What is Follow-on Milk?
Follow-on Milk: The Food Closest to Breast Milk!
The best food that can be given to a newborn baby for the first 6 months is breast milk. Breast milk supports the mental and physical development of babies thanks to its rich nutritional value. The more quality and balanced the mother’s nutrition, the more efficient the breast milk will be and the more it will support the baby.
In cases where the mother’s milk supply or production decreases, breast milk may be insufficient; Supplementation with a formula close to breast milk may be necessary. In such cases, pediatricians may recommend follow-on milk with nutritious content to continue the baby’s development.
In this article, we answered the frequently asked questions about follow-on milk, which many mothers prefer for their babies when necessary. This useful article, inspired by expert opinions and scientific research, will raise awareness of both mothers and fathers. Here is detailed information about follow-on milk and its use!
For the most accurate information and healthy results, be sure to get support from a specialist doctor. The information in our content does not constitute a prescription.
What is Follow-on Milk?
Follow-on milk is a specially formulated milk or food mixture that is produced to support the nutrition of babies and infants, has the closest characteristics to breast milk, and contains the vitamins and minerals needed for child and baby development. In addition, children’s follow-on milk is special milk that provides vitamin and mineral support to children from the age of 1. Thanks to the beneficial components it contains, it strengthens the immune system, muscle and bone development of children and babies.
Follow-on milk can be defined as formula milk . It is obtained by adding beneficial components that may be needed during baby development to the structure of organic milk . Follow-on milk is prepared in different sizes and contents for each age group .
The contribution of follow-on milk to babies is that it strengthens the immune system and supports body development. It is also preferred because it supports mental development. Since follow-on milk also contains probiotic substances, it can prevent babies’ gas problems. On the other hand, since babies’ body structures will differ from each other, a single brand of follow-on milk cannot be recommended for every baby.
Baby Nutrition: General Directorate of Public Health – Ministry of Health
…
In this section, which came into force with Law No. 12825 on February 24, 1968, legal conditions were determined that the food should meet the nutritional requirements of babies and children, not cause digestive disorders and not contain pathogenic microorganisms. Today, children’s foods are prepared in accordance with the recommendations of international organizations.
Source: hsgm.saglik.gov.tr
Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Gülden Köksal, Assoc. Dr. Hülya Gökmen Private
Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics 2012 Ankara
In summary, follow-on milk, which is intended for mothers who have to be outside all day long, work long hours at work or away from their babies, is sold in powder form in packaged boxes. It is a kind of powder specially produced according to certain formulas, and when prepared by mixing it with water, it acquires the form of follow-on milk.
The best food a baby will receive in the 0-6 month period from birth is breast milk. If breast milk is insufficient for various reasons and has decreased, follow-on milk can be given as a nutritional supplement only with the approval and supervision of a doctor.
When should follow-on milk be given and when should it be started?
Generally, for the first 6 months, breast milk should be the only food for newborn babies. Follow-on milk is generally used when the baby is 6-12 months old and turns 6 months old. Follow-on milk, that is, formula, can be started from the 6th month onwards if the doctor approves.
The first, only and most valuable food that newborn babies should receive is breast milk. But:
- If breast milk does not come,
- If the amount of breast milk is insufficient,
- If the baby experiences breast rejection for a while,
- If the baby’s blood values are missing,
- If the baby is experiencing developmental delays, follow-on milk can be started within the recommendation and supervision of the doctor.
The size should be determined by the doctor , taking into account the baby’s weight and daily needs . If follow-on milk is started during the supplementary feeding period (+6 months), supplementary foods can be given in addition to milk.
For the most accurate information and healthy results, be sure to get support from a specialist doctor. The information in our content does not constitute a prescription.
Until what age should follow-on milk be given?
The question of how long to give follow-on milk is one of the issues that many mothers and fathers wonder about. Of course, the duration of use of follow-on milk will be different for each age group and need. The duration and amount of use may vary depending on the baby’s individual needs, weight and appetite, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. Follow-on milk can be given along with complementary foods after the 6th month to ensure the baby’s balanced nutrition.
The duration of follow-on milk usage is different for each baby. Although it varies depending on the baby’s weight and developmental status, 1-3 years of age are the ideal times to use follow-on milk. You should get the most accurate information on this subject by consulting your doctor who follows your child’s development. Your doctor will determine the duration of follow-on milk according to your baby’s development follow-up. The start and end of follow-on milk should take place under observation and with the approval of a doctor .
Those who wonder when to stop follow-on milk should definitely be in contact with the doctor who monitors their health. The withdrawal period is also determined according to the development of the baby.
- Follow-on milk is number 1 for babies aged 0-6 months,
- Size 2 for 6-9 month old baby,
- For babies older than 9 months, follow-on milk is number 3.
It is recommended that 70% of your baby’s nutrition between the ages of 6 and 9 months should be breast milk and 30% should be supplementary food. It may be recommended that the baby’s diet between 9-12 months of age should be 50-60% breast milk meals and 50-40% supplementary food.
| Baby Age | Need for Breast Milk |
|---|---|
| 0-6 Months | %one hundred |
| 6-9 Months | 70% |
| 9-12 Months | 50% – 60% |
Is Follow-on Milk Harmful or Healthy?
In order to clear the question marks in the minds of parents, let’s now talk about the benefits and harms of follow-on milk:
Benefits of Follow-on Milk
Formula milk is a supplementary food for babies who cannot get enough breast milk. It is a special formula containing vitamins and minerals that support the development of babies. It is designed to have properties similar to breast milk.
- Supports Growth and Development: The high protein and energy it contains are necessary for the healthy growth of babies.
- Strengthens the Immune System: Enriched vitamins and minerals can strengthen the immune system of babies.
- Supports Bone Health: Calcium and vitamin D content can support bone development and overall health.
- Supports Digestive Health: Follow-on milk containing probiotics and prebiotics can support the healthy functioning of the digestive system.
- Sleep Pattern: Follow-on milk can help babies achieve a more comfortable sleep pattern.
Nutrients Journal (2019)
This study showed that follow-on milk is effective in preventing iron deficiency and supports the cognitive development of babies.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (2020)
This research highlighted the positive effects of prebiotics contained in follow-on milk on the digestive health of babies.
Harms of Follow-on Milk
Starting from the transition to complementary foods, follow-on milk and supplementary foods should be given as recommended by the doctor. If a baby only receives follow-on milk at all meals and does not receive any complementary food, this may harm the baby. When a baby switches to solid food, the follow-on milk should be reduced day by day and a certain amount should be maintained. Follow-on milk should not be exposed to high temperatures and should be prepared fresh and not kept waiting.
Since it will be too late for the baby who receives only follow-on milk when he/she should be taking supplementary food and soup, to be introduced to foods , this may cause the baby to have a food preference and a single taste. A baby should taste the foods recommended by the doctor and consume them in his meals over time. It is recommended to leave follow-on milk at a certain age.
In addition, failure to prepare follow-on milk in doses appropriate to the baby or child’s weight and development chart, excessive consumption, or improper preparation may lead to harmful consequences of follow-on milk. It is very important and necessary to follow the instructions for use and doctor’s recommendations on the packaging .
For the most accurate information and healthy results, be sure to get support from a specialist doctor. The information in our content does not constitute a prescription.
How to Prepare Follow-on Milk?
Materials:
- Boiled and cooled clean drinking water
- follow-on milk
Preparation of:
- The amount of milk and powder during the preparation phase will vary depending on age and weight.
- Add 1 scoop of powdered food to 30 ml of water and mix.
- Preparation of follow-on milk is quite simple; It is usually in powder form and mixed with water and given to the baby.
What should you pay attention to when preparing follow-on milk?
- When preparing the follow-on milk, you should definitely use the measuring spoon that comes in the box .
- You should prepare it with the amount of water recommended on the box .
- Your hands, the bottle and the environment you prepare must be hygienic.
- It is recommended that follow-on milk be prepared fresh at each feeding time.
- Leftover food should not be stored.
- If you mix it with circular movements instead of shaking it up and down, you will prevent the risk of causing gas to the baby.
- To test whether the milk is warm or not, you can put 1-2 drops on your wrist.
- It is not recommended to keep follow-on milk at room temperature for a long time.
- It is recommended to prepare it fresh as it will lose its nutritional value and taste deteriorate after a 2-hour waiting period.
Can follow-on milk be heated?
If you are wondering whether follow-on milk can be heated, we would like to remind you that previously prepared follow-on milk cannot be heated. If the resting water has lost its temperature, you can heat the bottle using the bain-marie method for a few minutes. When preparing the follow-on milk, it is sufficient that the water has been boiled and cooled beforehand. You do not need to heat the follow-on milk you have prepared.
What are the differences between follow-on milk and breast milk?
Follow-on milk may not contain some components naturally found in breast milk and may differ from breast milk in terms of nutritional content. While breast milk contains antibodies that strengthen the baby’s immune system, follow-on milk does not contain all such immune substances.
Follow-on milk and formula are drinks that have the same ingredients and are used as supplements in baby nutrition. Follow-on milk and formula are prepared with powdered material mixed with warm water. The nutritional value of this mixture is quite high and it is a commonly used supplement in baby nutrition.
Follow-on milk and formula are prepared according to the characteristics of the baby’s current month, weight and developmental period. Companies produce follow-on milk with different nutritional values for babies over 6 months old, over 12 months old, after 1 year old, and after 2 years old. Thanks to these different groups, the baby’s feeding cycle is regulated. Nutritional supplements called formula and follow-on milk are sold in special boxes and measuring spoons.
Follow-on milk, given in the amount and form recommended by your pediatrician, can be used as it gives the baby a feeling of fullness and also helps regulate their sleep. Mothers who will buy follow-on milk for their babies wonder about the difference between this formula milk and breast milk.
Follow-on milk contains casein proteins and whey. Casein is known as a protein substance in milk. Since this substance is found less in breast milk, digestion of breast milk occurs more easily in the baby’s body. The digestion time of both milks is different from each other. Since follow-on milk contains more casein, its digestion occurs more slowly.
| Feature | breast milk | Follow-on Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | Contains natural enzymes and hormones. | Vitamins and minerals are added synthetically. |
| Digestion | It is easily digested by babies. | It may be more difficult to digest than breast milk. |
| Compatibility | It has the ideal composition for every baby. | It is formulated according to the baby’s age and needs. |
| Nutritive value | It is dynamic and adapts to the changing needs of the baby. | The fixed formulation is optimized for the specific age group. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Follow-on Milk
What Can I Give Instead of Follow-on Milk?
According to the results of research on follow-on milk and breast milk, there is no alternative to follow-on milk yet. It is recommended that babies who are breastfed continue breastfeeding until the baby lets go.
It is considered healthier for babies who receive follow-on milk to act according to the path drawn by the doctor. Nutritious foods may be preferred to a certain extent for children who have transitioned to the complementary feeding period instead of follow-on milk.
It is recommended that you give follow-on milk under medical supervision in the first year. Follow-on milk helps meet a baby’s nutritional needs because it contains protein, omega, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Can Adults Drink Follow-on Milk?
Follow-on milk recommendations may be valid for patients with bone disorders. If your doctor has recommended you to drink follow-on milk against bone diseases, you can drink follow-on milk. Since adults can drink milk normally if they do not have a milk allergy, they may or may not drink follow-on milk according to preference.
How much follow-on milk should be given after the age of 1?
Starting from the age of 1, the baby’s supplementary food ratio can be approximately 40% and breast milk ratio can be approximately 60%. The rate of use of follow-on milk for a 1-year-old baby should be determined according to the instructions for use of the follow-on milk brand you purchased and the doctor’s advice.
Does Follow-on Milk Contain Preservatives?
Follow-on milks are prohibited from containing preservatives according to the Turkish Food Codex regulation . Follow-on milk is subject to strict regulations to protect the health of babies and generally does not contain harmful preservatives. However, it is always good practice to check the ingredient list on the packaging.
What are the benefits of children’s follow-on milk?
Child follow-on milk provides the basic vitamins, minerals and nutrients that the baby needs during the growth and development process. It strengthens the immune system and supports bone development.
What should be the content of children’s follow-on milk?
Children’s follow-on milk; It should contain important nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, protein and omega-3 fatty acids . It also contains prebiotics and probiotics, which supports digestive health.
What should be the amount of breast milk in baby nutrition?
It is recommended that babies be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months . After 6 months, breastfeeding should be continued along with complementary foods. Breastfeeding can be continued until the baby gives up or turns 2 years old.
How should follow-on milk be used?
Follow-on milk; It is used according to the baby’s age, weight, developmental status, blood values and nutritional needs and is usually prepared by mixing it with water. Preparation instructions should be followed carefully and prepared fresh for each meal.
Things to Consider in Child Follow-on Milk Feeding
Follow-on milk should be used as part of a balanced diet with complementary foods. The baby’s reactions to ingredients with allergy risk should be observed and action should be taken according to the doctor’s advice. Follow-on milk should be prepared in accordance with the instructions for use and excessive use should be avoided. During the breastfeeding period, it should be supported with breast milk, and during the supplementary feeding period, it should be supported with supplementary food types.
For the most accurate information and healthy results, be sure to get support from a specialist doctor. The information in our content does not constitute a prescription.
