Do Toddler Formulas Deliver on Nutrition Claims?

Once babies are a year old, those who have been drinking infant formula don’t need it anymore. By that age, they can and should get most of their nutritional needs met by solid foods. Drinking cow’s milk, or a fortified plant milk such as soy milk, is perfectly fine. And honestly, they don’t even need that much of it.

A 2023 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) looked closely at what toddlers actually need for healthy growth and development and toddler milks didn’t make the cut. Here are a few key takeaways for parents.

Is Toddler Formula More Nutritious Than Milk?

No. But for some parents, it feels odd and uncomfortable to stop formula and give cow’s milk. They feel like formula is more nutritious and maybe even more easily digested. That may not be surprising: a lot of marketing money has encouraged people to think this way.

So it’s understandable that some parents turn to formulas marketed for toddlers. It’s especially understandable given the claims that formula companies make about the nutritional advantages of toddler formula. You may have seen or bought these products marketed purely as “follow-up formulas,” “transition formulas,” or “growing-up milks.” These formulas do not have a medical purpose. They simply help companies keep the customers they would otherwise lose once babies turn a year old.

Not only are toddler formulas unnecessary, some of them are actually worse than cow’s milk. That’s the main message shared by the AAP, which hopes to help parents understand what older infants and toddlers actually need and see through the marketing claims.

Do Some Toddlers Need Specialized Formulas?

Yes. Just to be clear, I am not talking about specialized formulas for children over 12 months who have digestive, metabolic, or other medical problems.

Are Toddler Formulas Regulated in Any Way?

No. Because infant formulas must meet all the nutritional requirements of babies less than 12 months of age, they are regulated by the FDA. The FDA has requirements about what they must and must not contain, and it makes sure that the facilities where infant formulas are made are regularly inspected.

This is not true of toddler formulas. They are not regulated, and not required to prove any of the claims they make about their nutritional benefits.

What Might Make a Toddler Formula Unhealthy?

Given the lack of regulation, it’s not surprising that there is wide variation in the composition of toddler formulas. But what is particularly worrisome, says the AAP, is that some of these products are actually unhealthy. They may have too little or too much protein, or have added sweeteners. These added sweeteners can build a child’s “sweet tooth” and set them on the path to obesity.

Additionally, toddler formulas are more expensive than cow’s milk, creating a financial burden for families one that is definitely not worth it.

Is Your Toddler’s Diet Healthy?

Instead of reaching for a toddler formula, try to take a broader look at your child’s diet. Toddlers should eat from the same healthy food groups we all need. This includes:

• Fruits and vegetables: These should make up a significant portion of your child’s diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Whole grains: Foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal are excellent sources of fiber and nutrients.
• Protein: This can come from meat, fish, beans, and nut butters, which are crucial for growth and development.
• Dairy or dairy substitutes: These should be fortified with calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.

Limit added sugars, and after age 2, try to limit less-healthy fats in the child’s diet as well. The best way to build healthy lifetime habits is to start early, and this is particularly true of nutrition.

The Marketing of Toddler Formulas

The marketing strategies employed by companies that produce toddler formulas are powerful and persuasive. They often capitalize on parents’ desires to provide the best for their children, implying that these formulas offer superior nutrition compared to cow’s milk or a balanced diet of solid foods. Labels may boast added nutrients like DHA, prebiotics, and probiotics, which can make these products seem like a necessary continuation of infant formula.

However, it’s important for parents to critically evaluate these claims. Many of the nutrients advertised are also available through a balanced diet of whole foods, which additionally offers the benefits of fiber and other micronutrients not found in formula.

Practical Tips for Transitioning Off Formula

Transitioning from infant formula to a diet based on solid foods and cow’s milk (or a suitable alternative) can be seamless with the right approach. Here are some practical tips:

Gradual Transition: Gradually replace bottles of formula with cups of milk during meals. This can help your child get used to the new taste and texture.

Balanced Meals: Ensure that your child’s meals include a variety of foods from all food groups. This will help them get all the necessary nutrients.

Healthy Snacks: Offer healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt instead of processed snacks high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

Hydration: Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Family Meals: Eating together as a family can model healthy eating habits and make mealtimes enjoyable.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Parents who have concerns about their child’s nutrition or who are unsure about the best way to transition off formula should consult their pediatrician or a registered dietitian. These professionals can provide personalized advice and reassurance, helping to ensure that the child’s dietary needs are met in a balanced and healthy way.

While toddler formulas are heavily marketed as a beneficial and necessary product for young children’s continued growth and development, they are not only unnecessary but can also be detrimental to a child’s health. Understanding the true nutritional needs of toddlers and providing a balanced diet of whole foods is essential. Parents should be wary of marketing claims and prioritize natural, unprocessed food sources to meet their children’s nutritional needs. Consulting with healthcare professionals can further ensure that children receive the best possible nutrition during these critical years of growth and development.