Baby milk on holiday in France
Baby milk in France can be different, perhaps thicker than formulas in
the UK. There are very few baby milk brands available in the UK
that are also available in France, but alternatives can be found.
You are advised to check the contents of any milk or food product before
giving to your baby. There are mineral
waters available suitable for making up bottles. Baby
juice is also available. To be fully ready
for your supermarket experience, have a look at our
information on supermarket opening times,
trolleys and bag policies.| In the UK: | In France: | Buy it from: |
| Aptamil | Milupa | Carrefour (stage 2 onwards only) |
| Cow and gate | Not known to be available | |
| Heinz | Not known to be available | |
| Hipp | Hipp | Carrefour |
| SMA | Not known to be available | |
| Others baby milk brands available in France: | ||
| Babybio | Pharmacies | |
| Blédilait | Carrefour, Intermarche | |
| Enfamil | Pharmacies | |
| Gallia | Intermarche, Pharmacies | |
| Guigoz | Carrefour, Intermarche | |
| Modilac | Intermarche | |
| Nestle Nidal | Carrefour, Intermarche | |
| Nutricia | Carrefour, Pharmacies | |
Water and Other drinks
The tap water in France is safe to drink, though may taste different to that in the UK and different mineral make ups that you or your baby are not used to can cause mild stomach upsets. If you use mineral water, use a low sodium one. Look for types low in sodium or Na on the analysis box on the bottle.Baby juice or Jus in French are available from brands such as blédina (a Danone brand) and Nestle.
Using French Supermarkets
Supermarket opening hours are varied. Watch out for supermarkets closing either all day or part of the day on Sunday, lunchtimes and bank holidays. Supermarkets don't tend to be open late into the evening so do bear this in mind if you need food or milk for your baby as soon as you arrive.You will often need a euro or 50 cents coin to use a trolley. Most supermarkets have trolleys with baby seats.
When buying fruit and veg, you'll find that some items will be ready priced and others require bagging and weighing, either on self service scales or hand them to a centrally placed assistant who weighs them. You will be required to wear the plastic disposable gloves provided when picking up your fruit and vegetables.
Many shops now do not provide free plastic carriers so you need to buy a 'bag for life' or take your own with you.