switching from 'infant' to 'follow-on' milk

[nursie]

On follow-on milk tins it says ' from 6 months'. Does this mean that you're not supposed to give 'first' milk after 6 months?

I think it's just a marketing thing, really & it's OK to give first milk after 6 mos. I'd like to know if there's really any difference besides the tin. I'd reckon not much.

no, carry on. I agree - marketing ploy

Manufacturers can advertise Follow On milk but not infant formula so use it as a marketing ploy to get brand recognition. It contains slightly more iron I believe but as long as you are introducing a balance of solids I doubt it really has much extra nutritional value.

Babies on pre-6 month formula don't need to change. Your health visitor will confirm this. The marketing of follow-on is to 'get' those mothers who would otherwise switch to doorstep milk.

It is cheaper though and contains more iron as they have lost the iron stores they were born with at 6 months. I used it, purely for the 'iron' reason, although I know you don't need to switch.

I think the iron is a hook to ensnare mothers with. Follow on milk is a marketing ploy IMO. There is no evidence that the extra iron is a necessity in milk.

Nursie - in answer to your question it is absolutely fine to continue with the milk you have been using then change to full fat cow's milk at one year.

mears i know you from other threads though i've never spoken to you! hi! Just wanted to ask you, my dd is 2.6 and doesn't like fresh milk, i eventually gave her fromulas again , she has one bottle in the morning and thats it! She's 2.6. I am not worried about her as she eats yoghurts and butter and cheese....................but she WANTS the formula. Is it bad to be giving it to her as she's so big? SORRY i've nicked the thread!

Feel free to nick the thread, Angeliz!
Thanks for the answers, everyone. Another first-time mum's worry sorted thanks to mumsnet!