Stage Two Follow-up Formula: A Parent's Guide

By Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, 04 July 2026

As babies reach six months of age and begin their journey with solid foods, many parents wonder which formula will best complement their diet. The range of Stage 2 follow-on milk is vast, and making a choice can seem complex. This article serves as a guide to help you navigate the options. It explains what to look for when making your selection and presents a curated list of products to provide you with an informed basis for your decision.

An important note beforehand: Breastfeeding is the natural and recommended way to nourish an infant. A follow-on formula is intended as part of a mixed diet that includes complementary foods and should not be used as a breast-milk substitute in the first six months. The decision to introduce complementary foods or to use infant formula should always be made in consultation with a paediatrician or midwife.

What to Look for When Choosing a Stage 2 Follow-on Formula?

The choice of a suitable infant formula from 6 months depends on several factors. The following points can help you better understand the product information.

1. Understanding the Composition: DHA, Fibre, and Organic Quality

The recipes for follow-on formulas are strictly regulated by law to ensure they meet nutritional requirements. Nevertheless, there are differences in the details:

• DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid): This omega-3 fatty acid is legally required in all follow-on formulas. It contributes to the normal development of vision in infants up to 12 months of age (the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100 mg of DHA).
• Fibre (GOS/FOS): Some manufacturers add galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and/or fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to their Stage 2 baby milk. These are dietary fibres that can serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
• Organic Seal: An organic Stage 2 follow-on milk is produced according to the strict guidelines of the EU organic regulation. This means, among other things, that the ingredients come from organic farming, which avoids the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilisers.

2. Age Suitability and Satiating Effect

Follow-on milk from 6 months is adapted in its nutrient composition to meet the needs of older infants who are already receiving complementary foods. It differs from first infant formula (Stage Pre/1) and should not be given before the end of the sixth month. Some Stage 2 follow-on milk products also contain starch in addition to lactose. This is intended to provide a longer-lasting feeling of fullness, which can be a desirable quality for particularly active or hungry babies. Whether a follow-on milk with or without starch is the right choice is an individual matter and depends on the child's appetite and digestion.

Select Stage 2 Products

Here is a presentation of three different Stage 2 follow-on milk products available on the market. The selection is based on product features and is intended to allow for a transparent comparison.

Hipp Organic Combiotik 2 Follow-on Milk

What makes the product stand out The Hipp Combiotik 2 combines the benefits of an organic recipe with specific ingredients. It contains natural lactic acid cultures (L. fermentum), originally obtained from breast milk. It also includes Metafolin, a folate source inspired by nature.

Benefits

• Organic Quality: All agricultural ingredients come from organic farming.
• Nutrient Profile: Contains DHA and ALA (omega-3 fatty acids) for brain and nerve cell development, as well as vitamins C and D to support the normal function of the immune system.
• Satiating: Contains mild organic starch for an age-appropriate feeling of fullness.
• Additives: Enriched with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) from organic lactose.

Who is it for? For parents who place a high value on organic quality and are looking for a follow-on milk that contains natural lactic acid cultures in addition to the legally required nutrients.

Aptamil Pronutra 2 Follow-on Milk

What makes the product stand outAptamil Pronutra 2 is based on the manufacturer's research into early life nutrition. Its recipe is distinguished by a special blend of GOS/FOS fibres and the combination of DHA (omega-3) and ARA (omega-6) fatty acids.

Benefits

• Nutrient Combination: Contains a blend of vitamins C and D, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
• Fibre Blend: Includes the manufacturer's patented GOS/FOS blend.
• Fatty Acids: Provides both DHA (legally required) and ARA (arachidonic acid).
• Starch-Free: The recipe is starch-free and contains lactose as its only carbohydrate.

Who is it for? For parents seeking a follow-on milk based on the manufacturer's nutritional science findings, which includes a specific fibre blend and the fatty acid ARA.

Bebivita Follow-on Milk 2

What makes the product stand out Bebivita 2 is a follow-on milk that offers a solid and appropriate nutritional supply at an accessible price point. It meets all legal requirements for a follow-on milk after breastfeeding or following a first infant formula.

Benefits

• Essential Nutrients: Contains iron, which contributes to normal cognitive development, and vitamin C to support iron absorption.
• Omega-3: Provides the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which is important for the development of brain and nerve cells.
• Good Satiety: The recipe is tailored to the nutritional needs of the complementary feeding stage and ensures good satiety.
• Controlled Quality: The product is subject to strict quality controls according to German standards.

Who is it for? For price-conscious parents looking for a reliable and nutritionally complete follow-on milk that meets all the basic requirements for the complementary feeding stage.

Discover More Options

Every baby has individual needs, and the selection presented here is just a small snapshot of the available range. If you want to compare more products or are looking for a different brand, you can find a wider selection in our comprehensive Follow-on Milk category.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to switch from first infant milk to Stage 2 follow-on formula?

A switch to Stage 2 follow-on milk is recommended at the earliest after the 6th month is complete and should coincide with the start of complementary feeding. Follow-on milk is designed as part of a mixed diet. The exact timing should always be determined on an individual basis and ideally after consulting with a paediatrician or midwife.

Does follow-on formula have to contain starch?

No, starch is not a mandatory ingredient. It is added by some manufacturers to make the formula creamier and more satiating. There are follow-on milks available both with and without starch. Which option is more suitable depends on your baby's individual appetite and digestion.

Can I alternate between different brands of Stage 2 follow-on formula?

A frequent or abrupt switch between different brands or recipes is generally not recommended, as it can put a strain on the baby's digestive system. If a change is necessary for specific reasons, it is advisable to do it gradually over several days and to discuss the process with a paediatrician.