NAN 1 Milk: A Detailed Guide to Stage 1 Infant Formula

Choosing an infant formula can raise many questions, particularly during the first few months when feeding patterns are still developing. NAN 1 refers to Stage 1 infant formulas intended for babies from birth to 6 months. The range includes different formulations, so the ingredients and nutritional profile vary between products.

Breastfeeding is recommended exclusively for the first 6 months when possible. When an infant formula is used, selecting an age-appropriate product, preparing it correctly and recognising when your baby needs medical attention are important parts of safe feeding.

NAN 1 is a Stage 1 infant formula for babies from birth to 6 months who are not breastfed. The Nestlé range in India includes NAN PRO 1 and NAN EXCELLAPRO 1, while LACTOGEN PRO 1 is another Stage 1 formula for the same age group.

These formulas provide protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals needed as part of an infant's diet. They are not nutritionally identical to breast milk. Human milk contains antibodies, immune cells, enzymes, hormones, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and other bioactive components that are not fully reproduced in infant formula.

NAN 1 is available as a powdered formula that is mixed with water before feeding. Babies with particular medical or nutritional needs may require a specialised formula rather than a standard Stage 1 formula.

The exact composition depends on the Stage 1 product. Common components include milk proteins, lactose, fats, vitamins and minerals. Some formulations also contain DHA, ARA, probiotics, prebiotics or HMOs.

NAN PRO 1 contains whey protein, DHA, ARA, vitamins and minerals, as well as the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Its current Indian formulation has a 70:30 whey-to-casein protein ratio.

NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 contains whey protein, DHA, ARA and L. reuteri, along with five HMOs:

• 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL)
• Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT)
• 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL)
• Difucosyllactose (DFL)
• 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL)

LACTOGEN PRO 1 has a different formulation. It contains whey protein, L. reuteri and the prebiotic fibres galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS). Its whey-to-casein ratio is 65:35.

The nutritional profile of a formula matters more than the number of added ingredients. A formula containing more probiotics, prebiotics or HMOs is not automatically better suited to every baby.

What Are HMOs?

HMOs are complex carbohydrates naturally found in human milk. NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 contains five specific HMOs.

HMOs and probiotics are different. HMOs are carbohydrates that interact with the infant's gut environment, while probiotics are live microorganisms.

The presence of HMOs in a formula does not make it equivalent to breast milk. Human milk contains a much broader and naturally occurring combination of HMOs and other bioactive components.

All three are Stage 1 Nestlé infant formulas intended for babies from birth to 6 months, but their formulations differ.

NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 is the only one of these three formulations containing the five HMOs listed above. LACTOGEN PRO 1 contains GOS and FOS, while NAN PRO 1 and NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 contain DHA and ARA.

The protein profiles also differ. NAN PRO 1 and NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 have a 70:30 whey-to-casein ratio, while LACTOGEN PRO 1 has a 65:35 ratio.

These differences describe the composition of the products. They do not mean that one formula is clinically superior or will be better tolerated by every baby.

NAN PRO 1 and NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 contain whey protein. Whey is a component of milk protein and is generally readily digested.

However, babies differ in how they tolerate formula. Gas, spit-up, changes in stool consistency and occasional fussiness are common during infancy and do not necessarily indicate that a formula needs to be changed.

Persistent vomiting, poor feeding, poor weight gain, blood in the stool, significant eczema or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by a paediatrician.

Correct preparation is essential. Too much or too little powder changes the concentration of the feed, while poor hygiene can increase the risk of contamination.

Follow the preparation instructions supplied with the specific NAN product you are using.

Step-by-Step Preparation

• Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the feed.
• Clean and sterilise the feeding equipment appropriately.
• Use safe drinking water.
• Follow the product instructions for boiling and cooling the water before adding the powder.
• Measure the required amount of water first.
• Add the exact number of level scoops specified for that volume of water.
• Use only the scoop supplied with the product.
• Mix thoroughly until the powder has dissolved.
• Check the temperature before feeding.
• Feed the formula promptly and discard any remaining formula after the feed.

Do not add extra powder to make the feed more concentrated or extra water to dilute it. Do not use a different scoop because scoop sizes can vary between products.

Powdered infant formula is not sterile. Babies younger than 2 months, babies born prematurely and babies with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious infection from contaminated powdered formula. Your healthcare professional can advise whether additional precautions or ready-to-feed formula are appropriate.

Do not heat formula in a microwave because uneven heating can create hot spots that may burn your baby's mouth.

There is no single feeding volume that is right for every baby. The amount a baby needs depends on age, weight, growth and whether they are also receiving breast milk.

Use the feeding table provided with your specific NAN 1 product as the guide for the amount of water and powder to use. Do not use a feeding table from a different NAN product or an older pack.

Your baby does not need to finish every bottle. Hunger cues may include rooting, sucking movements and bringing the hands towards the mouth. Fullness cues may include slowing down, stopping sucking, closing the mouth or turning away.

Allow your baby to stop feeding when they show signs of fullness rather than encouraging them to finish the bottle.

A standard Stage 1 formula may not be appropriate for babies with certain medical or nutritional conditions.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Standard NAN 1 formulas contain milk proteins and are not suitable for babies with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.

Possible symptoms include vomiting, eczema, blood or mucus in the stool and, in some cases, breathing symptoms. These signs can have other causes and should not be used to diagnose an allergy at home.

A baby with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy may need an extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based formula under medical supervision.

Galactosaemia

Classic galactosaemia is a rare inherited metabolic condition in which the body cannot properly process galactose. Because lactose contains galactose, babies with classic galactosaemia require a specialist feeding plan and should not receive standard lactose-containing formula.

Lactose Intolerance

Most newborns can digest lactose. Primary lactose intolerance is rare in infancy, although temporary lactose intolerance can occur in some circumstances.

Gas, crying or changes in stool pattern do not automatically mean that a baby has lactose intolerance. Do not switch to a lactose-free formula without discussing the symptoms with your paediatrician.

Premature or Low-Birth-Weight Babies

Babies born prematurely or with very low birth weight may have different nutritional requirements from healthy full-term babies. Some may need fortified breast milk, additional nutritional support or a specialised formula.

The appropriate feeding plan should be determined by the baby's neonatologist or paediatrician.

Formula-fed babies can have stools that differ in frequency, colour and consistency from those of breastfed babies. Gas, spit-up and constipation can also occur during infancy.

These symptoms are common and do not necessarily mean that the formula is unsuitable.

Seek medical advice if your baby develops:

• Persistent or forceful vomiting
• Blood in the stool
• Significant or persistent diarrhoea
• Poor feeding or refusal to feed
• Poor weight gain
• Signs of dehydration
• Hives or facial swelling
• Breathing difficulty
• Severe or worsening eczema
• Unusual sleepiness or reduced responsiveness

Breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe lethargy or another serious reaction requires urgent medical attention.

Breast milk and infant formula are not nutritionally identical.

Breast milk contains antibodies, immune cells, enzymes, hormones, HMOs and other bioactive components that are not fully reproduced in infant formula.

NAN 1 formulas are designed to provide the nutrients needed for infant growth and development when formula feeding is used. They are an alternative source of infant nutrition, not a complete equivalent of breast milk.

For babies who are not breastfed, the choice between suitable standard formulas generally depends on the baby's age, nutritional needs, tolerance and any medical considerations.

A different formulation is not automatically a better choice simply because it contains additional HMOs, probiotics, prebiotics or other ingredients.

If your baby is healthy, growing appropriately and tolerating the current formula, there may be no reason to change it.

If you are considering a change because of constipation, vomiting, excessive crying, suspected allergy or poor weight gain, speak with your paediatrician first. This is particularly important if your baby was born prematurely or has a diagnosed allergy or another medical condition.

Follow the storage instructions for the specific NAN product you are using.

For powdered NAN PRO 1 and NAN EXCELLAPRO 1, keep the opened formula in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry and hygienic place. The current product guidance recommends using the contents within 3 weeks of opening or by the use-by date, whichever comes first.

Prepared formula should be used within 2 hours of preparation and within 1 hour from the start of feeding. If it will not be used within 2 hours, refrigerate it immediately and use it within 24 hours.

Discard any formula left in the bottle after your baby has started feeding. Do not refrigerate or reuse it because bacteria from your baby's mouth can multiply in the remaining formula.

Choosing an infant formula can feel overwhelming, especially during the first few months. NAN 1 Stage 1 formulas can provide the nutrition needed when formula feeding is used, but different formulations have different ingredients and may not suit every baby in the same way. What matters most is that the formula is appropriate for your baby's age and nutritional needs and is prepared and stored safely.

If your baby is feeding well, growing as expected and tolerating the formula, there may be no need to change it simply because another product has additional ingredients. If you have concerns about feeding, growth, allergy symptoms or which formula is appropriate for your baby, your paediatrician can help you make a choice that suits your baby's individual needs.