No, Babies Don’t Need “baby Milk”
Your baby can prepare to stop using breast milk and / or formula. You may be wondering how to switch to cow’s milk or some other kind of “milk”. You may suddenly spot cans in the formula aisle labeled Organic Baby Milk Powder or Toddler Nutritious Drink, and promises that they will help your toddler’s brain develop through “balanced nutrition.” You may ask, “Hmm, does my baby need this milk for toddlers?” The answer is no.
You know who wants you to think that powdered milk replacer is the best way to feed your baby, even if he’s the age when cow’s milk is okay? Formula companies, of course. The Atlantic reports :
According to the World Health Organization , infant milk is the fastest growing category of breast milk substitutes and is now available in grocery stores and on websites like Amazon. But baby food experts say this milk is expensive, unnecessary, and possibly even unhealthy. Although milk for toddlers can cost four times as much as cow’s milk, the drink is made up mostly of milk powder, corn syrup, and vegetable oil. As a result, the researchers say it contains less protein per serving than cow’s milk, and added sugar that is not found in cow’s milk.
Evidence shows that American toddlers are already drinking too many sugary drinks; the recommended level is absent . Experts say that claims that formula companies are making about infant milk – that it promotes healthy brain growth or supports digestive health – are dubious at best .
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that two drinks are best for children over one year old – water and cow’s milk. See:
Formula companies often sell their “baby milk” to parents of picky eaters who may be concerned that their young children are not getting the nutrients they need. But the added sugar in a drink can actually teach a child to prefer less nutritious drinks, which is not good for their long-term health.
Here’s what the AAP specifically says about the nutritional value of milk for toddlers: “Infant milk, often marketed by formula companies as a ‘transitional’ to giving up breast milk or formula, is unnecessary and potentially harmful to young babies. These foods contain added sugar and can fill a baby’s stomach, so he or she doesn’t want healthier foods. ”
If your toddler has a dairy allergy or milk intolerance, you may want to consider plant-based options . However, before choosing the best option for your family, you should always check with your pediatrician.