The Difference Between Toddler Formula And Natural Milk
If you are starting a family, the nutrition and healthy growth of your children is likely one of your highest priorities. In this regard, as children start to grow, it can be difficult to know how feeding time needs to change and how to go about it. Toddlers, in particular, can be a difficult demographic to know how to feed.
There is a great deal of talk about toddler formula and whether it is merely a marketing gimmick or if it offers a beneficial alternative to natural milk. In fact, there are a number of differences between toddler formula and natural milk of which every new parent should be aware.
If you would like to educate yourself a little more on the difference between toddler formula and natural milk, keep reading to learn the essential points.
What Is A Toddler Milk?
Toddler milk is often considered a “follow-up” milk to infant formula. It essentially offers an intermediary between whole milk and infant formula to make a gradual transition to natural milk. However, it is still comprised of similar ingredients such as powdered milk and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Naturally, it is aimed at the toddler demographic which is considered to be any child who is aged twelve months or older.
Who Needs Toddler Formula?
It is always best to consult with your family doctor before making changes to your child’s diet. Having said that, while toddlers can often handle natural milk, toddler formula is highly useful in a variety of situations. For example, if your toddler is a picky eater, then trying some variant of toddler formula may be the right choice for you.
Due to their added nutritional value, toddler formulas can also be helpful for toddlers who have unique dietary requirements. For example, if you are practising veganism and want to extend this lifestyle choice to your child in a healthy way, you can easily find a range of toddler milks that can help to provide your child with a well-balanced diet.
How Does Toddler Formula Compare With Natural Milk?
Toddler formulas have the advantage of being fortified with more minerals and vitamins than natural milk. These generally include iron, vitamin D, and the fatty acid DHA. All of these are required for the healthy development of your child. Helpfully, contemporary toddler formulas often contain pre- and probiotics which can significantly benefit your child’s digestive system.
Toddler milks usually contain a greater amount of calcium and phosphorous. This is to match the levels of these minerals found in whole milk and is highly useful for promoting the healthy development of your child. If you choose to use toddler formulas, make sure to carefully read the labels so that you can be confident that it is appropriate for your child. Different nutritional profiles can be beneficial or unnecessarily expensive depending on the needs of your toddler.
A Healthy Toddler Is A Happy Toddler
While toddler formula may not be strictly necessary if your child is willing to drink natural cow’s milk, toddler formulas can be extremely helpful in particular circumstances such as a fussy eater or a particular dietary requirement. Regardless of how you choose to feed your child, make sure that your toddler also gets a fair amount of their nutrition from solid foods after the age of twelve months. Overall, your toddler should have a diet that is full of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Remember to periodically check with your family doctor to ensure that your child is growing properly and has all of the nutrition they need.
