Follow on Formula....

[babymunkey]

After reading a eally interesting article on the formula industry and some of the tricks of the manufacturers to get round the advertising regulations, I had decided not to move B onto follow on formula. She's still on the HIPP organic 1st formula.

any thoughts? I'm comfortable with the decision for now, just wanted to check others thoughts?

H

[creations]

I kept DS on his first formula right up to 12 months then straight on to cows milk.
For prob the same reasons as you.  The info coming from the NHS is that none of the other formulas are better or needed for any reason at all and yes they can advertise follow on and are prohibited from advertising first formula (I also read articles on it back when DS was tiny).  First formula is packed with vits, why move on to anything else.  Any change of formula risks there being a rejection or reaction (constipation etc), another reason I chose to stick with what we already used.

There is one benefit of changing which is that follow on milk is allowed to have special offers so can work out much cheaper over the 6 months you use it.  First formula is prohibited from discounted prices because of the governments push for breast feeding.
I agree with 'breast is best' but the milk pricing policy isn't really fair IMO as some people just cannot breast feed so suffer the guilt and sadness of being unable to bf and then the cost of non-discounted formula on top.

[Lolly]

No nutritional need for any follow on formulas at all - first milks are all that is needed up until you switch to cow's milk or another suitable milk.

I was reading something about the WHO saying the same thing recently - I'll have to try and find it!

Your decision is good!!

Laura

[*Kara*]

^^^ agree with Laura 2000%.  DD is still struggling with milk proteins (only cow's milk funny enough) so she is still drinking a stage 1 formula at 21 months with our doctor's support.  He actually recommends formula to age 2 for most kids to ensure all gaps are filled in their dodgy eating habits

[*happy*]

just saw this thread...jumping in,sorry....that's really interesting Kara....is it the stage 1 formula GP recommends?

[Lolly]

Sounds like - the normal "suitable from birth" first formulas that all the companies produce.

Laura

[*Kara*]

^^ What Laura said   It's the Birth + version...

That said, in Canada we have three stages of formula... stage 1 for birth plus, stage 2 for 6 months plus (added iron and calcium) and then the follow-up/transitional ones as well.. they are more of a supplement than a whole food though... don't contain nearly the vits/minerals/fat/protein that basic formulas offer.  Often sweetened to appeal to toddlers too

[babymunkey]

That's what I'd understood too - the article I read said they never need the follow on formulas as long as their solids diet is balanced and healthy, you can use the birth formula right until you switch to cows milk (or other milk products)

[*Kara*]

Exactly what my doctor said as well Helen   That said, I have moved to stage 2 and reduced the amount I offer

[*happy*]

really kara?wondering if that would work for us seen as it can take up to an hour to get 6-7 oz into her!

[Lolly]

I don't think that's a good idea for you - Kara's little girl is nearly 2 so she has different needs. A baby the age of your LO should be taking a MINIMMUM of 20oz a day even if it's stage 2 formula.

A bottle feed shouldn't be taking nearly an hour - that's way too long, she should be taking what she needs in about 20 mins. What flow teat are you using now?

Laura

[*happy*]

oh silly, i didnt notice the age of her LO.baby brain again!

still on the 2nd in the MAM ones...it's number 2 (from 2 months!) I bought the number 3 ones & tried her on them on friday but she got really mad at the bottle so i gave up! (number 3 are supposed to be from 4 months) maybe i could try her with the number 3 again at the mornign feed when she's not tired etc.?

[Lolly]

I would, just make the switch and she will get used to it if you are consistent, the only reason to switch back is if she is choking on the flow of milk. She should be able to drink quicker then.

Laura

[*happy*]

ok thanks...i'll try the number 3 tomorrow morning.if she gets mad should i keep trying or just switch back?

[Lolly]

Keep trying, it will take a few feeds to adapt to the new flow but if you keep switching back and forth she won't have a chance to get used to it. If she is hungry she will drink it and it should be easier for her.

Laura