The first year of your little one’s life is brimming with exciting discoveries and milestones. And that’s when many questions are similar to those asked by every other parent out there. What and when to feed your fussy little one? How to transition between the stages? When to start night weaning? Should you switch to a Stage 3 milk drink or regular milk?
While there seems to be an average age for each product and recommendation, the right solution is the one that’s nutritionally appropriate for your child to support their growth, activity and development.
Compared to earlier stages, toddler milk Stage 3 milk drink can help babies feel more satiated and are curated to meet the nutritional needs and increased energy demands of children aged 10 months to 3 years.
In an ideal world, essential nutrients would come from a healthy, balanced diet, but toddlers are picky eaters when transitioning to solid foods. Stage 3 milk drink are meant to aid this transition, being optimal for nutritional support and covering any gaps in the child’s diet. So, they should be considered dietary supplements for proper nourishment, physical growth, digestion and immune system boost.
Is a Stage 3 milk drink necessary?
The litter one’s progress, weight gain, individual needs and digestive system development at the age of 10 months differ, and no children are alike. If yours is an enthusiastic eater who enjoys a variety of meals and textures, you can transition to whole milk, which is a traditional physician-approved option. Just make sure to start by introducing it in small quantities for a gentle transition while weaning your little human off the milk drink.
However, it may take longer for your child’s digestive system to mature and adjust to a mixed diet (up to 2 years). Becoming more reliant on solids and nutrient-dense foods isn’t a smooth process for everyone and may be particularly challenging due to:
- Late teething
- Picky eating
- Sensitive stomach
- Food allergies
Stage 3 milk drinkcan help here. They are regulated to provide essential nutrients, ARA, DHA and healthy gut bacteria while improving your child’s vitamin and Omega-6 levels.
Finding the right answers
When entering toddler years, common considerations boil down to night weaning, introducing new foods and switching to whole milk or Stage 3 milk drink. But remember: there’s no ‘right’ age for any of this, and toddlers who continue feeding at night may not be willing to consume enough food during the day. That’s why you should call the shots based on what’s best for your bundle of joy.
In all your ifs and whens, you should be guided by the recommendations of an expert based on the individual needs and progress of your little human. Consult your pediatrician to consider changes to your child’s diet or milk drink.
Stage 3 milk drink are a convenient nutritional boost if you have concerns about your little one getting enough from their regular meals. That said, they can’t substitute a healthy diet, only serving as an excellent complement to balance it and avoid deficiencies when transitioning to solids.