The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards regulate infant formula products in Australia.

There are three main types:

1. Step one, starter, newborn, or 0–6 months – safe to use from birth to 12 months
2. Step 2 or follow-on – for babies over 6 months
3. Allergy or special dietary use – for babies with allergies or other health needs (must be used under medical supervision)

Babies do not need infant formula after 12 months of age. This includes:

• step 3 formulas
• toddler formulas or milks.

After 12 months, toddlers should get most of their nutrition from solid foods. 

You can also:

• continue breastfeeding
• offer cow’s milk as a drink.

There are many brands and types of formula in Australia. Changing brands often is not recommended. If your baby doesn’t seem to tolerate a formula, speak to your health professional.

Cow’s milk formula

The most common type. It contains lactose, the sugar found in breastmilk and cow’s milk. "Gold" or "optimum" formulas are not proven to be better than standard ones.

A2 formula

Made from cow’s milk that contains the A2 protein. There is limited evidence that it is easier to digest.

Organic

Made with certified organic ingredients, such as milk from cows raised without growth hormones or synthetic chemicals.

Goat’s milk-based

Contains lactose and proteins similar to cow’s milk. Not suitable for babies with a cow’s milk allergy.

Soy based

A plant-based, lactose-free alternative. Not recommended for babies under 6 months or for those with allergies.

Used for babies with specific health needs. These formulas should only be used under medical supervision. Speak to your doctor or child and family health nurse before use.

Rice-based or plant-based formula

Made from rice protein and sold over the counter. It may be used for allergies when other formulas are not tolerated.

Lactose free

Rarely needed, as lactose intolerance in babies is uncommon. Use only if recommended by a healthcare professional.

Anti-regurgitation (AR)

Thickened formula used to help reduce reflux. It may help with vomiting or discomfort if the baby isn’t gaining weight or is very unsettled. Use only under medical advice.

Thickened feeds

Infant-safe thickeners can be added to formula or expressed breastmilk to help manage reflux and vomiting. 

Hydrolysed formula

Protein in the formula is broken down to help with digestion.

There are three types:

1. Partially hydrolysed - protein is partly broken down. Marketed for constipation or colic, but not suitable for cow’s milk allergy. It can be more expensive.
2. Extensively hydrolysed – protein is broken into small pieces (peptides). Used for allergies and intolerances.
3. Amino-acid based (elemental) – protein is broken down into amino acids. Used when other formulas can’t be tolerated.

Extensively hydrolysed and amino-acid-based formulas are available by prescription only and should only be used under medical supervision.

To keep your baby safe, follow these steps when preparing and storing formula:

• throw away leftover, made-up formula within 1 hour after a feed
• if making formula in advance, refrigerate it below 5°C within 1 hour and use within 24 hours
• when transporting, keep formula icy cold in a thermal pack or cool bag with ice packs and use within 2 hours
• throw away any made-up formula not used or not put back in the fridge within 2 hours
• don’t leave bottles warming for more than 10 minutes, as this can cause bacteria to grow
• always follow the preparation instructions on the tin.