My lg is on stage 2 and I think it makes her fuller for longer, she does still wake down nights but that's not until early hours where as before on stage one she was waking 2 times for a full bottle now it's for 2 ounces before she's asleep again x
There’s no significant difference, the only reason it exists is because first stage baby formula isn’t allowed to be advertised. Watch the tv adverts, you will never see first stage milk on them.
I went to an introduction to solid foods thing last week and the health visitor said there isn't any real difference it just exists so they can advertise.. she recommended staying on stage one as it is suitable all the way up to a year for their nutritional needs.
No advise but if you look there's a couple similar posts about this (I'm in same boat) just assume it's another phase. But honestly I'm feeling the struggle like you!