Second Stage Formula - any good?

[hodgsh]

Can anyone help me to understand how the 2ns stage formula works. Why do we swap once weaning is started and how long do we use the 2nd stage stuff for? Thx

you don't need it

it is a marketing ploy

you can stay on the first stage formula until you switch to cows milk at 1 year

Yes agree with rubyslippers - the follow on (6 month +) is created because it's illegal to advertise formula for under 6 months. I believe it contains more iron than the newborn stage formula, which can make some babies constipated, and you should definitely not use it before 6 months. There is no particular benefit to using it though, so you might as well stick to what you know. On the other hand, you can get clubcard etc points on the follow on, so some people choose to switch because of this.

HTH

The WHO did a study on follow on milks and came to the conclusion it is an unnecessary product.

They were invented purely to get around the advertising ban on newborn milks. 1st stage formula is suitable for use up to 12mo. Once your baby is 12mo they can have cow's milk.

Great thanks guys. Sounds like my Mum was right ater all! Seen those ofers in the supermarket as well - so glad I wasn't sucked in now!

Well there is nothing wrong with it apart from the possible constipation issue, so if you can save money by it being on offer then you might as well. Just make sure it is the follow on and not the growing up milk for 12 months +.

I did use it as it was cheaper and you could get offers on it. It didnt constipate my lo's.

2nd stage is not usually follow on.

It's understandable that people get confused.

2nd stage is casein-based, marketed for 'hungrier babies' and is usable from birth.

Follow on is also casein-based and has added quantities of iron, and is not suitable for babies under 6 mths.