
Little benefit in ‘Hungry Baby’ and ‘Follow-on’ formula milks
If you are a first-time mum you may have some questions about feeding your baby particularly if you have decided to use formula milk. Here is some advice from the MyChild.ie website.
Breast milk is the best and most natural food for your baby. Your body makes breast milk that is unique for your baby. The special ingredients are vital for normal growth, development and good health. It protects your baby against many illnesses and conditions. Infant formula cannot reproduce these ingredients.
Formula milk, also known as formula feed, baby formula or infant formula, is made from cow’s milk. Formula milk has been changed to make it suitable for your baby. Extra nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are added to help your baby to grow and develop.
Formula milk comes in powdered form or in ‘ready to feed’ cartons. Formula contains additives like vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals. These make sure that the formula contains the nutrients that babies need.
Do not use soy formula for babies under 6 months unless your GP or paediatrician recommends this. Do not give a baby under the age of 1 regular cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, condensed milk, or oat, almond and rice milk.
First infant formula
If you choose not to breastfeed or if you are unable to breastfeed your baby, you need to use formula.
First infant formula is the type of formula recommended for newborns. This should always be the formula you use and is suitable until your baby is 1 year old.
You should talk to your public health nurse or GP before you change your baby’s infant formula
There are several different brands of first formula milks available on the market. These are regulated to ensure they have the essential ingredients your baby needs.
Hungry baby milk
Hungry baby formula contains more casein than whey. Casein is a protein that is harder for babies to digest.
It’s often described as suitable for ‘hungrier babies’. There is no evidence that babies settle better or sleep longer when fed this type of formula.
Hungry baby milk is suitable from birth, but ask your public health nurse for advice first.
Follow-on formula
Follow-on formula is sometimes called ‘number 2 milk’. Switching to follow-on formula at 6 months has no benefits for your baby.
From 6 months you should begin weaning to solids and aim for a healthy balanced diet.
Never give ‘follow-on’ formulas to a baby under the age of 6 months
Your baby can carry on having first infant formula as their main drink until they are 1 year old.
The labels on follow-on formula can look like first infant formula. Read them to avoid making a mistake.
Ask your midwife, public health nurse or GP about giving formula milk to your newborn baby. Check with them if you are considering changing your baby’s formula. Avoid changing the type of formula you give your baby.
Related topics
For more information on all aspects of your child’s health, well being and development check out https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/