Frequently Asked Questions

Infant formula is a breast milk substitute and a complete nutritional source supplying necessary nutrients for normal growth for a baby under 6 months of age. Follow-on formula is a formula to be used alongside solid foods for a baby 6 to 12 months of age.

There are many things to consider when choosing a baby formula. The age of your baby, the type of formula and whether you need to speak to a healthcare professional to consider a specialised formula to treat a diagnosed condition. If you think your baby needs a specialised formula, discuss it with your healthcare professional before buying formula. Our Careline experts of registered dietitians and nutritionists are available to talk through what you are experiencing with your baby and to provide general advice that is tailored to your situation. Please contact our Careline experts for more information. Use LiveChat or call us on 1800 438 500 (AU) or 0800 438 500 (NZ).

The age of your baby and which stage of formula they are on will determine how you make up a feed. Use the instructions on the back of the Aptamil tins or product pages to guide you through the steps needed to successfully prepare a feed for your child. Always follow the instructions on the packaging exactly. Do not change proportions of powder except on medical advice. Incorrect preparation can make your baby very ill.

It is safer to prepare each formula bottle as needed and serve immediately after it is prepared. Discard unfinished formula within 2 hours. If a bottle of made-up formula is to be prepared in advance, store at the back of the fridge (2-4°C) and use within 24 hours. Discard any refrigerated formula not used within 24 hours. Serve immediately and discard unfinished formula within 2 hours. Always follow the instructions on the packaging exactly. Do not change proportions of powder except on medical advice. Incorrect preparation can make your baby very ill.

It is safer to prepare each drink as needed, serve immediately and discard unfinished drink within 2 hours. If a cup of made-up drink is to be prepared in advance, store at the back of the fridge (2-4°C). Discard any refrigerated drink not used within 24 hours. Always follow the instructions on the packaging exactly. Do not change proportions of powder except on medical advice. Incorrect preparation can make your child very ill.

Mixed feeding refers to feeding an infant, breast milk and small amounts of infant formula. This may be recommended by a healthcare professional in cases of low breast milk supply. It is important to note that partial bottle feeding with formula, may reduce breast milk supply making it difficult to go back to exclusive breastfeeding. At the same time, any amount of breast milk that is supplied to an infant is greatly beneficial. For breastfeeding and/or mixed feeding advice, please talk to your midwife or lactation consultant. Our Careline experts can be contacted for general advice on 1800 438 500 (AU) or 0800 438 500 (NZ).

All infant formula products have a feeding guide on the back of the tin. The amount of cooled boiled water to mix with a scoop of powder is indicated on the tin and the dilution must not be changed. The volume and number of feeds per day are a guide. Your baby may need more or less than is recommended in the feeding guide.

Formula-fed babies usually poo daily or every second day. It should not be difficult for a baby to pass a poo and the poos may be formed but not hard. If you are worried about constipation, it is important to ensure you are preparing the formula correctly and that you are giving your baby enough water or fluids, especially if it is hot. If you are concerned about constipation or the frequency or consistency of your baby’s poo, please talk to your healthcare professional. Our Careline experts can be contacted for general advice on 1800 438 500 (AU) or 0800 438 500 (NZ).

When travelling, the best way to prepare bottles in advance is to fill the bottles with the correct amount of cooled boiled water/safe drinking water as per instructions on the tin. The milk powder can be carried in a separate airtight container, formula dispenser or simply use a sachet. The milk powder can then be conveniently added to the water at feeding time. It will need to be used within 2 hours (at room temperature) as per the instructions on the tin. If you are flying, you cannot carry more than 100mL of water so the flight attendants will be able to supply water for you to make up your feeds.

From 12 months on, you can offer full-cream milk to your toddler. It can be easier to change from formula to fresh cow’s milk if you transition gradually. Prepare your usual formula with water as per the instructions on the tin and then mix it with fresh milk. Slowly, over three weeks, progress to only milk. Your child will be used to warm formula, so serve the milk warm, at body temperature or 37°C. Start by changing their middle-of-the-day feed as morning and night feeds may be the hardest to give up.

Aptamil® Gold+ Infant & Follow-On Formula now has a new look & minor formulation change Aptamil® Gold+ Toddler & Junior are now with a new look & improved formulation. For detail changes, please refer to Gold Plus Range Update (nutricia.com.au) – include discuss with Careline experts

Product	Old scoop	New scoop
Aptamil Gold+ Stage 1	Purple 7.3g	Dark blue 7.5g
Aptamil Gold+ Stage 2	Dark blue 7.8g	No change
Aptamil Gold+ Stage 3	Orange 9.1g	Purple 8.4g

We have removed the Vanilla flavour in Stage 4 so all our Toddler milk supplements have a natural milk taste.  

Aptamil® Gold+ 1 premium infant formula for formula-fed infants from 0-6 months. View the tin here and the sachets here.
Aptamil® Gold+ 2 premium follow-on formula for formula-fed and mixed-fed infants from 6-12 months. View the tin here. and the sachets here.
Aptamil® Gold+ 3 Toddler Nutritional Supplement is a premium supplement product for toddlers (1+ years). View the tin here. and the sachets here.
Aptamil® Gold+ 4 Junior Nutritional Supplement is a premium supplement product for toddlers (2+ years). View the tin here.

View Aptamil® Gold+ 1 Infant Formula ingredients here.
View Aptamil® Gold+ 2 Follow-on Formula ingredients here.
View Aptamil® Gold+ 3 Toddler Nutritional Supplement ingredients here.
View Aptamil® Gold+ 4 Junior Nutritional Supplement ingredients here.

Aptamil® Gold+ Toddler formulations are supported by over 50 years of early life nutrition research to nutritionally support growth and development in toddlers*. Aptamil® Gold+ 3 Toddler is a premium nutritional supplement for children aged 1 and above, when their intake of energy and nutrients may not be adequate. It contains:

• 8 Immune-supporting nutrients*: zinc, iron, Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and folate
• Iron & iodine to support normal cognitive function*
• Our unique prebiotic & probiotic blend
• Omega-3 DHA
• 16 essential vitamins and minerals.
• Calcium & Vitamin D for normal teeth & bone structure*
*When prepared as directed and consumed as part of a healthy varied diet.

Aptamil® Gold+ 4 Junior is a premium nutritional supplement for children aged 2 and above, when their intake of energy and nutrients may not be adequate. It contains:

• 8 immunity nutrients: zinc, iron, folate, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D*
• Iron & iodine to support normal cognitive function*
• Our unique prebiotic & probiotic blend
• Omega-3 DHA
• 16 essential vitamins and minerals.
• Calcium & Vitamin D for normal teeth & bone structure*

*When prepared as directed and consumed as part of a healthy varied diet.

Indian and Pacific Ocean tuna fish is the source of Omega-3 DHA.

The Aptamil® Gold+ Toddler range is based on cow’s milk, with added vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics. Aptamil® Gold+ Toddler milk is designed to supplement a toddler’s diet when their intake of energy and nutrients may be inadequate.

24 months is the shelf life for the 900g tin from the date of manufacture. Always check the tin for the exact date. Product should not be used beyond the date specified on the tin.

Aptamil Gold+ 1 Infant Formula and Aptamil Gold+ 2 Follow-on Formula are Made in New Zealand.
Aptamil Gold+ 3 Toddler Nutritional Supplement and Aptamil Gold+ 4 Junior Nutritional Supplement are packed in New Zealand from imported and local ingredients.

The tin, the lid, and the scoop are recyclable in standard household recycling. The tin goes with other recyclable tins. The scoop and lid go in with other recyclable plastics. The tin foil can also be recycled but needs to be folded into a small ball and then placed in the recycling bin.

The Aptamil® Gold+ Toddler range is available in boxes of sachets, which is an excellent way to try the toddler drink before buying a whole 900g tin. Boxes of sachets are available here, from supermarkets and pharmacies.

Although 100% plant-based formulations are feasible to make, they might make nutritional compromises; Aptamil® Dairy & Plant Blend range combines the nutrition of a dairy-based formula with an increased amount of plant-based ingredients to meet parents' desire for a more plant-based diet, without compromising nutrition or quality. Backed by 50 years of early life research, it is designed to introduce your child to the natural goodness of plants without compromising on nutrition.

Both Aptamil® formulations are premium nutritional supplements that meet the requirements of FSANZ Food Standard Code. They are designed based on 50 years of early life nutrition research and contain immune system-supporting nutrients*^, key vitamins and minerals, prebiotic scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) and Omega-3 DHA.
The main difference is that the total amount of plant-based ingredients in Aptamil® Dairy and Plant Blend Toddler has increased with the addition of 40% soy by partly replacing dairy protein with high-quality, non-GMO soy protein isolate. Soy helps to introduce the mild taste of plants and train young children's palates for more plant-based food in the future.**

*zinc, iron, folate, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D
^when prepared as directed and consumed as part of a healthy varied diet.
**Ux sensory study, Kantar 2023

60% of Aptamil® Dairy and Plant Blend toddler drink contains Aptamil® dairy, which is a mix of Whey and Casein protein, and 40% of high-quality, non-GMO Soy protein. DHA is derived from fish; oils from high oleic sunflower, coconut and rapeseed and FOS from chicory roots.

Please refer to ingredient list for more information

Yes, Aptamil® Dairy and Plant Blend Toddler is a premium nutritional supplement that meets the requirements of FSANZ Food Standard Code. This formula is tailored to meet their nutritional requirements and contains 8 immune system supporting nutrients*^, key vitamins and minerals, prebiotic scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) and Omega-3 DHA.

*zinc, iron, folate, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D.
^when prepared as directed and consumed as part of a healthy varied diet.

Aptamil® Dairy and Plant Blend toddler drink contains a combination of dairy and plant-based ingredients which is reflected in the sensory profile. It has a delicious, milky taste with a subtle plant aroma and taste. It does not have "hard notes "which you may see in other plant milks.
Re: UX study 2023, Sensory profile work

There has been some concern about soy in toddler formula because soy contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which are similar in structure to the hormone estrogen. Some studies suggest that high levels of phytoestrogens in young children can potentially affect hormonal development and lead to health problems later in life but this myth has been debunked by many leading health bodies*.
However, it is important to note that soy-based toddler formula is very widely researched and it is generally considered safe. If you have any concerns about your baby's diet or health, it is always best to consult with a Paediatrician or healthcare provider."

*References: EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2014. Scientific Opinion on the essential composition of infant and follow-on formulae. EFSA Journal 2014; 12( 7):3760, 106 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3760. Francavilla R, Calasso M, Calace L, et al. Effect of lactose on gut mi‐ crobiota and metabolome of infants with cow's milk allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2012;23(5):420‐427. Abrams SA, Griffin IJ, Davila PM. Calcium and zinc absorption from lactose‐containing and lactose. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76(2):442‐446

Aptamil® Toddler understands every feeding journey is unique. That’s why we developed Aptamil® Sensitive Toddler, a gentle formulation with a unique balance of partially hydrolysed whey protein for sensitive tummies, and no compromise on nutrition.

Suitable for toddlers aged 1+, Aptamil® Sensitive Toddler is designed to help meet the dietary needs of toddlers. Backed by 50 years of early life nutrition research, this unique formulation is developed to support toddlers with a soft transition to consuming whole protein.

Partially hydrolysed whey protein is whole whey protein that has been broken down into smaller pieces.

We have the Aptamil® Sensitive Birth to 12 Months and the Aptamil® Sensitive Toddler From 1 Year.

The shelf life is 18 months.

The product is packed in New Zealand from local and imported ingredients.