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

Frequently Asked Questions

Classification of the Current Situation Show Hide

1. What are the current recalls about?
In recent weeks, media outlets have reported on recalls of infant formula products from certain international manufacturers. According to publicly available information, the heat-stable toxin cereulide was associated with a specific issue during the fermentation of a raw material at the supplier level.

2. Is Töpfer affected by these recalls?
No. Our products are not affected. Our supply chains are independent of the publicly mentioned problematic supply chains. Safety and control are our top priorities from the very beginning.

3. Has the safety of Töpfer products been reviewed?
Töpfer products are subject to a multi-stage, strict control and verification process throughout the entire value chain. This process is an integral part of our quality promise and ensures the special Töpfer quality.

In addition, Töpfer is monitored by the competent Bavarian food control authority. Our products and processes are regularly inspected by authorities.

In connection with the current recalls, the responsible Bavarian Authority for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs reviewed our supplier declarations, analytical data, and our testing and release procedures. The requested documentation was accepted.

Based on our comprehensive testing and control systems, Töpfer products are not affected and can be used without restriction.
Cause of the Recalls – Technical Classification Show Hide

1. What exactly is cereulide?
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin.
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin. This means: once it has been formed, it cannot be destroyed by normal heating.

2. When does cereulide form?
Cereulide does not automatically form due to the presence of the bacterium itself. It only develops under very specific conditions, especially:

✓ certain temperature ranges
✓ sufficient moisture
✓ suitable nutrient conditions
✓ extended growth time

Typically, this occurs in improperly stored starchy foods or, as discussed in the current case, under specific fermentation conditions of a raw material.

3. Does cereulide form in dry infant formula?
No. Dry infant formula does not provide the conditions required for cereulide formation. The toxin can only develop if it has already been formed previously under moist conditions.

4. Why is cereulide relevant?
In higher amounts, cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting. For this reason, raw materials are strictly controlled before being used in food products.
Production and Independence Show Hide

1. Does Töpfer produce together with other brands?
No. Töpfer manufactures exclusively at its own production facility in the Allgäu region of Germany. We do not share production lines or facilities with other manufacturers. This independence is a central component of our quality strategy.

2.Are there overlaps in the supply chain with affected brands?
No. Our regulatory reviews and supplier audits show no connections to the publicly mentioned problematic supply chains. Each raw material at Töpfer is independently qualified, tested, and approved, regardless of the supply chains used by other manufacturers.

3. Where do Töpfer’s raw materials come from?
Our focus is on organic quality as well as regional and European sourcing. The majority of our raw materials originate from the Allgäu region, from Germany, or from Europe. This proximity ensures quality, transparency, and traceability.

4. Are raw materials from outside the EU used?
Certain raw materials are unfortunately only available in limited quantities worldwide. Even if such raw materials are used occasionally, our strict EU-based quality and control standards apply without exception. Procurement is carried out exclusively through qualified, long-standing, and continuously audited partners within the DACH region.

5. Has Töpfer sourced raw materials from Cabio Biotech?
No. Töpfer has never sourced raw materials from Cabio Biotech for its production.
Quality Assurance Show Hide

1. How does Töpfer ensure the quality of its raw materials?
At Töpfer, quality begins with the raw materials. We work exclusively with long-standing qualified partners based on clearly defined specifications. Each relevant batch is tested before being used.

2. Are microbiological tests conducted?
Yes. Both raw materials and intermediate and finished products are comprehensively tested microbiologically, in our own laboratories and additionally by external accredited institutes.

3. Are chemical and contaminant analyses conducted?
Yes. Our quality control includes comprehensive chemical testing in accordance with legal requirements and internal quality standards.

4. Is there a release procedure before products are placed on the market?
Yes. No product leaves our facility without a complete quality inspection and formal release.

5. Have testing procedures been adjusted to new limit values?
Yes. Our analytical procedures have been aligned with updated scientific evaluation standards. New limit values do not indicate new risks but rather provide additional safety.

6. Have there been any recalls of Töpfer products in recent years?
No. In recent years, there have been no recalls or official quality warnings due to contamination or non-compliant ingredients.