Similac 360 vs. Enfamil Gentlease: Which Formula Wins for Sensitive Tummies?

Hi friends! Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage (cold coffee, anyone?), and let’s chat about something that’s probably been on your mind lately: finding the right formula for your little one’s sensitive tummy.

You know, when I first became a mom, I had no idea how complicated feeding could be. I mean, who knew there were so many formulas out there? It’s like trying to pick a Netflix show – overwhelming at first, but once you find the right one, it’s pure magic.

Today, we’re going to dive into two popular choices for sensitive tummies: Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease. I’ve been through the ringer with both of these, so I’m excited to share my experiences with you. Whether you’re a first-time parent still trying to figure out which end of the baby is up (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), or a seasoned pro looking for some new insights, I hope you’ll find this helpful.

Now, let’s get cozy and talk formula!

Brand Snapshot: What You Need to Know

Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula:

Ah, Enfamil. This brand has been around since 1959, which is probably longer than some of us have been alive (no judgment here!). They’re known for their focus on brain-nourishing formulas, and the NeuroPro Gentlease is their gentle, easy-to-digest option.

I remember when my firstborn was about two months old, and we were struggling with fussiness and gas. A fellow mom at the park suggested Enfamil Gentlease, and it was like someone flipped a switch. Suddenly, my little guy wasn’t screaming through every feeding. It was a game-changer!

Similac 360 Total Care Infant Formula:

Now, onto Similac. These folks have been in the baby nutrition game since 1925. Talk about experience! Their 360 Total Care is relatively new to the scene, promising a well-rounded approach to infant nutrition.

I actually tried this one with my second child. Fun fact: I was so sleep-deprived at the time that I accidentally put the scoop in the dishwasher instead of the bottle. Don’t be like me, folks. Get some sleep when you can!

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of our formula face-off.

1. Nutritional Value

When it comes to nourishing our little ones, both Similac 360 and Enfamil Gentlease bring their A-game.

Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is all about brain development. It’s got this fancy blend of MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) that’s supposed to be like brain food for babies. I’m not a scientist, but I can tell you that my little one seemed pretty sharp on this stuff. He once outsmarted me by hiding my keys in his diaper – I’m still not sure if I should be proud or concerned.

Similac 360 Total Care, on the other hand, boasts about its “5 HMO prebiotics” blend. HMOs are Human Milk Oligosaccharides, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they’re actually prebiotics that support gut health and immunity. My second child rarely got sick while on this formula, which was a relief because, let’s face it, none of us have time for that!

Both formulas have a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They’re both iron-fortified too, which is great for preventing anemia.

Pro tip: Whichever formula you choose, make sure you’re preparing it correctly. I once made a whole batch with warm tap water (big no-no) because I was too tired to boil water. Learn from my mistakes, people!

2. Is It Easy on Little Tummies?

This is where these formulas really shine for sensitive tummies.

Enfamil Gentlease is partially hydrolyzed, which is a fancy way of saying the proteins are broken down into smaller pieces. This can make it easier for tiny tummies to digest. When we switched to this, my son’s gas issues improved dramatically. No more acrobatic burping sessions at 3 AM!

Similac 360 Total Care isn’t specifically marketed as a gentle formula, but many parents (myself included) have found it to be easy on the tummy. Those HMO prebiotics I mentioned earlier? They’re supposed to help with digestion too.

Both formulas are lactose-reduced, which can be a lifesaver if your baby is sensitive to lactose. My second child could handle a bit more lactose, so the Similac worked well for us.

Remember, every baby is different. What works for one might not work for another. It’s like how I can eat spicy food all day, but my husband gets heartburn from mild salsa. Bodies are weird, man.

3. What’s in the Mix?: Ingredients and Additives

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s actually in these formulas.

Enfamil Gentlease uses a blend of partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solids as its protein source. It also contains vegetable oils for fat, corn syrup solids for carbohydrates, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Similac 360 Total Care uses nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate for protein, high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil for fats, and lactose for carbohydrates. It also has that special HMO prebiotic blend we talked about earlier.

Both formulas are non-GMO, which was important to me. Neither contains artificial growth hormones, which is a plus.

One thing to note: Similac 360 doesn’t contain corn syrup solids, which some parents prefer. But remember, just because something sounds “artificial” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. Corn syrup solids in formula aren’t the same as high fructose corn syrup in soda.

4. How Much and Where to Find It?

Let’s talk money, honey, because formula isn’t cheap!

Enfamil Gentlease is widely available in most grocery stores and pharmacies. You can also easily find it Amazon. Price-wise, it’s in the mid-to-high range. I used to joke that my baby drank better than I did!

Similac 360 Total Care is a bit newer, so it might not be as readily available in all stores. However, you can usually find it online without any trouble. It tends to be on the pricier side, often a bit more expensive than Gentlease.

Both brands often have coupons or savings programs available. I became a coupon queen when I was formula feeding. Who knew I’d get so excited about saving $5 on baby formula?

Pro tip: If you find a good deal, stock up (within reason, of course). Just make sure to check the expiration dates. I once bought a six-month supply on sale, only to realize it would expire before we could use it all. Oops!

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Benefits

Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease:

Pros:

Easy on sensitive tummies

Great for reducing gas and fussiness

Contains brain-nourishing ingredients

Widely available

Cons:

Can be pricey

Contains corn syrup solids (if that’s a concern for you)

Some babies might need an even gentler formula

Similac 360 Total Care:

Pros:

Well-rounded nutrition with HMO prebiotics

No corn syrup solids

May support immune system

Good for sensitive tummies, even though it’s not marketed as a gentle formula

Cons:

More expensive than many other formulas

Might not be as readily available in all stores

Some babies might need a formula specifically designed for sensitivity

Final Verdict: Is It the Right Choice?

Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground here, haven’t we? After all this, you might be wondering, “Okay, but which one is better?”

Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease are excellent formulas that have helped countless babies (and parents) get through those early months.

If brain development is your top priority and you’re dealing with a mildly sensitive tummy, Enfamil Gentlease might be your go-to. If you’re all about that gut health and immunity boost, and your baby doesn’t need a super gentle formula, Similac 360 could be your winner.

Remember, it’s okay to try different options. You’re not failing if the first formula you try doesn’t work out. It’s all about finding what works best for your little one.

And hey, no matter which formula you choose, here’s a fun tip: save those empty formula containers! They make great storage for toys, art supplies, or even as a makeshift drum for your budding musician. Who says parenting can’t be creative?

Before You Decide: What to Consider

At the end of the day, both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease are solid choices for sensitive tummies. They each have their strengths, and what works best will depend on your baby’s unique needs.

The most important thing is that your baby is fed, happy, and healthy. Whether you’re team Similac, team Enfamil, or team “whatever works today,” you’re doing a great job.

Parenting is an adventure, and choosing a formula is just one small part of it. Trust your instincts, consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns, and remember: you’ve got this!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go fish some cheerios out of my coffee. Because that’s just how we roll in this parenting gig, right? Happy feeding, everyone!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Bonus Content: The 10 Most Popular Baby Formulas on Amazon Today