There is a great deal of contemporary interest in toddler formulas. While they remain somewhat obscure and unknown to many new parents, it is worth knowing about these nutritional options so that you might be better able to care for your child. Having the basic facts removed from hype and misinformation is important in any area of child health and development.
If you are a new parent and are keen to learn more about things that might improve the health and well-being of your child, it is always beneficial to have more information. Below we will explore precisely what toddler milks are and what their advantages and disadvantages are over natural milk.
Keep reading for a closer look at toddler formula and to discover why some parents are choosing to give it to their kids over milk.
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Toddler Milk Contains Substances Natural Milk Does Not
Although it might be counterintuitive, toddler milks contain many vitamins and minerals that cannot be found in whole milk, unless this whole milk is fortified with such. These include ample amounts of vitamin D, iron, and DHA fatty acids. While these substances can be consumed by a toddler who is eating solid food, it is unlikely that a milk-based diet alone can provide the level of nutrition needed by a rapidly growing toddler. For this reason, toddler milks can be highly useful.
Toddler milks also come in many different styles and specifications. As there are several variants of toddler milk at your local supermarket, you are sure to find a formulation that is suitable for your child’s unique needs and requirements. For example, if your child has a dairy or gluten intolerance, you are sure to find several brands of formula that will be easily digestible by your toddler. In our contemporary times, there are even vegan and organic toddler milks that might be useful for your family’s lifestyle.
Toddler Milk Can Supplement A Healthy Toddler Diet
It must be said that toddler milks are not strictly necessary when it comes to your toddler’s development. Having said that, however, there are many cases where it can be highly useful.
After a child turns one, many medical associations recommend that toddlers begin to drink whole dairy milk. This is because the fat is necessary for brain and nervous system development. However, toddler milks can be a useful component of a toddler’s healthy diet. If your child is not quite ready to make the leap from breast milk or infant formula directly to whole milk, then toddler milk can be a useful intermediary stepping stone towards that end. Some toddlers will be able to eat basic solid foods, though many will need some encouragement and familiar nutrition for several more months.
Be sure to read the labels of your toddler milks to ensure that your child is receiving all of the nutrition that he or she needs at this critical development stage. In addition, it is important to keep an eye on your toddler’s weight if feeding them with both milks and solid food. Parents should be wary of childhood obesity problems which might manifest themselves if your toddler is receiving too much nutrition in combination with too little activity.
Toddler Formula Is A Healthy Follow-On Option
Toddler milks are often touted to be merely a manufactured marketing need and not something that is truly important for your child’s well-being. However, choosing to feed your child with toddler milk can come with a host of benefits. As with any other major changes in your child’s development, be sure to always consult with a family physician if you have any concerns or questions about your toddler’s health or diet.
