Similac Advance vs Similac 360: Understanding what’s the difference between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care can be mind-boggling for parents. However, if you are up for that, do not worry since here, we are clarifying and simplifying the Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care comparison for you.
In this post, we will dive deep into answering a common Similac-related query: “What’s the difference between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care?” With this Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care comparison guide, we aim to offer a clear, concise yet detailed comparison of these two Similac baby formulas. This will aid you in choosing the right one for your little pretty baby.
Similac has different baby formula products tailored to meet the overall growth of a baby as well as its specific needs. Two popular choices from the Similac Catalog are Similac 360 and Similac Advance. They are among the best-selling baby formulas of Similac.
These two baby formulas come with several similarities in ingredients, composition, and concentration. However, there are some differences that you can detect with the help of this Similac 360 Total Care vs Similac Advance comparison. Let’s explore what’s the difference between Similac 360 and Similac Advance.
A Quick Overview of Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care
Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care: Similac Advance is Similac’s standard infant formula. It’s designed to offer complete nutrition for a baby’s first year. It contains DHA (Omega 3) and Lutein, nutrients found in breast milk, crucial for brain and eye development. This formula strategically avoids palm olein oil, ensuring better calcium absorption for infants. It’s noteworthy that it’s both kosher and halal.
On the other hand, Similac 360 Total Care is a relatively newer addition to the Similac family. It offers a similar nutritional profile as Similac Advance, but with an enhanced focus on providing a more wholesome approach. The “360” refers to holistic nutrition, intending to cover all bases of infant growth and health. It contains an exclusive blend of 5 HMO prebiotics that offer multifaceted support for immunity, digestive health, and overall infant development. Similar to the Advance variant, this formula steers clear of artificial growth hormones and GMOs.
Nutritional Composition (What’s the Difference Between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care)
The question of what’s the difference between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care often boils down to the ingredients and some other factors. Find out the Similac Advance vs Similac 360 Total Care differences below:
Ingredients
Similac Advance: Similac Advance has a blend of prebiotics, which can promote digestive health by supporting beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Similac 360 Total Care: Similac 360 Total Care follows a 360 approach and is one step ahead of Similac Advance. Similac 360 contains more vital nutrients in addition to prebiotics, emphasizing a more rounded approach to gut health and overall wellness.
Allergenic Components
Parents often ask, “What’s the difference between Similac 360 and Similac Advance when it comes to allergens?”
Similac Advance: Made with a milk-based formula, it might not be suitable for babies with lactose intolerance.
Similac 360: While still using a milk base, the formulation process breaks down protein further, aiming to make it easier on sensitive tummies. However, always consult with a pediatrician if you suspect any allergies.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
The gut is often termed the ‘second brain’ due to its pivotal role in overall health. This is where prebiotics and probiotics play their part.
Similac Advance: Similac Advance incorporates Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), a type of prebiotic that nurtures healthy gut bacteria, fostering optimal digestive health.
Similac 360 Total Care: This product stands out with its infusion of five HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides), which are structurally akin to those in breast milk. These HMOs nourish beneficial gut bacteria, crucial for immune system development.
Given the profound benefits of HMOs, Similac 360 Total Care takes the crown in the prebiotic category.
Taste and Texture
Another way to pinpoint the Similac 360 Total Care vs Similac Advance differences is through taste and texture.
Similac Advance: This infant formula has a standard consistency, resembling most infant formulas on the market.
Similac 360: This particular baby formula strives for a creamier texture, closer to the consistency of natural breast milk. This can make the transition from breastfeeding to formula a tad smoother.
Cost and Availability
Considering what’s the difference between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care in terms of cost and where to get them?
Similac Advance: Being a longer-standing product, it’s widely available and might be more affordable than its newer counterpart.
Similac 360: While potentially pricier due to its enhanced formula, it’s increasingly available in many stores and online platforms.
Here’s a quick Similac 360 vs Advance comparison table to help clarify and make you better understand what’s the difference between Similac 360 and Similac Advance:
| S.N. | Feature/ Aspect | Similac Advance | Similac 360 |
| 1. | Nutritional Profile | Standard infant formula (Contains DHA (Omega 3) and Lutein) | Similar to Advance, but with a more holistic approach (Emphasizes overall infant growth and health) |
| 2. | Ingredients | Contains a blend of prebiotics (Focuses on promoting beneficial bacteria in the intestines) | Contains prebiotics and other essential nutrients (Emphasizes gut health and overall wellness) |
| 3. | Allergenic Components | Milk-based formula | Milk-based but with further broken down protein |
| 4. | Taste & Texture | Standard consistency | Creamier texture, closer to natural breast milk |
| 5. | Carbohydrate Content | 10.7 g | 10.5 g |
| 6. | Cost & Availability | Longer-standing product, widely available (Might be more affordable) | Newer, potentially pricier (Increasing availability ) |
This table offers a quick visual guide on “What’s the difference between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care.” However, we advise checking the official website of Similac for the most accurate information as it might be possible that Similac made certain changes to the composition of their baby formula.
Take a Quick View At Similarities and Differences of Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care
Similarities Between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care
- Suitability: Both are ideal for babies without allergies or intolerances.
- Main Ingredients: The base consists of nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, lactose, high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil.
- Protein Source and Content: Both use nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate, providing around 2.07g of protein per serving.
- Fats and Oils: Both have the same fat sources – high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, delivering about 5.6g of fat per serving.
- Palm Oil: Neither formula contains palm oil or palm olein (as mentioned on the official Similac website)
- Whey and Casein Ratio: Both have a 48:52 ratio.
Differences Between Similac Advance and Similac 360 Total Care
Brain Development Nutrients: Similac Advance contains DHA for brain and eye development. In contrast, Similac 360 Total Care has an exclusive blend of 5 HMO prebiotics, which support the immune system and brain.
Carbohydrate Content: Similac Advance has slightly more carbohydrates with approximately 10.7g per serving from lactose. Similac 360 Total Care offers about 10.5g per serving.
Prebiotics: Similac Advance contains Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) for digestive health, while Similac 360 Total Care boasts a blend of 5 HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) to support the immune system.
Price: Similac Advance is generally cheaper than Similac 360 Total Care.
Upon thorough analysis of the ingredients and nutritional content of both formulas, the competition is tight. Both formulas seem to cater excellently to infants without allergies or intolerances. However, if we had to choose based on exclusive benefits, we’d lean towards Similac 360 Total Care. Its introduction of HMOs, which closely resemble breast milk components, gives it a slight edge. However, if budget constraints exist, Similac Advance is a commendable choice. That being said, both are commendable options.
FAQs on Similac Advance vs Similac 360 Total Care (What’s the Difference Between Similac 360 and Similac Advance)
What's the Difference Between Similac 360 and Similac Advance?
Similac Advance is Similac’s standard infant formula designed for overall nutrition in the baby’s first year. Similac 360, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach to nutrition, with a formulation that emphasizes comprehensive infant growth and health.
Are the Ingredients in Similac 360 and Similac Advance the Same?
Not entirely. While both contain a blend of prebiotics and other essential nutrients, Similac 360 has a more rounded approach to gut health and overall wellness.
Which is Better for Babies with Sensitive Tummies: Similac Advance vs Similac 360 Total Care?
Similac 360 has further broken down proteins, potentially making it easier for babies with sensitive tummies. However, consult with a pediatrician if you have any doubts related to allergies or sensitivities.
Is Similac 360 More Expensive than Similac Advance?
Generally, Similac 360 might be pricier due to its enhanced formula. However, prices can vary depending on where you’re purchasing from.
Can I Switch Between Similac 360 and Similac Advance?
It’s essential to monitor how your baby reacts when switching formulas. Some babies transition seamlessly, while others might have digestive issues. Make sure you have a conversation with your pediatrician before switching to other baby formulas or making any changes to your baby’s diet.
Which One Has a Taste and Texture Closer to Breast Milk?
Similac 360 is designed with a creamier texture, aiming to resemble the consistency of natural breast milk more closely.
Are Both Formulas Suitable for Babies with Lactose Intolerance?
Both formulas are milk-based. If your baby has lactose intolerance or any milk allergies, consult with your pediatrician about suitable formula options.
Where can I buy Similac Advance and 360?
Both formulations can be found in several stores and internet marketplaces. Similac Advance has been around for a while, thus it might be more commonly accessible.
How Does Similac Advance's Nutritional Profile Compare to Similac 360's?
Both products have a robust nutritional profile, but Similac 360 places more emphasis on a more all-encompassing or “360” approach to nutrition, taking into account various areas of child growth and health.
What are the Main Advantages of Using Similac 360 Instead of Similac Advance, or the Opposite?
Similac Advance is a tried-and-true option for general nutrition in the first year of life. However, Similac 360 offers a more comprehensive nutritional strategy that has more of an emphasis on gut health and overall wellness.
Remember, after reading this Similac Advance vs 360 Total Care and understanding the what’s the difference between Similac 360 and Similac Advance, don’t pick one of these baby formulas at random. It’s critical to think about your baby’s unique requirements and to often speak with a pediatrician.
