Feeding your toddler right is one of the most important aspects of parenting. Though not always a required addition to a child’s diet, formula milk can compensate for nutritional deficiencies. In particular, Stage 4 formula milk is designed for preschoolers aged 3 years onwards and provides essential nutrients to support your child’s development and growth.
From this age onwards, children undergo rapid physical and cognitive development that needs to be supported by adequate nutritional intake. Therefore, most mothers will transition their child from infant formula to Stage 4 infant formula milk once the child has reached three years old.
A child’s nutritional requirements changes as he develops. We strongly advise you to use the stage of formula that corresponds to your baby’s age to ensure he gets all of the nutrients he needs to develop and flourish.g
But with so many options to choose from, how do you pick the best stage 4 formula for your toddler?
We’ve curated a list of the best stage 4 formula brands available in Singapore. These top formula milk have essential nutrients to support your tot’s overall development.
How is stage 4 formula milk different?
Stage 4 vs. earlier stages
The fundamental distinction between Stage 4 compared to earlier stages of formula milk is the milk protein balance. Whey and casein proteins are present in both formulations, although in different quantities. Whey proteins are those that remain liquid after milk has coagulated (curdled). Casein proteins curdle and do not remain liquid.
There is also an increase in calcium, iron, and healthy carbohydrates like starch to help wean babies off formula and introduce more solid foods later on.
Cow’s milk vs. stage 4
Cow’s milk is a traditional and cost-effective choice for toddlers. However, it is not suitable for children with allergies or intolerance to cow’s milk. It is also not ideal for overweight children or those at risk of being overweight due to family history. These toddlers may be better off drinking formula milk which is hypoallergenic and low-fat in nature.
How to choose the most suitable stage 4 infant formula milk?
Each formula for infant brand will have different formulations targeted towards meeting the nutritional needs of your child. Healthhub Singapore has laid out the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for toddlers 3 to 5 years old.
Our top recommended stage 4 infant formula milk
|
Best for… |
Brands formula for infant |
|
Stage 4 Formula Milk for Brain Development |
Similac Infant Formula Stage 4 Gain Kid Pre-school Milk Powder |
|
Affordable Stage 4 Formula Milk |
Dumex Dugro Stage 4 Growing Up Kid Milk Formula |
|
Stage 4 Formula Milk for Digestion |
Friso Gold 4 |
|
Stage 4 Formula Milk for Growth |
Nestle NAN 4 Growing Up Milk |
|
Organic Stage 4 Formula Milk |
Nature One Dairy Organic Junior Milk Drink Step 4 |
|
Best in Stage 3 Formula Milk for Optimized Nutrition |
Little Étoile Nutrition – Premium Toddler Formula |
Best stage 4 infant formula in Singapore
Similac Infant Formula Stage 4 Gain Kid Pre-school Milk Powder Review
Best Stage 4 Formula Milk for Brain Development
Similac Stage 4 formula milk is formulated to help support your toddler’s brain development with a uniquely designed EyeQ Plus nutrition system improved with natural Vitamin E, Lutein, and DHA, all supporting brain and eye development.
In addition, your child’s immunity is strengthened with Vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, Copper, Folic Acid, Iron, Selenium, hydrolyzed, and Zinc, which supports the normal functioning of your child’s immune system.
Key product highlights:
- Comprehensive nutrition system for brain development.
- Strong immunity formulation.
- Suitable for vegans (unique vegan fat blend).
- Fewer air bubbles during milk prep.
Dumex Dugro Stage 4 Growing Up Kid Milk Formula Review
Best Affordable Stage 4 Formula Milk
The new and improved Dumex Dugro Stage 4 formula milk is specially formulated to Singapore’s Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). It is the most affordable brand in the market.
It is sucrose-free and contains trademarked 360° Nutrition™, a system of essential nutrients to support your child’s all-rounded growth and development.
As such, it is a healthy choice for children. Sourced from Australia and New Zealand, each serving contains DHA, recommended vitamins and minerals such as Calcium, Iron, and Zinc for growth and development.
Key product highlights:
- Value for money.
- Prebiotics for a healthy digestive system.
- Healthier choice – 25% less sugar and fat.
- Balanced nutrition adhering to FDA guidelines.
Little Étoile Nutrition – Premium Toddler Formula 1 – 3 Review
Best in Stage 3 Formula Milk for Optimized Nutrition
The best source of nutrients for your little star comes from breast milk. Paying homage to this fact, Little Étoile Nutrition is enriched with all the essential nutrients required for your child’s development in a similar ratio to what is naturally found in mummy’s milk.
This is one of the main reasons why Little Étoile is still right at the top of our list of recommendations for best stage 4 formula milk in Singapore.
No worries if you want to stick with Step 3 until your child hits 4 or 5. You can take your time deciding when to switch to the next milk stage. No need to rush into changing formulas right when your little one turns 3, especially if they’re still a bit sensitive to the change, and if you’re confident that your stage 3 formula milk gives your child the nutrients they need.
As parents, we want only the very best for our little ones. According to a survey conducted by Little Étoile, Singaporean mothers look to formula milk to help their child develop in 5 key health areas: Cognitive function (Brain), Vision (Eye), Immune system, Digestive Health, as well as Growth and Height.
This all starts with nutrition. This is why, Little Étoile Nutrition is created around the Opti-5 System, which provides the essential nutrients needed to help your child develop.
When it comes to the ability of Little Étoile Nutrition to meet your child’s nutrient requirements, Little Étoile provides one of the highest levels of omega-3 DHA, EPA, protein and other nutrients essential for your baby’s development.
On top of that, it is the only formula providing Australian dairy-sourced lactoferrin and Wellmune® Beta-glucan in one formula, together with the antioxidant benefits of lutein and prebiotic support from galactooligosaccharides (GOS).
Lactoferrin
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that toddlers receive iron supplements daily.
This is because toddlers seldom receive sufficient iron in their diet resulting in iron deficiency as one of the highest nutrient deficiencies in the world.
One of the key ingredients found in Little Étoile Nutrition is Lactoferrin. Found naturally in breast milk, it is the main source of iron for babies. In addition, Lactoferrin is essential in supporting proper neurological development.
With its antibacterial properties, it helps to fight infections and is considered the first line of immune defence for babies. Lastly, Lactoferrin also reduces the symptoms and duration of digestive symptoms due to viral infections in babies.
Most importantly, Little Étoile Nutrition uses lactoferrin derived from clean Australian dairy sources, so you can rest assured of its quality, freshness, and reliability.
Wellmune® Beta-Glucan
If your baby is facing digestion problems, Little Étoile Nutrition also contains Beta-glucans. Beta-Glucans are derived naturally and have a prebiotic effect which helps to support a healthy digestive system through their gut microbiome.
Little Étoile Nutrition uses a patented form of Beta-glucan called Wellmune® (~35mg/day in Little Étoile Nutrition toddler milk levels). In clinical trials, Wellmune® has been shown to reduce cold duration, frequency of episodes and the need for antibiotics in 1-4-year-old toddlers.
This is because, Beta-glucans help support the immune system of your baby by activating immune cells in the large intestine of your baby, which makes up around 70% of the immune system!
As a result, your baby will start to develop responsive immune cells that help to combat viral infections.
Lastly, Wellmune® is produced using a proprietary process. As such, from the time it enters your baby’s mouth to the time it gets digested in your baby’s tummy, the process helps to preserve the stability of the glucans. Highly purified, Wellmune is also naturally gluten-free.
Key product highlights:
- Great for immune system development. The only product to combine the benefits of Lactoferrin and Wellmune® Beta-Glucan, which support the immune system and protect your baby from viral infections. Contains the added benefits of vitamins and minerals like zinc and vitamins A and C, which help the immune system stay fighting fit.
- Promotes all-round development. Developed to have all the essential nutrients to support development in 5 key areas: Cognitive function (Brain), Vision, Immune system, Digestive Health, as well as Growth and Height.
- 40 micro and macronutrients. Scientifically formulated to provide the right nutrient levels required for the healthy development and growth of your little one.
- No added sucrose, fructose or other sugars.
- Back by 20 years of experience in Health and Nutrition.
- Made with 100% Australian grass-fed cow’s milk.
*Wellmune® is a registered trademark of Kerry Group.
Friso Gold 4 Review
Best Stage 4 Formula Milk for Digestion
Friso Gold 4 is made from high-quality milk from the Netherlands and created by Holland dairy science experts. It has the particular feature of small molecules with a soft structure.
When combined with LockNutriTM Technology, this locks in the milk protein structure in its natural form, making it easier to digest.
With no added sucrose and flavour, this growing-up milk has nutrients essential for your child’s development, such as prebiotics, probiotics, DHA, nucleotides, Vitamin D and Selenium.
Key product highlights:
- Easy Digestion. NOVAS Signature Milk has a small molecular structure when coupled with Friso’s LockNutri technology, which helps to make digestion easier for your little one.
Nestle NAN 4 Growing Up Milk Review
Best Stage 4 Formula Milk for Growth
Nestle NAN Optipro 4 is a growth formula for children from 24 months, stimulating strong development. It has a unique LIPID SMART® fat blend with DHA & ARA precursors, which are essential building blocks for strong growth.
It’s also B-complete, meaning that it contains Vitamins B1, B2 & B3, which help release energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
The digestive system is also kept healthy with BIFIDUS BL Probiotics which protect against harmful bacteria, and DENTA PRO, which is naturally active Lactobacilli cultures.
Key product highlights:
- Unique DHA Lipid-smart fat blend for solid growth.
- 25% lower in sugar than regular growing-up milk, with no added sucrose.
- Naturally active Lactobacilli cultures aid digestion.
- Iron and zinc are fortified to support natural defences.
Nature One Dairy Organic Junior Milk Drink Step 4 Review
Best Organic Stage 4 Formula Milk
Made from 100% grass-fed cow’s milk, Nature One is an organic drink providing essential nutrients for physical and mental development. It contains lutein which promotes eye health, and omega 3 and 6 – the building blocks for brain and eye development.
Of course, it also improves a developing immune system through Prebiotic GOS, as well as Vitamins A, C, E, iron, and zinc to support your child’s natural defences. In addition, kids will receive a significant boost of energy via carbohydrates in the formulation and calcium to support strong bones and teeth.
Parents who are looking for organically-made formula milk should opt for Nature One Dairy Organic Junior Milk.
Key product highlights:
- Protein sourced from natural cow’s milk sourced from a certified manufacturer in Australia.
- Halal certified.
- Prebiotic GOS and FOS benefit bowel function, prevent constipation and improve mineral absorption.
Price Comparison
Here’s a price comparison of the best stage 4 infant formula on the market for your quick reference:
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.
By this age, feeding your child is much easier because you can also allow them to eat on their own. Check out: Teach Babies to Eat by Themselves with the Best Baby Spoon and Fork Items