Also known as infant formula, baby milk is usually bought as a powder which is then
made up according to manufacturer’s directions, using the measuring scoop provided.
You can also buy it made up and ready to feed but this is more expensive, and perhaps most
useful for travel.
There are two kinds of infant formula: one for babies from birth onwards, which is designed to be digested easily and quickly, and one marketed for the ‘hungrier baby’, which is suitable for older babies and takes longer to digest. Your midwife or health visitor will advise you on which milk is best for your baby, and it’s advisable not to change formulas without consulting her.
Follow-on milks
These are suitable for babies from six months who are on solids, and are designed to
bridge the gap between infant formula and ordinary cow’s milk, which is not
recommended as a drink for babies until one year old.
However, if your baby is enjoying breast or formula milk, it’s not necessary to
switch to follow-on milks. They do contain an increased amount of iron, but the Department
of Health has stated that only three or four percent of this can be absorbed by a baby;
and by the age of six months your baby should be getting iron and other nutrients from
other food sources. Some makes of follow-on milk are also available in fruit flavours
(without added sugar), and in ready to drink cartons, and there is an organic variety.
