Today we give you an at-a-glance guide to the various types of formula milks available for babies and infants. Options are there for children who are not being breastfed, are allergic to cows’ milk, are lactose intolerant, or need a non-standard alternative for one reason or another. Informative notes are also included for further guidance. We also include a list of ‘milks’ that are totally unsuitable for little ones, for further clarification.
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Quick Guide to Formula Milks — Types & Purposes
| Formula Milks | Typical Use | Notes & Warnings |
|---|---|---|
| First Infant Formula Milk (a.k.a. First Milk) | Usually the standard formula milk for babies aged from birth up to 12 months, if not breastfeeding — unless a GP directs otherwise. | Based on cows’ milk. Contains casein, whey and a good balance of vitamins & nutrients. |
| Lactose-Free Formula Milk | Intended for lactose intolerant babies/infants. | Only to be given under the direction of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife). |
| Anti-Reflux Formula Milk (a.k.a. Staydown Milk) | Designed to prevent reflux in babies so they don’t bring the milk up during/after feeds. When appropriate, it is suitable from birth. | Only to be given under the direction of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife). Preparation, temperature, storage and safety considerations are critically important, so instructions must be closely adhered to. |
| Hypoallergenic Formula Milk | Intended for babies and infants allergic to cows’ milk and any formula/milks containing it. When appropriate, it is suitable from birth. | Only to be given under the direction of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife). |
| Comfort Formula Milk | Contains partially hydrolysed (partially broken down) cows’ milk proteins and is marketed as easier, in theory, to digest and less prone to causing constipation or colic than standard formula milk. | Note that the NHS reports that it has seen no compelling evidence that it achieves what it claims. Only to be given under the direction of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife). Do not feed to those who are allergic to cows’ milk. |
| Goats’ Milk Formula | An alternative to formula milk made from cows’ milk and available in different varieties. When appropriate, it is suitable from birth. | Note that infants will be just as likely to be allergic to goats’ milk formula if they are allergic to cows’ milk formula. |
| Hungrier Baby Formula Milk (a.k.a. Hungry Milk) | Marketed as suitable, in theory, for hungrier babies through increased levels of casein protein. | Note that the NHS reports that it has seen no compelling evidence that it has any advantage over standard formula.The advice of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife) is recommended before feeding this to infants. |
| Good Night Milk | Contains added cereal and is marketed as suitable, in theory, for feeding to babies (6 months +) just before bedtime. | Note that the NHS reports that it has seen no compelling evidence that it has any advantage over standard formula.The advice of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife) is recommended before feeding this to infants. Never feed to babies below 6 months. |
| Soya Formula Milk | Marketed as an alternative, in theory, to formula/milks that are based on cows’ milk, for babies 6 months or over. | Note: The advice of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife) should always be sought before feeding this to infants. It contains oestrogen-mimicking phytoestrogens, which are a concern in relation to the developing reproductive system in the young. It also contains sugars, which are potentially harmful to teeth. Never feed to babies below 6 months. |
| Growing-Up Milk (a.k.a. Toddler Milk) | Marketed as an alternative, in theory, to whole cows’ milk, for infants aged 12 months or over. | Note that the NHS reports that it has seen no compelling evidence that it has any advantage over whole cows’ milk. The advice of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife) is recommended before giving this to little ones. |
| Follow-on Formula Milk | Marketed as suitable, in theory, as an alternative to First Infant Formula once infants reach the age of 6 months or over. | Note: the NHS suggests that First Infant Formula is actually better for infants during the first year than so called Follow-on Formula milks The advice of a medical professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor or Midwife) is recommended before switching to Follow-on Formula and always read the label. |
Milks to Avoid Drinking Under 12 Months
The following are so-called ‘milks’ (as opposed to formula milks) that the NHS advises (∞) should never be given to children under 1 — or even older in some cases, as you’ll see:
| Rice Milk & Rice Drinks (rice contains arsenic – avoid under the age of 5) | Soya Milk (contains phytoestrogens, which mimic the female hormone) | Oat Milk |
| Almond Milk | Evaporated Milk / Condensed Milk (sometimes contains added sugar) | Dried Milk (powdered cow’s milk) |
| Cows’, Goats’ or Sheep’s Milk (only OK as a drink from age 1 if pasteurised, or if pasteurised and used in cooking) | Skimmed Milk (a.k.a. 1% Milk) – avoid under the age of 5 as too low in calories. | Semi-Skimmed Milk – avoid under the age of 2 and then only give as a main drink if the child is eating a balanced diet, is growing at an appropriate rate for their age, and is not underweight. |
We hope that our guide is useful to you. Please feel free to share it on social media, or to bookmark it in your browser if so. Do come back to our early years blog area regularly. Here, we’ll post useful guides, ‘how to’ articles and well-researched, useful information for parents, carers and guardians of little ones.
A Nursery Place for your Child in Edgbaston, Birmingham
Nursery/pre-school places for babies, toddlers and under-5s in Edgbaston, Birmingham
Are you looking for a nursery or pre-school place for your baby, toddler or under-five child? Leaps & Bounds is a high quality nursery and pre-school in Edgbaston, Birmingham and is also conveniently near for those living or working in Harborne, Ladywood, Bearwood and Smethwick. We support Government schemes for free childcare for 2-year-olds, 3 & 4-year-olds, students and more and offer exceptional early years childcare and education. Please select a button below to apply for a nursery place, to ask any questions or to arrange a visit:
Safety Notice
N.B. always ensure products are age-appropriate. Carefully read product labels and follow their instructions closely. Check expiry dates before use (ready-made ‘liquid’ formula milks usually have shorter lifespans, for example).
