Formula feeding

Infant formula is a safe alternative for babies up to 12 months old who are not breastfed or partially breastfed. 

Infant formula provides essential nutrition to support your baby’s growth and development but cannot adapt to a baby’s changing needs like breastmilk.

Choosing the Right Formula

In Australia, all infant formulas must meet strict safety and nutrition standards set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Formulas are available in powdered or ready-to-use liquid forms and fall into two main categories:

  • Infant formula – suitable for babies under 6 months
  • Follow-on formula – designed for babies over 6 months, with higher levels of energy and protein

You can continue using regular infant formula up to 12 months of age. If you're unsure whether to switch to a follow-on formula, speak with your child’s GP or family health nurse.

Most formulas are made from cow, soy, or goat milk. These are specially processed and should not be confused with plain cow, soy or goat milk, which are not suitable for infants.

Specialty formula

Some babies may require a specially formulated product due to allergies or digestive issues. These are known as Special Medical Purpose Products for Infants (SMPPi).

If your baby shows signs of cow’s milk allergy (which can sometimes occur alongside soy or goat's milk allergies), your paediatrician may recommend or prescribe one of the following:

  • partially hydrolysed formula (pHF)
  • extensively hydrolysed formula (eHF)
  • amino acid formula (AAF)
  • rice-based or plant-based formula
  • lactose-free formula
  • anti-regurgitation (AR) or thickened formula.

Speak to your local doctor, paediatrician or paediatric dietician before switching to a specialty or non-cow’s milk formula.

Visit:

Dairy and plant-based milks

Regular cow, soy, goat, almond, coconut, or rice milk is not appropriate for babies under 12 months. It does not contain the right balance of nutrients and cannot be digested properly by young infants.

Only breast milk or infant formula should be used as your baby’s primary source of nutrition during their first year unless specifically directed by a paediatrician or paediatric dietitian. 

Why Homemade “Formula” Is Not Safe

Home-made ‘formula’ recipes do not meet the strict safety standards and regulations of the Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). These mixtures are generally unsafe and may cause serious health risks.

Homemade formulas may contain harmful or inappropriate ingredients, such as:

  • raw or unpasteurised milk
  • raw chicken liver
  • raw or undercooked eggs
  • honey
  • salt.

Babies under 12 months are especially vulnerable to infections and nutritional deficiencies. To protect your baby’s health, only use commercial infant formula if you are not breastfeeding.