You face a shelf of tins and need one clear next step. Pick by stage first, then choose the type that fits what you see at home. Start with Standard when there is no specific concern. Consider Comfort for ongoing mild digestive strain after advice. Choose Anti‑Reflux when thicker feeds reduce visible regurgitation. If a clinician recommends thicker feeds without changing formula, use Cow & Gate Instant Carobel under supervision and follow directions exactly. Change one thing at a time and keep mixing precisely. Track feeds, nappies, and comfort for three to five days before adjusting again so you see what actually helps.

Stage first: match age to formula

• First Infant covers birth to six months; Follow‑On covers six to twelve months.
• Check the stage number on the front, scoop level, water volume, and storage period after opening.
• For healthy babies under six months, First Infant is the default unless a health professional states otherwise.
• Reassess the stage at the six‑month mark before buying the next tin.

Standard formulas: Cow & Gate vs Aptamil

• Suitable for most babies when no specific concern exists; nutritionally complete when prepared as directed.
• Read mixing steps, then observe tolerance for three to five days (feed volumes, nappies, comfort).
• Begin with Standard; do not change brand and type together, so results remain clear.
• If discomfort persists, discuss the next type change with your health professional before switching.

Comfort formulas (digestive ease)

• Designed to support mild digestive strain, like wind, mild colic, or hard stools.
• Confirm “Comfort” on the label; follow the mixing timing; check whether the current teat flow becomes too slow.
• Consider after advice when mild symptoms continue on Standard feeds despite exact preparation.
• Track nappies, feed volumes, and comfort for three to five days; keep a brief feed diary.

Anti‑Reflux (AR) formulas

• Thicker feeds help reduce visible regurgitation after feeding when advised by a clinician.
• Check the thickening agent and any “mix‑wait‑shake” timing indicated on the tin.
• Choose AR if a ready‑thickened formula fits your routine and professional advice.
• Move up one teat level, so flow remains steady without extra effort at the start of the feed.

Where a thickener fits (under supervision)

• Cow & Gate Instant Carobel thickens breastmilk or standard formula for the dietary management of recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, or rumination under medical supervision.
• Not for preterm or low birth weight infants; confirm suitability before use.
• Follow the product’s instructions exactly and keep preparation consistent across test days.
• Do not combine the AR formula with extra thickener unless your clinician directs it.

Teat flow and bottle setup

• Thicker feeds need a faster flow so your baby does not tire or reduce intake.
• Test flow at the start of the feed; watch for steady drinking without straining or gulping.
• Move up one level for AR or thickened feeds; test calmly and adjust as needed.
• Replace worn teats regularly as wear changes flow and consistency.

Allergy or suspected CMPA (different pathway)

• Cow’s milk protein allergy needs a specific clinical formula and professional review.
• Watch for red‑flag signs (e.g., blood in stool), persistent distress, rash, or slow growth.
• Avoid Standard, Comfort, AR, or thickeners unless directly advised for your baby.
• Pause changes and seek medical review before any further adjustments.

How to switch safely

• Change a single factor to see a clear result.
• Track feed amounts, visible regurgitation, nappies, and comfort for three to five days.
• Switch brand or type, not both; keep mixing steps exact during the test.
• If results worsen, pause and speak with a health professional before another change.

Mixing and consistency basics

• Small mixing differences affect flow, intake, and comfort.
• Follow the tin steps exactly: scoop level, water volume, and any wait times on AR or thickener directions.
• Use the same bottle and teat during observation to reduce variables.
• If feeds look too thick or the flow slows, recheck the steps and move to a faster‑flow teat.

Cow & Gate vs Aptamil: quick compare points

• Standard: default for most babies; observe for several days before reassessing.
• Comfort: consider after advice when mild digestive strain continues despite Standard.
• AR: consider for persistent visible regurgitation with professional guidance.
• Thickener: add Cow & Gate Instant Carobel under supervision to thicken current feeds without changing base formula.

What to log for your clinician

• Feed volumes and times for three to five days.
• Regurgitation frequency and timing after feeds.
• Nappy output and stool consistency changes.
• Comfort, crying, or sleep pattern changes since the switch.

When not to change at home

• Preterm or low birth weight infants.
• Suspected allergy or red‑flag symptoms.
• Ongoing poor weight gain, feeding struggle, or dehydration concerns.
• In any case, your clinician flags for review before adjustments.

Two‑minute decision flow

• Confirm age stage (First Infant or Follow‑On).
• Choose Standard unless a clinician suggests Comfort or AR.
• If thicker feeds are advised without switching formula, add Cow & Gate Instant Carobel as directed.
• Adjust the teat flow, keep a three‑to‑five‑day diary, and review calmly.

Buy Right Baby Formula

Shop Cow & Gate and Aptamil by stage and feeding need at Astir Care. Pick Standard when there is no specific concern, move to Comfort after advice for ongoing mild strain, or choose Anti‑Reflux when thicker feeds help. If your clinician recommends thicker feeds without switching formula, add Cow & Gate Instant Carobel exactly as directed and step up teat flow for steady drinking. Begin with smaller packs, keep preparation exact, and scale once your baby settles over several days. Explore our full range now and select the tin that fits your baby’s age and current feeding routine.