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SMA First Infant Milk – from birth (stage 1)

Breast Milk Substitute

when baby is not breastfed or to combination feed with breast milk

Q1: I am going on holiday soon, are SMA formulas available abroad?
Q1: I am going on holiday soon, are SMA formulas available abroad?

SMA formulas are only available in the UK and ROI. Therefore, for the duration of your stay, you would be best advised to take enough supplies of your baby's usual milk with you. SMA is available in convenient formats such as pre-measured sachets and ready to feed cartons.  For more information please call our Careline free on 0800 0 81 81 80/1800 931 832 or click here

 

 

SMA formulas are only available in the UK and ROI. Therefore, for the duration of your stay, you would be best advised to take enough supplies of your baby's usual milk with you. SMA is available in convenient formats such as pre-measured sachets and ready to feed cartons.  For more information please call our Careline free on 0800 0 81 81 80/1800 931 832 or click here

 

 


Q2: I have a Halal diet, are your milks suitable?
Q2: I have a Halal diet, are your milks suitable?

With respect to ‘Halal', The Islamic Foundation of Ireland (an internationally recognised foundation) carry out thorough inspections of SMA's factory in the Republic of Ireland, examining procedures, ingredients and products on a regular basis, and has certified SMA products to be Halal and suitable for Muslims to consume.

 

 

With respect to ‘Halal', The Islamic Foundation of Ireland (an internationally recognised foundation) carry out thorough inspections of SMA's factory in the Republic of Ireland, examining procedures, ingredients and products on a regular basis, and has certified SMA products to be Halal and suitable for Muslims to consume.

 

 


Q3: Are all your SMA formulas vegetarian?
Q3: Are all your SMA formulas vegetarian?

We have a range of products within the SMA range which are suitable for vegetarians, these include: 

SMA Follow-on Milk (powders ONLY)

SMA Toddler Milk (powders ONLY) 

SMA Extra Hungry Infant Milk (powders ONLY) 

SMA Wysoy

SMA Staydown

SMA LF

 

 

We have a range of products within the SMA range which are suitable for vegetarians, these include: 

SMA Follow-on Milk (powders ONLY)

SMA Toddler Milk (powders ONLY) 

SMA Extra Hungry Infant Milk (powders ONLY) 

SMA Wysoy

SMA Staydown

SMA LF

 

 


Q4: Are the Omega 3 & 6 from fish oils?
Q4: Are the Omega 3 & 6 from fish oils?

No, our Omega 3 & 6 are derived from a non-fish sources and are suitable for vegetarians.

No, our Omega 3 & 6 are derived from a non-fish sources and are suitable for vegetarians.


Q5: How long should I keep my baby on each of the SMA milks?
Q5: How long should I keep my baby on each of the SMA milks?

We advise SMA First Infant Milk which is a breast milk substitute or an alternative SMA special feeding formula is used up to 6 months.  After which, we recommend using SMA Follow-on Milk which is enriched in iron and helps complement the weaning diet up to 12 months.  After 1 year we recommend using SMA Toddler Milk, nutritionally superior to cows’ milk for active toddlers.  

We advise SMA First Infant Milk which is a breast milk substitute or an alternative SMA special feeding formula is used up to 6 months.  After which, we recommend using SMA Follow-on Milk which is enriched in iron and helps complement the weaning diet up to 12 months.  After 1 year we recommend using SMA Toddler Milk, nutritionally superior to cows’ milk for active toddlers.  


Q6: I am returning to work soon, and find it difficult to express breast milk. How can I combine breast and bottle-feeding?
Q6: I am returning to work soon, and find it difficult to express breast milk. How can I combine breast and bottle-feeding?

Click here to visit our Breastfeeding section for help and advice. It is possible to successfully combine breastfeeding and formula but by increasing the number of formula feeds that you are giving your baby, you will reduce your milk supply. By expressing your breast milk using a hand or electric pump, you will maintain a good supply for your baby. You can store your expressed breast milk in the fridge for up to 24 hours and freezer for up to 3 months. We suggest that you discuss with your Health Visitor regarding offering baby complementary feeds of formula, as if you decide to introduce formula, you will need to make the change gradually to give both your baby and your body the chance to adapt and adjust. Your health visitor will also be able to advise you on the volume of formula  to offer your baby.

Click here to visit our Breastfeeding section for help and advice. It is possible to successfully combine breastfeeding and formula but by increasing the number of formula feeds that you are giving your baby, you will reduce your milk supply. By expressing your breast milk using a hand or electric pump, you will maintain a good supply for your baby. You can store your expressed breast milk in the fridge for up to 24 hours and freezer for up to 3 months. We suggest that you discuss with your Health Visitor regarding offering baby complementary feeds of formula, as if you decide to introduce formula, you will need to make the change gradually to give both your baby and your body the chance to adapt and adjust. Your health visitor will also be able to advise you on the volume of formula  to offer your baby.


Q7: Can I make up feeds in advance?
Q7: Can I make up feeds in advance?

Our preparation instructions are in line with the latest government guidelines. We recommend preparing each feed, in individual bottles, as required. It is important to follow good hygiene practices when making up infant formula and you should always prepare the milk in accordance with instructions on the specific pack of infant formula that you feed your baby. Click Here for more information.  If you want to have a ready made milk SMA’s liquid range provides a convenient alternative. 

Our preparation instructions are in line with the latest government guidelines. We recommend preparing each feed, in individual bottles, as required. It is important to follow good hygiene practices when making up infant formula and you should always prepare the milk in accordance with instructions on the specific pack of infant formula that you feed your baby. Click Here for more information.  If you want to have a ready made milk SMA’s liquid range provides a convenient alternative. 


Q8: When should my baby go on to Toddler milk?
Q8: When should my baby go on to Toddler milk?

We recommend that you move onto Toddler milk when your Toddler is around 1 year old.

 

We recommend that you move onto Toddler milk when your Toddler is around 1 year old.

 

Q9: What are the benefits over cows’ milk?
Q9: What are the benefits over cows’ milk?

SMA Toddler Milk is nutritionally superior to cows’ milk, it contains a tailored combination of nutrients including Omega 3 & 6 and Iron. Cows’ milk contains virtually no iron. One serving (200 ml) of SMA Toddler Milk provides up to 50% of your Toddler’s RDA (Recommended daily allowance) of key nutrients.

 

SMA Toddler Milk is nutritionally superior to cows’ milk, it contains a tailored combination of nutrients including Omega 3 & 6 and Iron. Cows’ milk contains virtually no iron. One serving (200 ml) of SMA Toddler Milk provides up to 50% of your Toddler’s RDA (Recommended daily allowance) of key nutrients.

 

Q10: Can I give cows’ milk as well as giving SMA Toddler Milk?
Q10: Can I give cows’ milk as well as giving SMA Toddler Milk?

Yes, The Health Departments  in the UK and Ireland recommend that a toddler has 3 servings of milk a day. Suitable milks from 12 months of age are full fat cows’ milk, SMA Toddler Milk or a combination of both. SMA Toddler Milk gives you the reassurance that your toddler is receiving up to 50% of their RDA of key nutrients (in one 200 ml serving).   It also contains 40x more iron than cows’ milk. 

Yes, The Health Departments  in the UK and Ireland recommend that a toddler has 3 servings of milk a day. Suitable milks from 12 months of age are full fat cows’ milk, SMA Toddler Milk or a combination of both. SMA Toddler Milk gives you the reassurance that your toddler is receiving up to 50% of their RDA of key nutrients (in one 200 ml serving).   It also contains 40x more iron than cows’ milk. 


Q11: My toddler doesn’t like cows’ milk; how long can they continue with Toddler Milk?
Q11: My toddler doesn’t like cows’ milk; how long can they continue with Toddler Milk?

Your toddler can continue to drink Toddler milk as a part of a mixed diet for as long as you wish.

Your toddler can continue to drink Toddler milk as a part of a mixed diet for as long as you wish.


Q12: When should I change to SMA Extra Hungry?
Q12: When should I change to SMA Extra Hungry?

We recommend that our whey dominant formula SMA First Infant Milk is used as the first choice for babies being fed formula milk. The balance of milk proteins is similar to that found in breast milk.

SMA Extra Hungry is a casein or curd based infant milk which has a different balance of milk proteins to SMA First Infant Milk. SMA Extra Hungry may be more satisfying for hungrier babies. Therefore you may benefit from feeding SMA Extra Hungry at a time when your baby is showing signs of being less satisfied, such as when your baby approaches the weaning stage.

We recommend that our whey dominant formula SMA First Infant Milk is used as the first choice for babies being fed formula milk. The balance of milk proteins is similar to that found in breast milk.

SMA Extra Hungry is a casein or curd based infant milk which has a different balance of milk proteins to SMA First Infant Milk. SMA Extra Hungry may be more satisfying for hungrier babies. Therefore you may benefit from feeding SMA Extra Hungry at a time when your baby is showing signs of being less satisfied, such as when your baby approaches the weaning stage.


Q13: Does SMA Extra Hungry contain more calories?
Q13: Does SMA Extra Hungry contain more calories?

There are no differences in calories between the SMA First Infant Milk and SMA Extra Hungry; it is the protein base which changes. SMA First Infant Milk is whey-dominant whereas SMA Extra Hungry is casein-dominant. This means that SMA Extra Hungry stays longer in your baby’s tummy, which means they may feel fuller for longer. They are not actually consuming more calories.

There are no differences in calories between the SMA First Infant Milk and SMA Extra Hungry; it is the protein base which changes. SMA First Infant Milk is whey-dominant whereas SMA Extra Hungry is casein-dominant. This means that SMA Extra Hungry stays longer in your baby’s tummy, which means they may feel fuller for longer. They are not actually consuming more calories.


Q14: Having moved over from SMA First Infant Milk, to SMA Extra Hungry, I have noticed my baby’s stools are much firmer. Is this constipation and should I be worried?
Q14: Having moved over from SMA First Infant Milk, to SMA Extra Hungry, I have noticed my baby’s stools are much firmer. Is this constipation and should I be worried?

Formula fed babies have a tendency to produce firmer formed stools compared with breastfed babies. However, this does not mean that your baby is constipated.  Changes in stool patterns can occur when babies are switched from whey-dominant to casein-dominant formulas. This may be due to the slower stomach emptying time observed in babies that are fed a casein-dominant formula. 

Constipation is a medical condition with defined symptoms.  If you are concerned, you should always speak to your healthcare professional.

Formula fed babies have a tendency to produce firmer formed stools compared with breastfed babies. However, this does not mean that your baby is constipated.  Changes in stool patterns can occur when babies are switched from whey-dominant to casein-dominant formulas. This may be due to the slower stomach emptying time observed in babies that are fed a casein-dominant formula. 

Constipation is a medical condition with defined symptoms.  If you are concerned, you should always speak to your healthcare professional.


Q15: My baby is 6 months; should I change to a follow-on?
Q15: My baby is 6 months; should I change to a follow-on?

SMA Follow-on Milk is specially designed to have a nutritional composition tailored for babies and toddlers aged from six months as part of a mixed weaning diet.  When babies reach 6 months their natural stores of iron have depleted.  SMA Follow-on Milk is enriched with iron. 

As mixed feeding becomes established, solid food becomes an increasingly important source of nourishment. However, nutritional experts also stress the importance of milk in the diet and recommend 500-600 ml (approx. 1 pint) a day until your baby is a year old.

SMA Follow-on Milk is fortified with iron and one pint a day (500-600 ml), given either as a drink or mixed with solids, will contribute a large proportion of the iron your baby needs, together with a healthy balance of all other essential nutrients. It acts as a nutritional ‘safety net’, which can be especially reassuring if your baby goes through fussy and difficult eating periods.

 

SMA Follow-on Milk is specially designed to have a nutritional composition tailored for babies and toddlers aged from six months as part of a mixed weaning diet.  When babies reach 6 months their natural stores of iron have depleted.  SMA Follow-on Milk is enriched with iron. 

As mixed feeding becomes established, solid food becomes an increasingly important source of nourishment. However, nutritional experts also stress the importance of milk in the diet and recommend 500-600 ml (approx. 1 pint) a day until your baby is a year old.

SMA Follow-on Milk is fortified with iron and one pint a day (500-600 ml), given either as a drink or mixed with solids, will contribute a large proportion of the iron your baby needs, together with a healthy balance of all other essential nutrients. It acts as a nutritional ‘safety net’, which can be especially reassuring if your baby goes through fussy and difficult eating periods.

 

Q16: What are the benefits of changing from an SMA Infant Milk to SMA Follow-on Milk at 6 months?
Q16: What are the benefits of changing from an SMA Infant Milk to SMA Follow-on Milk at 6 months?

SMA Follow-on Milk is fortified with higher levels of iron and one pint a day (500-600 ml), given either as a drink or mixed with solids, will help provide a large proportion of the iron your baby needs, together with a healthy balance of all other essential nutrients. It acts as a nutritional ‘safety net’, which can be especially reassuring when your baby goes through fussy and difficult eating stages. SMA Follow-on Milk also has added Omega 3 & 6 to help support your baby’s brain and eye development.

 

SMA Follow-on Milk is fortified with higher levels of iron and one pint a day (500-600 ml), given either as a drink or mixed with solids, will help provide a large proportion of the iron your baby needs, together with a healthy balance of all other essential nutrients. It acts as a nutritional ‘safety net’, which can be especially reassuring when your baby goes through fussy and difficult eating stages. SMA Follow-on Milk also has added Omega 3 & 6 to help support your baby’s brain and eye development.

 

Q17: Now my baby is eating solids, how much milk do they need in 24 hours?
Q17: Now my baby is eating solids, how much milk do they need in 24 hours?

Milk will remain an important part of your baby’s daily diet all the way through childhood, providing important energy and nutrients.  However, because cows’ milk is very low in iron and vitamin D, it should not be given before 12 months of age.  SMA Follow-on Milk has been specially developed to provide babies over six months with the important nutrients and energy they need as part of a balanced weaning diet. From 6 months, your baby will need a minimum of 500-600 ml (about a pint) a day to help them get what they need for healthy growth and development as they get to grips with eating a healthy weaning diet. Over one year, about 3 servings of milk should be given. SMA Toddler Milk has been nutritionally balanced for active toddlers from one year of age click here

Milk will remain an important part of your baby’s daily diet all the way through childhood, providing important energy and nutrients.  However, because cows’ milk is very low in iron and vitamin D, it should not be given before 12 months of age.  SMA Follow-on Milk has been specially developed to provide babies over six months with the important nutrients and energy they need as part of a balanced weaning diet. From 6 months, your baby will need a minimum of 500-600 ml (about a pint) a day to help them get what they need for healthy growth and development as they get to grips with eating a healthy weaning diet. Over one year, about 3 servings of milk should be given. SMA Toddler Milk has been nutritionally balanced for active toddlers from one year of age click here


Q18: Can I mix SMA Follow-on Milk with weaning foods and use it in cooking?
Q18: Can I mix SMA Follow-on Milk with weaning foods and use it in cooking?
Yes, SMA Follow-on Milk is suitable to use in your baby’s favourite milk-based recipes or on cereals. For breakfast recipes click here. For milk-based pudding recipes click here
Yes, SMA Follow-on Milk is suitable to use in your baby’s favourite milk-based recipes or on cereals. For breakfast recipes click here. For milk-based pudding recipes click here

Q19: My baby is really hungry; will follow-on milk fill my baby up more?
Q19: My baby is really hungry; will follow-on milk fill my baby up more?
SMA Follow-on Milk is suitable from 6 months and has no more calories than SMA First Infant milk. It is whey based like SMA First Infant Milk, but has a higher level of vitamins, minerals, iron and added Omega 3 & 6 - so less milk is needed to help ensure they get the nutrients they require and to complement their weaning diet. For advice on weaning click here
SMA Follow-on Milk is suitable from 6 months and has no more calories than SMA First Infant milk. It is whey based like SMA First Infant Milk, but has a higher level of vitamins, minerals, iron and added Omega 3 & 6 - so less milk is needed to help ensure they get the nutrients they require and to complement their weaning diet. For advice on weaning click here

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