At ages 3 to 5, your child is hitting major developmental milestones — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Their diet during this phase can have lasting effects on how they grow, think, and fight off illness. That’s why many Filipino parents turn to growing-up milk: nutrient-enriched milk designed to support kids’ changing needs beyond toddlerhood.
But what exactly should you look for on the label — and how do these nutrients actually help your child? Let’s break it down by nutrient function, recommended daily servings, and which top brands contain them.
???? How Much Growing-Up Milk Does a Child Need per Day?
For kids aged 3 to 5 years old, most pediatricians recommend 1 to 2 servings of growing-up milk per day (around 180ml to 240ml per serving), depending on your child’s diet and appetite. This helps supplement any nutritional gaps from food — not replace whole meals.
???? 1. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
How it helps: Supports brain development, memory, and vision. DHA is a key nutrient during the early years when the brain grows rapidly.
Found in: Enfagrow A+ Four, Promil Four, Similac GainSchool
???? 2. Choline
How it helps: Aids in memory function, brain cell communication, and neurotransmitter development. Also helps form healthy brain wiring during early childhood.
Found in: Enfagrow A+ Four, Promil Four, Similac GainSchool
???? 3. Iron
How it helps: Prevents anemia and delivers oxygen to cells and brain. Iron also supports attention span and learning abilities.
Found in: NIDO 3+, Bonakid Pre-School 3+, Bear Brand Junior, Enfagrow A+ Four, Similac GainSchool
????️ 4. Zinc
How it helps: Strengthens immunity, promotes healing, and supports growth. Zinc also helps regulate appetite and energy.
Found in: NIDO 3+, Bonakid Pre-School 3+, Bear Brand Junior, Enfagrow A+ Four, HiPP Kindermilch, Similac GainSchool
???? 5. Calcium + Vitamin D
How they help: Calcium builds bones and teeth, while Vitamin D helps absorb calcium efficiently and regulates mood.
Found in: NIDO 3+, Bonakid Pre-School 3+, Bear Brand Junior, Enfagrow A+ Four, Similac GainSchool, HiPP Kindermilch
???? 6. Prebiotics and Probiotics
How they help: Prebiotics (like inulin, FOS, HMO) fuel good gut bacteria, while probiotics (like Lactobacillus) introduce live good bacteria for smoother digestion and stronger immunity.
Found in: Enfagrow A+ Four, NIDO 3+, Similac GainSchool, HiPP Kindermilch
???? 7. Protein
How it helps: Builds muscles, organs, skin, and enzymes. Essential for growth, especially in active kids who need energy and repair.
Found in: Enfagrow A+ Four, NIDO 3+, Bonakid Pre-School 3+, Bear Brand Junior, Similac GainSchool, HiPP Kindermilch
????️ 8. Lutein and Vitamin E
How they help: Lutein protects eyes from blue light exposure (screens), while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect cells and boost immunity.
Found in: Promil Four, Similac GainSchool, Enfagrow A+ Four
???? 9. Folic Acid and B-Complex Vitamins
How they help: Folic acid helps with red blood cell production and nervous system development. B vitamins convert food to energy and support mental focus.
Found in: Promil Four, Bonakid Pre-School 3+, Bear Brand Junior, Enfagrow A+ Four, NIDO 3+, Similac GainSchool
Final Tip:
Growing-up milk is a nutritional supplement, not a meal replacement. 1–2 servings a day are enough to fill common dietary gaps and support your child’s development — especially if they’re picky eaters, have low appetite, or need an extra immunity boost.
Always read the label, observe how your child responds to the milk, and consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.
