NAN Pro 3: Stages, Nutrition & Cost Comparison Guide

Choosing a formula can become confusing when several stages of the same brand are available. NAN Pro is a stage-based range that includes products for babies from birth through 24 months, with each stage intended for a specific age group.

NAN Pro 3 is a follow-up formula for children from 12 months to 18 months. Understanding how it differs from NAN Pro 1, 2, and 4, what nutrients it provides, how to prepare it, and how its price compares with other stages can help parents make informed feeding choices.

NAN Pro is a spray-dried formula range from Nestlé. The range includes NAN Pro 1, NAN Pro 2, NAN Pro 3 and NAN Pro 4, with each product formulated for a different age group.

NAN Pro products contain nutrients such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The range also includes DHA and ARA, and each stage has its own nutritional and ingredient profile. NAN Pro products contain milk and soy ingredients. NAN Pro 1 also contains the probiotic L. reuteri.

For infants younger than 12 months, breast milk is recommended when breastfeeding is possible and appropriate. If an infant needs formula, use an age-appropriate infant formula. Parents of infants with specific medical or nutritional needs should seek advice from a paediatrician.

NAN Pro products are widely available at pharmacies and online platforms across India, including Apollo Pharmacy.

New parents navigating formula choices often have broader newborn care questions too. For general guidance, see newborn care essentials for new parents.

NAN Pro is divided into four stages based on age. The stages are not simply interchangeable versions of the same formula, so selecting the product intended for the child's age is important.

The table below summarises the age ranges and purpose of each NAN Pro stage.
 

NAN Pro 1

NAN Pro 1 is intended for babies from birth to 6 months when they are not breastfed. It contains whey protein, DHA, ARA, vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, vitamins A and C and zinc. It also contains L. reuteri probiotic.

The product information lists 10.7 g of protein per 100 g of powder and a whey-to-casein ratio of 70:30.

NAN Pro 2

NAN Pro 2 is intended for babies from 6 to 12 months. During this period, formula is used alongside complementary foods as the baby's diet becomes more varied.

NAN Pro 2 provides nutrients including DHA, ARA, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals.

NAN Pro 3

NAN Pro 3 is intended for children after 12 months and up to 18 months.

It contains DHA and ARA along with nutrients including iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamins A and C and zinc. It is designed to be used as part of the child's overall diet during the toddler period.

NAN Pro 4

NAN Pro 4 is intended for children aged 18 months to 24 months. It provides follow-up formula nutrition alongside an increasingly varied diet.

A higher stage number does not mean that one product is universally better than another. The appropriate stage depends primarily on the child's age and individual nutritional needs.

NAN ExcellaPro is a separate Nestlé formula range and should not be confused with the standard NAN Pro stages.

NAN ExcellaPro is available in Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 formulations. The age ranges differ from the four-stage NAN Pro range, with ExcellaPro Stage 3 intended for children from 12 to 24 months.

Some ExcellaPro products contain additional ingredients such as L. reuteri and specific human milk oligosaccharides. These features should not be assumed to apply to every ExcellaPro stage or to NAN Pro products.

When comparing the two ranges, look at the specific product's age suitability, ingredient list and nutritional panel rather than comparing the brand names alone.

The nutritional composition of NAN Pro varies between stages. Some nutrients are found across the range, while individual ingredients and their amounts can differ.

Protein

Protein supplies amino acids required for normal growth and development.

NAN Pro products contain milk-derived protein, with the amount and composition varying by stage. NAN Pro 1 specifically lists whey protein and a whey-to-casein ratio of 70:30.

The protein value for NAN Pro 3 should be taken from the nutrition panel of the specific pack rather than assumed to be the same as NAN Pro 1.

DHA and ARA

DHA and ARA are fatty acids included in NAN Pro formulations.

DHA contributes to normal brain development. Both DHA and ARA are components of the fatty acid profile provided by the formula.

Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient for normal growth and development. NAN Pro 2, 3 and 4 contain iron as part of their vitamin and mineral profile.

From around 6 months, children should also obtain iron from complementary and family foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils and iron-fortified foods.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D contribute to normal bone development. NAN Pro products contain both nutrients, although their amounts vary between stages.

For toddlers, formula should form part of an overall balanced diet rather than being relied upon as the sole source of nutrition.

Vitamins A and C and Zinc

NAN Pro products contain vitamins A and C and zinc. These nutrients contribute to normal immune system function.

The amount provided depends on the specific stage, so check the nutrition panel when exact quantities are required.

Probiotic L. reuteri

NAN Pro 1 contains L. reuteri, a probiotic microorganism.

The presence of L. reuteri in NAN Pro 1 should not be interpreted as meaning that every NAN Pro stage contains the same probiotic. Parents should check the ingredient list for the specific stage they are using.

NAN Pro does not contain palm oil.

The absence or presence of a particular oil does not, by itself, determine whether a formula is suitable for a child. The complete nutritional composition and the child's individual needs are more important considerations.

The price of NAN Pro varies according to stage, pack size, packaging format and retailer. The following prices reflect listed retail prices for commonly available packs.
 

Prices can change over time and may differ between retailers and locations. Check the pack size, product stage and price before purchasing.

A 1.2 kg pack may have a lower cost per gram than a 400 g pack, but a larger pack should only be purchased if it can be used within the recommended period after opening.

NAN Pro 3 is intended for children after 12 months and up to 18 months. It should not be given to younger infants simply because they have started eating solid foods.

There is no universal requirement for every child to follow a fixed five- or seven-day transition schedule. Some children adjust to a new formula without difficulty, while others may experience temporary changes in stool pattern or feeding behaviour.

If your child is using a specialised formula, has a diagnosed milk allergy, has poor weight gain or has another medical condition, consult a paediatrician before changing formula.

NAN Pro contains milk and soy ingredients, so it may not be suitable for children with certain allergies or medical conditions.

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Children with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy should not be given standard NAN Pro unless specifically advised by their healthcare professional.

Depending on the severity of the allergy and the child's response, a paediatrician may recommend an extensively hydrolysed formula or an amino acid-based formula.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is different from cow's milk protein allergy. Lactose intolerance results from difficulty digesting lactose, while cow's milk protein allergy involves an immune response to milk proteins.

True lactose intolerance is uncommon in young infants, although temporary lactose intolerance can occur after certain gastrointestinal infections.

If lactose intolerance is suspected, seek medical advice before changing formula.

Galactosaemia

Galactosaemia is a rare inherited metabolic condition in which the body cannot properly process galactose.

Milk-based formulas containing lactose are not appropriate for infants with galactosaemia. Feeding should be managed using a specialised formula recommended by the child's medical team.

Prematurity and Other Medical Conditions

Premature babies and children with certain medical conditions may have nutritional requirements that differ from those of healthy full-term babies.

Standard NAN Pro should not automatically be assumed to meet the needs of a premature or medically complex child. A paediatrician or neonatologist can recommend an appropriate feeding plan.

Safe preparation is essential when using powdered formula. Incorrect measurements, unsafe water or inadequate hygiene can increase the risk of contamination or alter the concentration of nutrients in the feed.

Preparing a Feed

Follow the preparation instructions on the specific NAN Pro pack.

The general preparation process includes:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the feed.
• Clean and sterilise feeding equipment according to the product instructions.
• Boil the drinking water as directed.
• Allow the boiled water to cool to the temperature specified in the preparation instructions.
• Measure the exact amount of water stated in the feeding table.
• Add the exact number of level scoops specified for the child's age.
• Use only the scoop provided with the product.
• Mix thoroughly.
• Feed the prepared formula as directed.
• Discard any formula left after feeding.

Do not alter the powder-to-water ratio. Adding extra powder can make the feed too concentrated, while adding excess water can reduce its nutritional concentration.

Storing NAN Pro After Opening

Once opened, store NAN Pro according to the instructions on the product packaging.

• Keep the powder tightly closed.
• Store it in a cool, dry and hygienic place.
• Use opened contents within 3 weeks or by the use-by date, whichever comes first.
• Prepare feeds as needed rather than storing prepared formula unnecessarily.
• Discard leftover formula after a feed.

Always follow the storage instructions supplied with the specific product.

Consult a paediatrician if your child has persistent feeding difficulties, repeated vomiting, ongoing diarrhoea, blood in the stool, suspected food allergy or poor weight gain.

Seek prompt medical attention if feeding is followed by symptoms such as:

• Hives or widespread rash
• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Repeated vomiting
• Blood in the stool
• Wheezing or breathing difficulty
• Persistent refusal of feeds
• Poor weight gain
• Significant or ongoing feeding-related distress

Severe breathing difficulty or swelling involving the face, lips, tongue or throat requires emergency medical attention.

Not every digestive symptom is caused by formula. Reflux, infection, constipation, feeding difficulties and food allergy can have overlapping symptoms and may require different treatment.

NAN Pro is a stage-based formula range covering children from birth through 24 months. NAN Pro 3 is intended for children after 12 months and up to 18 months, while NAN Pro 1, 2 and 4 are intended for different age groups.

NAN Pro products provide nutrients such as protein, DHA, ARA, iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamins A and C and zinc, with the nutritional composition varying between stages. Choosing the appropriate stage, preparing it safely and considering the child's overall diet are important when using formula.