Feeding FAQ: 18-24 months – Other

I have an 18-month old boy who eats quite well and drinks water and milk. I try to feed him all the healthiest food, as I know how important it is. I’ve seen the advertisements for toddler milks – should I be giving these to him, rather than regular cows’ milk?

‘Toddler milks’ are marketed as being nutritionally superior to cows’ milk, and it is true that they contain a wider range of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, particularly iron. However, this does not mean that they are a necessity. Younger babies need breastmilk or a formula that meets all of their nutritional requirements, including vitamins and protein, because they are not getting any – or much – other nutrition from solids. Beyond the age of one, however, children usually get the vast majority of their nutrition from solids. So long as they generally eat the recommended amounts from each of the food groups and are growing normally, the only nutrients most will require from milk are those found in cows’ milk and other dairy foods: protein, calcium and vitamin B2. Another thing some toddler milks do contain, which cows’ milk doesn’t, is added sugar. While this will certainly encourage a child to drink the toddler milk, it could potentially lead to a taste for sweet drinks.

There may be a place for toddler milk or follow-on formulas for children who are fussy eaters, have a very poor appetite, or are not growing at the usual rate, but it sounds as though your son is eating well. Parents who are concerned about their child’s diet could consult The Contented Child’s Food Bible for more guidance, particularly on iron-rich foods. Do bear in mind that toddler milk or formulas are a lot more expensive than cows’ milk, and simply offering cows’ milk with a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may be a suitable and cheaper alternative. I’d recommend that parents who feel there may be a problem with their child’s growth or food intake discuss this, and the use of supplements or of toddler milks for children over the age of one, with their GP or health visitor.