Product Frequently Asked Questions
We know there can be many questions when it comes to what you feed your baby. We have answered some of the questions you may have about our products below.
Product and packaging changes
No. We’re only updating the look of our packaging and you can be assured that the formulation is exactly the same, and your baby can enjoy the same formula recipe as before.
We can assure you that our products have been developed by our trusted scientists, are safe for babies and meet all relevant nutritional guidelines and regulatory standards.
We will be shipping the previous packaging design whilst our stocks last, and it is possible you might receive both previous and new packaging in your delivery. You can be assured that both previous and new packaging are correct and the formula recipe in both packs remain exactly the same.
Aptamil Comfort is formulated for the dietary management of colic and constipation in infants.
Aptamil Anti-reflux is formulated for the dietary management of frequent reflux and regurgitation.
Both of these products must be used under medical supervision.
We updated our packaging colours to more vibrant colours:
- Aptamil Comfort packaging has changed to a silver/grey & orange colour,
- Aptamil Anti-Reflux has changed to a silver/grey & teal colour
We've made these changes to make it easier for consumers to identify the right product.
Ingredients and dietary requirements
The presence of fish oils in some of our formulations prevents us from labelling them as vegetarian.
Rennet is an animal sourced enzyme, which is used as a processing aid in some of our formulations to separate whey and casein proteins. As a processing aid, rennet is not an ingredient and there should not be any rennet present in the final product. We source whey and lactose from a variety of suppliers some of which use vegetarian rennet while others use the traditional source of rennet, which is sourced from cows. Therefore we cannot guarantee that all the whey and lactose produced is from a vegetarian source.
Also, our Vitamin D3 is derived from sheep wool.
The reason Aptamil® cereals are not suitable for vegetarians is because the whey powder may have been produced using an animal enzyme called rennet. As a processing aid, rennet is not an ingredient, and there should not be any rennet present in the final product. However, we cannot guarantee that all the whey powder produced is from a vegetarian source.
Omega-3 is a family of fats, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs).
DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is a type of Omega-3 LCP.
Preparation and storage
Our preparation instructions are in line with the Department of Health and NHS Guidelines in terms of making up safe feeds.
The guidance advises you to boil 1 litre of fresh tap water. Then leave the water to cool for no more than 30 minutes, so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70°C.
This is the ideal temperature to make up a feed, as any bacteria present will be killed and the powder will also mix effectively.
Making up Specialist formulas - Specialist formulas often have different mixing instructions; it is important that the parent reads the instructions carefully and follows them, as using another method of preparing my affect the ability of the product to mix effectively.
Our preparation instructions are in line with the Department of Health and NHS Guidelines in terms of making up safe feeds.
The guidance advises you to boil 1 litre of fresh tap water. Then leave the water to cool for no more than 30 minutes, so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70°C.
On average it will take a full kettle around 30 minutes to reduce down in temperature to 70 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature to make up a feed, as any bacteria present will be killed and the powder will also mix effectively.
We cannot recommend storing pre-prepared bottles of baby and toddler milks in the fridge, as we follow the guidelines set out by the Department of health that feeds are made fresh on demand as per the guidelines on the pack, and used within 2 hours.
Baby or toddler milk stored in the fridge is susceptible to bacteria growth which could cause illness.
Once the powder has been added to the hot water, the feed will be suitable for use for 2 hours. After this time any leftover product will need to be discarded.
We cannot recommend that Aptamil® formulas and powdered formulations are frozen, as we have not tested the products' safety or efficacy after freezing.
We would advise following the exact instructions on pack about preparation and storage.
When follow-on or toddler milk are an ingredient in a recipe, this meal may be frozen.
We are sorry that this has happened despite the care we take in our factory to ensure that all packs contain a scoop. We have an automated scoop dispenser and each pack is examined by a camera that will reject any 800g pack that doesn’t contain a scoop. Please contact us and we can arrange to send out a replacement scoop.
We take meticulous care in all our factories, production lines and warehouses but we have no control over the handling of our products once they leave our warehouses. A swollen carton or spoilt product indicates that the packaging must have become damaged at some point, allowing the entry of air. As soon as the product comes into contact with air, it will start to spoil. Please contact us and we can arrange for the return of the carton or bottle. We can then examine it to see if we can determine the nature of the damage.
It is important that all our products are made up according to the instructions on the pack. We do check the mixing properties of all of our powdered products before they are released for sale from our factory.
If you are making up the baby formula milk/ toddler milk in line with the pack guidance and are still experiencing difficulties, please contact us for further advice. We may wish to arrange for the return of the pack so that we can carry out a thorough check in our laboratory.
Choosing baby and toddler milks
It is always best to speak to your Healthcare Professional with regards to which product is best suited for your little one. They will be best at advising you on this.
Some parents will choose to move straight over to the different formulation, however, some do prefer to move over gradually. Gradually moving to the different formulation allows little one’s digestive system to adapt to the product’s compositional profile.
Choosing the right formula for your baby is a very personal journey, and we understand that every baby and family has unique needs. Every baby is different, what works for one baby might not work for the other.
At Aptamil, we want to reassure you that all baby formulas sold in the UK must adhere to strict nutritional guidelines, ensuring they provide essential nutrients your baby needs . While all formulas meet these standards, there can be differences in the source of ingredients and specific nutritional properties between brands.
Taking the time to explore the options available can be incredibly helpful. We've put together a few factors you might want to consider when choosing a baby formula:
- Expertise and Trust: Look for brands with a strong reputation and a long history of providing quality baby nutrition.
- Quality Ingredients for Growing Babies: Consider the source of the ingredients used in the formula.
- Convenient Availability: Consider a formula that is readily available in your local shop or online to ensure stock availability and access to the product.
- Recognised Quality: While not the only factor, awards can indicate a formula's popularity and perceived quality among other parents.
Is Aptamil a trusted brand?
We understand the importance of providing your baby with the best possible start in life and is why we’re parents number 1 choice for Follow on Milks in the UK. Our baby milk range has been carefully developed with the help of nutritionists and other scientists to ensure it meets all the necessary dietary requirements for your little one's growing needs.
We're committed to providing not only high-quality formula but also comprehensive support for parents. Our dedicated careline team of midwives, nutritionists, and feeding advisors are always available to help with any questions or concerns you may have, offering expert guidance and reassurance every step of the way.
Does Aptamil Follow-On Milk fulfil all of babies’ nutritional needs?
We understand that providing your baby with the right nutrition is essential for their healthy growth and development. Our dedicated team of scientists have created these formulations, drawing on 50 years of research into breast milk.
Our follow-on milks are specially designed to support your baby's developing immune system and cognitive function. They are enriched with immuno-nutrients, including Vitamins A, C, D and Zinc. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Our follow-on milks also contain Iron for normal cognitive development and Calcium for the growth and development of bone.
They also contain 50% more GOS/FOS than other brands.
At Aptamil , we're committed to providing a high level of nutrition for your baby. Our follow-on milk formulas are made without palm oil and artificial preservatives^ giving you peace of mind for your little one.
^as required per legislation
Where is Aptamil FOM available to buy?
Aptamil follow-on milk is readily available to support your baby's nutritional needs . You can easily find our range of formulas in all major retailers including pharmacies, both online and in-store across the UK. With our products stocked in over 23,000 locations (as of July 2025) , you're never far from the trusted nutrition and scientists of Aptamil.
For added convenience, you can also order Aptamil formulas online directly through our website. We offer free next-day delivery to ensure you always have the formula you need, when you need it. Plus, our flexible subscription service allows you to pause, cancel, or modify at any time to suit your changing needs.
Has Aptamil FOM won any awards?
At Aptamil, we're proud to be recognised for our commitment to providing high-quality nutrition for growing babies. We're delighted to share that our follow-on milk range has received several prestigious awards in the UK over the past year, reflecting the trust and appreciation of parents and experts alike.
These accolades include:
- Aptamil Follow on Milk Pre-Measured Tabs: Product of the Year 2025
- Aptamil Follow on Milk Pre-Measured Tabs: Loved by Parents Awards (Platinum Winner – Best Innovative Product for Feeding, Silver Winner – Best Product for Bottle Feeding)
- Aptamil Follow-on Milk 800g: Project Baby 2024
- Aptamil Follow-on Milk Ready to Drink 200ml: Mother & Baby Award 2024
We believe these awards are a testament to our dedication to providing scientifically backed formulas that support your baby's healthy developmen t*. At Aptamil, we're committed to continuing to innovate and provide the best possible nutrition support for you and your little one.
* With nutrients like vitamin D to support the normal function of the immune system and iron to contribute to normal cognitive development. Contains calcium, which is needed for the normal growth and development of bone in children.
Circana: Follow on Milk total volume sales MAT 52 w/e 25.01.25
Ready to drink
Yes, in the UK you can take baby milks including ready to drink bottles on board a plane, although the baby may need to be present. You can find out the exact government guidance here.
Many airports around the world make allowances for families travelling with baby food and baby milks, although you may be asked to taste the liquid to prove it is harmless when passing through security.
However, not every worldwide airport permits you to fly with baby milk, there are some countries which ban all liquids and gels. If in doubt, call your airline and ask before you fly.
Yes, they can be served safely both chilled and at room temperature. The temperature at which you decide to serve it will depend on your (and your baby’s) preference, as well as what is most convenient for you at the time.
Some parents notice a slight difference in the look and smell of Ready to Drink formulation compared to a feed that has been prepared from powder, due to different processing methods used in production. However, there shouldn’t be a great deal of variance.
Store unopened bottles in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, unused Follow On Milk/Toddler Milk still in the bottle must be refrigerated immediately. The 200ml and 1 litre can be kept for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Unfinished feed/drink in the beaker should be discarded within 2 hours.
It is completely safe to use powdered and ready to drink formulations in combination with one another, however please do not mix them together in the same bottle to make a drink. Please follow the feeding guides on the back of the packs.
There are small differences in the formulations due to differing processing methods at the factory. Please be assured that the powder and ready to drink equivalents contain the same core recipes and are safe to be used in combination.
You can find out where to buy our products by visiting our product section in the navigation, finding your desired product and then clicking 'Where to buy' which will show you a list of your nearest retailers.
Aptamil Organic Discontinuation FAQs
We constantly review our ranges and will be discontinuing Aptamil Organic in all retailers. We can reassure you that we will be keeping stock until December 2023 on Amazon to ensure parents can continue the journey.
All retailers will stop selling Aptamil Organic at different times throughout 2023, so you might be able to find products in some retailers longer than others.
It is completely safe for you to change your little one’s formula immediately. We offer a range of formulas which may suit parents and their child. It is safe for parents to change their child’s formula if they are on a non-specialised formula milk, and they should be able to transition to any of our non-specialised Aptamil formula milks without concern.
However, every baby is different, and some babies may experience settling issues when changing formula milks due to slightly different tastes, textures and composition. This is normal and any symptoms should be minimal (such as changes in stool frequency and colour).
We recommend allowing some time for your baby to settle with a new formulation, however if you have any concerns please discuss with your healthcare professional.
In order to minimise any settling issues, parents might prefer to do a gradual transition. Gradually moving over may allow time for your little one to adjust onto the new composition of the formula milk, and this can be particularly relevant for changing onto milks which have a different composition profile.
To transition to a new formula milk gradually, you could replace one bottle of your baby’s current formula milk with one bottle of your baby’s new formula milk each day, keeping all other feeds to the previous one. Continue this way, keeping the number of feeds with the new formula each day until the feeds are with the new baby/toddler milk.
It might be a good idea to introduce the new feed when your little one is not too tired or irritable, but it is worth exploring to see what works for you.
We have reviewed our ranges and chosen to de-list the Aptamil Organic range so that we can focus on other recipes at this time.
Please rest assured our Aptamil Organic formulations are safe to use still and each recipe meets our strict quality standards.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the careline below!
Need some help?
You can get quick answers to common questions in our FAQs.
Alternatively, if you need help with general pregnancy or baby advice, or maybe on using or ordering our products - our expert team are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby.