Do you wish to Baby Food Prices in Nigeria? Prices of baby food varies according to brand, types and location ranging to ₦3,800 to ₦20,000
When I think about being a Nigerian parent, one thing that comes to my mind is the welfare and diet of our children.
One of these factors is choosing the right baby food because it directly affects their development.
For example, in Nigeria, there are popular brands such as NAN, SMA and My Boy Baby Milk dominating the markets, which offer varieties of choices customized for better nutrition among infants.
This helpful guide details the costs for these baby feeds and offers some common queries by mothers that may help them choose wisely.
Understanding the Importance of Baby Food
Baby meals are significant during infancy since they give all the required nutrients for healthy growth and development. By moving from breastfeeding to eating solid foods quality and nutritional value of the latter become important.
NAN, SMA and My Boy Baby Milk produce differently to meet specific dietary needs for children, assuring them enough nutrition at this crucial stage.
Exploring the Prices of Baby Food Brands
It can be very wise to look at what baby food brands cost to get good ideas on purchasing the best ones that suit your taste. Here’s how I can help:
Popular Baby Food Brands in Nigeria
- Nestle: Nestle is a major player that offers infant formulas such as NAN and SMA and cereals such as Cerelac at different stages for infants and toddlers (online marketplaces in Nigeria: Konga, Jumia).
- Aptamil: Another international brand known for its infant formula.
- Gerber: Gerber is a global favourite for various baby food purees and snacks (availability in Nigeria may be scarce).
- Cow & Gate: Cow & Gate is another international label that sells milk formulae for babies besides baby food puree (availability in Nigeria may be scarce).
- Similac: Founded long ago, Similac is one of the respected brands offering infant formulas.
- Peak 123: Peak 123 is a Nigerian brand with infant formula and growing milk.
Finding Prices:
- Look for online retailers like Konga or Jumia. Konga & Jumia. They are online stores where you can find different brands of children’s foodstuffs and prices. Visit brick-and-mortar grocery stores or pharmacies to check in-store prices.
Additional Tips:
- Consider your baby’s age and dietary needs: Choose age-appropriate formulas and baby food stages.
- Read labels carefully: Look for essential nutrients and ingredients.
- Factor in brand reputation and research: Make Sure You Choose Ones That Have Been Around For A Long Time And Have Good Records Of Safety And Quality Of Their Formula Products
- Don’t forget about budget: One Should Also Consider That There are different Price Range Depending On The Type And Brand It Is.
When you consider these variables, you will be able to make wise choices regarding baby food brands, which are pocket-friendly and cater to your baby’s needs.
Factors Influencing Baby Food Prices in Nigeria
Various items determine how much a tin of baby food costs in Nigeria:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands such as NAN, SMA and My Boy Baby Milk may have higher prices due to their history of quality and safety.
- Ingredients: Some premium ingredients or additional nutrients in baby food may raise prices above basic formulations’ prices.
- Packaging: Specialty packaging like ready-to-feed bottles and travel sizes often comes at a premium price.
- Import Costs: Imported baby food brands attract import duties and shipping fees, thus increasing the prices further.
- Economic Conditions: Changes in foreign exchange rates, inflation, and overall economic situation can affect the price of raw materials used to produce baby foods.
SMA Gold milk’s prices vary depending on its size (gram count) and the retailer, but here is an estimate for 30th March 2024.
How much is SMA Gold baby milk in Nigeria?
The prices of SMA Gold vary based on its size and the retailer, but here is an estimate for 30th March 2024.
· SMA Gold From Birth (0-6 Months) – 400g: ₦3,800–₦6,500 (price range might be wider due to limited information on this specific size)
· SMA Gold Follow-On Milk (6-12 Months) – 400g: Information on price for a 400g size is limited.
· SMA Gold Milk Series (varying gram sizes): ₦8,500–₦20,500 (depending on specific product and size)
Here are some tips for finding the most accurate price for SMA Gold baby milk in Nigeria:
· Check online retailers – look for reputable establishments that sell baby food. They often list prices and allow for comparison shopping.
· Visit brick-and-mortar stores – go to local grocery stores or pharmacies that sell baby food; they may have exactly what you are looking for in terms of SMA Gold at the right price.
· Contact the distributor: If you’re having trouble finding a price, try contacting the official distributor of SMA Gold in Nigeria (if there is one). They can give you pricing information or advise you where to find it from retail outlets.
Remember, these are just estimates, and the price may vary depending on location and availability.
How Much Is Cerelac In Nigeria?
For example, Nestle Cerelac is much cheaper than formula in Nigeria. Here are the approximate rates as of March 30th, 2024:
- Nestle Cerelac (various flavors, 400g): ₦1,400 – ₦1,700 (prices may be similar across flavors like Wheat, Maize or Rice)
- Nestle Cerelac Bigger Bites (for toddlers; varying gram sizes): ₦2,000 – ₦3,000 (depending on specific product and size)
Below are some ways to find out the current price of Cerelac in Nigeria:
- Online retailers: Try looking for this baby food on Jumia, Konga or other such online vendors in Nigeria. On these platforms, you can compare prices among different sellers.
- Brick-and-mortar stores: You may find a stock of Cerelac at grocery stores and pharmacies. Look up the required flavor and size in the baby food aisle.
- Supermarkets: Many supermarkets have a baby section where you can buy Cerelac.
- These figures provide only an estimate, which may differ based on location and shop. It can be wise to compare prices at various stores before purchasing as there might be fluctuation in cost.
Similac Baby Food
- Brand Name: Similac
- Company: Abbott Laboratories
- Nigerian Company: No, Abbott Laboratories is a multinational company headquartered in the United States.
Importance: Similac Baby Food provides essential nutrients for infants and toddlers not exclusively breastfed. It’s formulated to meet specific needs at different developmental stages.
Nutritional Value: Similac offers a variety of formulas with a range of nutrients, but generally, they include:
- Protein for growth and development.
- Carbohydrates for energy.
- Fats for brain development and energy.
- Vitamins and minerals for overall health and immunity.
- Some Similac formulas may also include prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health.
Current Prices in Nigeria (as of March 30, 2024):
Prices can vary depending on retailer and location, but here’s a general idea based on information from Jiji. Ng:
- Similac Advance Infant Formula Stage 1 (400g): ₦ 6,500 – ₦ 7,000
- Similac Advance Infant Formula Stage 1 (800g): around ₦ 10,000 – ₦ 12,000 (price for a set of 6 can vary)
- Similac Total Comfort (varying gram sizes): ₦ 8,000 – ₦ 20,000 (depending on specific product and size)
- Similac Go & Grow (for toddlers, varying gram sizes): ₦ 7,500 – ₦ 15,000 (depending on specific product and size)
Note: These are estimates and might not reflect the exact price at all stores. It’s always best to check with the retailer directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
Nestle NAN
NAN, produced by Nestlé, is one of Nigeria’s leading baby food brands, renowned for its quality and nutritional value.
- Brand Name: Nestle NAN
- Company: Nestle
- Nigerian Company: No, Nestle is a multinational company headquartered in Switzerland. They are in Nigeria, and NAN is likely produced there or elsewhere in Africa.
Importance: Nestle NAN is an infant formula designed for babies from birth onwards. It provides essential nutrients when breastfeeding is not sufficient or not possible. NAN comes in different stages to meet the evolving needs of growing babies.
Nutritional Value: Nestle NAN offers a variety of formulas with a range of nutrients, but generally they include:
- Protein for growth and development.
- Carbohydrates for energy.
- Fats for brain development and energy.
- Vitamins and minerals for overall health and immunity.
- Nestle NAN formulas may also include prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health.
Current Prices in Nigeria (as of March 30, 2024):
Nestle NAN prices vary depending on the specific formula and size. Here’s a general idea based on information from online retailers in Nigeria:
- Nestle NAN Optipro 1 (for newborns, 400g): ₦ 2,750 – ₦ 3,000
- Nestle NAN Optipro 2 (for babies 6-12 months, 400g): ₦ 4,200 – ₦ 4,500
- Nestle NAN Comfort (for sensitive tummies, varying gram sizes): ₦ 5,000 – ₦ 8,000 (depending on specific product and size)
- Nestle NAN Supreme (for advanced brain development, varying gram sizes): ₦ 6,000 – ₦ 9,000 (depending on specific product and size)
Note: These are estimates and might not reflect the exact price at all stores. It’s always best to check with the retailer directly for the most up-to-date pricing on Nestle NAN, especially for larger options.
Cow & Gate Baby Food
- Brand Name: Cow & Gate
- Company: Danone
- Nigerian Company: No, Danone is a multinational company headquartered in France. Cow & Gate baby food may be imported into Nigeria.
Importance: Cow & Gate Baby Food offers a range of baby products, including infant formula and baby food purees. They provide essential nutrients when breastfeeding is insufficient or impossible and introduce babies to new tastes and textures during weaning.
Nutritional Value: Cow & Gate offers a variety of formulas and purees with a range of nutrients, but generally they include:
- Infant Formula: Protein for growth and development, carbohydrates for energy, fats for brain development and energy, vitamins and minerals for overall health and immunity. Cow & Gate formulas may also include prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health.
- Baby Food Purees: Various fruits, vegetables, and grains are pureed for easy consumption. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for healthy development.
Current Prices in Nigeria (as of March 30, 2024):
Since Cow & Gate may be imported, it can be less readily available and more expensive than other baby food options in Nigeria. Here’s a general idea based on limited online information:
- Cow & Gate Follow-On Formula (400g): Limited information available, potential price range ₦4,500 – ₦6,000 (estimate based on similar imported formulas).
- Cow & Gate Baby Rice Cereal (varying gram sizes): Limited information available, potential price range ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 (estimate based on similar imported baby food).
Note: These are rough estimates due to limited data on the availability and pricing of Cow & Gate products in Nigeria. It’s best to check with speciality baby stores or online retailers that import baby food for the most accurate pricing and availability.
Peak 123 Baby Food
- Brand Name: Peak 123
- Company: FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria PLC
- Nigerian Company: Peak 123 is a Nigerian brand produced by FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria PLC, a joint venture between Royal FrieslandCampina of the Netherlands and Nigerian company Wamco Plc.
Importance: Peak 123 offers infant formula and growing-up milk for Nigerian babies. It provides essential nutrients when breastfeeding is insufficient or impossible and supports growth and development at different stages.
Nutritional Value: Peak 123 offers a variety of formulas with a range of nutrients, but generally they include:
- Protein for growth and development.
- Carbohydrates for energy.
- Fats for brain development and energy.
- Vitamins and minerals for overall health and immunity.
Current Prices in Nigeria (as of March 30, 2024):
Peak 123 is a more affordable option compared to some imported baby formulas. Here’s a general idea based on information from online retailers:
- Peak 123 Infant Formula Stage 1 (400g): ₦2,200 – ₦2,500
- Peak 123 Infant Formula Stage 2 (400g): around ₦2,500 – ₦2,800 (prices can be similar across stages)
- Peak 123 Growing Up Milk (400g): around ₦2,800 – ₦3,200
- Peak 123 Growing Up Milk (900g): around ₦4,500 – ₦5,000 (depending on retailer)
Note: These are estimates and might not reflect the exact price at all stores. It’s always best to check with the retailer directly for the most up-to-date pricing on Peak 123.
Which Milk Is Best For Babies?
There isn’t a single “best” milk for all babies, as the ideal choice depends on individual circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:·
Breast milk: For most babies, breast milk is considered the gold standard for nutrition. It’s packed with essential nutrients and antibodies to fight infections, and promotes a healthy bond between mother and baby.
Infant formula: When breastfeeding isn’t possible or sufficient, infant formula provides a safe and healthy alternative. Look for established brands with Stage 1 formulas specifically designed for newborns. There are also specialized formulas for babies with reflux, allergies, or other concerns.
Always consult your paediatrician before choosing a formula.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | Breast Milk | Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Mother | Cow’s milk base, modified to resemble breast milk |
| Nutrients | Tailored to baby’s needs, adjusts as baby grows | Meets specific guidelines, but may not perfectly match breast milk |
| Antibodies | Provides immunity to diseases | No antibodies present |
| Convenience | Requires breastfeeding or pumping | Easier to prepare and store |
| Cost | Free if breastfeeding | Can be expensive, especially for specialized formulas |
Additional factors to consider:
- If your baby has any allergies, tummy problems or other health issues, your doctor can prescribe a particular formula for them.
- If you cannot breastfeed because of work or other reasons, bottle feeding can provide your baby with a safe alternative that is also healthy.
Remember:
Ask your child’s paediatrician for personal guidelines on the best type of milk for them, popular brands that have stage 1 formulas are usually good options. Breastfeeding should be encouraged whenever possible; however, formula provides a useful alternative in several families.
Which Formula Is Closest To Breast Milk?
Many infant formula producers try as hard as they can to replicate the composition of breast milk. Although it may not be exactly like breast milk, there is no doubt that some come close. The following are some important factors to look into when choosing a breastmilk-like formula:
Macronutrients: Choose formulas with protein ratios similar to whey-dominant human milk. Whey protein constitutes nearly 60%, while casein makes up 40%.
Fats: Certain fats in breast milk, such as DHA and ARA, support brain growth. Look for these Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCPUFA) in the formulation.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: They mimic the natural gut microflora from the mother’s probiotics and prebiotics present in female lactating women’s boobs.
Breast milk-like Formulas That Are Popular
Enfamil Enspire: Contains a mixture of whey proteins almost identical to that found in breast milk and lactoferrin, one of the proteins contained in colostrum.
Similac Pro Advance: This formula has a higher protein concentration than breast milk as it’s a blend of whey and contains prebiotics for gut health.
Nestle NAN Optipro: Protein composition similar to human breast milk enriched with DHA and ARA for brain development.
Important Note: However, these formulas cannot be considered breastmilk. They do not contain all the immunological components or other non-nutritive properties exclusive to breastfeeding, such as bonding between mother and child.
What you should always keep in mind when selecting infant formulas:
- Talk to your baby doctor: They will tell you what is best for your child based on their condition.
- Your baby’s reaction to different ingredients: Some babies may have food allergies when given certain products. Consult with your paediatrician about this aspect.
- Go through various brands available for sale: Go for whey-based powder formulas with added LCPUFAs and probiotics/prebiotic elements.
Remember that the most suitable formula for your baby will be one they can tolerate well while meeting their nutritional requirements determined by your paediatrician.
Which Baby Food Is Good For Weight Gain?
Babies rely on breast milk and infant formula as their main source of nutrition for the initial year, which usually enables them to gain weight healthily. However, if your paediatrician feels your baby needs more support, they might suggest specific strategies and complementary foods. Here’s what you need to consider Foods for Weight Gain (after 6 months, with paediatrician’s guidance):
- Focus on Nutrient-Dense Options: Go for foods rich in calories, healthy fats and essential nutrients necessary for growth. Some examples are:
o Fruits: Avocados, bananas and mangoes (mashed or pureed)
o Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, butternut squash and peas (mashed or pureed)
o Grains: Fortified cereals consisting of whole grains, oatmeal containing healthy fats like nut butter (check allergies first)
o Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt can serve as an alternative source of protein and good fat after eight months.
o Healthy Fats: For increased calorie intake, consider including good fats such as avocado oil, nut butter (confirm allergies first) or cooked egg yolk beginning from six months.
Important Considerations:
- Solid foods do not replace breast milk or formula; rather, they are intended to complement these primary sources of nutrition at 6 months.
- Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for allergies.
Purees are the first solid foods for a baby. As they grow, foods with more texture that require chewing can be introduced.
· Avoid sugary beverages and processed meals. These are not nutrient-dense and sometimes spoil babies’ appetite to consume their healthy counterparts.
When taking up the issue of what to serve your young one, remember that:
Here are some additional points to remember:
- Feeding Cues: Watch for signs of hunger in your baby, they will show they are ready to eat. Forcing a child to eat can do more harm than good.
- Offer a Variety: Let your baby try different healthy foods to encourage them to explore and enjoy different tastes and textures.
- Mealtime Enjoyable: Make a relaxed, positive eating environment for your little ones.
These guidelines should enable you to work with the paediatrician towards helping your baby gain weight naturally.
How Can I Save Money On Baby Food?
Here are some ways to save on baby food:
- Make your own:
· Home preparation is often less costly and healthier: Cooking at home is often a cheaper and healthier alternative because you get to decide what goes in your meal without any added sugars or salt. Steam, roast or boil, then puree fruits and vegetables until smooth consistency is achieved.
· Prepare meals in advance and freeze them: This saves you time and allows you to divide them into smaller portions that can be eaten later.
· Use other ingredients besides the usual ones: Over-ripe fruits (great for sweetness) and leftover cooked vegetables.
- Focus on budget-friendly options:
· Start with single-ingredient purees: Buy individual flavors to avoid expensive pre-mixed purees.
· Stick with fresh fruits and vegetables that are popular during their seasons because they are more affordable.
· Buying generic baby food brands may be worth considering since they usually have similar quality standards to name brands but cost less.
- Utilize what you already have:
· Mix leftover purees in smoothies or yogurt for yourself or older siblings.
· Steam the vegetables you’re preparing for the family and mash them up for your baby.
· Ripe bananas or mangoes can be easily turned into a mushy pulp, mashed together, serving as a perfect snack.
Other money-saving tips:
- Buy in bulk (if you have freezer space): This is a nice way of purchasing some store-bought options but make sure it will be finished before the expiry date.
- Look for coupons and discounts: Many baby food companies provide online vouchers or in grocery store adverts.
- Consider baby-led weaning (BLW) after 6 months (with paediatrician’s approval): This method allows babies to investigate and self-feed on appropriately-sized soft food pieces instead of relying entirely on purees, thus reducing dependence on bought ones from the shop.
Remember:
- Safety first: Seek advice from your paediatrician when introducing new foods to your child, especially if they have any allergies.
- Put nutrition first: Supplying a diversity of wholesome foods suitable for the age group enables your baby to grow as well as necessary.
Being creative and thinking ahead will enable you to afford nutritional meals for your infant.
Conclusion
Navigating the prices of baby food brands in Nigeria requires analysis that considers various issues such as brand reputation, nutritional value and affordability.
NAN, SMA and My Boy Baby Milk are some brands that have developed different products to suit the individual needs of Nigerian parents. Knowing these baby foods’ prices and features helps parents make informed decisions.
FAQ
How much does NAN baby milk cost in Nigeria?
The price of NAN milk for newborns typically depends on the pack size and seller. The cost for a 400g tin of NAN infant formula averages between N2,500 and N5,000, while bigger quantities may go from N5,000 to N9,000. Price variations could occur due to location and market demand too.
What is the price range for SMA baby milk in Nigeria?
The price of SMA baby milk ranges based on its packaging size and the type of its composition.
A 400g tin of SMA infant formula usually falls in the range between ₦2,800 and ₦3,500, with larger sizes going for anything between ₦5,500 and ₦7,000. Also prices can vary slightly according to sellers’ names and places where they live.
Which Nan is best for newborns?
As such, paediatricians often recommend NAN Optipro 1 for newborn babies. It is developed to provide vital nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential in healthy growth during the early years of life from birth up to six months.
What age is SMA Gold 3 for?
It is recommended that SMA Gold 3 be given to infants aged one through three years.
This is a follow-on product meant to supplement young children’s diet transitioning from infancy to early childhood life stages, thus supporting their growth and development at this phase.
Can a baby of 6 months take SMA Gold 2?
Yes, a baby of 6 months can consume SMA Gold 2 formula milk. SMA Gold 2 is formulated for infants from 6 months onwards as part of their weaning diet.
It provides essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development, complementing the introduction of solid foods into their diet. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.