Pre, 1, 2 or HA? How to choose formula, prepare bottles safely and know if your baby is growing well.
Which formula?
All infant formula sold in Germany is made under strict rules, so quality is high whatever brand you choose. Homemade formula and alternatives such as almond, goat, mare or soy milk are not suitable for babies.
- Pre: closest to breast milk, thin, contains only lactose. The recommended starter formula (Gesund ins Leben).
- 1: contains extra carbohydrates (starch) and is a little thicker, with the same calories. Also fine from birth.
- 2 and 3 (follow-on milk): for babies already eating solids, not before 6 months. Not necessary: you can stay with Pre or 1 for the whole first year.
Pro- and prebiotics are added to many formulas to support healthy gut bacteria. Do not add juice, vegetables or anything else to the bottle.
Preparing a bottle
Clean bottle → Fresh tap water → Warm to 30–40 °C → Make fresh, feed
- Clean: Bottles must be clean, not sterile. Wash in hot soapy water and rinse, or use the hot dishwasher programme (65°C).
- Water: Let tap water run until it is cold, then warm it to 30–40°C. Boiled water can be kept in a clean thermos.
- Baby water: Special baby water is usually unnecessary; German tap water is low in nitrate. Ask your local water supplier if unsure.
- Always fresh: Make every bottle fresh. Never prepare bottles in advance or reheat leftovers, because bacteria grow fast in warm milk (Gesund ins Leben).
Special formulas
- HA (hydrolysed): no longer generally recommended for allergy prevention. A diagnosed cow's milk allergy needs an extensively hydrolysed or amino-acid formula on prescription from the pharmacy (Gesund ins Leben).
- Anti-reflux (AR): some spitting up is normal if your baby is gaining weight. Talk to your Kinderarzt before switching.
- Comfort / Sensitive: for wind or constipation; there are no official recommendations, so ask your doctor first.
Is my baby gaining enough?
Babies need very different amounts of milk. Weight gain is the best guide: about 150–200 g per week in the first months, roughly doubling birth weight by 5–6 months.
Water or tea?
Usually not needed. Bottle-fed babies may need a little extra water during fever or hot weather. Breastfed babies can simply feed more often.
Sources
Official German sources, most of them in German.