The make-up of all infant formula is as close to breast milk as possible, but it’s impossible to replicate all the ingredients found in breast milk. It's estimated that there are more than 100 substances in breast milk that aren't in baby formula. Plus, breast milk changes over time to provide the nutrients your baby needs. All the brands have a follow-on formula though, and these are usually labelled as stage 2. If you still decide to use it, your child would need to be six months or older (it's not suitable from birth). Two in five parents we spoke to, with children under five, told us they've used follow-on formula. When do babies stop drinking formula?

Boil 1 litre of tap water. Allow to cool for no more than 30 minutes. Measure the required amount of water (see feeding guide) into a sterilised bottle, carefully - the water is hot. Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water. All the leading formula brands have a range of milk that is marketed as ‘comfort’ or ‘easy to digest’.Approx. Age of Baby: 4 - 8 weeks; Approx. Weight of Baby: 4.2kg, 9 1/4lb; Preparation for Single Feeds: Level scoops: 4, Cooled, Freshly Boiled Water: 120ml, 4 fl.oz. (approx.), Feeds in 24 Hours: 6 Approx. Age of Baby: 3 months; Approx. Weight of Baby: 6.1kg, 13 1/2lb; Preparation for Single Feeds: Level scoops: 6, Cooled, Freshly Boiled Water: 180ml, 6 fl.oz. (approx.), Feeds in 24 Hours: 5 No. NHS advice is that follow-on formula is not necessary. You can continue to give infant formula if not breastfeeding or using expressed breast milk to feed your baby. The theory is that the higher casein content helps to slow digestion and results in the baby feeling more satisfied and less hungry soon after feeding. Some of the formula manufacturers claim hungry milk can delay the start of weaning until the recommended time, for hungrier bottle-fed babies.

Vitamin D is harder to get from diet though and the government recommends that babies and children aged six month to five years are given supplements containing vitamin A, C and D every day.' The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that pregnant women and new mothers be informed on the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding – in particular the fact that it provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for babies. Mothers should be given guidance on the preparation for, and maintenance of, lactation, with special emphasis on the importance of a well-balanced diet both during pregnancy and after delivery. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle-feeding or other foods and drinks should be discouraged since it will have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Similarly, mothers should be warned of the difficulty of reversing a decision not to breastfeed. Before advising a mother to use an infant formula, she should be advised of the social and financial implications of her decision: for example, if a baby is exclusively bottle-fed, more than one can (400 g) per week will be needed, so the family circumstances and costs should be kept in mind. Mothers should be reminded that breast milk is not only the best, but also the most economical food for babies. If a decision to use an infant formula is taken, it is important to give instructions on correct preparation methods, emphasising that unboiled water, unsterilised bottles or incorrect dilution can all lead to illness. In addition to infant formula and follow-on formula, there are a number of other baby formulas on the market that supposedly deal with specific conditions. Baby formula milk for colic Follow-on formula contains the same ingredients as infant formula, and its levels of nutrients are also strictly controlled under the same regulations. It contains higher levels of iron and vitamin D, which babies need a higher dietary intake of from six months; because of this, some people choose to switch to follow-on formula.The majority of products advise on three scoops per feed. However, HiPP Organic and Aldi advise on two scoops. This will be the result of a more concentrated powder. I never realised you couldnt shake it i shook it all time the only time i found it to clog up was if the water in bottle was too hot . Shake bottle well until powder has fully dissolved. Test temperature by shaking a few drops on to the inside of your wrist - milk should be lukewarm. Approx. Age of Baby: 7-12 months; Approx. Weight of Baby: -, -, Preparation for Single Feeds: Level scoops: 7, Cooled, Freshly Boiled Water: 210ml, 7 fl.oz. (approx.), Feeds in 24 Hours: 3