It can be difficult to decide which brand is good for best organic baby formula. Here are the facts about each one.

First infant formula

This formula is safe for babies from birth and it’s an organic formula that will not harm the child. Because whey protein is easier to digest, it’s based here. After six months, you don’t need to switch to the follow-on milk.

According to current advice, parents and caregivers who are using infant formula should continue using whey-based infant formula for the first year. It is closer to breastmilk than any follow-on formula. A baby can begin to drink pasteurized whole milk once they turn one-year-old (cows, goats, or sheep).

Formula made from goat milk

Follow-up formulas and the first formula can both be made from goats’ milk. They have the same nutritional content as cows’ milk formula, but they are less likely to cause allergies.

Babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy cannot consume goats’ milk formula.

Comfort formula

Comfort formula is made from cows’ milk proteins which have been partially hydrolyzed (partially broken down) to make them easier to digest and to prevent colic and constipation. Comfort formula does not appear to improve colic, wind, or constipation. These will often improve as babies age.

Before using this formula, consult a healthcare professional. This formula is not recommended for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk.

Follow the formula

Although the ‘follow-on’ formula is advertised as suitable for infants starting at six months, there are no health benefits to your baby. These formula companies invented them to circumvent the ban on advertising infant products younger than six months.

After six months, there are no nutritional benefits to switching to the follow-on milk.

Soya formula

Soya formula is made with soya beans and not cow’s milk. Babies under 6 months old should not consume it. This is because Phyto-oestrogens found in soya can mimic sex hormones in the body.

Soya may be an allergic food for infants who are allergic to cow’s milk protein. Soya-based protein contains glucose which can cause damage to babies’ teeth. This product should only be used under the supervision of your doctor or health visitor.

Growing-up milk (toddler’s milk)

Growing up milk is promoted as an alternative to cow’s milk for children over one year old. This milk is not recommended as they do not have any additional benefits.

Growing-up and toddler milk have more sugar than animal milk, and less important nutrients like calcium, riboflavin, and iodine. Manufacturers may add nutrients such as iron and vitamin D to toddler milk. They don’t replace any nutrients that have been lost during processing.

Experts from all over Europe agree that children under the age of five do not require fortified milk. Some evidence suggests that children who are given too many nutrients can harm their health over the long term. Sweetened beverages may be a contributing factor to childhood obesity and sweet tooth development.

Full fat animal milk

Children over one year old can have full-fat cows’, goats’, or sheeps’ milk as their main drink provided it has been pasteurized. Children should consume 350ml of milk per day, along with a balanced diet.

Semi-skimmed milk can be used from 2 years old, provided that children eat well.

Non-dairy milk

You can start using unsweetened calcium-fortified milk options, such as soya or oat, hemp, and nut-based milk from one year old. This milk may not have the same energy and nutrients as animal milk, so consult a doctor before you start using them. Rice milk should not be given to children under 5 years of age.