Moving on to a new baby milk

As your baby grows, their nutritional needs change. Aptamil Follow On milk and Aptamil Growing Up milks are nutritionally tailored to support their development. They contain vitamin D to help support the normal function of the immune system, and iron to support normal cognitive development.

If you’re thinking of moving on, it’s safe to simply make the switch to Aptamil Follow On or Growing Up milk in one go. In fact, many parents choose to make a straight swap by replacing all feeds with a new milk.

However, you may prefer to move over to a new milk more slowly to allow your baby’s digestive system to adapt to its compositional profile.

To introduce a new milk slowly, start with one feed of the new milk a day – ideally earlier in the day rather than later – while keeping all of the other feeds to your baby’s usual milk. Once this feed has become established (which can take two to three days) introduce a second feed of the new milk. Continue in this way until all of the feeds are with the new milk.

It can be quite a lengthy process, but it ensures that your baby’s system has time to adjust, and that you feel confident and reassured they’re taking to it well.

• Suitable from birth, Aptamil Anti-Reflux is a specially thickened formula designed to help feeds stay down. It is specially formulated with carob bean gum so that the milk is thicker in consistency, and stays thicker in your baby’s stomach.
• Before you make the switch to Aptamil Anti-Reflux milk, first read about the symptoms of reflux. If you suspect your baby has reflux, it’s important to speak to your healthcare professional and get a medical diagnosis.
• If your healthcare professional advises you to switch over to Aptamil Anti-Reflux milk straight away, it’s fine to do so by following the instructions on the side of the tub.
• If they advise you to move milks slowly, start with one feed of Anti-Reflux milk a day – ideally earlier in the day – while giving their usual milk at all other times. Once this new feed has become established (which can take two to three days) introduce a second feed of the new milk. Keep going until all of the feeds are with Aptamil Anti-Reflux.
• A tip: Because Aptamil Anti-Reflux milk is a thickened feed we recommend that you use a single-hole, fast flow teat. Also, never give any other antacids or feed thickeners alongside Aptamil Anti-Reflux.

Aptamil Hungry Infant milk is a thicker milk which takes slightly longer to digest, helping to keep your hungry baby feeling fuller for longer when it’s still too early to wean. Because of its composition, it’s best to introduce Hungry Infant milk gradually to allow your baby’s digestive system to adapt. Start with one feed of Hungry Infant milk a day – ideally a morning feed – while giving their usual First milk at all other times. After two to three days introduce a second feed of the new milk, and continue until all feeds are with the new milk. Taking things slowly will give you the chance to make sure our Hungry Infant milk suits them.

Suitable from birth, Aptamil Comfort is formulated for the dietary management of colic and constipation. If you suspect your baby is suffering from colic or constipation, it’s important to first consult your healthcare professional in order to receive a diagnosis. If your healthcare professional recommends Aptamil Comfort, they will also advise you to either switch milks straight away or make the move gradually.

To switch over to a new milk straight away, follow the instructions on the side of the new tub. To move over more gradually, introduce one feed of Comfort milk a day – preferably in the morning – but keep on giving their usual milk at all other times. After two to three days, introduce a second feed of the new milk, and keep going until all of the feeds are with Aptamil Comfort.

If your baby is approaching their first birthday, or they no longer appear to experience the symptoms that require a special milk, you may be thinking of moving on to the next stage – Aptamil Follow On milk, or Aptamil Growing Up milk, perhaps.

It’s best to introduce a new milk gradually so that you can monitor your baby’s reaction and ensure they don’t experience any of their old symptoms. Taking it slow will give your baby's digestive system time to adapt to the differences between their old and new milks. Start by replacing their normal Comfort milk with a feed of the new milk. Then, after a couple of days, when you are happy they’re taking to it well, replace another feed. Carry on switching out a single feed every 2-3 days until all feeds are with the new milk.

All of our milks are tested to ensure they meet strict quality and safety standards and are completely safe for your baby.

However, in the unlikely instance that you notice any signs of discomfort in your baby after switching to a new milk, contact your healthcare professional. It might simply be a case of trying again in a few weeks’ time.

Any time you move onto a new milk, you’re advised to check the preparation instructions to ensure you’re up to date with the latest advice on how to prepare a feed.

Preparation instructions have changed over the years to keep in line with emerging health and safety regulations. But you’ll always find an up to date, step by step guide on our website, and on the back of each pack.

Here are some quick links to help you make up the formula feeds mentioned in this article:

• How to make up a Follow On milk feed
• How to make up a Growing Up milk feed 
• How to make up a Hungry Infant milk feed
  
• How to make up an Anti-Reflux milk feed
  
• How to make up a Comfort Milk feed