We want to help you navigate the jungle of baby milk and explain the differences in a clear and understandable way from a nutritional science perspective.
It is undisputed that breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby. However, there are mothers who, for various reasons, cannot or choose not to breastfeed. In these cases, infant formula is the best alternative during the baby’s entire first year. After the first birthday, toddler milk provides valuable nutrients. There is baby formula for every age, containing everything your baby needs for healthy development.
A quick overview of the different types of baby formula:
Baby formula is always tailored to the age and specific needs of your baby.
Starter Formula
Starter formula is suitable from birth and its nutrient composition is designed for the youngest babies.
Follow-On Formula
Follow-on formula is suitable after the introduction of complementary foods, from the 6th month, and especially after the 10th month.
Toddler Formula
Toddler milk is designed for children from their first birthday onward. During growth phases, toddlers need special nutrients, which toddler milk helps provide.
How big is a newborn’s stomach?
Quite small! That’s why newborns demand milk so often. But how small, really? It’s hard to imagine. A simple comparison helps: from the size of a hazelnut to a chicken egg. Suddenly, it makes perfect sense why your little one needs to eat so frequently.
PRE Starter Formula – Starter formula from birth
Starter formula is always labeled PRE or 1 and is suitable from birth.
- Pre formula is the very first formula you can give your baby. Just like with breastfeeding, your baby can drink as much and as often as they want.
- Pre formula is the closest to breast milk in terms of fat, protein, and mineral content.
- As a carbohydrate source, Pre formula contains only lactose (milk sugar), just like breast milk.
Stage 1 formula also counts as starter formula. Its nutrient composition makes it suitable from birth as well.
Is there a difference between Pre and Stage 1 starter formula?
Yes. Pre formula contains only lactose, while Stage 1 formula may also contain maltodextrin as an additional carbohydrate source.
However, Töpfer Bio 1 Starter Formula contains the same amount of calories as Töpfer Bio Pre.
In Germany, “Pre” is a commonly used term, while in other countries, Stage 1 is used instead.
Follow-On Formula 2 – after the 6th month
Follow-on formula 2 is suitable for babies after 6 months and is often introduced alongside complementary foods.
- It is adapted to the age-specific needs of babies.
- Since many babies are very active at this age and get hungrier, follow-on formula is more filling.
- Important: Its nutrient composition is significantly different from Pre formula. Babies should only receive it after 6 months.
At Töpfer, you can choose between Bio 2 (cow’s milk-based) or Bio Goat 2 (goat’s milk-based).
Follow-On Formula 3 – after the 10th month
Stage 3 formula is suitable after the 10th month. It contains important nutrients for growing babies and complements a varied diet with complementary foods.
Tip: Follow-on formulas 2 and 3 are also great for preparing baby porridge.
Toddler Formula – from the 1st birthday
Toddler milk is suitable from the first birthday. It provides valuable minerals and has an adjusted protein content.
- It supports toddlers in growth phases alongside family meals.
- Tip: Don’t give toddler milk in a bottle anymore. Encourage your child to drink from a cup.
- Recommended: no more than 300 ml per day, split across several servings. Other drinks should be water or unsweetened tea.
Why goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk for baby formula?
Goat’s milk is a wonderful option for young and old! For Töpfer Bio Goat Milk formulas, only high-quality organic goat’s milk is used.
In recent years, goat’s milk-based formulas have become available as an alternative. Many babies tolerate them more easily, and nutritionally, they are just as valuable and suitable for infant formula.
Both cow’s milk-based and goat’s milk-based baby formulas are approved by the European Food Safety Authority.
At Töpfer, you can choose:
- Töpfer Bio Pre Starter Formula (cow’s milk-based)
- Töpfer Bio Pre Goat Starter Formula (goat’s milk-based)
HA Formula (Hypoallergenic Formula)
If your baby has a higher risk of allergies (e.g. family history of asthma, eczema, hay fever), HA formula can be helpful.
- In HA formula, the milk protein is hydrolyzed (broken down), reducing the risk of triggering allergies.
- HA formula is recommended for the first 6 months. Once complementary foods are introduced, you can switch to regular formula.
Good to know: Babies at risk of allergies should ideally be breastfed for six months. If that’s not possible, HA formula is the best alternative.
