Toddler Formula Raises Concerns and Confusion

Toddler Formula Raises Concerns and Confusion
Toddler formulas are often used by parents to fill in nutritional gaps while transitioning their children to table foods.ravipat/Shutterstock
Updated:

Formula for toddlers is a burgeoning business in the United States. Sales of the drinks more than doubled in recent years as companies convinced parents that their little ones needed the liquid boost. But many experts warn that these products, designed for children aged 1 to 3, fill no nutritional needs beyond what is available in a typical toddler diet, are subject to less regulation than infant formula, and are expensive.

In addition, some parents feed the toddler versions to infants even though they don’t meet federal standards for infant formula and may not provide babies with adequate nutrients to sustain their growth.

Christina Szalinski
Christina Szalinski
Author
Freelance science writer and journalist from Philadelphia, covering medical research, health, and life sciences.
Related Topics