Infant or follow-on milk: when is which baby milk the best choice?

Infant or follow-on milk: when is which baby milk the best choice?
12 min

At the beginning, it can be quite confusing to decide which baby milk to choose. There are different types of infant formula such as PRE infant milk, Infant Formula 1, Follow-On Milk 2 or Follow-On Milk 3. Many parents also wonder why some baby milks are made from goat’s milk rather than cow’s milk.

There is no question that breast milk is the best nourishment for your baby. However, some mothers are unable or choose not to breastfeed for various reasons. In these cases, infant formula is the best alternative throughout the baby’s first year of life. After the first year, toddler milk can provide valuable nutrients. There is baby milk suitable for every age, containing everything your baby needs for healthy development.

A quick overview of the different types of baby milk


Baby milk is always tailored to your baby’s age and specific needs.

  • Infant formula: Infant formula refers to milk that can be fed from birth and is nutritionally suited to the very youngest babies.
  • Follow-on milk: Follow-on milk is suitable once complementary foods are introduced, from around 6 months of age.
  • Toddler milk: Toddler milk is suitable for babies from 12 months onwards.

How big is a newborn’s stomach?


It’s clear that a newborn’s stomach is still very small — which becomes obvious from how often babies want to drink milk. But how big (or small) is it really? It’s not easy to imagine, is it?

Take a look at this helpful size comparison — from a hazelnut to a hen’s egg! No wonder such a tiny human asks for food so often during the day.

PRE infant milk – infant formula from birth

  • Infant formula is always labelled PRE or 1 and is suitable from birth.
  • PRE milk is the very first milk that can be fed from birth.
  • Your baby can drink PRE milk on demand — as often and as much as they like.
  • In terms of fat, protein and mineral content, PRE milk is the closest to breast milk.
  • As a carbohydrate source, PRE milk contains only lactose (milk sugar), just like breast milk.
  • Formula 1 is also considered an infant formula and, like PRE milk, is suitable from birth in terms of its nutritional composition.

Is there a difference between PRE and Infant Formula 1?


Infant Formula 1 is suitable for babies who are no longer satisfied with PRE milk.

In Germany, the term “PRE” is commonly used for infant formula, whereas in other countries only “Infant Formula 1” is available.

Follow-On Milk 2 – after 6 months

  • Suitable for babies from 6 months of age
  • Usually introduced alongside the start of complementary feeding
  • Tailored to the age-appropriate needs of babies
  • Many babies are very active at this age and have a bigger appetite — a more filling follow-on milk can help
  • Important: The nutrient composition of follow-on milk is significantly different from PRE formula. Therefore, it should only be given after 6 months.

    With Töpfer Organic Follow-On Milk, you can choose between:
  • Organic Follow-On Milk 2 made from cow’s milk
  • Organic Goat’s Milk Follow-On Milk 2 made from goat’s milk

Follow-On Milk 3 – after 10 months

  • Suitable for babies from 10 months of age
  • Contains important nutrients your baby needs as they grow
  • Easy to combine with complementary foods for a varied diet
  • Tip: Follow-on milk 2 and 3 are also great for preparing baby porridge

Toddler milk – from 12 months

  • Suitable from 12 months of age
  • Provides valuable nutrients


Tip:

  • Do not give toddler milk in a bottle anymore
  • Drinking from a cup helps your baby learn to drink and grasp

Toddler milk is a nutrient-rich food:

  • Do not give more than 300 ml per day, divided into several portions
  • Other drinks should be water or unsweetened tea

Why baby milk made from goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk?

  • Goat’s milk is a great alternative for both children and adults
  • Only the finest organic milk is used for Töpfer Organic Goat’s Milk
  • For several years now, baby milk made from goat’s milk has been available as an alternative
  • Organic goat’s milk is just as valuable and suitable for baby nutrition — and many babies tolerate it better
  • Both cow’s milk–based and goat’s milk–based formulas are approved by the European Food Safety Authority


At Töpfer, you have the choice between:

  • Töpfer Organic PRE Infant Formula made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk
  • Töpfer Organic Follow-On Milk made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk