Mumsnet Talk

My son is nearing 6 months. The HV told me I did not need to change his milk however I have been sent lots of information informing me of it's many benefits. Who is right?

follow on milk was invented to get round the ban on advertising first milks so isnt actually necessary. I did switch to it though as it was cheaper and you could get special offers on it - not because of the blurb about extra iron, etc.

HV is correct babies can stay on stage 1 milk until 12 months then move onto cows milk.
There is no need for stage 3 milk or toddler milk. If you want to buy it then it won't do any harm but it also won't be any better than what you are doing already.

your HV is correct, there is no need to change his milk, for the reasons below!

No need to change other than it's cheaper - but it can make them constipated apparently.

I did notice the other day though that C&G follow on doesn't contain fish, while the first milk does.

I've just changed DD onto stage 3 milk as she turned 6 months this week and although we have been weaning for a few weeks now she is a very poor feeder and I am worried about her iron intake.

I think unless there are specific concerns, with regards to iron intake, then it is unnecessary to change from 1st milk.

Ds has it, and has not had any problems with constipation (although I can see that the extra iron, could cause this with come babies)

I think both are right to be honest. I changed my little boy to 3rd stage milk and had no problems. My son began weaning quite early (12 weeks) on GP advice so it probably wasn't necessary, but If there a late weaner ( 6 month as recommended) it could possibly have advantages. I am no expert this is only my opinion but as the early stages usually you are just experimenting with new tastes and textures and not nessicarly providing a fully balanced diet, it could be of benefit

I use 3rd stage for DS as it's cheaper and he prefers it. He's also going through a stage of refusing fruit, veg and cows milk so it gives him extra vitamins as well as ensuring he drinks something!