Bottle feeding

Common formula feeding concerns

• Types of formula for your baby

  There are two types of formula feed, powered feed and ready-to-feed liquid. 

  If you choose to formula feed, you should use first stage formula for the first year. The brand of first infant formula doesn't matter as they are all very similar.   

  At the supermarket or grocery shop, you may see a lot of 'specialty' milks. There is no evidence that ‘speciality’ formula milks work. These 'specialty' milks include:

  • • Follow-on milks (6 months+)
    • Hungry baby milk
    • Colicky baby milk
    • Reflux baby milk

  Read more about the different types of formula milk.

• How long to formula feed for

  It's recommended that you feed your baby first infant formula for the first 12 months. Below is a table showing the ages and what to feed your baby. 

  Ages	What to feed your baby (formula feeding)
  At least 6 months	Feeding using formula. No other foods or drinks alongside the feeds.
  Between 6 to 12 months	Feeding using formula while introducing healthy foods and drinks. Read more about weaning and introducing healthy foods.
  After 12 months	Eating a healthy balanced diet. Full-fat cow’s milk can be introduced after 12 months. You can stop using formula if your baby is drinking full-fat cow's milk.

• Equipment needed for formula feeding

  The items you'll need to formula feed your baby are:

  • • bottles with teats and bottle lid
    • bottle brushes
    • infant formula powder or ready-to-feed liquid formula
    • sterilising equipment

  We do not recommend using formula preparation machines, such as Prefect Prep or Baby Brezza. These machines do not meet NHS guidelines to make up a feed using fresh boiled water up at 70 degrees. This can cause your baby to get sick.

  Read about 'Perfect Prep' machines on pages 37 to 40 of The bacterial contamination of powdered infant formula PDF by First Steps Nutrition.

  Read our information on bottle hygiene and equipment sterilisation

• Vitamin D supplements

  Vitamin D is important for baby's bone strength and helps their muscle health. Our main source of vitamin D is sunlight.

  Formula feeds will contain the recommended amount of vitamin D needed to help your baby grow. Your baby will not need any supplements if they are having at least 500ml of formula a day. 

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  NHS Healthy Start scheme

  If you’re claiming certain benefits and more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. 

  Children can have free Healthy Start vitamin drops from the age of 4 weeks until their 4th birthday. Children who are having 500ml or more of formula a day do not need Healthy Start vitamins.

  Read more about Healthy Start eligibility

• Milk allergies

  Babies should not have cow's milk until they are at least 12 months old. Some formula is labelled as hypoallergenic, but this may not be suitable for your baby. 

  If you think your baby may have a cows' milk or other allergy, speak to your GP before making any changes to your baby's feed.