Which Organic Baby Formula to Buy?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between our Stage 1 Infant Formula and Stage 2 Follow-On Formula?  Or whether you should change your baby from our Infant Formula to our Follow-On Formula once they reach 6 months of age?

Well, we get these two questions all the time so I thought I would take some time to explain the answers to both, so that you know which baby formula is right for you.

The primary difference between our Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula is the balance of milk proteins.  Both formulas have whey and casein proteins but in different proportions. Whey and casein proteins are found in cow’s milk, from which formula is made, and in human breast milk.

Formula for Newborns

Our Infant Formula is suitable from Birth to 12 months.  The whey and casein milk proteins are balanced in our Infant Formula so that the protein content is whey dominant, with 60% whey and 40% casein. This is a similar ratio to breast milk. Whey is gentler on little stomachs and easier to digest.  It is important that a baby who is formula fed from birth or under 6 months, starts with a whey dominant formula like our Infant Formula.

Step 1 Infant Formula

On no account should a newborn be fed natural cow’s milk or goat’s milk.  Not only are these not suitable for babies, they lack other essential nutritional elements that are found in baby formula.

Our Follow-On Formula is suitable from 6 months to 12 months. This time the protein balance is changed so that it is casein dominant, with 55% casein protein and 45% whey protein. We change the balance because, as casein is slower to digest than whey, it may keep baby feeling full a little longer.

Step 2 Follow-on Formula

Formula and Breast Milk

Follow-on Formula may be more suitable for babies who are being weaned off breast-milk, or who are starting solid foods and have a more advanced digestive system.  It may also be more suitable for babies over 6 months that are new to formula.

So, what if your baby is on Infant Formula and is over 6 months? Should you change to Follow-On Formula? And why do we provide these two options?

If your baby is satisfied with our Infant Formula and is over 6 months it is perfectly normal and safe to continue to use this up to 12 months of age.

We provide the two options because each baby is different and parents and carers are best to make the decision on what is best for their baby.  If you are still unsure we would recommend that you have a chat with your infant health nurse and they can help you make an educated decision.

Both formulas follow a strict nutrition profile that is dictated by the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards, and both contain all essential vitamins and minerals recommended and required by those standards, so both our Infant Formula & Follow-On Formula will provide all the nutritional requirements your baby needs.

Just like all of our other products, both are certified organic and both are made in Australia.

Mindful Eating

If you’d like to know more about Bellamy’s Organic click here.

To learn more about the certified organic baby food and nutritious snack products we make click here.

Important Notice

Thanks for reading our blog. We hope you found this information interesting.

•The World Health Organisation recommends that breastfeeding is best for your baby.

•Having a balanced diet when breastfeeding is also important. Baby formulas should only be used after you’ve sought advice from a doctor or health practitioner.

•A decision not to breastfeed can be difficult to reverse and introducing partial bottle feeding will reduce the supply of breast milk. It is also wise to consider the cost of infant formula.

•If you use infant formula, all preparation and feeding instructions must be followed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This is important for your baby’s health.

About the author