Walk into any supermarket and the formula milk aisle can feel overwhelming. There are lots
of brands, tins and prices to choose from. You may also see words like “advanced”,
“premium” or “comfort” on the packaging.
So you might wonder: Are all Stage 1 formula milks actually the same? Do I need to buy the
most expensive one? And how do I know which formula is right for my baby?
The good news is that choosing a first infant formula does not have to be complicated.
What is Stage 1 or first infant formula?
“Stage 1” is a term often used to describe first infant formula. It is the standard formula milk
that can be used from birth. In the UK, first infant formulas must meet strict rules about the
nutrients they contain. This means that all standard first infant formulas must provide the
nutrients babies need to grow and develop. So you do not need to choose the most
expensive tin to make sure your baby gets the nutrition they need.
So, are all first infant formulas the same?
They are not all exactly the same, but they meet the same nutritional standards. The
ingredients can vary. This can include the types of oils and proteins used. Different formulas
may also taste slightly different, so your baby might prefer one over another. However, a
higher price does not mean that a formula is better. The NHS says it does not matter which
brand of first infant formula you choose. All brands sold in the UK must meet the required
nutritional standards. This is useful to know because packaging and advertising can make
products look very different.
Why does one formula cost so much more than another?
Price can vary a lot between first infant formulas. First Steps Nutrition Trust found that, in
May 2026, an 800g tin cost between £6.99 and £18. That can make a big difference when
you are buying formula regularly. The price can reflect things like making the formula,
packaging, transport, shop prices and marketing.
A higher price does not mean better nutrition.
All first infant formulas must meet the same legal nutritional standards, whatever the brand
or price. So if your baby is happy and feeding well on a lower-cost formula, you do not need
to move to a more expensive brand just because it costs more.
What about the extra ingredients on the tin?
This is where things can get confusing. Tins often highlight certain ingredients or features.
This can make one formula look very different from another. But just because an ingredient
is highlighted does not mean your baby needs it or that the formula is better.
First Steps Nutrition Trust provides independent information about the ingredients in infant
formula and the claims made about them. If you are unsure about an ingredient or claim,
speak to your health visitor, midwife or another qualified health professional.
Do I need to change formula if my baby is settled?
Not necessarily.
If your baby is feeding well, growing as expected and seems happy with their formula, there
is usually no need to change it just because another brand costs more or looks different. You
might choose to change for practical reasons. For example, another formula may cost less
or be easier to find in your local shop. First Steps Nutrition Trust says it is safe to switch
between first infant formula brands when there is no medical reason for a specialist formula.
If your baby is having feeding problems, seems uncomfortable or is not gaining weight as
expected, speak to your health visitor, midwife or GP before changing formula.
What about “comfort”, anti-reflux or other specialist formulas?
This is an important difference.
Not all formula products are standard first infant formulas. Some are made for specific
medical or feeding needs. These include anti-reflux, lactose-free and hypoallergenic
formulas. These products are different from standard first infant formula. They should not
simply be chosen because the packaging sounds like they might solve a problem. First
Steps Nutrition Trust advises that specialist milks should be used with appropriate
healthcare advice and supervision.
If you think your baby may need a specialist formula, talk to your health visitor, GP or
another qualified health professional.
What should I look for when choosing formula milk?
The most important thing is to choose a first infant formula that is suitable for your baby and
works for your family.
When comparing standard formulas, think about:
Is it a first infant formula suitable from birth?
Is it affordable for your family?
Is it easy to find where you normally shop?
Are you confident preparing and storing it safely?
Does your baby feed happily with it?
You do not need to choose based on the biggest brand name, the most expensive tin or the
longest list of ingredients.
So, what does this mean for you?
There are differences between first infant formulas, but all standard first infant formulas sold
in the UK must meet the same legal nutritional standards. Choosing a cheaper formula does
not mean you are giving your baby an inferior product. There is also no need to change a
formula that is working well just because another product looks more advanced or costs
more.
The best choice is one that meets your baby’s needs and works for your family.
If you are worried about your baby’s feeding, digestion or growth, speak to your midwife,
health visitor or GP. They can also help if you think your baby may need a specialist formula.
You do not have to work it out alone.
Want to know more or talk things through?
Choosing formula can feel like just one of many decisions you make as a new parent.
Whether you are planning ahead, combination feeding, formula feeding, expressing milk or
simply have a question, you do not have to work it out alone.
Early Nourishment offers friendly, non-judgemental support for families across North and Mid
Devon and Torridge, including:
Antenatal support – practical information and a chance to talk about feeding before
your baby arrives. This is available whether you plan to breastfeed, formula feed or
combination feed.
Baby and parent drop-in groups – relaxed local sessions where you can meet
other parents, ask questions and get feeding support.
Combination feeding support – help if you are using both breast milk and formula.
We can help you find what works for you and your baby.
One-to-one feeding support – time to talk through your own questions and feeding
situation with a trained member of the team.
IBCLC support – support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
for more complex breastfeeding and expressing questions.
Breast pump hire – local pump hire if you are expressing milk and need to borrow a
pump.
Starting solids support – information and support when your baby is ready to start
exploring solid foods.
Local parent and baby groups – a chance to meet other families, build confidence
and get support as your baby grows.
You can use Early Nourishment’s support whether you have everything figured out or are still
working out what is right for your family.
Feeding does not have to look one particular way, and your questions are always welcome.
Find out more about Early Nourishment
Website: earlynourishment.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/earlynourishment
Instagram: instagram.com/earlyncic
TikTok: tiktok.com/@earlynourishment
Linktree: linktr.ee/earlynourishment