Follow On Milk (6-12 Months)

Particularly with regard to their diet, parents all aim to make the best decisions for our children. Your baby enters an exciting era when it turns six months old when you can introduce new tastes and textures. Apart from regular meals, it's the ideal moment to discuss including follow-on milk into their diet. 

Let's look at what follow-on milk is, its advantages, and how it might help your baby grow and thrive during this vital period. Particularly designed to supply the vital nutrients your baby requires as they develop and move to a more diversified diet, follow-on milk, sometimes known as stage 2 or 6-12 months milk.

Different Types of Follow On Milk (6-12 Months)

Follow on baby milk: Designed specifically for babies aged 6-12 months, follow-on baby milk complements the introduction of solid foods while ensuring your baby continues to receive vital nutrients. It’s an excellent way to support their nutritional needs during this rapid growth period.

Cow & Gate Follow On Milk

A well-known name in baby nutrition, Cow & Gate follow on milk provides the essential nutrients your baby needs as they transition to solid foods. It’s designed to work alongside your baby’s developing weaning diet, offering support for their growing body and mind.

Aptamil Follow On Milk

Aptamil is another trusted brand offering follow-on baby formula. Aptamil follow-on milk is packed with key nutrients that cater to the evolving needs of babies aged 6-12 months, ensuring they get the proper support as they grow beyond their first six months.

Follow On Milk Powder 

Follow-on milk powder is a convenient and reliable choice for many parents. Sold in easy-to-use containers, this powdered formula is mixed with water to create a nourishing bottle of follow-on baby milk. It’s practical, simple to prepare, and provides all the necessary nutrients your baby needs.

SMA Follow On Milk

Designed to provide your infant the vital nutrients required to support their development, SMA follow on milk. This 6-12 month baby formula ensures your baby gets the correct mix of nutrients as they begin to explore solid foods, so balancing their diet.

HiPP Follow On Milk

HiPP Follow On Milk is specifically formulated for babies from six months onwards, containing essential nutrients to support healthy growth and development. With its high-quality organic ingredients and a balanced formula free from artificial additives, it ensures your little one receives optimal nutrition during this important stage.

Kendamil Follow On Milk

Kendamil Follow On Milk is a nutritious option for infants aged six months and older. With natural ingredients that are free from chemical additives and palm oil, it delivers essential vitamins and minerals to aid growth. Choose Kendamil for a wholesome feeding experience. 

How to Use Follow On Milk (6-12 Months)

Here are some tips to ensure you’re using follow-on baby milk correctly:

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before making any changes to your baby’s diet, including introducing follow-on baby formula, speak to your healthcare professional. They can give you tailored advice based on your baby’s specific needs.

2. Choose a Reputable Brand: Always opt for a recognised brand of follow on milk that meets all regulatory standards. Trusted names like Cow & Gate, Aptamil, and SMA, HiPP, Kendamil provide reliable options for your baby's nutrition.

3. Sterilise Feeding Equipment: Cleanliness is key, so make sure you thoroughly sterilise all feeding equipment – bottles, teats, and lids – before preparing the formula. This helps keep your baby safe from potential infections.

4. Boil Water: Use freshly boiled water that has cooled to a lukewarm temperature (about 37°C or 98.6°F) before preparing the follow-on baby milk. This temperature ensures your baby can drink the formula comfortably and safely.

5. Measure the Water: Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you’re using the correct amount of water. Pour it into a sterilised bottle to prepare the milk.

6. Add the Follow On Milk Powder: Use the scoop provided to add the right amount of follow-on milk powder to the water. The exact number of scoops will be specified in the product's instructions.

7. Mix the Formula: Close the bottle securely and shake it gently until the powder fully dissolves into the water. You should have a smooth, consistent mixture of follow on ready to feed milk.

8. Check the Temperature: Test the temperature of the formula by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The follow on liquid milk should feel lukewarm, ensuring it’s comfortable for your baby to drink.

9. Feed Your Baby: Place your baby in a comfortable feeding position and feed them the prepared 6-12 months baby formula, allowing them to enjoy the nutrition they need as they explore solid foods.

By incorporating follow on baby formula into your baby’s diet alongside solid foods, you can help them thrive during this exciting stage of their development. Whether you choose follow-on milk powder, follow on liquid milk, or follow on ready to feed milk, you’re ensuring your baby continues to get the essential nutrients they need as they grow.

At what age should I introduce follow on milk to my baby’s diet?

Follow-on milk is typically recommended for introduction around six months of age. At this point, your baby’s dietary needs change as they begin to explore solid foods. Follow-on milk provides essential nutrients to complement their new diet, ensuring they receive the right vitamins and minerals to support their ongoing growth and development.

Can I use follow on baby milk alongside solid foods?

Yes, you can use follow-on baby milk alongside solid foods as your baby transitions to a more varied diet. Follow-on milk complements solid meals by providing essential nutrients that support your child's growth. It’s an excellent way to ensure your little one receives the balanced nutrition they need during this exciting stage.

Is follow on baby formula necessary if my baby is eating solid foods?

While many babies start eating solid foods around six months, follow-on baby formula can still play a vital role in their nutrition. It complements a varied diet by providing essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in solid foods, ensuring your baby continues to receive balanced nutrition during this crucial growth phase.

How does follow on milk help support my baby’s development from 6-12 months?

Follow-on milk plays a crucial role in supporting your baby’s development between six to twelve months. This specially formulated milk contains essential vitamins and minerals that aid in growth and cognitive development. As your baby begins to explore solid foods, follow-on milk ensures they receive balanced nutrition to complement their expanding diet and nurture their overall well-being.

Should I switch to follow on milk once my baby turns 6 months old?

Switching to follow-on milk at six months can be beneficial for your baby as they begin to explore solid foods. While breast milk or first infant formula remains essential, follow-on milk complements their changing nutritional needs by providing additional vitamins and minerals to support their development during this exciting stage. Always consult your healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Can I continue breastfeeding while giving my baby follow on ready to feed milk?

Yes, you can definitely continue breastfeeding while introducing follow-on ready-to-feed milk to your baby’s diet. Many parents choose this combination to ensure their little ones receive a balanced mix of nutrients. Breastfeeding provides comfort and bonding, while follow-on milk offers essential vitamins and minerals to support your baby's growth and development.

What’s the difference between follow on ready to feed milk and powdered follow on milk?

The main difference between follow-on ready-to-feed milk and powdered follow-on milk lies in their preparation and convenience. Ready-to-feed milk is pre-mixed and requires no additional preparation, making it ideal for on-the-go feeding. In contrast, powdered follow-on milk requires mixing with water, which allows for greater flexibility in portion control but demands more time and effort during feeding.

How do I store follow on milk powder after opening the container?

After opening the container of follow-on milk powder, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from getting in. It’s best to use the powder within four weeks for optimal quality and nutrition, keeping your baby’s health in mind.

How long should my baby stay on follow on milk before transitioning to growing up milk?

Typically, your baby should remain on follow-on milk for about six months before transitioning to growing-up milk. This allows them to benefit from the balanced nutrition follow-on milk offers while gradually incorporating more solid foods into their diet. After this period, growing-up milk can support their nutritional needs as they become more active and independent.