The Three Stages — A Simple Timeline
Designed as the sole source of nutrition from birth until around six months. Higher whey-to-casein ratio, closest to breast milk composition. Lactose as primary carbohydrate, DHA and ARA essential for brain and eye development. Prettylac 1 is built on 100% lactose, PUFA and Choline — clean, digestible and nutritionally complete.
A baby’s natural Iron stores from birth begin to deplete around six months, so Stage 2 provides higher Iron content. Adjusted Calcium and Zinc levels support rapid bone and muscle development. Works alongside the introduction of solid foods. Prettylac 2 covers this with Calcium, Iron and Zinc alongside DHA, ARA and Choline.
Your toddler is eating a wide range of solid foods, but formula still fills nutritional gaps — especially Vitamin D, DHA and Iron, which can be difficult to get consistently from food alone in the toddler years. Prettylac 3 provides Calcium, Iron, Zinc and DHA alongside the meals your little one already enjoys. Think of it as a nutritional safety net, not a replacement for a varied diet.
Important: You do not need to switch away from Stage 1 formula at exactly six months. The stage is a guide, not a deadline. If your baby is doing well on Stage 1, there’s no urgent need to switch the moment the calendar ticks over. Let your baby’s growth and your paediatrician guide you.
What About Prettylac Premium Stages?
Our Prettylac Premium range follows the same Stage 1, 2 and 3 structure but adds GOS and FOS prebiotics, Lutein and Nucleotides to each stage — creating a more comprehensive nutritional platform for gut health, immune function and visual development alongside the core DHA and ARA formula.
| Feature | Prettylac Basic | Prettylac Premium |
|---|---|---|
| DHA & ARA | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| 100% Lactose | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| GOS & FOS Prebiotics | — | ✓ Included |
| Lutein (Eye Health) | — | ✓ Included |
| Nucleotides (Immunity) | — | ✓ Included |
| No Artificial Sweeteners | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available in Stages 1, 2 & 3 | ✓ | ✓ |
If your baby has been on Premium Stage 1, simply move to Premium Stage 2 at around six months — you don’t need to switch between the Basic and Premium ranges unless your needs change.
Can I Mix Stages?
In short — no. Each stage is calibrated specifically for the age range it covers. Using a Stage 2 formula for a newborn, for example, would provide more Iron and protein than a young baby needs. Always follow the stage guidance on the tin and consult your paediatrician if you’re unsure when to make the transition.
What About Special Nutritional Needs?
If your baby has specific medical needs — such as being born prematurely, having lactose intolerance, a protein allergy or PKU — the standard stage system doesn’t apply. Prettylac’s Special and Medical Formula range includes Prettylac Pre, Prettylac LF, Prettylac HA and Prettylac PKU — all designed for specific clinical needs under medical guidance.
Not sure which stage your baby needs?
Our team is here to help you find the right Prettylac formula for your baby’s age and needs.