As a parent, you want to know that your newborn’s nutritional needs are being met which is why breastfeeding is best for babies as it provides the optimal balance of nutrition. However, there may be instances where breastfeeding isn’t always possible. This can include scenarios like not being able to produce enough breast milk, health issues or simply choosing not breastfeed.

That’s where formulas can come into the picture. But with so many different formula options out there, how do you decide which formula is best for your baby? We’re here to break down the gold standard formula and explain how it’s different from regular formula so that you can make an informed decision about feeding your bub.

Let’s take a closer look at what is gold formula. Cow’s milk formula is the most common type of baby formula available¹. These types of standard formulas use modified cow’s milk.

Unlike standard formula, gold standard baby formula can offer added nutritional value with specific types of fats, prebiotics and probiotics².

Gold formula for newborns is specifically formulated to suit the nutritional needs of full-term infants from 0 to 6 months³. With that said, these newborn-specific formulas are typically suitable for babies from birth to 12 months of age.

Also known as stage 1 formulas, infant formulas often contain additional prebiotics and probiotics.

Thanks to the addition of long-chain fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics, all cow’s milk-based baby formulas are formulated with nutrients babies need.

Regardless of whether you choose gold or standard formula, it’s important to ensure you give your baby the appropriate formula for their age. Most cow's milk-based formulas are available in stage 1 and stage 2 options. Stage 1 or starter formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies up to 6 months¹. With that said, you can use stage 1 formulas from 0-12 months old.

From 6 months of age, you can choose to swap your child to a stage 2 or follow-on formula. By 12 months of age, your baby shouldn’t need formula. Instead, they should be getting all their nutritional needs through solids and drinking cow’s milk⁴. Alternatively, there’s also a range of Toddler Milk Drinks available on the market for this age bracket. 

When it comes to gold formula vs standard, the key difference is the addition of extra ingredients including long-chain fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics in gold formula milk. With that said, both gold and standard formulas provide complete nutrition for babies.

References

1. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Feeding your baby with formula [Internet]. www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au. 2020. Available from: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/feeding-your-baby-with-formula
2. Infant formula and bottle-feeding [Internet]. Raising Children Network. Available from: https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/infant-formula
3. Facts about formula | Australian Breastfeeding Association [Internet]. www.breastfeeding.asn.au. Available from: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/facts-formula
4. Infant Formulas Breast Milk Substitutes [Internet]. Available from: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/maternity-services/images/Fact_Sheets/Infant_formula_information_for_consumers.pdf