Frequently Asked Questions

At SMA® Nutrition, we’ve been leading baby nutrition research for over 100 years and are dedicated to applying this expertise to our products.

If you have any questions about our products please get in touch with our SMA Careline® team. They’re advisors and parents themselves, and are always on hand to give you specialist help and advice.

OUR FORMULAS HAVE BEEN UPDATED

The European legislation on infant, follow-on and specialist formulas has been updated (EU Regulation 2016/127, EU Regulation 2016/128). This means the nutritional composition requirements for formulas will change, and all manufacturers will have to update their formulas.

SMA® Nutrition has updated its formulas to ensure that the levels of vitamins, minerals and omega 3 oils are provided at the new levels and complies with legislation. These updated formulas will be changing from February 2020 onwards. But we know any change big or small even when for the better, can cause concern when it comes to your little human. Baby milk is one of the most heavily regulated and tested food products in the world, and we can assure you that the reformulated milks are safe for babies. We have worked hard to ensure that your baby should not notice any difference between the old and new milks.

In addition to the mandatory EU regulation changes, we have taken this opportunity to make further updates and improvements to our products. Aligned with our most up to date understanding of the key nutrients for babies; we will also be adding the oligosaccharide 2'FL to our SMA PRO® Follow-on Milks. 2’FL is the most abundant oligosaccharide found in breast milk.

  • Why have you changed SMA® PRO formulas?

    Our team of nutritionists are always looking to evolve our recipes to reflect our most up-to-date understanding of the key nutrients for babies. The new SMA® PRO formulas have been updated to incorporate both the new EU regulations and our most up-to-date understanding of the key nutrients for babies.

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  • What are the EUDA regulations?

    The UK and EU legislation sets the requirements for the nutritional composition of baby milks. The key purpose of the legislation is to ensure that baby milks and specialist milks from all manufacturers provide the appropriate nutrition and are safe to use. Based on the latest science available the legislation will require all manufacturers to adjust levels of some vitamins, minerals and other nutrients by February 2020.

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  • What are the changes to your milks?

    EU Regulation Changes
    The new EU regulation required us to make minor vitamin, mineral and other nutrient tweaks across our milks One of the main mandatory changes required by new EU regulation is the levels of DHA* inclusion. DHA (Omega-3 LCPs**) has been recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for use in baby milks and is safe. Omega-3 LCPs form a key part of a healthy diet. Our current infant and follow on milks already contain DHA* but you may notice an increase in the levels. These changes only apply to infant, follow-on and specialist milks.

    Additional Changes
    In addition aligned with our most up to date understanding of the key nutrients for babies; we will also be adding the oligosaccharide 2'FL to our SMA® PRO Milks

    *DHA: docosahexaenoic acid
    **Long chain polyunsaturates

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  • What is DHA?

    DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is an Omega-3 which is a family of fats that are also referred to as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs). DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100 mg of DHA ( contains at least 0,3 % of the total fatty acids as DHA.)

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  • Does this mean all formulas will now be the same?

    As a result of the updated legislation, the required levels of some specific vitamins, minerals and other nutrients will change in all formulations across all manufacturers. However, manufacturers are permitted to voluntarily add ingredients that reflect their latest scientific understanding in baby nutrition. In short, not all formulas will be the same.

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  • What is 2'FL?

    2’FL is the most abundant oligosaccharide found in breast milk. Oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates and the third largest solid component found in breast milk. There are thought to be 200 oligosaccharides in breast milk though most mums' milk contain 10. 80% of mums have 2'FL, making it the most abundant oligosaccharide found in breast milk.

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  • What does 2'FL do?

    Oligosaccharides such as 2'FL in breast milk are thought to help support the babies immune system.

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  • If 2'FL is new to Infant Formulas is it safe?

    2’FL has been assessed by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) as safe for use in baby milks and has been present in our SMA Advanced Milks since May 2019. There are 50 research studies over 24 years that support the role of oligosaccharides in infant nutrition. 2'FL is the most clinically studied of these oligosaccharides. Even though there are 200 oligosaccharides in breast milk, we will only add those that have been studied and accepted by EFSA (European Food Safety Association).

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  • Is the 2'FL in your new milks from breast milk?

    No, the 2'FL present in our SMA® PRO Follow-on Milk are structurally identical to the oligosaccharides found in breast milk. The 2'FL in SMA® PRO Follow-on Milk are made by fermentation of lactose.

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  • Why have you taken GOS/FOS out?

    GOS & FOS are not found in breast milk. We will therefore stop adding GOS & FOS to our products from 2020.

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  • Will the preparation of the product change?

    The preparation instructions for our new SMA® Nutrition products have not changed. When making up a feed, it is always important to follow the on-pack instructions closely.

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  • When will the new milks be available?

    Our updated milks will be gradually replacing our current packs in all retailers from February 2020, the availability of our current and updated milks will vary depending on the retailer.

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  • Will my baby notice the change?

    We have worked hard to ensure that your baby should not notice any difference between the old and new milks but we completely understand any changes to your baby’s milk, no matter how big or small, can raise questions. Please contact our SMA Careline® at any time to talk to one of our friendly advisors for more information, or you can speak to your healthcare professional.

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  • Is there any way I can make the transition easier?

    Your baby should be able to happily switch from the old formula to the new but if you would like to ease the transition, you might prefer to change over gradually. This may allow your little one time to adjust onto the new composition of the milk.

    To transition to the new milk gradually you could replace one bottle of your baby’s current milk with one bottle of your baby’s new milk each day, keeping all the other feeds to the previous one. It may be a good idea to introduce the new feed when your little one is not too tired or irritable, continue this way, increasing the number of feeds with new milk each day until all the feeds are with the new baby/toddler milk. But if you would like more support please contact our SMA Careline® team via our live chat service, or if you'd prefer to speak on the phone you can call them 24/7 on UK: 0800 081 81 80 and Ireland: 1800 931 832.

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  • How can I tell if a product is the old milk or new?

    For the first few months in market the new milks will have a lid sticker on to highlight that it is the new formulation.

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  • The UK left the EU on 31st January 2020, why do we have to comply with their regulations?

    The UK will continue to comply to EU Regulation for the foreseeable future, until further guidance is issued from the UK Government.

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INGREDIENTS

  • Which SMA® Nutrition Milks are vegetarian?

    The following milks are suitable for vegetarians (powder formats only).
    LITTLE STEPS® Growing up Milk
    SMA® Comfort Easy to Digest Infant Milk
    SMA® Wysoy Infant Formula
    SMA® PRO Growing up Milk (powders only)

    The rest of the SMA® Nutrition range are not vegetarian because we source the Omega 3 (DHA) from fish oil.

    If you would like more information please contact our Careline team on 0800 081 81 80, or visit the SMA Careline® page for other ways to get in touch.

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  • What is DHA?

    DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is an Omega-3 which is a family of fats that are also referred to as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs). DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age.

    Beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100 mg of DHA.

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  • Why do your products contain fish oil?

    Our products contain fish oil because this is the source of our DHA. Most infant formulas on sale in the UK and Ireland currently use fish oil as a source of DHA.

    Beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100 mg of DHA.

    If you would like more information on the ingredients in our formulas, please contact our Careline team on 0800 081 81 80 or via https://babyclub.smababy.co.uk/sma-careline/.

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  • Which SMA® Nutrition Milks are suitable for Halal diets?

    The following SMA® Nutrition products are Halal Certified:
    SMA® PRO range of milks
    LITTLE STEPS® range of milks
    SMA® ORGANIC range of milks
    SMA® Comfort Easy to Digest Infant Milk
    SMA® LF Lactose Free

    If you would like more information on the suitability for use in a Halal diet of any of our other products please contact our Careline team on 0800 081 81 80, or visit the SMA Careline® page for other ways to get in touch.

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  • Do SMA® Nutrition Growing up Milks contain vanilla?

    SMA® Growing up Milk powders do not contain vanilla. Only SMA® PRO Growing up Milk 200ml liquid contains vanilla.

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  • Do you add postbiotics to your formula?

    Postbiotics are compounds that are present in some formulas and are made through a process of fermentation. We do not add postbiotics to our milks because they are naturally made in babies tummy and there is no need for an additional supplement.

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PREPARATION AND USAGE

FEEDING QUERIES

  • How much do I give? My baby is always hungry?

    On our product labels we provide a feeding guide. It is quite normal for babies to feed frequently in the early weeks. Their demand for feeding will increase in relation to their growth pattern. Your baby may be having a growth spurt, therefore the volume of feed they will take will increase to account for this too. Some babies do feed little and often, every two to three hours can be perfectly normal. However, have a chat with your health visitor if you are at all concerned about your baby’s feeding needs as every baby is different.

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  • Why and when should I use Follow-on Milks?

    SMA® Follow-on milks are tailored for babies from 6 months as part of a varied weaning diet. At 6 months your baby's development progresses quickly and their need for iron increases. SMA® Follow-on milks are enriched with iron to help support normal cognitive development in baby’s brain. Milk will remain a big part of your baby’s daily diet all the way through childhood, providing important energy and nutrients. SMA® Follow-on milks are designed for babies from 6 months onwards to complement the weaning diet and to help ensure they get a good nutritional foundation in life.

    To see the full list of ingredients and nutrition information for our products please see the label or the information available on our product pages.

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  • Now my baby is eating solids, what is the role of SMA® Follow-on Milks?

    Milk will remain a big part of your baby’s daily diet all the way through childhood, providing important energy and nutrients. SMA® Follow-on Milks are designed for babies from 6 months onwards to complement the weaning diet and to help ensure they get a good nutritional foundation in life.

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  • Why and when should I use SMA® Growing up Milks?

    SMA® Growing Up Milks are suitable from 1 year onwards. They are one way to help support your child’s nutrient intake in combination with a healthy balanced diet. They contain unique blends of ingredients tailored to support young children's growth, up until their 4th birthday. They contains vitamin D and calcium to support the normal growth and development of bones.

    To see the full list of ingredients and nutrition information for our products please see the label or the information available on our product pages.

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  • If I switch my baby from another milk, what should I expect?

    We know any change big or small even when for the better, can cause concern when it comes to your little human. Baby milk is one of the most heavily regulated and tested food products in the world, and we can assure you that the reformulated milks are safe for babies.

    A change in stool consistency/frequency can sometimes happen when infants are starting or switching formula, this is perfectly normal. Also, in addition to stool changes baby can be a little unsettled and also pick up a taste difference with some changes. If you have any questions, contact your healthcare professional or the SMA  Careline®.

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  • How would I know if my baby is intolerant to baby milk?

    The signs of lactose intolerance or cows’ milk allergy may be immediate or delayed after feeding, and may involve symptoms regarding your baby’s digestion, skin or respiratory system. If you believe your baby is showing signs of intolerance, contact your GP for further advice.

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GENERAL

  • I am going on holiday soon, are SMA® Nutrition products available abroad?

    The majority of SMA® Nutrition products are only available in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Therefore, for the duration of your stay, you would be best advised to take enough supplies of your baby’s usual milk with you.

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  • Is the packaging recyclable?

    All our products are Recyclable, please check local recycling.

    SMA® Nutrition have always used steel tins for our powdered milk, as they offer the best product protection and protection against humidity. The steel tin is 100% recyclable, however check with your local recycling facility. The cartons and plastic lids of the tins are widely recyclable within the UK, but again check with your local recycling facility.

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  • Where can I buy SMA® Nutrition Milks?

    To buy online, for UK only please go to the product page and click "Where to buy" to learn where you can buy our products online. Your local pharmacy may also be able to order products for you, please check locally.

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  • What are the EUDA regulations?

    The UK and EU legislation sets the requirements for the nutritional composition of baby milks. The key purpose of the legislation is to ensure that baby milks and specialist milks from all manufacturers provide the appropriate nutrition and are safe to use. Based on the latest science available the legislation will require all manufacturers to adjust levels of some vitamins, minerals and other nutrients by February 2020.

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  • Does the LITTLE STEPS® First Milk, Follow on Milk, Growing up Milk come in liquid format?

    LITTLE STEPS® First Infant Milk and Follow-on Milk are available in ready to drink format. We do not currently have a LITTLE STEPS® Growing up milk readymade liquid format, however this may be something we look to introduce in the future.

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Milks for allergies and intolerance and feeding issues (specials)

Milks for preterm babies

ORGANIC

Important notice

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that pregnant women and new mothers be informed on the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding – in particular the fact that it provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for babies. Mothers should be given guidance on the preparation for, and maintenance of, lactation, with special emphasis on the importance of a well-balanced diet both during pregnancy and after delivery. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle-feeding or other foods and drinks should be discouraged since it will have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Similarly, mothers should be warned of the difficulty of reversing a decision not to breast-feed. Before advising a mother to use an infant formula, she should be advised of the social and financial implications of her decision: for example, if a baby is exclusively bottle-fed, more than one can (400 g) per week will be needed, so the family circumstances and costs should be kept in mind. Mothers should be reminded that breast milk is not only the best, but also the most economical food for babies. If a decision to use an infant formula is taken, it is important to give instructions on correct preparation methods, emphasising that unboiled water, unsterilised bottles or incorrect dilution can all lead to illness. ●SMA® Wysoy® milk-free formula is intended to meet the nutritional needs of babies and children who are intolerant to cows’ milk protein, lactose or sucrose. Soya infant formulae are not recommended for preterm babies or those with kidney problems, where medical guidance should always be sought. ●SMA LF® is a lactose-free milk based formula for babies and young children who are intolerant to lactose or sucrose, or who are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, tummy ache or wind caused by temporary lactose intolerance. It is suitable as the sole source of nutrition up to 6 months of age, and in conjunction with solid food up to 18 months of age. ●SMA® PRO Follow-on Milk/SMA® ADVANCED Follow-on Milk/LITTLE STEPS® Follow-on Milk and SMA® ORGANIC Follow-on Milk is only suitable for babies over 6 months as part of a mixed diet. It should not be used as a substitute for breast milk during the first 6 months of life. The decision to start weaning or to use a follow-on milk before 6 months, should be made only on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist, based on baby’s individual needs .●SMA® PRO Growing Up Milk /LITTLE STEPS® Growing Up Milk is suitable for young children from 1-3 years, as part of a healthy balanced diet and is not a breast milk substitute. ●SMA® ORGANIC Growing Up Milk/ SMA® ADVANCED Growing Up Milk is suitable for young children from the 12th month, as part of a healthy balanced diet and it is not a breast milk substitute. ●The following products must be used under medical supervision. ●SMA® Anti-Reflux is a special formula intended for the dietary management of bottle-fed babies when significant reflux (regurgitation) is a problem. It is suitable as the sole source of nutrition up to 6 months of age, and in conjunction with solid food up to 12 months of age. If the baby’s reflux does not improve within 2 weeks of starting SMA® Anti-Reflux, or if the baby fails to thrive, the family doctor should be consulted. ●SMA High Energy® is a milk based formula for the dietary management of babies and young children with medically determined high energy requirements as identified by a healthcare professional. It is suitable as the sole source of nutrition up to 6 months of age, and in conjunction with solid food up to 18 months of age. SMA High Energy® is not intended for use with preterm babies, for whom fortified breast milk or a low birthweight formula such as SMA Gold Prem® 1 is more appropriate. ●SMA® Breast Milk Fortifier is a nutritional supplement designed to be added to expressed breast milk for the dietary management of feeding preterm low birthweight babies. It is NOT a breast milk substitute. ●SMA Gold Prem® 1 is a special formula intended for the dietary management of preterm low birthweight babies who are not solely fed breast milk. It is suitable for use as the sole source of nutrition for preterm babies from birth. SMA Gold Prem® 1 is not intended for use with older preterm babies, for whom a special catch-up formula such as SMA Gold Prem® 2 is more appropriate. ●SMA Gold Prem® 2 is a special catch-up formula intended for the dietary management of preterm low birthweight babies who are not solely fed breast milk. It is a nutritionally complete formula for use on discharge from hospital or when a low birthweight formula is no longer appropriate. It is suitable for use as the sole source of nutrition up to 6 months corrected age. SMA Gold Prem® 2 is not intended for use with newborn preterm babies, for whom fortified breast milk or a low birthweight formula such as SMA Gold Prem® 1 is more appropriate.

Important advice to mothers

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. SMA® Nutrition fully supports this and continued breastfeeding, along with the introduction of complementary foods as advised by your healthcare professional.

 
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