Growing Up Milk – Does Your Baby Really Need It?

There is plenty about entering the world of parenthood that can be confusing, especially about what is the best foods to feed our little ones. After all, proper nutrition is quintessential during an infant’s early years to keep them healthy.

If you have a baby that will be a toddler soon, you have probably wondered about follow-up formula and whether it is necessary for your baby or not. In this post, we will be telling you all you need to know about growing up milk.

What is Growing Up Milk (Follow-up Formula)?

According to package labels, follow-on formula is supposed to support the transition from baby formula to solids. Some formulas suitable for months 12+ even promise to fill the gaps in a child’s eating plan.

Before we get into what the experts have to say about growing up milk, you need to understand that there is a difference between infant formula and growing up milk, aka follow-up formula.

The Difference Between Baby Formula And Growing Up Milk

Toddler formula is marketed for kids aged nine months to three years. It is relatively similar to baby formula and mostly consists of powdered milk, vegetable oil, and sweeteners. However, there is one major difference between the two.

Baby formula requirements, composition, and labelling are overseen by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These requirements do not however apply to growing up milk which means the compositions are varied. Some formulas contain more fat, sodium, and sugar than baby formula, meaning it is not healthy to feed to kids.

Why Is Growing Up Milk So Popular?

The availability and promotion of growing up milk and breast milk substitutes has increased significantly over the years. Follow up milk is labelled and marketed as part of a child’s nutritional needs during the first few years of his or her lives, promising all kinds of development benefits. With similar logos, colour schemes and promotional copies appearing on labels of these products, indicating the different development stages, the market for growing milk has seen an alarming rise. 

A major cause of concern is the possible misuse of growing up milk because of ambiguity in branding and labelling, particularly with growing up milk being more affordable than baby formulas. Add on formula does not offer sufficient nutrition for babies during the first year of their lives, however many parents and caregivers are perceiving it to be interchangeable with baby formula 

What Do The Experts Say About Growing Up Milk?

The World Health Organization and Department of Health both make it clear that follow up milks are not necessary and that they have been created by companies to side step the rule of advertising baby formula in the UK. Promoting of, and information about how these products must be used can be confusing for new parents.

Here is what the experts have to say about growing up milk.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization has strong views on the inappropriate promotion of certain foods and food substitutes for babies and toddlers. According to them the optimal infant and toddler feeding is breastfeeding from birth to six months and ongoing until two years or beyond alongside nutritionally suitable and safe supplementary foods from six months.

According to this article (011917_HKI_WHABrief_v3.indd (who.int), promotion of foods for babies and toddlers is not appropriate if it:

• Undermines recommended nursing practices
• Is not contributing towards infant and toddler nutrition in the country
• Undermines the use of nutritional local foods or home prepared meals
• Sends a misleading, confusing or could result in inappropriate use

Direct quote from the article: 

“In May 2016, Member States adopted a new World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution that calls on countries to implement the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidance on Ending the Inappropriate Promotion of Foods for Infants and Young Children to further protect breastfeeding, prevent obesity and chronic disease, and promote a healthy diet. In addition, the guidance aims to ensure that caregivers receive clear and accurate information on feeding”.

NYU College of Global Public Health (NYU GPH)

According to this article (Toddler Formulas and Milks – Not Recommended by Health Experts – Mislead with Health Claims (nyu.edu) , formulas and milks contain labels that are misleading. They are marketed as toddler drinks which might confuse parents into thinking they are healthy or necessary.

Direct quote from the article:

“Our study builds on previous research demonstrating that manufacturers’ marketing practices may undermine the diets of very young children,” said Jennifer L. Pomeranz, JD, MPH, assistant professor of public health policy and management at NYU College of Global Public Health and the study’s lead author”.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The EFSA share similar views of growing up milk than the WHO and NYU GPH as you can see from this article (’Growing-up’ formula: No additional value to a balanced diet, says EFSA | European Food Safety Authority (europa.eu) that was published on the 25th of October 2013.

Direct quote from article: 

“The use of milk-based “growing-up” formula does not bring additional value to a balanced diet in meeting the nutritional requirements of young children in the European Union, EFSA has said. EFSA’s scientific experts could identify “no unique role” for young-child formula (commonly called “growing-up formula”) in the diet of young children (those aged 1-3), concluding that it is no more effective in providing nutrients than other foods that constitute the normal diet of young children. The findings are contained in EFSA’s Scientific Opinion on nutrient requirements and dietary intakes of infants and young children in the European Union, requested by the European Commission”.

Does Your Child Really Need Growing Up Milk?

The answer is no. A toddler does not need toddler formula for healthy development or nutrition. Until your baby turns one, the best milk he or she needs is breastmilk or stage one baby formula. After your little one’s first birthday, all the necessary nutrients he or she needs should be derived from his or her foods.

You can continue with nursing, or give them full fat cow’s milk. Growing milk might promise to provide additional nutrients, however cow’s milk still is the best option for your child. Many parents who have toddlers that are fussy eaters, are concerned about whether their children are getting the essential nutrients for healthy development. It’s only natural that they want to give their child the best possible options. Instead of giving them growing up milk, rather give them a vitamin supplement that contains vitamins A, C, and D.

Why Is Cow’s Milk Essential for Toddlers?

Whatever your children drinks play an essential role in their overall health, and nowadays, parents have more choices than ever before. You will find a vast variety of options in the milk sections of your local supermarkets, including dairy substitutes. While this is useful for families with food intolerances and allergies, it can also make it harder to know which milk is the best option for your child.

Dairy milk offer vital nutrients which is beneficial for healthy development and growth, including:

• Quality protein
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Phosphorus

Many kids have low levels of Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that is naturally produced from exposure to the sun. Kids with a vitamin D deficiency, particularly during their younger years, are sometimes prone to developing  a condition called rickets. This condition impedes growth and causes softening of the bones. Cow’s milk is the best way to help replenish vitamin D and plays a predominant role in keeping children healthy.

How Much Milk Does A Child Need for Healthy Development?

Full fat milk or water are the most suitable drinks to give to your toddler. You can also give him or her fruit juice, but make sure it is diluted well (ten parts water and one part juice) and it must only be offered with meals.

Cow’s milk must only be given to a baby after one year. When a child starts drinking milk, the best option is normal, pasteurized milk. Full fat milk is recommended for kids younger than two years, unless low fat milk is recommended due to a family history of obesity or heart disease.

Each child’s nutritional needs is not the same, however these are the recommended amounts of milk for supporting healthy growth and development in children:

• Newborns (0-12 months) – baby formula or breast milk on demand.
• 12-24 months – two to three cups of full fat dairy milk per day.
• 2-3 Years – Up to two cups of low-fat or skimmed dairy milk per day.
• 4-8 Years – Up to two and a half cups of low-fat or skimmed dairy milk per day.
• 9-18 Years – Up to three cups of low-fat or skimmed dairy milk per day.

 When you child is diagnosed with a milk allergy, or has an issue with digesting lactose (sugar content in milk), or has any other dietary restrictions, it is best to talk to your pediatrician or registered dietician about the best options to provide your child with the necessary nutrients for them to stay healthy.

 Conclusion

We hope this post about growing up milk has provided you with answers to the questions that you might have had about follow up milk and the nutrition requirements for children over one years old. According to the experts, your child does not need growing up milk and should get the required nutrients from his or her diet. 

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