The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for infants from birth up to six months. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrients, it is safe, and fulfils all the energy requirements for infants to achieve optimal growth.
However, some mothers have difficulty producing sufficient breast milk due to several factors like genetics, stress, hormonal issues, and pumping problems.
In such cases, stage 1 infant formula can come in handy to supplement the infants’ nutritional intake.
Stage 1 Infant Formula: How to choose the best one for your baby
You should look for the following vital nutrients when it comes to stage 1 infant formulas.
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Key nutrients
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Nutrient’s role in a growing infant
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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
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DHA and ARA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for cognitive, visual and neural development.
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Arachidonic acid (ARA)
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Protein
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Protein is the essential building block for tissue growth, maintenance and repair in all bodily systems.
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Prebiotics
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Pre and probiotics ensure optimal gut health which helps maximise absorption of nutrients.
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Probiotics
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Iron
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Iron is key in delivering oxygen for the growing brain and muscles and is particularly high during this early stage in life.
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Calcium
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Calcium is required for the formation of strong bone structures.
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Zinc
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Zinc plays a role in immune function, protein and DNA synthesis and cellular growth.
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Bottom line, the ideal infant formula should be:
- Easy to digest
- Nutrient-rich
- Made of non-GMO ingredients
- Safe and clean
- Hypoallergenic
The Best Stage 1 Infant Formula in Singapore
It is important to choose your stage 1 formula accurately according to the individual needs of your baby. With so many choices, it can prove to be a stressful task. Fret not, we are here to help!
We have reviewed and collated the best choices in the list below. Our list includes options for babies with lactose intolerance and sensitivity, as well as extensively hydrolysed formulas for babies who might exhibit signs of potential allergies.
This nutritional table hopefully helps you in considering the right Stage 1 Infant Formula for your little one.
Best Value- For-Money Stage 1 Formula
Looking to make the most out of your purchase? This formula is sure to maximise the benefits for you and your baby.
Frisolac Gold Stage 1 is created with high quality NOVAS signature milk from the Netherlands, so you can be sure to meet your baby’s nutritional needs with ease.
NOVAS signature milk contains low casein mineralisation and is made up of non-micellar caseins with gentle bonds, thus enabling digestion to be a breeze. Frisolac Gold Stage 1 is also enriched with 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), a naturally occurring milk oligosaccharide which nourishes the good bacteria in the digestive system.
So this results in flourishing gut health and immunity. Moreover, its LockNutri™ technology keeps all the proteins in their natural form so that your baby can get all the goodness.
Highlights
- Contains DHA, ARA, 2’-FL, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and more
- High quality ingredients farmed using organic methods
- Easily digested
- No added sucrose and flavouring
- Airtight lid with LockNutri™ technology
- Reasonably priced
- Suitable for 0-6 months
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Best hypoallergenic Stage 1 Infant Formula
Nestlé NAN Optipro® HA Stage 1 formula increases the rate of nutrient absorption because it is made with 100% whey protein. Amino acids from whey have been proven to digest faster than casein, thus efficiently fuelling infants’ growth.
The unique blend of Optipro® HA refers to the partially hydrolysed whey protein that is further broken down into pieces that are 10 times smaller, enriched with DHA, ARA and more. Bifidobacterium lactis is added to the Optipro® HA mixture so your little one's gut remains healthy.
Meanwhile, bifidobacterium lactis is an extensively researched probiotic bacteria with the role of improving digestion and reinforcing immunity. Most importantly, the processes strive to minimise the allergenic potential of cow’s milk, increasing the safety of consumption.
Do note that the product has been renamed Nestlé Supreme 1 HA as of 2018, and appears so on some websites. But there is nothing to worry because the ingredients and quality are unaffected.
Highlights
- DHA, ARA, nucleotides for growth
- 2’-FL, Bifidobacterium lactis for gut health
- Halal-certified
- No added sucrose
- Optimised hypoallergenic (Optipro HA)
- Suitable for 0-6 months
Best Stage 1 Infant Formula for Gassy Babies
Do you have an infant who exhibits signs of bloating and discomfort due to excessive gas from the gut? This could be the solution for your gassy baby.
Enfamil A+ Gentlease Infant formula ticks off all the checkboxes for a good infant formula because it is specially created with partially hydrolysed protein (PHP).
First, it is gentle on our little ones’ stomachs. Second, it supplies the required nutrients. It is also safe for infant consumption and is hypoallergenic.
Its milk-protein based 360 HA+ formula contains high levels of DHA and ARA, so it helps babies establish a good foundation for cognitive growth. It also has a low lactose content, so it's suitable for infants who are sensitive to lactose. Authenticity and freshness of the ingredients packed within are also guaranteed.
Highlights
- For every 100 kcal, 17mg of DHA and 34mg of ARA are delivered
- Low in lactose
- Halal-certified
- Easy to prepare
- Suitable for 0-12 months
- Meets WHO’s recommended daily dietary guidelines
Best Lactose-Free Stage 1 Infant Formula
Get more bang for your buck with Isomil Stage 1 Baby Formula! This budget-friendly option is also suitable for infants who are sensitive to lactose.
Instead of cow-milk protein, it uses high quality soy protein isolate as its main ingredient. The formula is compartmentalised into four sections which work together to provide the best for your baby.
First, DUOCARB ADVANTAGE™ provides a blend of two carbohydrate types for a healthy, happy, active infant. Second, ProCalci formulation removes palm oil from the process to ease digestion while supporting bone development with high calcium content.
Thirdly, EyeQ Intelli-Pro™ combines lutein, DHA, taurine, choline, iron, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin A for optimal nurturing of cognitive function. Last but not least, IMMUNIFY ingredients include FOS, iron, zinc amongst many others to strengthen immunity and build resistance against harmful bacteria and free radicals.
Highlights
- Vegetarian friendly
- Halal-certified
- Zero-lactose
- Zero palm oil
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Suitable for infants with galactosemia
- Suitable for 0-6 months
Best Stage 1 Infant Formula for Acid Reflux
If your little one has trouble digesting regular or soy-based formulas, this extensively hydrolysed formula might be the one for you. An intensive process breaks down casein in milk-protein into very small pieces. This process does not decrease nutritional value and your little one still gets all the necessary nutrients.
Each serving delivers 11.6 mg of DHA and 23 mg of ARA. LGG™ is also added into the mix. It refers to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a heavily-researched probiotic strain responsible for protecting gut health.
According to a wide range of studies, LGG™ has proven effective in preventing and treating gastro-intestinal infections and diarrhoea. Thus, your infant’s safety and health are in good hands.
Highlights
- Has iron, calcium, zinc, DHA, ARA
- Hypoallergenic
- High protein content (14g/100g powder)
- High iron content (9.0mg/100g powder)
- Suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies
- Suitable for babies experiencing acid reflux
- Lactose level is in line with European Union Standard
- Suitable for 0-12 months
Price Comparison
Let this table be your guide as we know that price is one of parents' considerations in choosing which formula to buy.
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
