It was time to switch the formula milk Darius was drinking to Stage 3 for 1 year old onwards. He can try fresh cow’s milk but I don’t think he’ll enjoy it at 6 am in the morning while in bed.

At first we thought to continue with the Enfagrow A+ (from mead johnson) since he has been drinking Enfapro A+ from seven months and Enfalac A+ (since he was 3 months old), but it seemed that this brand is the most expensive in the market now. I wonder if it is due to the ’4X more DHA’ nutrient that they claimed is inside the formulation.

I’m not that impressed with the amount of DHA in milk as he can get it from his flaxseeds or fish and plenty other stuff when he eats his solids. Therefore, we decided to look for an alternative that would be as good and cheaper too.

As I looked at the different milk powders on the shelf, I really find it hard to choose. Hmm, Friso, Mamil, Gain IQ, Wyeth Gold… these milk companies have contacted me and sent me information before. Should I get a normal milk powder with no additives or get a fortified ‘Gold’ one?

For some unknown reason, I just don’t like the brand Friso. Mamil Gold from Dumex is slightly cheaper and with nice packaging. Wyeth Progress Gold is not bad but I’m not familiar with the brand. Reading their contents, they all have roughly the same contents too. The difference in nutrients is very minimal and pricing or whether your baby will like the taste is the only consideration.

Darius’ first milk powder brand was Similac from Abbott but it didn’t go well with him after two months with some feeding problems. Nevertheless, since he has drunk it before, I feel Gain IQ would be a better choice for him. So we got a tin for him to try out because his stage 2 milk is running out.

I noticed that many of the formulas state that they have ‘Prebiotics’ in the formulation. This was my number 1 consideration when choosing a milk powder. Some normal cheaper milk powder doesn’t have this.

Gain IQ goes a step further and contains ‘Probiotics’ too.

What are they?

• Probiotics are good bacteria for the human digestive system, which helps to suppress harmful bacteria in the digestive system.
• Prebiotics (FOS) is food to support the function of Probiotics in maintaining a healthy digestive system,leading to a better immune system (because most illness stems from the gut).

A look at what Gain IQ has (source):

• AA(Arachidonic acid) and DHA(Docosahexaenoic Acid) are essential fatty acids & building blocks of brain and eye development.
• Taurine helps support overall mental and physical development.
• Choline supports overall mental functioning.
• Iron is an important component of red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of the body to help the body’s production of energy.
• Folic Acid plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.
• Zinc is essential for growth and helps in physical development.
• Nucleotides is a chemical compound. It supports immune system and helps reduce diarrhoea cases in a young child.

(The special ingredient) ProCalci formulation:

• Unique patented vegetable fat blend and calcium to support bone development.

So he has tried it out since Saturday when we just switch over and so far, there’s no problems with him disliking the milk or moving his bowels. In fact, whenever I give him his milk in the afternoon, he will wriggle his hands in delight in anticipation. He was in fact getting very slow in drinking his Enfapro and always have to be prodded to finish but these few days after the switch, he will finish his milk with no fuss. I wonder if it’s more tasty now?

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