Step 1 or Step 2???

[amandaw]

Hi :wave:

My DD is 5 1/2 months and fully BF at the moment.

I'm returning to work next week (DD's lucky enough to have a SAHD for the next 12 months!), and while I plan on trying to keep the BF's for a couple of weeks till the 6 month mark, I plan on dropping a feed a week from then on

My question is...do I start her on the Step 1 or Step 2 formulas....one part of me says step 1, because she hasn't had any formula before (would only be the one can), but then part of me says straight to the Step 2 because she'll (all going to plan) be over the 6 month age

Any advice would be greatly received!

[the pero clinic]

Dear Amandaw,

When it comes to choosing between follow-on formulas and stage 1 formulas for your 6 month old, it really comes down to your preference. Follow-on formulas can be less like breast milk and more like cows’ milk. They have the same calories, but follow-on formulas usually have added vitamins, minerals and proteins. While these sound impressive, they are not necessary if a bub is starting solids and will be given a varied diet as they develop.

Many recommendations or advice for infants and toddlers use ages (such as “6 months”) as a guide for starting, trying or expecting new things. These ages should be just that – a guide for parents. If you are hesitant in trying a stage 2 formula (as it is less like breastmilk), then do not feel pressured to use it just because your little girl is officially 6 months old.

If you would like to introduce her little digestive system to step 1 formula first (even for more than the just one tin), there would be nothing wrong with doing that – particularly if you are starting with some purees such as rice cereal.

the pero clinic