Knowing what to buy and what supplies and equipment you need for a new baby can be a bit of a minefield, especially once they hit six months old.
For many, this age is a milestone - they’ll begin weaning, they’ll start moving if they haven’t already, and, well, they just become a little bit more fun with facial expressions, gestures and giggles. Hopefully, they’ve settled into a good routine and the newborn blur of sleep deprivation feels like a lifetime ago, so at least you can be well-rested for the new paths yet to follow.
For many, weaning and the introduction of new, different foods into a baby’s diet at this age can be quite a worrisome time. To make life a little bit easier, there are follow-on baby formulas available to assist in your baby’s soon-to-become healthy, varied diet.
What is follow-on milk?
For the first six months of your baby’s life, the NHS recommends breast milk. Breast milk is best for babies and should continue for as long as possible. Baby formula specifically made for babies aged six months and older is called follow-on milk and is normally represented as ‘stage 2’ milk. Follow-on milk should be consumed as part of a mixed diet and is not intended to replace breastfeeding.
Baby formula aimed at older babies and toddlers, normally aged 1 year +, is called growing-up milk and is normally represented as ‘stage 3’ milk.
Most baby formula derives from cow’s milk that is treated and manufactured in a way that makes it suitable for babies. Just like us, every baby is different, so you may need to try different brands of baby formula to find the best one for them.
What’s the difference between powder and liquid baby formula?
When shopping for follow-on baby formula, you’ll probably notice that it is available in two forms: powdered, normally in a tub or tin, and liquid, normally available in bottles or cartons. The main difference between the two is convenience - for example if you are out and about, the liquid bottles may be easier to use as you do not need to carry any extra water, powder, or scoop and don’t need to mix it up yourself. Simply open the liquid milk, pour it into your baby bottle or cup and it’s immediately ready to drink.
The downside to liquid baby formula is that once it has been opened, it will need to be used more quickly than powdered formula. It does not last very long at room temperature, and it will only last a day or two in the fridge (always refer to the instructions on the packaging).
Liquid baby formula tends to be significantly more expensive than powdered. Whilst it would cost a significant amount to rely solely on a liquid formula to feed your baby, having a few in stock for moments of convenience such as travelling is a good idea.
How do you prepare powdered baby formula?
Whenever you purchase a new baby formula, always check the instructions on the packaging and refresh your memory on how to prepare the formula - some baby formulas have to be made in specific ways so as not to overheat the good bacteria and vitamins. Therefore, you should always follow the instructions on the packaging.
If you’re still unsure on how to prepare powdered baby formula, head to the manufacturer’s website, where there should be plenty of helpful information, FAQs and telephone support lines. You can also refer to the NHS website which has information on how to prepare baby formula as well as plenty of other helpful information.
Now, onto the best follow on baby formula’s for babies aged 6 months and over.
Shop our picks below
Kendamil Organic Follow On Milk
The Kendamil Organic Follow On Milk is a stage 2 baby formula designed to be enjoyed by babies aged 6 to 12 months, as part of a mixed diet.
Containing absolutely no palm oil, fish oil or soya, the Kendamil Organic Follow On Milk contains organic full cream nutrients, as well as plant-based DHA and 3’-GL, and is also suitable for vegetarians. Kendamil claims its use of grass-fed cows and whole milk makes the formula taste creamier and sweeter.
Kendamil is a 100 per cent British brand - Kendamil’s baby formula is made in the British Lake District, and the milk is sourced from UK Red Tractor-accredited farms.
Available widely in supermarkets, Kendamil Organic Follow-On Milk is available only as powdered baby milk in 800g cans.
Buy now £11.99, Superdrug
Kendamil Goat Follow On Milk
The Kendamil Goat Follow On Milk is a stage 2 baby formula, meaning it is designed to be enjoyed by 6 to 12-month-old babies, as part of their mixed diet and ongoing weaning journey.
This baby formula differs from most in that it is made from goat milk as opposed to cow’s milk. Kendamil claims that goat milk is easier to digest due to the short and medium fatty acids that create softer curds in the stomach.
The Kendamil Goat Follow On Milk has all of the benefits of the Kendamil brand, including being made in Britain, vegetarian friendly and containing absolutely no palm oil, fish oil or soya.
While a great option for those wanting to try an alternative to cow’s milk baby formula, Kendamil Goat Follow On Milk is unfortunately less readily available and significantly more expensive than their cow’s milk counterpart.
Buy now £21.00, Boots
SMA Pro Follow On Milk
SMA Pro Follow On Milk is a stage 2 milk for babies aged 6-12 months that is widely available in supermarkets. Enriched with iron, which SMA Nutrition claims helps to support normal cognitive development in a baby’s brain, the SMA Pro Follow On Milk also contains 2’FL – SMA Nutrition’s latest breakthrough in baby nutrition, as well as Vitamins A, C and D and Omega 3 & 6. It’s even Halal-certified.
The SMA Pro Follow On Milk is available as a powdered baby formula in both 400g and 800g fully recyclable cans, and also available as a liquid in various sizes of resealable cartons.
Buy now £11.35, Amazon
HiPP Organic 2 Follow On Baby Milk Powder
Another stage 2 milk for babies aged 6+ months that is readily available on supermarket shelves is HiPP Organic 2 Follow On Baby Milk Powder.
HiPP considers the organic and sustainable ingredients in the HiPP Organic Follow On Milk to be gentle, due to the fact that no pesticides are used in the pastures where the cows graze. The HiPP Organic 2 Follow On Baby Milk Powder contains vitamins C, D and iron. It is important to note however that this formula is not suitable for vegetarians.
This follow-on baby formula is available both as powdered milk and as a ready to go liquid milk in handy 200ml bottles, both of which comprise recyclable packaging.
Buy now £13.50, Boots
Aptamil Stage 2 Follow On Milk Powder
A stage 2 baby formula milk for babies aged 6 to 12 months, the Aptamil Stage 2 Follow On Milk Powder contains vitamins A, C and D, DHA and Iron, as well as a blend of Galacto- and Fructo-oligosaccharides. The new formula is now palm oil free, and the Aptamil Stage 2 Follow On Milk Powder is halal certified.
A popular household name when it comes to baby formula, Aptamil is readily available in supermarkets, and the Aptamil Stage 2 Follow On Milk is available in many different variations, including ready-to-go liquids in both 200ml and 1L sizing, as well as powdered milk in a 700g tin or 800g tub.
Aptamil Stage 2 Follow On Milk is also available as pre-measured ‘milk tabs’, a unique format in which each tab of packeted compact milk is equal to one scoop of formula - perfect for travelling out and about, although this format of the follow on milk is not Halal-certified.
Buy now £14.00, Amazon
Cow & Gate Stage 2 Follow-on Milk Powder
For babies aged 6-12 months, Cow & Gate is an excellent choice of milk to complement your baby’s weaning journey. It’s very reasonably priced, whilst still containing vitamins and nutrients such as iron, calcium, DHA and vitamin D.
Cow & Gate have recently updated their formula to remove palm oil from the blend of oils in the recipe, and the Cow & Gate Stage 2 Follow-on Milk is also Halal-certified.
Available in supermarkets, Cow & Gate Stage 2 Follow-on Milk is also available in a big pack of 1.2kg powder (made up of 2 x 600g bags) or as ready-to-go liquid, available in 200ml sized bottles that are perfect for if you‘re out and about.
Buy now £9.65, Boots
Nannycare Follow On Milk
A Stage 2 milk for babies aged 6 to 12 months, the Nannycare Follow On Milk is a goat milk baby formula.
Nannycare believes goat milk is soft and gentle on a baby’s tummy, and its baby formula is produced by carefully selected, nutritiously fed goats within farms in New Zealand. The full cream, goat milk base of the Nannycare Follow On Milk contains oligosaccharides at 10x the level present in cow’s milk and also contains vitamin D and DHA.
In addition, Nannycare claims its goat milk is less processed than other formulas, and is proud to avoid unnecessary optional ingredients, use no palm oil and less heat treatment.
Nannycare baby formula is readily available from most supermarkets, albeit is significantly more expensive than cow’s milk formula.
Buy now £21.00, Amazon
SMA Pro Growing Up Milk
The SMA Pro Growing Up Milk is a stage 3 milk for babies and children aged 1-3 years, suitable from 12 months right up until your child’s fourth birthday. This fortified milk drink is designed to be enjoyed as part of your child’s balanced diet. Containing Vitamins A, C and D and Omega 3 & 6, the SMA® Pro Growing Up Milk is also enriched with iron and contains 2’FL - SMA Nutrition’s latest breakthrough in baby nutrition.
SMA Pro Growing Up Milk is both Halal-certified and suitable for vegetarians.
Available in most supermarkets as powdered milk in both a 400g and 800g recyclable can, it is also available as a ready-to-go liquid milk in handily sized 200ml resealable cartons.
Buy now £11.36, Amazon
HiPP Organic 3 Growing Up Baby Milk Powder
Designed to be part of a mixed diet to continue supporting weaning for babies and toddlers aged over 12 months, the HiPP Organic 3 Growing Up Baby Milk Powder contains vitamin D and calcium.
Sporting all of the benefits of the HiPP brand, including organic, sustainable ingredients and a climate-positive approach to the manufacturing of the milk, this baby formula is a great choice for planet-conscious parents.
Readily available on supermarket shelves, this growing up milk is available as powdered milk in a 600g recyclable carton or as liquid milk in 200ml sized recyclable bottles.
Buy now £10.00, Amazon
Nannycare Growing Up Milk
A Stage 3 milk designed to complement growing toddlers and children aged 1 to 3 years, the Nannycare Growing Up Milk is an excellent choice for those wanting to stick to goat milk as an alternative to cow’s milk.
The Nannycare Growing Up Milk is made from 100% natural full-cream goat milk and contains Vitamins C and D, calcium, iron and Omega 3 LCPs. Nannycare is proud that its formula naturally contains only A2 beta-casein as well as no palm oil and is non-GMO.
Nannycare Growing Up Milk is available in a standard 900g size as well as a smaller 400g tin, perfect for holidays and travelling.
Buy now £21.00, Amazon
Verdict
We love the local British supply chain of the Kendamil Organic Follow On Milk, as do the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate - it is widely reported that they chose Kendamil as their formula of choice for Prince Louis.
However, when it comes to feeding your baby, remember: every baby is different - the best baby formula will always be the one that is best suited for your baby and family. Follow-on baby formula should only be consumed as part of a varied, healthy and balanced diet, and if you have any concerns or queries when feeding your baby or using follow-on milk, then speak to your midwife, GP, health visitor or other medical professionals.
