Who can use it? of Bottle feeding

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Most formula milks are dried and packaged in tins. They can also be bought ready-made in cartons, which is an expensive option, but can be useful for holidays or days out. Some organic varieties are available.

There are two kinds of infant formula: one for babies from birth onwards, which is designed to be digested easily and quickly, and one marketed for the 'hungrier baby', which is suitable for older babies and takes longer to digest. Your midwife or health visitor can suggest which milk may be best for your baby.

There are specialised milks available for particular needs:

Soya formula, which is useful if your baby has a cowsâ€™ milk intolerance, but should only be used on the recommendation of your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Pre-term formula, for small or premature babies.

Follow-on milks - These are suitable for babies from six months who are on solids, and are designed to bridge the gap between infant formula and ordinary cowâ€™s milk, which is not recommended as a drink for babies until one year old.

However, if your baby is enjoying breast or formula milk, itâ€™s not necessary to switch to follow-on milks. They do contain an increased amount of iron, but the Department of Health has stated that only three or four percent of this can be absorbed by a baby; and once you introduce solid food into your babyâ€™s diet (normally at around the age of six months) s/he should get enough iron and other nutrients from other food sources.