Cow & Gate Baby Rice Cereal, 4-6+ Months, 100 g, Pack of 5

Product Information

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If your baby is diagnosed as being allergic to cows' milk, a GP will prescribe an appropriate hypoallergenic infant formula with fully hydrolysed (broken down) proteins. Research shows that switching to follow-on formula at 6 months has no benefits for your baby. Your baby can continue to have first infant formula as their main drink until they are 1 year old. goats' or sheep's milk (but it's fine to use them when cooking for your baby, as long as they are pasteurised)Growing-up and toddler milks are marketed as an alternative to whole cows' milk for toddlers and children over 1 year old. There's no evidence to suggest that these products provide extra nutritional benefits for young children. Although it's often described as suitable for "hungrier babies", there's no evidence that babies settle better or sleep longer when fed this type of formula. Anti-reflux (staydown) formula

This type of formula contains cows' milk proteins that have already been partly broken down (partially hydrolysed). This is supposed to make it easier to digest and help prevent digestive problems such as colic and constipation. However, there's no evidence for this. Although it's available in pharmacies and supermarkets, it's recommended you only use it on the advice of a health professional. Soft finger foods (such as cooked vegetables or fruit) are good for starting out, as they'll help to develop motor skills. There are some concerns about the fact that soya contains phytoestrogens. These are found naturally in some plants.The cows' milk in formula contains 2 types of proteins – whey and casein. First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula. The NHS recommends waiting until your baby is six months old to introduce solid foods. Until this age, they should be getting all the nutrients they need from breast milk or infant formula. There's no evidence that switching to a different formula does any good or harm. However, if you think a particular brand of formula disagrees with your baby, talk to a midwife or health visitor. They can help you decide whether to try a different type.