Milk formula knowledge - What are the differences between step 1, 2 and 3?

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Milk formula knowledge – What are the differences between step 1, 2 and 3?

By Alpro Pharmacy

March 27, 2024

Why Milk?

Milk is important for infants and toddlers as it is a type of food that can provide complete nutrition which gives an optimal growth for them.

What is step 1, 2 and 3 ?

Step 1 – formula suitable for infants during the first year of life

Step 2 – formula suitable for infants at least 6 months of age

Step 3 – formula suitable for toddlers aged 1 year and above

Why do mothers need to change to another step ?

As the baby is growing day by day, nutrients in the lower step might not be appropriate for the baby. This is very important as this could affect a baby’s growth and cognitive function. This could be seen as stated by the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022, in which stunting affected around one in five or 21.2 percent of all children in Malaysia. Thus, by ensuring the right choices of milk can help to make sure the baby is getting sufficient energy and protein.

What are the differences between step 1, 2 and 3 ?

Protein composition :

Step 1- 40% casein and 60% whey (align with protein found in breastmilk)
Step 2- 60% casein and 40% whey (makes the formula more filling for the bubs even though the same ounce
Step 3- 80% casein and 20% whey (for growing and development along with extra energy needed to support physiological development)

Casein- for fullness (digested more slowly)

Whey- for muscle growth and repair

From the table, we can see that there are differences in the macronutrients. However, it may vary from a few brands, nevertheless the general difference is about the same. On the other hand, the difference in protein is due to the protein pace of the growth for the infants and toddlers. Infants need much higher protein due to their rapid growth rate. But as the babies stomach size is limited thus, all the formula milk for infants were made with higher protein compared to toddlers formula milk. As per stated by the table shown below from RNI 2017;

Choices of milk for infants and toddlers can be very distressing towards motherhood along with ensuring a proper growth for their children. Despite that, knowing the baseline of each formula milk will help more mothers at ease.

Despite all that, breast milk is the best option that can be given due to its unique composition which can provide complete nutrition needed for infants under 6 months. It Is recommended to get advice from health professionals in regard to using formula milk for babies under 6 months of age.

To conclude, it is crucial for infants to have access to the right milk formula that is essential for their growth development. We hope that this article is able to provide the right info for mothers and reassure new mothers along the journeys of motherhood.

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.