Is Toddler Formula a Waste of Money?
While it is widely recognized that infants who are not breastfed should be given formula until twelve months, the landscape changes after the first year. Breastmilk remains important well into the second year and beyond, and the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least two years.
In the second year, breastfeeding has a very different role to that of other milks. - much more than source of nutrients
However, the need for formula diminishes as your baby starts consuming a variety of solid foods. By twelve months, babies can transition to full-fat cows’ milk, which can be incorporated into a healthy diet alongside other dairy products. Only 250mls of dairy per day is necessary to fulfill their nutritional needs. While formula provides essential nutrients for infants, cow's milk can adequately support a toddler's growth and development once they reach the one-year mark.
Moreover, the nutritional composition of cows’ milk differs from human milk, particularly in terms of growth and immune factors that are unique to each. These elements cannot be replicated in formula produced in a factory. This raises the question of whether such products are truly essential for toddlers who can obtain adequate nutrition from whole foods and cow's milk.
In the current cost of living crisis parents may want to evaluate whether continuing to purchase toddler formula post-one year is necessary or if transitioning to cow's milk and a well-rounded diet is a suitable and cost-effective alternative for their child's nutritional needs.
Choice rejects toddler formula: The Australian Consumer watchdog warns against toddler formula, stating that advertising serves as covert promotion for infant formula.
“A toddler can get as much as 40.8g of sugar a day from toddler milk drinks alone if following suggested servings. That’s 1.24kg – or 310 teaspoons – of sugar a month”
What are the recommendations?
In 1986, the World Health Organization declared that providing infants with follow-on milks, also known as Stage 2 or 3 (toddler formula), is 'not necessary'. This message has been consistently reiterated by WHO for nearly four decades. Around the world, toddler milk makes up nearly half of total formula milk sales, with a 200% growth since 2005
In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) states “special complementary foods or milks for toddlers are not required”.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), toddler "formulas" promoted as nutritious drinks for older infants or preschoolers in the USA are generally unnecessary and nutritionally incomplete. The AAP's new clinical report titled "Older Infant-Young Child 'Formulas'" highlights that these drinks lack standardization or regulatory oversight for children aged 6-36 months. The marketing practices endorsing these products are also considered questionable by the AAP.
Public Health Association of Australia states that Dr. Paul Gardiner, President of the Queensland Branch, attributes the marketing of formulas to parental guilt and emotions, making it challenging for parents to resist purchasing these products for their children.
Australian expert Dr. Karleen Gribble writes: “In Australia, moves to curb how toddler milk is promoted have gone nowhere. Toddler milk is in a category of foods that are allowed to be fortified (to have vitamins and minerals added), with no marketing restrictions. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission also has concerns about the rise of toddler milk marketing. Despite this, there is no change in how it’s regulated.”
Is Toddler Formula Just Exploiting Parents' Vulnerability?
Many parents believe that toddler formula is beneficial for their child beyond twelve months, citing reasons such as their toddler enjoying it, ease of supplementation, and potential concerns about picky eating. While these reasons seem justified, it's crucial to question whether the cost justifies a product that essentially contains powdered milk with added supplements.
According to Deakin University nutrition researcher Jennifer McCann, the toddler milk category has seen significant growth over the last two decades. The market is now valued at billions of dollars globally and is expanding rapidly. McCann stated that around 30% of toddlers in Australia regularly consume toddler milk. She also noted that there has been an almost 200% increase in market growth over the past decade.
Although the nutrition facts on toddler formula may appear promising, showcasing various essential nutrients, the ingredient list is where the truth lies. Discovering that components are sourced from sources like fungus and algae can be quite surprising. For parents who prioritize fresh, locally sourced, and wholesome foods, the idea of feeding synthetic or unregulated nutrients to their baby may give them pause.
Most one-year-old toddlers tend to be selective about their food choices, preferring familiar and enjoyable options in small, frequent servings. While this behavior can be exasperating for parents, providing a variety of healthy foods is crucial. It's important to remember that healthy eating habits should be cultivated early on, and children won't suffer from malnutrition due to typical picky eating behaviors.
Instead of relying on toddler formula to supplement a child's diet, encouraging a balanced and nutritious meal plan can nurture good eating habits. Over-reliance on formula can hinder a child's appetite for solid foods, potentially leading to difficulties transitioning away from formula feeds in the future.
