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First Infant Formula vs Follow On Milk – What’s the Difference?
Find out what the difference is between first infant formula and follow on milk, and which ages both options are suitable for.
Find out what the difference is between first infant and follow on formula, and which ages both options are suitable for.
There is often confusion around the differences between first infant and follow on formulas. If you are planning on formula feeding your baby, either exclusively or combination feeding, this article will help you to understand the differences between the two.
Whilst it’s agreed that breastmilk provides the optimal nutritional components for babies, some parents choose not to breastfeed exclusively or may be unable to do so. First infant formula is a safe alternative or addition that can be given any time from birth onwards.
What is infant formula?
First infant milk, also known as “stage 1” formula is suitable for use from birth onwards, and is the only food recognised by the World Health Organisation as a suitable and safe alternative to breastmilk.
HiPP Organic's first infant milk is a nutritionally complete breastmilk substitute, suitable from birth, and contains all the nutrients your baby needs if they are not being breastfed or if being combination fed.
What is follow on milk?
Follow-on milk, also known as "Stage 2" formula, is designed to provide the nutrients your baby needs alongside a varied weaning diet, when they are not being breastfed. It is suitable from the age of 6 months and HiPP Organic’s follow-on milk has been specially formulated, incorporating the finest organic ingredients and following important nutrients:
- Vitamin D, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, which contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age (a beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100mg of DHA).
- Iron, in greater quantities than first infant milk because your baby’s iron store reduces throughout the first 6 months of their life and needs topping up from 6 months onwards.
- An advanced source of folate which is research backed, and unlike any other follow-on brand.
When can babies have follow on formula?
Follow on milks are suitable from the age of 6+ months and are formulated to be used alongside a varied weaning diet. They have been developed to meet the nutritional needs of older infants and contain higher levels of some nutrients such as iron and are a choice for parents to make based on their baby’s needs and preferences.
What nutritional benefits does follow on milk contain?
Follow on milks are designed to provide the nutrients your baby needs alongside a varied weaning diet,
HiPP Organic’s Follow-on milk contains the following important nutrients:
- Iron, in greater quantities than first infant milk because your baby’s iron store reduces throughout the first 6 months of their life and needs topping up from 6 months onwards. (HiPP Organic Follow-on milk contains twice as much iron as the first infant milk - 1mg vs 0.5mg iron per 100ml.)
- Vitamin D, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, which contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age (a beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100mg of DHA).
- An advanced source of folate which is research backed, and unlike any other follow-on brand.
Babies are born with a store of iron that generally becomes depleted at around 6 months of age. After this time, external sources of iron (i.e. weaning foods containing iron, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, pulses) should be actively encouraged.
For formula fed babies, the choice to move to a follow-on milk from the age of 6 months can help to offer an additional ‘safety net’ for iron intake, particularly if a wide range of iron rich foods aren’t being consumed by the baby.
We know everyone has different experiences and wants to do the very best for their little ones. Please speak to your healthcare professional if you require any further advice.
Important Notice
We recognise that breastfeeding is best, providing many benefits to both mothers and infants. We also recognise that every parenting journey is unique, and we are here to support you through this journey, however you choose to feed your baby.
If you choose to breastfeed it is important that you eat a healthy well-balanced diet in preparation for and during breastfeeding. Before deciding to combination or formula feed your baby, note that reducing or stopping breastfeeding can be difficult to reverse. Babies feed on demand, so replacing breastfeeding with infant formula milk may reduce your supply. Formula feeding has both social and financial implications. Talk to your midwife or health visitor for guidance and support.
If you choose to use formula milk, make sure you choose the right milk for your baby’s age and prepare and store it according to the instructions on the packaging. Not doing so may make your baby ill. Infant formula is a nutritionally complete breastmilk substitute that can be used from birth. From 6 months you can choose to use follow on milk as part of a mixed diet and from 12 months you have the option to move onto growing up milk alongside a balanced diet.
