Stage One formula is suitable from birth and is claimed to be almost identical to breast milk (minus the antibodies). They are recommended for use up to 6 months old.They are cow’s milk based and iron fortified. Stage One formula often also comes in a hungrier baby formulation which is casein rather than whey dominant so takes longer to digest.

Stage One Hungrier Baby formulations can help to delay weaning if a baby is still too young for solids.

Stage Two formula will not be used by most parents however it is useful if your baby is struggling with eating a balanced nutritious diet. A lot of babies take a little while to adjust to solids and get a rounded diet so Stage Two formula is there to help.

By the time babies reach 6 months they have used up the reserve of iron which they brought from their mother when they were born. As babies grow they also need more calcium. Stage Two formula has extra iron, calcium, proteins and vitamins. Much like the Stage One Hungrier Baby formulations it is casein dominant and so takes longer to digest. Stage Two formulas can often be used up until age 2.

Special Diet Formulas

For babies with allergies or digestive problems there are several options;

Soy formula: Mainly for babies who are lactose intolerant and so cannot handle cow’s milk based formula. A doctor should be consulted before deciding if a child is lactose intolerant.

Elemental formula: Lactose free formula. It is made with hydrolysate proteins so are good for babies who have protein allergies.

Lactose free formula differs from soy formula because it does have cow’s milk proteins however the lactose element has been removed.

Staydown formulas: Often casein based and often have added rice and so are heavier. These are for babies who have reflux and so have trouble keeping formula down. If whilst using this significant reflux still occurs you may need to see your doctor.

High Energy formulas: Usually only available at doctor recommendation and have higher protein and calorie contents for premature or low birth weight babies