In the ever-expanding array of baby products, the toddler drink aisle has become a distinct feature, raising questions about their necessity and efficacy. Unlike infant formulas or prescribed nutritional supplements, these beverages, often labeled as toddler milks or nutrition drinks, cater to children aged 12 to 36 months. Pediatric dietitian Jennifer Hyland sheds light on the nature of these products and whether they merit the attention and expenditure they receive.
Defining Toddler Drinks: A Transition or a Redundancy?
Toddler drinks, essentially powdered products marketed by baby formula companies, target children in the transition phase from breast or formula feeding to solid foods. Despite their specific branding, they differ significantly from medically prescribed nutritional supplements for children. Unlike the latter, toddler drinks are not pre-mixed and flavored, and they don’t serve the same purpose in promoting growth. Pediatric dietitian Jennifer Hyland emphasizes that the claims of these being “transitional drinks” are unsubstantiated, particularly for developmentally neurotypical children.
Expert Insights and Lack of Scientific Support
Hyland dismisses the notion that toddler drinks are necessary for developmentally typical children, stating unequivocally, “There is no literature to support the claim that toddler milks are necessary or warranted for a developmentally neurotypical child.” She emphasizes that after the age of 1, most children can fulfill their nutritional needs through a well-balanced diet comprising whole milk, fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and healthy fats. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) echoes this sentiment in their 2023 report, asserting that toddler drinks offer no nutritional advantage over a diet including human or cow milk and have no specific role in the routine care of healthy children.
