Similac Sensitive Vs Total Comfort

Want to know the difference between Similac Sensitive Vs Total Comfort easy digestion formulas?

Then let us help you decide which is best sensitive baby formula with our Similac Sensitive vs Similac Total Comfort review!

All kinds of ingredients are used in infant formula, to make it as supportive for your baby and as close to breast milk as possible. However, that long ingredients list makes understanding what’s going on in the tub harder for parents! And when you’re trying to determine which formula is right for your baby’s stomach, all this complexity can be frustrating.

Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort are both designed for easy digestion, helping sensitive stomachs get the nutrition they need. The big difference between the two is the protein base, and how that affects the level of lactose. Similac Sensitive is better for those with lactose sensitivities, whereas Similac Total Comfort benefits delicate tummies!

To help you get to grips with exactly what sets Similac Sensitive and Total Comfort apart, we’ve put together this comparison. We’ll explore the ingredients they use, and how that affects digestion, as well as their pros and cons of easy formula, so you can decide which Similac formula is better for your little one.

And if you love this Similac Sensitive and Total Comfort review, make sure to check out our guides on best formula that tastes like breast milk, Similac Pro Total Comfort Vs Pro SensitiveSimilac Sensitive vs Pro Sensitive, and Enfamil Gentlease Vs Similac Sensitive! You may even like our review on Enfamil NeuroPro vs Similac Pro Advance!

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similac sensitive vs total comfort

Similac Sensitive Vs Total Comfort

In this section, we’ll cover the details of Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort.

All About Similac Sensitive

Similac Sensitive is an infant formula specially crafted for infants with lactose sensitivities. Created using milk protein isolate, this low-lactose formula is easy on sensitive stomachs, and suitable for babies with allergies.

The base of Similac Sensitive is milk protein isolate. Milk protein isolate is milk protein with all the extra bits removed, such as fats and carbohydrates. That means the lactose has been removed, making it safe for lactose sensitive babies. 

With the lactose gone, Similac Sensitive can reduce fussiness, crying, gas, and spit up. Milk-based but easy to digest, Similac provides all the nutritional necessities your baby needs, in a way their body can handle!

Similac Sensitive isn’t the most advanced formula, and it does contain higher sugar levels than similar formulas. But if it’s low lactose you need, then this is an excellent, and affordable, option.

Pros

  • Made from milk protein isolate, Similac Sensitive is easier to digest than standard formulas.
  • Can relieve fussiness, gas, and spit up in infants with a lactose sensitivity.
  • Contains a blend of lutein, DHA, and vitamin E to aid growth and support the brain and eyes.
  • Free from palm olein oil, which can limit calcium absorption.
  • Free from GMOs and artificial growth hormones.

Cons

  • Milk protein isolate can be harder to digest than hydrolyzed proteins.

All About Similac Total Comfort

Similac Total Comfort is a formula designed to be as gentle on new tummies as possible. Using partially broken down proteins to take the strain off the digestive system, growing bellies can enjoy Similac Total Comfort more than standard formulas. 

Partially hydrolyzed whey proteins form the base of Similac Total Comfort. These proteins have already been partly digested, so there’s less for the stomach to do. This can reduce fussiness, crying, and gas quickly.

Similac Total Comfort is a complete formula, containing DHA, lutein, and vitamin E to support healthy growth. It also contains 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic that nurtures good bacteria in the gut to build a better immune response. This blend of ingredients mimics breast milk, and helps your little one get a good start in life.

Similac Total Comfort can be a little harder to mix, and as an imported formula (with FDA approval), there are potential supply issues. But, overall, it’s an excellent choice for those struggling with fussiness at feeding times.

Pros

  • An easier to digest formula, using partially hydrolyzed whey proteins that the body can break down better.
  • Can reduce fussiness, crying, gas, and other colic symptoms quickly.
  • Contains 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic that strengthens the immune system.
  • Contain DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, ingredients that support growth and development.
  • Free from GMOs, artificial growth hormones, and palm olein oil.

Cons

  • The formula has a tendency to clump, and might need shaking during a feed.

You may also like our guide on Similac Pro Advance vs Pro Total Comfort!

03/19/2024 11:03 am GMT

Similarities And Differences Between Similac Sensitive And Total Comfort

The differences between Similac Sensitive and Total Comfort aren’t always obvious — they’re both Similac formulas designed for easier digestion. In this section, we’ll explore exactly what those differences are, and the important similarities, so you can make the right choice.

Method For Easy Digestion

Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort both claim to be easier for delicate tummies to digest. But they both go about it in different ways. Similac Sensitive uses milk protein isolate to ease digestion, whereas Similac Total Comfort uses partially hydrolyzed whey proteins.

So, what exactly does that mean?

As the name suggests, milk protein isolate is milk protein that has been removed (or isolated) from whole milk. This isolation takes away the fats and sugars in milk, including lactose, to leave you with just the protein. Milk protein isolate is then easier for the body to digest.

Hydrolysis is the process of breaking chemicals down. Partially hydrolyzed whey protein is whey proteins that have been partly broken down. This makes them smaller, and easier for the body to digest. Partial hydrolysis also removes some of the lactose.

Partially hydrolyzed whey is typically easier for the body to digest, so preferable for those with delicate stomachs. For general fussiness, Similac Total Comfort is the better choice. But there are advantages to milk protein isolate, which we’ll cover below.

Lactose Levels

Lactose is a sugar found in dairy that’s well known for triggering food sensitivities. Lactose is found in breast milk, so it’s nothing to be worried about, but some babies will have a negative reaction. A lactose sensitivity could result in fussing, crying, gas, spit up, and other issues at feeding time.

Similac Sensitive is specifically designed for those with a lactose sensitivity. Milk protein isolate has had the lactose removed, so it shouldn’t trigger a reaction in your little one. (Keep in mind, Similac Sensitive isn’t suitable for those with galactosemia).

Similac Total Comfort does have lower lactose levels than standard formulas, but if you know lactose is the problem, consider Similac Sensitive instead. Speak to your pediatrician, if you aren’t sure what’s the root of the feeding issue. 

Sugar Content

The first ingredient used in Similac Total Comfort is maltodextrin. This is a form of carbohydrate, and the maltodextrin typically used in infant formula is corn maltodextrin. Maltodextrin acts as a thickener, and also as an energy source.

Similac Sensitive, on the other hand, lists corn syrup as the first ingredient, and doesn’t contain maltodextrin. It can be a little alarming to see syrup in a baby formula, but it’s nothing to worry about. Similac Sensitive uses corn syrup in place of the carbohydrates and sugars which have been removed from the milk proteins.

Because of this, Similac Sensitive has a slightly higher sugar content than Similac Total Comfort. It’s still within the normal range, and we hope this will help you understand the difference in ingredients.

Supportive Nutrients

As complete feeds, both Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort contain the ingredients your little one needs for healthy development. 

Both Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort contain the Similac exclusive blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E. These three ingredients are found in breast milk, and help support the development of the brain and eyes, plus overall growth. 

Immune Support

Similac Total Comfort contains 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic that’s found in breast milk. 2’-FL HMO acts as immune support, nurturing the developing immune system in your baby’s body. Helping develop the good bacteria in the gut, 2’-FL HMO can also help fight tummy troubles.

Similac Sensitive doesn’t contain 2’-FL HMO. This isn’t a major cause for concern (lots of formulas don’t contain 2’-FL HMO). However, it’s worth taking into account.

Where Is It Made?

Similac is an American company, and the majority of infant formulas sold by Similac in the US are manufactured within the country. However, Similac Total Comfort is an imported formula. It’s manufactured in Spain, but has been approved for sale in the US.

In terms of quality, this makes no difference. Both Similac Sensitive and Total Comfort have to pass FDA approval. However, it’s worth knowing where both formulas come from, so you can better prepare for availability issues.

Price

Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort are both comparably priced. They are more expensive than standard formulas, which is to be expected due to their specialized ingredient list. Both formulas are reasonably priced for easy digestion formulas.

Final Thoughts On Similac Sensitive Vs Similac Total Comfort

Overall, Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort both provide a comforting feed for sensitive stomachs.

We prefer Similac Total Comfort, as the gentle whey proteins are less likely to cause an upset than milk protein isolate. We also love the addition of 2’-FL HMO, and how closely the formula mimics the composition of breast milk.

With that said, Similac Sensitive certainly has its benefits. If you know a lactose sensitivity is the cause of your feeding issues, then Similac Sensitive is a better choice than Total Comfort. 

If you still aren’t sure which is right for you, try speaking with your pediatrician. They can help you discover the root cause of the issue, and whether lactose is the problem! 

We hope this guide has helped you navigate the complex world of proteins, so you can find the best formula!

And if you want to check out any more of our guides, we recommend checking out these guides on does baby formula expire?, how to keep baby bottle warm at night and how to warm bottles on the go. Or even our guides for the best bottles for tongue tie, and best baby bottles for reflux.

03/19/2024 11:03 am GMT
similac sensitive vs similac total comfort