Toddler Formula: The Ultimate Guide


By: Suzanne Renee' - January 29, 2024  - 11 Minute Read

Toddler Formula: The Ultimate Guide | The Milky Box

Once a child reaches 12 months of age, many parents stop breastfeeding or giving them formula milk. However, as the child grows, parents may contemplate whether to continue with formula milk or switch to a toddler formula.


This article aims to answer all your questions about toddler formula and assist you in deciding whether to move on to the next stage in the European line. Moreover, the post will help you find the best toddler formula milk by providing detailed guidelines on what to look for and avoid.

What Is Toddler Formula?

Toddler formula, also known as growing-up, follow-up, transitional, or toddler milk, is designed for older infants and toddlers transitioning from baby formula to a balanced whole-food diet.


If your child is over 12 months old and has specific nutritional needs, a toddler formula could be a good option, especially if you choose a high-quality product that contains additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.


Compared to baby formula, a good-quality toddler formula should have higher levels of certain nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

What is Toddler Formula? | The Milky Box

Why is 12 Months the Rule of Thumb to Stop Infant Formula?

Switching from infant formula to whole milk or toddler formula is recommended after your baby reaches 12 months. Transitioning earlier than this can increase the risk of intestinal bleeding.


Whole milk and toddler formula contains more proteins and minerals that may be difficult for your baby's kidneys to handle. Moreover, they may not provide the necessary balance of nutrients your baby needs to develop at this stage.

Breastfeeding After 12 Months

If you are breastfeeding, you can continue to do so until both you and your child are ready to wean. Breast Milk provides optimal nutrition for your child and offers numerous benefits for their overall health and development. 

Who May Benefit from Toddler Formula

When deciding whether or not to choose a Toddler Formula for your child, it is essential to consider their unique needs and circumstances. Toddler Formula is usually recommended for children transitioning from breast or infant formula to a balanced whole-food diet. This is because it provides additional nutrients and vitamins for the child's growth and development during this critical stage.


Additionally, some toddlers may have special dietary requirements or health concerns, making formula a better option than regular cow's milk. Therefore, before deciding, consulting with your medical provider and considering your child's specific needs and circumstances is recommended.

Picky Eaters  

It's no secret that toddlers can be notoriously picky regarding food. This can make the already difficult task of transitioning them to new foods even more challenging for both you and your little one. As a parent, it's only natural to worry about whether your toddler gets all the nutrients they need during these times of change.

Children with Food Allergies 

It was previously believed that milk allergy is outgrown in early childhood. However, recent studies have shown that food allergies may take longer to outgrow. As a result, children with food allergies may need to continue with formula as a supplement to their restricted diet even after turning one year old.

Delayed in Eating Solid Foods 

It's essential to introduce solid foods at the right time. Generally, babies start showing signs that they're ready for solid foods around six months. If your baby doesn't try to pick up food or cries when a spoon is offered, it may not be ready yet


It's best to supplement their meals with toddler formula in such cases. This will ensure they get all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.

Who May Benefit from Toddler Formula | The Milky Box

Advantages of Toddler Formula

Let's discover European Toddler Formula's incredible versatility and invaluable benefits in meeting your child's health goals beyond 12 months.

Introducing Solid Foods

Transitioning from infant formula to solid foods for your growing child can be challenging. Toddlers eat less and often have an unbalanced diet, making providing all the necessary nutrients for healthy development difficult.


The good news is that European Toddler Formulas are available in different stages to assist growing children in obtaining the nutrition they require. Each powdered milk has the appropriate balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D to support even the most selective eater.


If you're worried that your child isn't eating enough solid foods, the formula can provide most of the nutrition they need while you encourage healthy habits and a balanced diet within the family.

Toddlers Who Have Cow's Milk Sensitivity

Approximately one in ten young children is estimated to experience a reaction after consuming cow's milk. Either lactose intolerance or milk allergy may cause such reactions. It is important to note that milk allergy is more common than lactose intolerance in children under five.


European Toddler formula without dairy can be an excellent option for families seeking an alternative to dairy-based toddler milk. This formula provides all the necessary nutrition, like milk-based toddler milk, without unwanted soy or sugars commonly found in most over-the-counter vegan milk options.

Toddlers With Failure to Thrive

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a medical condition commonly used to describe toddlers who have failed to develop and grow normally. It can cause concern among parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, as it can indicate that a child is not getting the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.


FTT occurs when a child either does not receive enough calories or is unable to properly use the calories given, which can result in inadequate growth or weight gain over time. This can be due to various factors, including underlying medical conditions, feeding difficulties, or insufficient caloric intake.


To address this condition, toddler formula can be a valuable nutritional supplement. It is designed to provide essential micronutrients critical for toddlers' healthy growth and development, including iron, DHA, and zinc. These micronutrients are often lacking in cow's milk and other alternatives, making toddler formula an ideal way to ensure that toddlers receive the necessary nutrients to prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote healthy growth.

Benefits of Toddler Formula | The Milky Box

How Is Toddler Formula Different from Infant Formula?

As infants grow and develop, their bodies require different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth and development. Consequently, providing them with the appropriate nutrition is critical at each developmental stage. 


Following the European baby formula stages, specifically designed to cater to the unique nutritional needs of each age group, is crucial in ensuring that babies receive the appropriate nutrients needed for their growth and development.

Infant Formula vs. Toddler Formula 

European formulas are designed to meet infants' and toddlers' developmental, nutritional, and age-related requirements. These formulas are divided into stages of growth: for newborns, infants older than six months, and toddlers older than 12 months.


While infant formula provides all the essential nutrients required for healthy growth, toddler formula can help bridge the nutritional gaps in your toddler's diet, especially if they are picky eaters. However, it's important to note that toddler formula is not intended to replace a toddler's diet entirely but to supplement it. A qualified medical practitioner should guide the transition to a regular diet.

Infant formula vs Toddler formula | The Milky Box

How Much Toddler Formula Does a Baby Need?

Toddler formula should be viewed as an addition to a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of age-appropriate healthy and nutrient-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy sources of protein, and whole grains.


It's worth noting that unlike infant formula or breast milk, which babies need to consume frequently, toddler formula doesn't require as much consumption. At this stage, toddlers should primarily eat solid foods, with formula as a supplement.

feeding chart 12 to 24 months | The Milky Box

Toddler Feeding Tips

As your child grows and develops, it becomes necessary to transition from formula or breast milk to toddler milk. This can be a significant change for your little one, but it can be a successful and smooth process with careful planning and gradual introduction. 


Choosing the correct type of toddler's milk appropriate for your child's age and nutritional needs is essential. With patience and consistency, you can help your child adjust to the new taste, texture, and routine of toddler's milk, ensuring they continue to receive the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Transition to Cup

Transitioning from a bottle to a cup is an essential child development milestone. Not only does it encourage independent drinking skills, but it also positively impacts their dental health. When a child drinks from a bottle for too long, it can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems. 


By switching to a cup, the child learns to sip and swallow without sucking, which promotes better oral health. Additionally, drinking from a cup helps a child develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Moving from a bottle to a cup is crucial to a child's growth and development.

Say Goodbye to the Bottle | The Milky Box

Formula Recommendations for Toddlers

Top-quality European Toddler Formulas are obtained through organic farming practices. Each brand utilizes natural fertilizers and sustainable farming methods, avoiding synthetic chemicals or GMOs to ensure your child's formula is free from harmful substances.


These expertly crafted formulas are designed to provide your child's body with the necessary digestive support as they grow. The carefully sourced natural ingredients ensure your child receives the best nutrition. Proper nutrition is essential for your child's development; each formula is tailored to meet their unique needs. 


European Toddler Formulas are designed to help your child thrive, supporting healthy digestion and promoting overall well-being.

Organic Toddler Formula chart | The Milky Box

The Best Toddler Formula

Toddlers are known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm. As they grow and explore the world, they must receive a balanced diet to support their developing bodies and minds.


European Toddler Formula offers a comprehensive nutritional solution for your child, providing a perfect balance of nutrients to help them grow and flourish during their transition to solid foods. Made with pure, organically derived ingredients, you can be confident that your child receives only the best nutrition.


At The Milky Box, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality nutrition for your child from the moment they are born through their toddler years. Our mission is to take the stress out of feeding your child so you can focus on what truly matters—watching them grow and thrive. 


We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life and are committed to supporting you in achieving that goal.

Disclaimer:


Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.


Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.


Suzanne Renee' is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in the area of infant nutrition, dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of children. She started this journey as a foster parent. Suzanne has emerged as a strong proponent of the European baby formula and has become a full time writer of the subject. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking and going to church.

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Reviewed by Dr. Eric Wood, ND, MA

Dr. Wood is a licensed naturopathic doctor, with a doctorate degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Canada. He received his post-graduation certification in Mind Body Medicine at Harvard University.


With 15 years of experience, Dr. Wood is an Associate Professor of Holistic Nutrition at the American College of Health Sciences in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Wood is an educator, clinician, author, media figure, consultant, and owns his own holistic (naturopathic) medical practice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Wood is currently researching and drafting books on cancer and pediatrics.


Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Wood loves singing with the Miami Lyric Opera and is an avid musician in South Florida. He also loves spending time with his wife and kids.