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IFMAA
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Essential Information about Infant Formula
Breast milk is the perfect food for babies for the first 12 months of life, and longer, if both mother and baby wish to continue. If a baby is not breastfed, then the only suitable option is infant formula. Infant formula is specifically designed to provide the nutrients required for growth and development until babies are old enough to drink cow’s milk as the main drink (at 12 months). All infant formula is made to the stringent standards required by the regulatory code for food supply in Australia and New Zealand, which is governed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. Standard formula for healthy full term babies is divided into Starter and Follow-On formula: Starter Formula is usually whey based (like breast milk) and is suitable for infants from birth. Follow On Formula is usually casein based (like cow’s milk) and is suitable for babies from 6 months. Speciality formulas are designed for infants who have special needs and should only be given to infants with such special needs on medical advice. Toddler Milk Toddler milk drinks are not formula and are not a complete feed. They are an alternative to cow’s milk for infants 12 months and older. Toddler milks contain additional vitamins and minerals not found in cow’s milk, such as iron and Vitamin C. A healthy diet can provide all the nutrients needed by toddlers for growth, development and activity. Toddlers do not always eat well and toddler milk as part of a healthy diet, provides reassurance that they are getting the nutrients they need. We recommend that toddler milk always be given in a cup, and as for cow’s milk, no more than 2 cups a day is enough. For detailed information about safe preparation of bottles and feeding, please click on this link.
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