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The baby food and formula aisle can be more than a little daunting. With so many brands, labels, and ingredients to look at, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You want to find the best formula for your little one, but sometimes, it can be hard to cut through the clutter. When you shop for natural options like Nannycare, you can breathe a little easier. Not only is this goat milk formula a nutritionally complete alternative to breastmilk, but it’s also designed to be as simple and user-friendly as possible, and this is why today we have Nannycare stages explained.
As with most formulas, there are three different stages with one. With the Nannycare stages explained, you’ll know just what to choose and when to use it. Today, we’re sharing a complete guide to help you make a more confident, informed buying decision.
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Introduction to Nannycare
To understand how Nannycare came about, we’ll need to travel back to the early 1990s.
At that time, the company’s founders were traveling in New Zealand, where they were introduced to the world’s first goat’s milk baby formula. In a sea of alternatives based primarily on cow milk, it was a welcome and refreshing idea.
They spent decades perfecting their version of the formula. However, though mothers have fed their babies with goat milk for years, it wasn’t easy for Nannycare to make a name for itself.
Throughout Europe and the UK, cow milk formula remained the only option, restricted by stringent legislation. In 2007, the UK Department of Health (DOH) released updated standards in a document called Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula (England) Regulations 2007.
Following years of extensive research and exhaustive clinical trials, Nannycare won a legislative victory in January 2014. Referencing evidence from the brand, DOH updated their document to allow the use of goat’s milk protein in formula.
It was an unprecedented amendment that aligned the UK with a similar list of guidelines: August 2013 European Commission (EC) Directive 2013/46/EU. Now, Nannycare is widely recognized as the top goat milk formula in the U.K. Though the brand has grown tremendously in both popularity and profit, the business remains family-owned and operated.
The Main Differences Between Nannycare Stage 1, Stage, 2, and Stage 3
The main differences between Nannycare Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 are:
- Stage 1 (First Infant Milk) is made for babies 0 to 12 months, whereas Stage 2 is made for 6 to 12 months and Stage 3 is made for 12 months to 36 months
- Stage 2 contains trace amounts of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, whereas Stage 2 contains higher amounts of these nutrients
- Stage 1 and Stage 3 are available in a 400g and 900g size, whereas Stage 2 is only available in a 900g size
What’s Included in the Formula?
Every stage of Nannycare formula contains the same primary ingredient: 100% natural, full cream, premium goat milk. This milk shares many of the same basic elements you’ll find in cow milk, including:
- Water
- Lactose
- Protein
- Fat
- Micronutrients
However, the major difference lies in composition. The curds formed in goat milk are softer than those in cow milk, making them easier to digest and gentler on your little one’s tummy. This article explains more of the nuances between the two types of milk, breaking down the protein, vitamin, and mineral levels in each.
Nannycare sources its goat milk from a cooperative of 71 farmers who own rich pastures all across New Zealand. These farmers focus solely on producing the best-quality milk, designed strictly to be used in baby formula.
Once it leaves the farm, the milk is handled carefully and transported gently, with great caution taken to protect its overall integrity. Then, it enters the brand’s world-class manufacturing facility, which was purpose-built just to create and distribute their three stages of baby formula.
Benefits of Choosing Nannycare
It’s no secret that you have your fair share of formulas to review and evaluate. Why should you give Nannycare a closer look? Let’s check out some of the top benefits you can expect from this brand.
Nutrient-Rich Goat Milk
Goat milk formula isn’t just easier on your child’s stomach than cow milk alternatives. This type of milk also contains higher levels of:
- Nucleotides
- Taurine
- Free amino acids
- Oligosaccharides
Unless you’re a scientist or a nutritionist, these terms might not mean much to you. However, they mean a lot to your baby.
Let’s start with dietary nucleotides.
The building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are necessary for most biochemical processes vital for human growth. From muscle growth and metabolism to immune system response and liver response, babies need ample amounts of nucleotides to develop properly.
You’ll find them in breastmilk, but they’re usually added as supplemental ingredients to baby formula. In goat milk formula, however, these compounds occur naturally at a higher rate. In fact, one comparison study found that goat milk formula contained 10% nucleotides, while cow milk formula contained 7.1%.
Similarly, taurine is an important amino acid that helps develop and control many of your baby’s metabolic processes. It helps promote the healthy growth of their:
- Brain
- Eyes
- Heart
- Muscles
Taurine is an example of a free amino acid. These are acids that are pre-formed, pre-digested, and ready to be used by your child’s body right away. They can help regulate their hormones, support a healthy immune function, and encourage the growth of muscle tissue.
Nannycare formula contains other free amino acids, listed on the back label of each container. It also includes 10 times the number of oligosaccharides than cow’s milk. These polymers contribute to healthy cell recognition and cell binding in your baby.
Gentle, Minimal Processing
Without the addition of extra, non-essential ingredients, Nannycare is able to skip much of the processing and heat required to make other formulas safe and suitable for babies.
For instance, most formulas made from full-cream cow or goat milk must undergo three stages of heat processing during the formula production process. First, the milk is heat-treated to break it into its various parts, including:
- Cheese
- Whey
- Cream
- Skimmed milk
Then, it’s treated again to turn the whey into whey protein powder. The skimmed milk is also independently heated to process.
Nannycare goat milk is different. This formula only contains the good stuff you want (lactose, vitamins, minerals, vegetable oil) and none of the icky stuff you don’t. It’s only heated once, and at a minimal level.
No Palm Oil
All three stages of Nannycare formula are made with vegetable oil instead of palm oil.
When used as a fat source, palm oil can decrease calcium absorption in babies. The methods to extract it are also controversial, as they often lead to deforestation and can damage biodiverse habitats around the world.
Contains DHA
Standing for Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid. High levels of DHA are essential to your baby’s brain development during infancy and early childhood.
Recent EU legislation requires that all infant and baby formula contain adequate levels of DHA, and Nannycare meets these requirements. To be compliant, all formulas must contain 20 to 50 mg of DHA per 100 kilocalories (mg/100 kcal).
All Three Nannycare Stages Explained
Now that we’ve covered some of the top health benefits you can expect from Nannycare, let’s get into the details. Which formula should you reach for and what does it contain?
As a high-level overview, there are three different stages of Nannycare formula to shop. These include:
- Stage 1: First Infant Milk
- Stage 2: Follow-On Milk
- Stage 3: Growing Up Milk
As a parent, you’ve got plenty of things to juggle and items on your to-do list. Let’s take a look at each stage so you can focus your attention where it matters the most.
Nannycare Stage 1: First Infant Milk
The usage suggestions are right there on the label. Stage 1: First Infant Milk is meant to be the very first stage of formula that your baby receives. It’s a nutritionally complete breastmilk substitute designed for newborn infants to one-year-olds.
You can choose to use Stage 1 all throughout your baby’s first year. Or, you can switch to Stage 2 formula once they turn six months old. Per 100 ml of prepared formula, this stage contains the following:
- 280 kJ of energy
- 3.4 grams fat
- 7.4 grams carbohydrates
- 1.3 grams protein
In terms of vitamins and minerals, this one is full of everything your baby needs. This includes:
- 56 μg vitamin A
- 1.4 μg vitamin D
- 1.5 μg vitamin E
- 6.7 μg vitamin K
- 19 mg sodium
- 70 mg potassium
- 57 mg chloride
- 53 mg calcium
- 0.65 mg iron
To prepare the formula, you’ll combine the following ingredients:
- Birth to 2 weeks: 60 ml boiled water per feed plus two scoops of formula, five to six feeds per day
- 2 to 4 weeks: 90 ml boiled water per feed plus three scoops of formula, five to seven feeds per day
- 1 to 2 months: 120 ml boiled water per feed plus four scoops of formula, five to seven feeds per day
- 2 to 3 months: 150 ml boiled water per feed plus five scoops of formula, four to six feeds per day
- 3 to 4 months: 180 ml boiled water per feed plus six scoops of formula, four to five feeds per day
- 5 to 6 months: 210 ml boiled water per feed plus seven scoops of formula, four to five feeds per day
- More than 6 months: 210 ml boiled water per feed plus seven scoops of formula, three feeds per day
Stage 1: First Infant Milk is available in a 400g or 900g container.
Nannycare Stage 2: Follow-On Milk
When your baby reaches that six-month milestone, there are many firsts to look forward to! They might start crawling, babbling, or even teething around this age.
This is also the time when you can switch them to Nannycare Stage 2: Follow-on Milk.
This stage is specially tailored for babies six to 12 months in age, designed to act as a complement to a mother’s weaning diet. Per 100 ml of prepared formula, this stage contains the same amounts of energy, fat, carbohydrates, and protein as the Stage 1 formula.
It also contains most of the same amounts of vitamins and minerals. The only changes are slightly higher levels of vitamin D (1.5 μg vs 1.4 μg), calcium (59 mg vs 53 mg), and iron (0.89 mg vs 0.65).
According to Nannycare, babies six months and older need around 500 to 600 ml breastmilk or formula each day. To prepare the Stage 2 formula, you’ll combine the following ingredients depending on your baby’s needs:
- 180 ml boiled water plus six scoops of formula = six fluid ounces total
- 210 ml boiled water plus seven scoops of formula = seven fluid ounces total
Stage 2: Follow-On Milk is only available in a 900g container.
Stage 3: Growing Up Milk
If you choose to formula-feed throughout toddlerhood, then Stage 3: Growing Up Milk is perfect for that journey. This unique formula is specially designed for children age 1 through age 3. Of course, it isn’t meant to act as a meal replacement. You should use Nannycare Stage 3 as only one part of your child’s varied, healthy, and balanced diet.
Levels of energy, fat, carbohydrates, and protein are the same as in Stage 1 and Stage 2. However, you’ll find slightly elevated levels of vitamin D (1.6 μg vs 1.5 μg), calcium (62 mg vs 59 mg), and iron (0.99 mg vs 0.89 mg).
According to Nannycare, children 12 months and older should drink around 400 ml of milk each day. You can break this amount into three individual drinks depending on your child’s individual needs. To prepare the Stage 3 formula, you’ll combine:
- 180 ml boiled water plus six scoops of formula = six fluid ounces total
Stage 3: Growing Up Milk is available in a 400g container or a 900g container.
How Do I Prepare the Formula?
Each container of Nannycare formula includes a 4.3g scooper, along with extensive preparation instructions that are clear and easy to follow. We’ve also included the details under each stage above.
To keep the formula stage, make just what you need and do not store any excess for longer than two hours. Any time you boil water, make sure it cools to 70 degrees Celcius before using it in your formula. Additionally, never heat your feeds in the microwave, as this can cause dangerous hot spots to occur.
Comparison Table
If you only have a quick second, here are the main differences between Nannycare Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 formula.
| Stage 1: First Infant Milk | Stage 2: Follow-on Milk | Stage 3: Growing Up Milk | |
| Suitable Ages | Birth to 1 year | Six months to 1 year | 1 to 3 years |
| Essential vitamins | A, D, E, K, biotin, folic acid | A, D, E, K, biotin, folic acid | A, D, E, K, biotin, folic acid |
| Essential minerals | 53 mg calcium, 57 mg chloride, 0.65 mg iron | 59 mg calcium, 57 mg chloride, 0.89 mg iron | 62 mg calcium, 57 mg chloride, 0.99 mg iron |
| Grams per container | 400 or 900 | 900 | 400 or 900 |
FAQs
Answer: Due to its unique molecular structure, most goat milk formulas pack a stronger nutritional punch than cow milk alternatives. Its natural fat and protein molecules are smaller and softer. This makes them easier on your little one’s belly, so they’re less likely to experience uncomfortable indigestion.
For a more detailed look at how goat milk stacks up to cow milk, check out our recent post.
Answer: Yes, for all the right reasons! While you may associate goat milk with a tangy, offputting aroma, you won’t find that with the Nannycare formulas. Instead, you’ll find the products to be rich, creamy, and clean-scented.
This goes back to the minimal, gentle processing that the formula undergoes. The absence of excessive heat treatment also helps Nannycare maintain the natural deliciousness of the goat milk.
Answer: If you haven’t been using Nannycare goat milk formula, it’s best to speak with your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby’s diet. In most cases, it’s best to introduce a new formula gradually so their tiny tummies have time to adjust.
Answer: No, Nannycare formulas are not certified organic. However, the premium goat milk is derived from a cooperative of New England farmers who maintain their properties to strict quality standards.
This includes minimizing the use of non-essential veterinary drugs and agrichemicals. If any antibiotics are required to help treat a cow, that cow is removed from the herd until their milk pasts extensive testing for clarity and purity.
Answer: While Nannycare goat milk formula is chemically different from cow milk formula, the two substances do share some similar properties. For this reason, it’s always best to speak to your pediatrician before giving this formula to a child who has a previously confirmed allergy to cow milk.
The Right Goat Milk Formula For Your Baby
From your baby’s first feeding to the day they outgrow formula, this is a journey you’ll go on together.
As you browse your options, it’s worth giving goat milk a closer look. More nutritionally dense and easier to digest than cow milk, it could solve your dilemma and give you a clear choice when you need it the most. Nannycare goat milk formula is a leader in this space, backed by hard science and careful mamas alike.
With the three Nannycare stages explained, it’s easy to find one that meets your needs. When the time comes to transition to solids, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on how to find and make the best baby food!
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