Weaning and Follow on Milk

[MyGoatsBeenGot]

My 6 month old DS (3rd baby) is getting on fine with a mixture of puree's (loaded spoon) and finger food (started 2-3 weeks ago).

I am taking it steady and letting him enjoy his food so at this point I am not too fussed about what he is actually managing to eat.

However, he has been FF from birth and I am wondering if its worth switching to follow on milk now? Can I switch brands when I do so?

My other DC's are waaaay older and I cannot remember a darn thing about weaning/follow on milk etc...

As far as I'm aware, there's no particular need to switch from first milk to follow on now. Formula companies aren't allowed to advertise a product that is instead of breastfeeding for the first 6 months, so the follow on milk is really just a way of being able to advertise the brand and not something that is necessary for the child. However, if you wanted to switch to it, or switch brands, I'd try it and see how it goes.

Don't do it. The official advice is that it's fine to stick with normal formula. I think follow on is basically a trick so the formula companies can get round the restrictions on advertising.

Ahh, thanks - I was under the impression that follow on milk had more iron than the from birth formula, but what you both say re: advertising makes sense.

I'll see how it goes. Will speak to HV when I can be bothered to go to the clinic next.

Babies can't digest all that extra iron anyway, so it's just a gimmick. You're better off giving food that naturally contains iron if you're worried about iron intake.

I did switch but only because it was a bit cheaper. I also switched brands. DS never seemed to notice the difference and didnt get constipated