A lot of parents already know which kind of formula they will give their baby, but what happens when your child reaches the toddler stage?

Even though most children can switch to regular milk without much worry at twelve months, there are some exceptions to the rule.

When Should My Toddler Use Formula Instead Of Milk?

Not every child develops as fast, so some may not be able to digest regular milk at twelve months. If your child is showing digestive distress with regular milk, a toddler formula could be the better option.

During childhood, it is not uncommon for children to encounter problems with digestion. There can be a number of reasons for that, ranging from sensitivity to certain ingredients to an underdeveloped digestive system. Toddler formulas are especially formulated for the sensitive tummy of toddlers, which could make it the advised choice.

The transition from formula to regular milk is not always easy either. Some children can be really fussy, so there are parents who choose toddler formula temporarily. In those cases, they can switch to regular milk gently, without toddlers missing out on vital nutrients such as calcium.

There can be another reason why parents choose to continue the use of toddler formula. Many parents already know that some children can be incredibly fussy eaters. As soon as they hit six months, it can be a struggle to get them to eat certain foods.

If calcium-rich foods are a problem for your little one, some toddler formula could help to fill that gap once your child is twelve months old. Problems during the solid food stage are not uncommon and usually pass. Of course, there are some cases that can last a little longer, which can be worrisome for the parents in question.

When in doubt about your toddler’s development or their eating habits, you can also obtain advice from a licensed midwife or a medical professional. Even though it is usually nothing to worry about, there are some underlying medical conditions that could cause a problem during the solid food stage, or with the digestion of regular milk overall.

Evidently, it is best to rule out those problems before you attempt any further measures.

Which Toddler Formula Is Best?

Toddler formulas are made from a variety of dairy and non-dairy sources these days, so it can be difficult for parents to make out which one is best for their little one. Despite the large amount of choice, there is one type of formula that scores quite well across the board, namely goat’s milk toddler formula.

Goat’s milk formula for toddlers has proven to be extremely beneficial for digestion; this since goat’s milk is an outstanding source of prebiotic oligosaccharides, also known under the name natural prebiotics.

Natural prebiotics perform a variety of functions once they are ingested. They travel to the large intestine and function as a food source for the healthy gut bacteria that aid digestion. They also absorb water, which makes any stool coming through the large intestine softer and a little easier to pass. Therefore, toddlers who struggle with constipation and cramping could benefit greatly from having more natural prebiotics in their diet.

Goat’s milk toddler formula is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. In fact, regular goat’s milk contains more calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C compared to normal cow’s milk. This benefit also translates to any formula made from goat’s milk.

Is Toddler Formula The Same Thing As Infant Formula?

The principle of formula may be the same, but the contents will be different. As your child grows and develops, (s)he will need different amounts of certain nutrients. For example, a six-month-old infant will need a different amount of nutrients compared to a one-year-old toddler.

Toddler formulas are created to give your toddler everything (s)he needs to help support their existing diet to ensure proper growth and development, while infant formula has been developed to be nutritionally complete and can be the sole source of your infants nutrition

To ensure you have the right formula for the age of your little one, always refer to the label on your formula or to the website of the formula manufacturer. Formula manufacturers usually provide various products; this goes from infant formula all the way to toddler formula and milk drinks. Therefore, it is important to check the age range before you make a purchase.

How did you choose the best formula for your little one? SHARE WITH US in the comments below.