In the UK and Europe, baby milk is commonly divided into stages according to age:

• Stage 1 is first infant milk intended from birth
• Stage 2 is follow-on milk intended from six months
• Stage 3 is toddler milk intended from 12 months onward

These stages correspond with significant dietary transitions. During the first six months, breast milk or infant formula provides complete nutrition for a baby. Around six months of age, complementary solid foods can begin to enter the diet, but milk or formula remains an important source of nutrition.¹ By 12 months, children are typically consuming an increasingly varied diet of solid foods, and they are weaned off milk.

The same general formula stage system appears across several Kendamil ranges, including Classic, Organic, and Goat.

The different stages use the same ingredients, but the quantity of each may vary slightly to accommodate nutrition needs as your baby grows. Kendamil Organic Formula stages contain:

• Organic whole milk
• Demineralized whey
• Skim milk
• Lactose
• Vegetable oil blend (sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils)
• GOS
• Vitamins and minerals required for infant nutrition
• Fatty acids: rather than using fish oil, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) comes from microalgae, and its ARA (arachidonic acid) comes from Mortierella alpina oil.²

Classic Stage 1 also uses a whole milk-based recipe and is made without palm oil or fish oil, but the ingredients are not certified organic. While some formula brands rely on skim milk with added oils as the primary fat sources, Kendamil uses whole milk fats across its product lines and stages. Read more about Kendamil ingredients here.

Stage 1 is a first infant formula suitable from birth. It is designed to provide the nutrients babies need during early infancy and can be used as an alternative to or alongside breast milk when appropriate.⁴

Stage 2 is a follow-on milk formulated for babies from 6 to 12 months. Unlike formula Stage 1, it is intended to accompany a baby's weaning diet rather than being used from birth.⁵

Stage 1 is first infant milk suitable from birth, while Stage 2 is follow-on milk formulated for babies six months and older who have started complementary feeding. The main difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 is that Stage 2 contains slightly more iron and has a higher mineral content.¹

This doesn't make Stage 2 inherently better once a baby turns six months. Kendamil markets its Stage 1 formula for 0 to 6 months, but reaching the six-month mark doesn't automatically mean a baby must stop drinking first infant milk. The NHS states that there isn't evidence that switching to follow-on formula at six months provides additional benefits.³

Stage 3 is toddler milk formulated for children aged 12 months and older. At this point, food should provide most of your child's nutrients, so Stage 3 formula plays a different role than infant formula.⁶

This stage uses the same ingredients as the others,  but the key difference is that it contains fewer calories and fat. The amount of iron, vitamins, minerals, and protein is also increased from Stage 2.⁷

However, toddler milk isn't considered essential for most children. NHS guidance states that formula milks, including growing-up and toddler milk, aren't needed after 12 months.³ Pasteurized whole cow's milk can generally become a child's main milk drink at this age as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, the goat milk line follows a similar approach to stages with Goat Stage 1 First Infant Milk, Goat Stage 2 Follow-On Milk, and Goat Stage 3 Toddler Milk.

This product line is made with whole goat milk and goat whey. The Goat Stage 1 recipe uses whole A2 goat milk and contains GOS, lactose, vegetable oils, plant-based DHA, vitamins, and minerals. Goat milk forms softer curds during digestion than cow's milk, while A2 goat milk naturally contains A2 beta-casein.

Note: Goat milk formula is not an appropriate alternative for a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy because the proteins can be similar enough to trigger a reaction. Parents considering switching formula because of digestive symptoms or a suspected allergy should speak with their child's healthcare provider first.

Stage 3 formula is designed for toddlers from 12 months, but growing-up milk isn't a nutritional requirement for most healthy toddlers eating a varied diet. From the first birthday, pasteurized whole cow's milk can generally be offered, while breastfeeding can continue for as long as parent and child wish.

Stage 3 may still be a choice for families who want toddler milk as part of their child's diet. Products such as Kendamil Organic Stage 3 contain nutrients including vitamin D and calcium and are formulated specifically for children over one year, which may be helpful for picky eaters or if their is a clear nutritional gap in your child's diet.

Like other formula brands, Kendamil offers multiple stages for its product lines. Across Stage 1, 2, and 3, Kendamil uses whole cow's milk as its base and does not use palm oil or fish oil. Parents using this formula brand should always start with Stage 1, which is suitable from birth. 

This can remain a baby's main formula throughout the first year, or parents can choose to switch to Stage 2 after 6 months of age. Stage 3, or toddler's milk, isn't necessary for most children after 12 months, although families may choose to include it to meet potential nutritional gaps. Always check the specific product label and speak with your child's healthcare professional when deciding which baby milk is appropriate for their age and individual nutritional needs.