Q: What products make up the GERBER® family of formulas?
A: The GOOD START family of formulas includes:
- GOOD START® Protect: Specially designed to help support Baby's healthy immune system with beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk. GOOD START Protect also has gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS® to be easy to digest, plus DHA & ARA, nutrients naturally found in breastmilk to support Baby's brain and eye development.
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GOOD START® Gentle: Our first formula with both gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS to be easy to digest and DHA & ARA for Baby's brain and eye development.
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GOOD START®: Our original milk-based formula, made with gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS to be easy to digest.
- GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect: The only older-baby formula specially designed to help support Baby's healthy immune system with probiotics like those found in breastmilk. It's specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.
- GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle: The only formula for older babies and young toddlers with both gentle 100% whey and DHA & ARA for brain and eye development. This formula is specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.1
- GOOD START® Soy: The only soy-based formula that combines easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS with DHA & ARA for Baby's brain and eye development. SOY PROTEINS are gentle soy proteins that have been broken down to be easy to digest in Baby's developing tummy.
- GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy: The only soy-based older-baby and young-toddler formula made with easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS and DHA & ARA. This formula is specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.1
Disclaimers/Notes: 1Standard formulas provide adequate nutrition for the first year. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy provide extra nutrition insurance.
Q: How long has Nestlé been making infant formula?
A: Our company’s roots stretch all the way back to 1867—to the town of Vevey, Switzerland—where Henri Nestlé created the world’s first commercial infant food.
Henri’s discovery marked the beginning of a long tradition of caring and innovation that Nestlé continues today. Nestlé has thousands of research and development professionals worldwide. Which means that every minute of the day, a Nestlé scientist is working to advance the science behind infant nutrition. Our commitment to ongoing research has led to innovations like GOOD START infant formulas.
Q: What are COMFORT PROTEINS?
A: All GOOD START milk-based formulas contain COMFORT PROTEINS®, made with our patented two-step process. It starts with 100% whey protein, the highest-quality protein available in infant formula. Then we break down this gentle protein into smaller pieces to be easy to digest in Baby’s developing tummy. We call them COMFORT PROTEINS, and only GOOD START milk-based formulas have them.
Q: What are DHA & ARA?
A: DHA & ARA are fatty acids, or lipids, found naturally in breastmilk. They’re important components of Baby’s healthy brain and eye tissues. During the third trimester of pregnancy, Mom passes DHA & ARA to Baby. After Baby is born, Mom can provide DHA & ARA to Baby by breastfeeding or giving her formula with added DHA & ARA.
Q: Why do GERBER® formulas have a lighter texture than other formulas?
A: The appearance and consistency are lighter, because of the 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS used in all GOOD START milk-based formulas. Whey is a naturally gentle protein that doesn’t form curds in Baby’s tummy. Our gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS are broken down to be easy for Baby to digest. If you prepare and refrigerate a GOOD START milk-based formula ahead of time, it may separate into layers, like breastmilk does. Mix the layers by gently shaking the bottle.
Q: Are green stools normal for babies fed GOOD START?
A: Because our GOOD START milk-based formulas contain gentle 100% whey protein, you may notice that your baby's stools become soft and yellowish or greenish in color. This change is perfectly normal—in fact the texture is similar in appearance to the stools of breastfed babies.
Q: What changes should I expect when introducing my baby to GERBER® formulas?
A: Because GOOD START milk-based formulas contain COMFORT PROTEINS®, you may notice that your baby's stools may become soft and yellowish or greenish in color. This change is perfectly normal. In fact the stool consistency of babies who are fed GOOD START formulas is similar to that of breastfed babies.
If you and your baby’s doctor have decided to switch formulas, plan to change formulas gradually to minimize upsets to your baby's stomach and digestive system. That way your baby also will be less likely to notice any change in her formula's taste.
To ease the transition of weaning from breastmilk or introducing a new formula, we recommend a gradual change. View and print our transition charts to help your baby make a gentle transition to a GOOD START formula.
Q: Why do you suggest that I slowly switch from other formulas to GERBER® formulas?
A: Most milk-based formulas, such as Similac® Advance® and Enfamil® LIPIL®, contain whole whey and casein proteins.1 GOOD START milk-based formulas are made of gentle 100% whey protein that’s broken down into smaller pieces called COMFORT PROTEINS®. It may help to introduce the new formula gradually to minimize notice of any changes in taste and ease the switch on baby’s digestion.
To wean or switch your baby to a GOOD START formula, do so over a week's time. This will help minimize any changes in taste and ease the switch on your baby's digestive system. View and print our transition charts to help your baby make a gentle transition to a GOOD START formula.
Disclaimers/Notes: 1Enfamil® LIPIL® and Similac® Advance® are registered trademarks owned by entities unrelated to Nestlé.
Q: Are GERBER® formulas kosher?
A: GOOD START milk-based formulas are not kosher, but soy-based GOOD START formulas are designated as kosher.
- To make GOOD START milk-based formulas, Nestlé uses a naturally occurring enzyme, trypsin, and heat treatment as processing aids to break down the milk protein into smaller pieces for our proprietary COMFORT PROTEINS.
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Although it is FDA-authorized and safe, trypsin doesn't meet kosher criteria.
- In accordance with FDA regulations, formula labels don't specifically list trypsin because it's not an ingredient in our infant formula. Instead, we list the result of the trypsin processing: "Enzymatically hydrolyzed reduced minerals whey protein concentrate (from cow's milk)."
- Our milk-based GOOD START Formulas include GOOD START® Protect, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, GOOD START® Gentle, and GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle.
- Our GOOD START soy-based formulas— GOOD START® Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy—are made by a slightly different process. They don't use the enzyme trypsin and are designated "kosher pareve" (powder forms) or "kosher pareve ingredients that are manufactured on dairy equipment" (liquid forms). GOOD START Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy are milk-free, lactose-free formulas.
Q: Are GERBER® formulas available in a soy formula?
A: Yes. GOOD START® Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy contain SOY PROTEINS, gentle soy proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces to be easy to digest. GOOD START Soy is the only standard formula and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy is the only older-baby and toddler formula to offer both easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS and DHA & ARA for brain and eye development.
Q: Does Nestlé follow the World Health Organization (WHO) Code?
A: The best-known infant formula marketing guidelines are the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, developed by the World Health Organization in 1981. These guidelines are known as the WHO Code. We abide by the Code in every country where it is law, and follow the aim of the Code where it is not, such as in the United States, where we affirm our belief that breastmilk is best within consumer communication.
We encourage moms to breastfeed as long as possible, with consideration for their life circumstances. If a mom chooses not to breastfeed, we believe that iron-fortified formula is the best alternative to breastmilk.
For information about how Nestlé complies with the WHO Code in developing countries and in other countries where the code is law, visit www.babymilk.Nestle.com
Q: Where can I buy GERBER® formulas?
Q: How can I get coupons for GERBER® infant formulas?
A: We distribute our money-saving checks for discounts on GOOD START® formulas only through the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center. It's FREE for expectant and new moms, and provides many benefits, including booklets tailored to key stages of your pregnancy and your baby's first months. Each mailing includes expert advice on pregnancy and/or infant care, health and nutrition tips, quick-and-easy recipe ideas, and valuable partner offers. If you haven't had a chance to enroll for the FREE START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center, sign up now.
Q: What are DHA & ARA?
A: DHA & ARA are fatty acids, or lipids, found naturally in breastmilk. They’re important components of Baby’s healthy brain and eye tissues. During the third trimester of pregnancy, Mom passes DHA & ARA to Baby. After Baby is born, Mom can provide DHA & ARA to Baby by breastfeeding or giving her formula with added DHA & ARA.
Q: How will my baby get the DHA & ARA he needs if I choose not to breastfeed?
A: Breastmilk is best for babies because it offers all the nutrition your baby needs. But if you decide not to breastfeed, your baby's body will make DHA & ARA from the fatty acids (linolenic acid and linoleic acid) in any iron-fortified baby formula. Some experts believe infant formulas with added DHA & ARA, such as GERBER GOOD START Gentle, may provide additional support for formula-fed infants' brain and eye development.
Q: How should I decide whether to use a DHA & ARA-supplemented formula?
A: Consult Baby’s doctor about whether to use a DHA & ARA-supplemented formula. Together, you can decide what's best for your baby.
Q: How does GOOD START Gentle compare with breastmilk?
A: Experts agree that breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition and protection for your baby during the first year, and it’s naturally gentle on Baby's developing tummy. While no infant formula ever can replicate breastmilk, the ingredients in GOOD START Gentle are specially designed to try to help achieve some of its benefits.
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GOOD START Gentle, like all GOOD START milk-based formulas, is made with our easy-to-digest 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS
- Gentle 100% whey protein formula empties from Baby's tummy at a rate similar to breastmilk and faster than other routine formulas. This may reduce the potential for spitting up.
- Babies fed GOOD START milk-based formulas may tend to have soft stools similar to those of breastfed babies.
- GOOD START Gentle has DHA & ARA, fatty acids found naturally in breastmilk that help support Baby’s brain and eye development.
Q: Shouldn’t infant formulas contain casein and whey proteins, just like breastmilk?
A: No. It isn’t necessary for formulas to contain both casein and whey proteins. Some formula brands that contain a blend of casein and whey claim that their formulas’ protein composition is similar to that of breastmilk. But it’s important to remember that the casein and whey used in all infant formulas comes from cow's milk—not human milk. While this protein blend in cow's milk is ideal for baby cattle, it’s not designed for human babies. And more important, it doesn’t perform like the human casein and whey found in breastmilk.
No formula can ever replicate breastmilk exactly. However, Nestlé continues to do extensive research with the aim of designing formulas that are similar to breastmilk in composition and, more important, performance. Our COMFORT PROTEINS® and beneficial cultures are specially designed to try to help achieve some of the benefits of breastfeeding for formula-fed babies.
Q: How is GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect different from other formulas that claim immune system support?
A: GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the only older-baby formula that contains beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL, like those found in breastmilk, to help support your baby's healthy immune system.
One way these cultures can help support Baby’s healthy immune system is by increasing levels of key antibodies.
Another way is to help support the natural protective barrier found in Baby’s digestive tract—where 70% of the body’s immune system is found1.
No other formula provides an immune-system support benefit in this way. Like other older-baby formula brands, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect contains both antioxidants and nucleotides—ingredients found naturally in breastmilk that also may help support Baby’s healthy immune system.
Disclaimers/Notes: 1Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby’s digestive tract.
Q: Don’t other brands of formula also have COMFORT PROTEINS®?
A: No. GOOD START milk-based formulas are the only infant formulas that contain COMFORT PROTEINS®. COMFORT PROTEINS are made using our two-step process. We start with 100% whey protein, the highest-quality protein available in infant formula. Unlike the protein blends used in other routine formulas, this gentle protein won't form curds in babies' developing tummies. Then, we take the extra step to break down the whey protein into smaller pieces to be easy to digest. We call them COMFORT PROTEINS, and only GOOD START formulas have them.
Q: Does Nestlé have a formula similar to Nutramigen® LIPIL or Similac Alimentum®?1
A: No. Nutramigen LIPIL and Alimentum are extensively, rather than partially hydrolyzed like GOOD START® formulas. Extensively hydrolyzed specialty formulas are designated "hypoallergenic." They’re not routine formulas and are most often used to treat digestive and allergic problems for babies who are unable to tolerate routine formulas.
GOOD START milk-based formulas with COMFORT PROTEINS® are for general use for all healthy infants. The easy-to-digest gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS® are partially hydrolyzed, or broken down, but not as extensively as in the specialty formulas such as Nutramigen and Alimentum.
Because COMFORT PROTEINS are made from gentle 100% whey protein and are partially broken down, GOOD START formulas may be a good choice instead of the whole-protein-based blends found in other routine formulas like Similac Advance or Enfamil LIPIL, if your Baby’s doctor recommends transitioning away from other routine formulas.
However, if your baby is receiving a specialty formula, it’s absolutely essential to her health that you consult with her doctor before introducing a different formula.
Disclaimers/Notes: 1Nutramigen® LIPIL® and Similac® Alimentum® are registered trademarks owned by entities unrelated to Nestlé.
Q: ¿Hay materials español en el START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center (centro de recursos Start Heathy, Stay Healthy)? (Does the Start Heathy, Stay Healthy Resource Center have materials in Spanish?)
A: Sí. Usted puede llamar este número (1-800-284-9488) o mandarnos un e-mail. (Yes, you can call our Spanish-speaking baby experts toll-free at 1-800-284-9488, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, or contact us via e-mail.)
Q: Do you have a special program for moms of multiples?
A: Nestlé provides a one-time complimentary gift for moms of twins, triplets, and other multiples. We will send you a gift upon receipt of a copy of your babies' birth certificates or a letter from your doctor confirming that you are having or have given birth to multiples. Please call us toll-free for more information at 1-800-284-9488.
Q: Can you take my name off your mailing list?
A: If you registered online at gerber.com to receive mailings from the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center you can easily unsubscribe online by signing in and updating your profile information. You also can call our baby experts toll-free at 1-800-284-9488, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. (Please note that it can take from four to six weeks to process the information, so you may receive one more mailing. But after that you should not receive any more.)