If you've chosen to formula feed you'll no doubt have questions about the different types of formula available and what to do if your baby has a milk allergy. Before buying your baby milk, take a look at the information below on the basics of formula milk, and read our advice here on alternatives if your baby has an allergy or intolerance.
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Formula milk: the basics
It can be confusing when you see some brands say they support your baby's immune system, and others claim to be gentle on his digestion although the evidence for this is open to question.
Whichever formula milk you choose, it can't be like breastmilk, but all formulas must meet legal requirements to support adequate growth and nutrition for babies. For healthy babies, which brand is not normally a major concern. They will all contain fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals.
It is not necessary to change from one baby formula to another unless you feel that your baby is not gaining weight or is having recurrent sickness and diarrhoea. If this is the case, please speak to your Health Visitor or GP. Changing formulas frequently can upset babies, and it can take at least three days to see an improvement if you are trying a different formula for medical reasons. Below is some more information on baby milk and feeding...
Standard Infant Formula
Whey dominant formulas (sometimes known as stage 1)
These milks are often described as for newborns. They are based on the whey of cow's milk and are more easily digested than the other milks - and closer to breast milk. Unless your doctor or health visitor suggests otherwise, this is the best type of infant formula for your baby. If bottle-feeding, first milk is the only food your baby needs for the first six months. After six months continue to give first milk as you start to introduce solid food. When your baby is one year old, ordinary (full-fat) cow's milk can be given.
Casein dominant formulas (sometimes known as stage 2)
These are often described as for 『hungrier babies'. There is no evidence that babies settle better or sleep longer, or there are other benefits to changing to these milks. They are based on the curd of cow's milk and take your baby longer to digest than first milks. They are not recommended for young babies.
Follow-on milks
Follow-on milks are described as suitable for babies from six months of age. It is not necessary to move your baby on to these milks. Follow-on milks should never be used for babies under six months old as they are not nutritionally suitable. Although follow-on milks contain an increased amount of iron, the Department of Health has stated that only 3-4% can be absorbed by a baby, and once you introduce solid food into your baby's diet (usually at around six months of age), they should be able to get enough iron and nutrients from other food sources. There are also concerns that these milks may lead to babies becoming obese.
Goodnight milks
Goodnight milks are advertised as suitable for babies from six months to three years of age. They contain follow-on milk and cereal. These milks should never be given to babies under six months old as they are not nutritionally suitable. They are not necessary for any baby and there is no independent evidence to support the claim that they help babies settle or that they are easy to d
igest. There are also concerns that these milks may lead to children becoming obese.
Other infant formulas
Pre-term formula
Pre-term formula is for small or premature babies. It is designed specifically for immature digestive systems and is high in calories to help with weight gain in low birth weight babies.
Thickened formulas
Pre-thickened formula are for babies with reflux or possetting. They are formulated to be thicker sothey are less likely to come back up. Babies taking these formula should not be prescribed thickeners or anti reflux medication such as Gaviscon since this can lead to over thickening.
Feeding your baby milk when travelling abroad
Formula milks are available in most countries, but some countries do not have the same recommendations about safety and formula milk, or nutritional recommendations, so it may be a good idea to bring your formula with you unless you know that you can get more easily.
When travelling abroad where tap water is unsafe, or if labels may not state a bottled water is safe for infant feeding (or where the language is not understood) a bottled water with a sodium content less than 20mg of Sodium (Na) per 100ml should be used. Bottled water should be boiled and cooled to no less than 70°C before use as with ordinary tap water.