Key Differences Table Between Alimentum and 360 Total Care Sensitive
| Features/Aspect | Similac Alimentum | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable For | Babies with CMPA or severe lactose intolerance | Babies with mild cow’s milk protein or lactose sensitivities |
| Type | Hypoallergenic formula | Sensitive formula |
| Primary Protein Source | Casein hydrolysate (extensively broken down) | Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin | Corn syrup |
| Fats and Oils | High oleic safflower, soy, coconut oils | High oleic safflower, soy, coconut oils |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | 2’-FL HMO prebiotic | 5 HMO prebiotic blend |
| Nutrient-Rich | Fortified with DHA, ARA, vitamins, and minerals | Comprehensive range of nutrients including vitamin E, lutein, DHA |
| Digestive Comfort | Prebiotics for digestive health | Partially hydrolyzed proteins for gentle digestion |
| Specific Benefits | Reduces colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity, hypoallergenic | Designed for fussiness and gas, supports immune system |
This article will compare two popular sensitive formulas from Similac: Alimentum and 360 Total Care Sensitive.
We will analyze their nutritional composition and ingredients to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Let’s get started!
Related read: Similac Alimentum vs Sensitive
Our Short Answer
The winner of this comparison will depend on your baby’s needs.
Choose Similac Alimentum if your baby:
- Is diagnosed with CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy).
- Is severely lactose intolerant
Choose Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive:
- If your baby has sensitivity to cow’s milk protein.
- Has lactose sensitivities
Basically, if your baby has strong allergies or severe lactose intolerance, Alimentum should be your choice, for all other cases, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is a better option.
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Overview of the Two Formulas
Similac Alimentum—A hypoallergenic formula ideal for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies, alleviating colic symptoms swiftly, and fortified with essential nutrients for growth and digestive health.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive—Designed for general digestive sensitivities with a blend of HMO prebiotics and partially hydrolyzed proteins, offering complete nutrition and immune support.
Alimentum
Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula designed for babies with food allergies and colic due to protein sensitivity. It’s a commitment from Similac to provide a comforting solution for infants dealing with these challenges. Here’s what parents should know about Alimentum:
- Hypoallergenic: Alimentum is made for infants with allergic reactions to cow’s milk protein. It contains a protein that is extensively broken down to virtually eliminate allergic reactions in most babies who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
- For Colic Symptoms: Often, colic is linked to protein sensitivity. Similac Alimentum can start reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity within 24 hours in most cases.
- Nutrient-Rich: Despite being hypoallergenic, it’s fortified with all the necessary nutrients, including DHA and ARA, which are essential for brain and eye development, similar to what would be found in breast milk.
- Digestive Comfort: The formula includes prebiotics to help promote digestive health, which is particularly important for babies experiencing discomfort.
360 Total Care Sensitive
On the other hand, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive is geared towards babies with general digestive sensitivities that might not rise to the level of a full-blown allergy. Here’s what sets this formula apart:
- Sensitive to Tummies: This formula is designed for fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity. Not all babies ready for a sensitive formula have allergies, and this can be a suitable middle ground.
- 5 HMO Prebiotic Blend: It includes a unique blend of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), structurally identical to those found in breast milk, which are important for immune support and gut health. *Learn more: HMOs in Formula
- Complete Nutrition: It offers a comprehensive range of nutrients that support growth, brain, and eye development, including vitamin E, lutein, DHA, and more, mirroring what is found in breast milk.
- Gentle Proteins: The proteins in Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive are partially hydrolyzed to aid in easy digestion without compromising on nutrition.
Nutritional Composition
Protein Sources: Alimentum’s casein hydrolysate supports hypoallergenic needs, while 360 Total Care Sensitive uses partially hydrolyzed protein for gentle digestion.
Carbohydrates: Alimentum’s corn maltodextrin provides steady energy for allergy-sensitive systems; 360 Total Care Sensitive’s corn syrup caters to lactose sensitivities with easy-to-digest energy.
Fats and Oils: Both formulas use a balanced mix of vegetable oils, including high oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils, mirroring breast milk’s fat profile for essential brain and eye development.
Protein Content
Proteins serve as the cornerstone of growth, functioning as building blocks for the body’s cells. Here’s how our two formulas stack up in terms of protein content and sources:
- Similac Alimentum: This formula uses casein hydrolysate as its protein source. The casein protein from cow’s milk is extensively broken down into tiny pieces, which reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction in babies with milk protein sensitivity. Alimentum’s protein is therefore ideal for babies who require a hypoallergenic option to support their growth without triggering an immune response.
- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive: This formula includes partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate as its primary protein sources. The partial hydrolysis makes it easier for sensitive tummies to digest, while still supplying the necessary amino acids for the baby’s development. Although not hypoallergenic like Alimentum, it provides a gentler protein option for babies with mild sensitivities.
Learn more: Partially hydrolyzed vs Extensively hydrolyzed formula
Carbohydrate Content
Carbohydrates provide essential energy for little ones to fuel their every coo and crawl. When it comes to the two Similac formulas, their main carbohydrate sources are:
- Similac Alimentum: The carbohydrates in this formula mainly come from corn maltodextrin. It’s a complex carbohydrate that’s easy to digest and provides a steady source of energy for your baby. Alimentum’s carbohydrate blend supports growth while being gentle on an allergy-sensitive system.
- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive: Employing a blend that includes corn syrup as the primary carbohydrate source, this formula is designed to offer energy in a form that’s delicate for babies with sensitive tummies. The careful selection of carbohydrates aids in avoiding digestive issues typically linked to lactose sensitivity.
On paper, corn maltodextrin is a slightly better carb source than corn syrup solids, as it has less simple sugar content and a more neutral flavor. Learn more: Maltodextrin in Formula | Corn Syrup in Formula
Fats and Oils
Fats are crucial for brain development, energy, and absorption of key vitamins. The choice of fats and oils in baby formula needs to reflect the nuanced needs of an infant’s developing body.
- Similac Alimentum: Fats in Alimentum are derived from a blend of vegetable oils including safflower, soy, and coconut oils. This combinatorial approach ensures a balanced mix of fatty acids, mimicking the natural profile of breast milk as closely as possible, all while being suitable for babies with food allergies.
- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive: This formula also uses a mixture of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, providing essential fatty acids like DHA and ARA which are vital for eye and brain health.
Both formulas are basically the same when it comes to fat content, no difference at all.
Nutrient Composition Comparison
| Nutrient | Similac Alimentum (per 100 Cal serving) | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive (per 100 Cal serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 5.54 grams | 5.4 grams |
| Sodium | 44 mg | 30 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.2 grams | 10.9 grams |
| Protein | 2.8 grams | 2.1 grams |
| Vitamin A | 300 IU | 300 IU (Abbreviation Unknown) |
| Calcium | 105 mg | 84 mg |
| Potassium | 118 mg | 107 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin D | 60 IU | 60 IU (Abbreviation Unknown) |
| Vitamin E | 3 IU | 1.5 IU (Abbreviation Unknown) |
| Vitamin K | 8 mcg | 8 mcg |
| Niacin | 1350 mcg | 1050 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 60 mcg | 60 mcg |
| Folic Acid | 15 mcg | 15 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.45 mcg | 0.25 mcg |
| Biotin | 4.5 mcg | 4.4 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 750 mcg | 450 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 75 mg | 56 mg |
| Iodine | 15 mcg | 15 mcg |
| Magnesium | 7.5 mg | 6 mg |
| Zinc | 0.75 mg | 0.75 mg |
| Selenium | 2 mcg | 2 mcg |
| Copper | 75 mcg | 90 mcg |
| Manganese | 8 mcg | 5 mcg |
| Chloride | 80 mg | 65 mg |
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics are non-essential ingredients in infant formula, but more and more brands are including them thanks to their obvious benefits.
Alimentum has 2’-FL HMO, an HMO found in breast milk. It is the only hypoallergenic formula with these types of prebiotics.
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive makes a more pronounced effort in this space. It stands out with its unique blend of 5 different human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) — structurally identical to the HMOs found in breast milk — to mirror the prebiotic and immune-supporting functions that breastfeeding offers.
Best Places to Buy Alimentum and 360 Total Care Sensitive
Alimentum
360 Total Care Sensitive
Buy 360 Total Care Sensitive at Target
Buy 360 Total Care Sensitive at Walmart
What are the best Alternatives to Similac Alimentum and 360 Total Care Sensitive?
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum:
- Nutramigen from Enfamil: (*Read: Alimentum vs Nutramigen)
- The common alternative in the US for babies with sensitivity to cow’s milk protein.
- Contains extensively hydrolyzed protein to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Includes an enflora LGG probiotic to help support digestive health.
- Hipp HA: (*Read: Hipp HA vs Alimentum)
- A more natural hypoallergenic choice for those seeking organic options.
- Boasts a potent combination of prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health.
- Suitable for babies with sensitivities but not for those with diagnosed Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) due to still containing cow’s milk proteins, albeit hydrolyzed.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive:
- Hipp Anti-Reflux:
- Organic formula ideal for infants experiencing reflux and regurgitation.
- Contains natural locust bean gum, which makes the formula creamier and may ease the symptoms of reflux.
- Enhanced with prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides) and probiotics, supporting healthy digestion.
- Hipp Comfort: (*Read: Hipp AR vs Comfort)
- Designed for babies with digestive issues such as colic, gas, and constipation.
- Features reduced lactose content to ease digestion for babies with lactose sensitivities.
- Includes a special fat blend to make fats easier to digest and prebiotic fibers (galactooligosaccharides) derived from lactose.
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Similac Alimentum and 360 Total Care Sensitive has helped you choose the best option for your baby.
If you have further questions, we’ll be happy to help you. Contact us or leave a comment below.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
