United States: A new clinical report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that no nutritional benefits are found in “formulas” given to toddlers between 6 months and 36 months of age.
“The word toddler formula is misleading,” Ms. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition, and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Florida, commented.
It is widely considered that infant formulas are a nutritionally complete dietary source designed for babies from birth to 12 months and can act as a replacement for infants who cannot get mother’s milk.
“Toddler milk is not the same as infant milk, nor is it necessary for this age group,” Ms. Ferry noted.
For decades, several advertisements have marketed toddler formula as nutritionally beneficial to toddlers, which has been misleading to parents. The new finding aligns with a report the World Health Organization published in 2022 detailing the aggressive digital marketing techniques formula milk companies use to sell their products.
According to a May study published by Nutrition Reviews, many mothers, especially those of Black and Hispanic populations, believe that “toddler milk is more nutritious than cow’s milk.”
“One of our recommendations is to not call them formulas. This is a disservice to children and their parents. It implies a continuum of formula beginning from infancy all the way through 3 or 4 years of age,” Mr. George Fuchs, a pediatric gastroenterologist and lead author of the new AAP report, remarked.
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