’s reaction to the formula blend. Look for any signs of discomfort or digestive issues. If your baby tolerates the mixture well and shows no adverse reactions, you can gradually increase the proportion of Similac 360 Total Care while decreasing the proportion of Similac Pro Advance over several days.
- Increase the Proportion: Over about a week or longer, gradually adjust the blend in favor of Similac 360 Total Care until your baby has fully transitioned to the new formula. For example, you can increase the ratio to 50% 360 Total Care and 50% Pro Advance, then 75% 360 Total Care and 25% Pro Advance, until you are exclusively using Similac 360 Total Care.
- Observe and Adjust: Throughout the transition, closely monitor your baby’s stool patterns, digestion, and overall well-being. If you notice any discomfort or unusual symptoms, consult your pediatrician for guidance.
- Be Patient: Every baby is unique, and some may adapt to the new formula more quickly than others. Be patient and flexible during the transition process, allowing your baby’s digestive system to adjust at its own pace.
Remember that every baby is unique, and what works well for one may not work for another. Your pediatrician is the best resource for guiding you through the transition and ensuring that your baby’s nutritional needs are met while keeping them comfortable and healthy.
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