Why can’t you use follow-on milk?

[Pinkstuffs]

DS 10 months old has been on Hipp Organic pretty much since he was a few months old, we had lots of problems with formula and this is the only brand that he tolerates. The first milk is suddenly out of stock everywhere!

Would I be ok to use some follow-on milk as I can get hold of this? I know the advice is that it’s not needed, although what is the reason for this? Presumably it’s not dangerous? It feels like this is a better solution than switching to another brand.

I wouldn't get loads of it in case your child doesn't like it, try a single tin first and then get more if it goes down well.

My twins are on Hipp organic. They were combi fed 0-7 months and now fully formula.

I moved them onto follow on a couple of weeks ago (at 8 months) simply because it was a bit cheaper. Seems to have had very little effect except they drink a little less 🤷🏼‍♀️

It's true that it's "not needed" but that doesn't mean you can't use it as long as it's suitable for 6 months +

I’m a HV. As per the Baby Friendly Initiative we are supposed to recommend Stage 1 milk for a year, and then cows’ milk or dairy free alternative. However this is literally only to do with marketing. Stage 2 milk is perfectly fine (and is often cheaper than first stage). The nutritional make up of Stage 2 milk will be slightly different, although this tends to mean that there has been more iron and vitamins added rather than anything. You don’t NEED a follow on milk but it isn’t actively harmful or less healthy. I wouldn’t bother switching back as you’ll be on cows’ milk soon anyway, and he should be starting to get more and more calories from food.

The First Steps Nutrition website is exceptionally helpful for clear information about formula.

oh that’s the same brand I mentioned earlier! Follow on is definitely not the same as my DD wouldn’t tolerate it.

Which always used to be the advice - wean on to whole milk at 9 months is you want to (still allowed in Canada but frowned on here).