Food guide
Formula
Infant formula is a safe, complete way to feed your baby, whether it's their only milk or given alongside breastfeeding. Starting solids doesn't replace it: formula remains a main source of nutrition through the first year, and logging feeds here shows how milk fits alongside first foods.
How to serve at this age
0-6 months: First infant formula (or breast milk) is all your baby needs. 6-12 months: Continue formula feeds alongside solid meals — first infant formula is the only suitable main drink besides breast milk before 12 months, and there is no need to switch to follow-on milk. 12+ months: Whole cow's milk can replace formula as the main drink alongside a varied diet; toddler and growing-up milks are not needed.
Nutrition
First infant formula is nutritionally complete and fortified with iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins including C and D. Iron fortification is a real advantage during the solids transition, when iron needs rise sharply. Most formulas are based on cow's milk protein.
A note from the editors
Prepared formula works well in cooking: mix it into porridge, mash, or purees to soften textures with a taste your baby already knows. Always prepare feeds fresh following the manufacturer's instructions and safe-preparation guidance, and discard leftover milk after a feed.
Good to know
Because most formula is cow's-milk based, a reaction to formula can be a sign of cow's milk protein allergy — log any reaction and talk to your pediatrician before switching formulas; specialized hypoallergenic formulas exist for diagnosed allergy. Soy and goat-milk formulas are not suitable alternatives for cow's milk allergy without medical advice.