Stage 3 formula is for little ones aged 12 months and older.  Often referred to as a toddler milk or toddler drink, they play an important role in supporting the specific nutritional requirements of this developmental stage (as well as addressing any dietary gaps for picky eaters!) LittleOak’s Stage 3 Toddler Milk is made with fresh whole goat milk straight from our dairy in New Zealand, and boosted with 16 essential vitamins and minerals to help nourish our little ones to grow big and strong, just as nature intended.

Stage 3 formula (sometimes referred to as a toddler milk or toddler drink) is different from Stage 2 formula in several ways. Firstly, they are suitable for different age groups. Stage 2 is ideal for infants from 6-12 months of age, while Stage 3 is for little ones aged 12 months and older. This is because there are slight differences in the ingredients. At LittleOak, we carefully craft our formulations to meet the specific nutritional needs of little ones as they grow, ensuring your baby or toddler receives exactly the right support at each stage of their feeding journey.

Yes, a Stage 3 formula or toddler drink can be used in place of whole milk. Milk can be a beneficial part of a balanced toddler diet offering carbohydrates, fat, protein, and more. If you’re wondering how to choose the right milk, consider your toddler’s individual needs first and then compare your options. Choosing a fortified toddler milk such as LittleOak can help fill the potential nutritional gaps in your toddlers’ diet and relieve some of the stress you may be feeling around their nutrient needs. LittleOak Toddler Milk is made from fresh whole goat milk. With low lactose levels and rich in vitamins, minerals and naturally occurring prebiotics, it’s a natural and nutritious alternative for even the pickiest of toddlers.  

A Stage 3 formula or toddler milk is carefully crafted with a range of essential nutrients to support your little one's growth and development. Specifically, a toddler milk can offer all macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat) as well as important micronutrients and minerals such as:

DHA: critical for normal development of sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor systems 

Vitamins A,B,C,D: all essential for growth and development, along with supporting the immune system.

Iron: a nutrient that tends to fall short in toddler diets as protein consumption may be lacking and is needed for healthy blood flow.

Calcium: needed to help toddlers build strong bones, and can be lacking in diet if toddlers aren’t consuming dairy. 

Determining whether Stage 3 formula is preferable to whole milk is ultimately a personal decision - after all, you know your little one the best! In an ideal scenario, your toddler would naturally acquire all their essential nutrients by consuming a well-rounded diet rich in healthy foods. However, if you have concerns (especially if you have a picky eater in the family), a Stage 3 formula can be a valuable supplement. If you choose LittleOak, it’s made with the goodness of fresh whole goat milk and less is more processing to preserve all the natural nutrients… so you’re really getting the best of both worlds. 

As with any aspect of parenting, whether your little one can transition to a stage 3 formula is ultimately at each parent’s discretion. However, the recommended age to start LittleOak’s Stage 3 Toddler Milk is from 12 months of age, as each of our beautiful formulations have been carefully crafted to meet the specific nutritional requirements of the different developmental stages.

Our Stage 3 Toddler Milk can absolutely be used alongside breastfeeding. At LittleOak, we support each and every feeding journey, whatever that looks like - whether that be exclusively breastfeeding or formula feeding, or a combination of the two. 

Yes, we do. We offer a 20 percent discount to support parents of multiples. We simply need a letter from your GP stating that you are supplement feeding/formula feeding multiples.

LittleOak is created by mums who have been through exactly the same worries as you.

Drawing on the experience of a nutrition and paediatric expert, we understand how overwhelming it can be to make the right choice for your baby’s nutrition. With so many conflicting opinions and confusing terms, it can be impossible to know which way to turn.

We’ve gone on ahead and have done the research for you. Our team of experts have created a formula made with whole goat’s milk, cold-pressed flaxseed oil and natural vitamins and minerals. It is free of palm oil and canola oil.

It is so important to transition slowly from breastfeeding to formula or between different brands of formula. Changing too quickly from another formula to LittleOak or even from breastfeeding to LittleOak can cause your baby discomfort to their immature digestive system. Our qualified team is here to help and provide advice and guidance around the best transition plan that suits you and your little one.

For your peace of mind, we do not add any artificial sugars or sweeteners to our blends. We find our beautifully natural goats milk does not need any sugars or additives and do not want to introduce infants and toddlers to sugars unnecessarily.