Bottlefeeding question - Confused about follow on milks!

[Mouette]

When my baby is 6 months old and I start weaning him, should I also switch to one of those "follow on" milks, or should I stick with the formula milk he's been drinking since his birth, which seems to suit him very well? I know follow on milks are more filling, but won't that put him off his solids? If he needs extra nutrients after 6 months, shouldn't he be getting them from solids? Am wondering if there are any benefits to giving follow on milks, or if it is just a ploy by the manufacturers to extend their product range and get me to spend more money. What did you do? Follow on milk or stick to the same?

[ruddynorah]

a ploy yes. no need for it.

manufacturers aren't allowed to market formula for babies under 6 months so they make one for babies over 6 months so they have something to advertise.

stick with what your baby has liked so far.

[LIZS]

fo isn't more filling , it has added iron but that doesn't mean the baby digests any greater amount of it. It can be cheaper than first formulas because it can be discounted and promoted but there is no nutritional advantage for babies who are being weaned. It is also a vehicle for advertising the brand and related infant formulas and babyfoods by association.

[jujumaman]

It's a ploy

Give him formula until 12 months, then switch to cow's milk rather than sticking with rip-off follow on for years as some of my friends have done

[Mouette]

Ah-ha! I understand now - didn't know they couldn't advertise for babies under 6 months! Will stick with his usual milk - was worried he might have digestive problems if I gave him a different one. Do you know if they should have full fat cow's milk after 1 year, or is half-skimmed better? Many thanks!!

[LIZS]

full fat until at least 2

[Mouette]

Thank you!