Best Milk for a 1-Year-Old in Nigeria: Growing-Up Milks Compared

From 12 months, a healthy child can drink whole (full-cream) cow’s milk as their main milk, or carry on with breast milk. A growing-up milk (a “stage 3” formula) is an option, not a must. It suits parents who want extra vitamins and minerals, or whose child is a picky eater, and it costs more than plain milk. This guide explains the choices and compares the growing-up milks available in Nigeria, with today’s prices.

This is general guidance. If your child was born early, has allergies, is underweight or has a medical condition, ask your doctor which milk to use.

Your three options at 1 year

• Breast milk: health bodies such as the World Health Organization advise continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond, alongside family food.
• Whole (full-cream) cow’s milk: fresh, UHT or full-cream milk powder made up as the tin says. Use full-cream, not skimmed or low-fat, until at least age 2.
• Growing-up milk (stage 3): a milk drink with added vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin D, made for children from 1 to 3 years.

How much milk does a 1-year-old need?

Milk is now a drink alongside meals, not the main food. Many health services, including the UK’s NHS, suggest about 300–400ml of milk a day for children aged 1 to 2, plus yoghurt or cheese. Too much milk fills a child up and leaves less room for iron-rich foods like beans, eggs, fish and meat. Offer milk in an open or free-flow cup, and phase out the bottle.

Growing-up milks in Nigeria compared

Our Lagos store prices on 21 October 2026. Prices change, so open the product page for today’s price at your store.

Milk	Age on pack	Size	Price (21 Oct 2026)
Aptamil 3 Growing Up	1–2 years	see pack	₦32,200
SMA PRO 3 Growing Up	1–3 years	800g	₦28,600
Kendamil Toddler 3	1–3 years	see pack	₦32,500
HiPP Organic 3	1 year+	see pack	₦37,000
NAN Pro 3	12–36 months	800g	₦31,500
Lactogen 3	1 year+	400g	₦10,500
Lactogen Pro 3	1 year+	350g	₦8,000
Peak 1-2-3 Growing Up	1–3 years	360g refill	₦7,500
Dano Gold Growing Up	1–3 years	350g	₦7,000
NIDO Kinder 1+	1 year+	2.2kg	₦63,000
Enfagrow Premium Toddler	1–3 years	see pack	₦67,000

Cow & Gate 3 and NAN OptiPro 3 are out of stock as we write. See all options in Baby Milk.

How to choose

• Keep the same brand if it works. If your child did well on a brand’s stage 1 and 2, its stage 3 is the easiest next step.
• Compare the cost per month, not per tin. A refill or sachet costs less up front, but an 800g or 2.2kg tin may cost less per serving.
• Read the age on the pack. Some milks are for 1–2 years and others for 1–3 years. Aptamil 4 and Peak 4-5-6 are for older children.
• Food first. No milk replaces a varied diet. A growing-up milk tops up nutrients; it does not replace meals.

Does any milk boost brain development?

No milk on its own makes a child smarter. Some growing-up milks add DHA, an omega-3 fat found in the brain, and iron, which children need for healthy development. The same nutrients come from a varied diet: fish, eggs, beans, green vegetables and meat. Plenty of sleep, play and talking with your child matter as much as any tin.

Frequently asked questions

Can my 1-year-old drink regular full-cream milk?

Yes, for most healthy children from 12 months, as part of a balanced diet. Use full-cream, not low-fat or skimmed milk, and avoid condensed or sweetened milks as a main drink.

When should I move from stage 2 to stage 3?

At around 12 months, when your child eats family meals. Switch gradually over a few days.

Which growing-up milk costs the least?

Among the milks above, Dano Gold Growing Up (350g, ₦7,000) and Peak 1-2-3 (360g refill, ₦7,500) cost the least per pack on 21 October 2026. Compare the size too, since bigger tins can cost less per serving.

What is the best cereal for a 1-year-old?

Many families use infant cereals such as Cerelac, Nutribom or Lamosa alongside family meals. See the Baby Cereal category.

Related guides: NAN vs Lactogen and Aptamil vs NAN vs Kendamil.