Formula and Weaning

[Rowlie]

My 7.5 DS isn’t overly interested in food yet although I am persevering but I wouldn’t say he’s eating a lot currently.

He was EBF until 5m now on Hipp. He was on Hipp Infant but I recently tried him on some Hipp Follow On. It’s changed the colour of his poos (more green perhaps because of the iron content of the follow on milk?) and made them more solid. My question is, does he need to be on follow on milk or can I keep him on infant? Bearing in mind he probably isn’t getting that much in the way of nutrients and vitamins from food yet and the follow on milk seems to have more vitamins in, which I assume they need from 6m?

Anyone know what I should do? If happy on infant shall I just keep him on that? Or should he now be on follow on if it’s still his main source of food. He has 5-6 bottles a day/night.

Our NCT leader told us that first milk is best to use for 1 year, and that follow-on stuff isn't regulated and is essentially a marketing ploy. Be interested to see if anyone has opposing views to this!

Absolutely no need to give him follow on. In fact the NHS only recommend first stage formula until one and there are some studies that suggest the extra iron can have a detrimental affect on their developmental and suppress appetite.

If he's happy on first stage, I'd just stick with that

Yes, I have always read that follow on milk is basically a marketing thing. Pretty sure the NHS website says if you are using formula then it should be infant to one year then fine to switch to cow's milk. Bear in mind that infant formula is made to resemble breast milk as closely as possible, so all the extra stuff they add in to follow on milk isn't in breast milk, which is obviously fine for those that bf to a year and beyond. So follow on isn't necessary.

Ok thanks everyone! Will keep on Hipp Infant for now then.