How to use formula

If you're not breast feeding, you should use first infant formula as your baby's main drink until they are 12 months old. It does not matter which brand you choose, they'll all meet your baby's nutritional needs, regardless of price.

By law, all infant formula sold in the UK must meet the same standards, which means they are all suitable for your baby's growth and development.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your midwife or health visitor.

How long should I use first infant formula for?

First infant formula is the only suitable alternative to breast milk. It should be their main drink until they are 12 months old.

Once your baby is 12 months old they'll get more of their energy, vitamins, and minerals from solid foods. They can also have full-fat or semi-skimmed pasteurised cows', goats' or sheep's milk as their main milk drink.

There is no need to use follow-on formula.

Pasteurised cows', goats' or sheep's milk is not a suitable drink until your baby is 12 months old, but it can be used in cooking or mixed with food from 6 months of age.

Storing a feed

A feed should be freshly made when it is needed to reduce the risk of making your baby ill.

If you have no choice and need to store a feed, speak to your health visitor about the best way to do this.

Leftover formula should be discarded at the end of a feed.

Any unused formula should be thrown away if it has been kept at room temperature for over 2 hours.

Ready-to-feed liquid infant formula

Ready-to-feed liquid infant formula is sterile until it has been opened. If you are using ready-to-feed formula, all feeding equipment still needs to be sterilised.

Once open, any unused infant formula needs to be stored at the back of the fridge on the top shelf, with the cut corner turned down, for no longer than 24 hours.

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