The uses of follow-on milks.

Follow-on milks are for babies aged six months upwards and can provide an important source of iron and vitamin C during the weaning period. They play a part in ensuring babies of this age receive a balanced diet that meets their nutritional and developmental needs. There is recent evidence that use of a follow-on milk prevents iron-deficiency anaemia. Greater efforts should be made to discourage parents and carers from giving cow's milk as a main drink to babies under one year. The main milk should be breast milk, infant formula or follow-on milk. Some parents are not yet following this advice. Follow-on milks are not breast-milk substitutes and in the UK are not recommended for babies under six months.