I popped into Boots for Advent Calendars. There's so much choice now and every advent calendar has different things inside...some are definitely better than others.

Then I saw this aisle....

When it comes to Formula, if you're choosing or needing to use it, it can feel so overwhelming with so many brands and choices within brands. From infant formulas to all the follow-on ones some brands have gone on to produce. To "comfort" and "anti-reflux"....

Start here though, knowing this:

• There are regulations in place so that, if a formula company add something to their formula which is proven to be beneficial, it will be added to all formulas...This means, if a company seem to be pushing this one particular thing they have that other's don't, the reason it isn't elsewhere is because it's benefits haven't been proven.

• Because of this uniformity or what needs to be in formula, no formula is superior...supermarket own brands are just as good and cheaper than the more highly marketed stuff...(Caveat to add that, since some formula's do have extra ingredients added, it is still possible that one suits your baby above others so, trying a different brand is still always an option).

• Despite what the companies will tell you, you only ever need stage 1. You can keep using this until your baby hits 1 year and then transition to cows milk or other milk varieties. There is no need to transition to stage 2 at 6 months, or any other stages beyond this as once your child begins solids at around 6 months, these can provide the additional nutrients to their diet that they need.

• All formula should be made up with boiled water, at at least 70°C. So, if you've been recommended a formula that requires a lower temperature, speak to a medical professional/infant feeding specialist for more advice to see if other options are available

• Also seek advice from a feeding specialist before changing to any specialised formulas that don't require a prescription....they may have advice that does not involve changing your little one's feeds

• Always make up the formula as described on the box - this will always be the safest way to do so for a baby's delicate tummy, compared to the products marketed to you to try and make the process faster.

Remember, formula companies are just like any other companies, constantly competing to sell the most but, in the end, no single formula will be the best or ever be equal to the breastmilk they're all aiming to replicate.

So, just pick one. Any stage 1 formula. And go from there!