Is Toddler Formula like Enfagrow Nessecary?

I haven't even asked my doctor, and I don't think I'm going to... you know why? Because ALL of us survived on regular milk after a year. The reason people didn't have as many allergies back then? Well, they did, but no one was running around getting allergy tests the way people do now. It's kind of ridiculous that we buy into big business because 'someone said it's better'. WHATEVER. My first 2 kiddos did JUST FINE switching from formula to milk at a year, and I didn't have to go switching up their formulas and confusing their poor little digestive systems. You and I both didn't have any special 'next step' formula... how did we ever make it without that?! LOL... I think, as long as I continue to give my kids daily vitamins, healthy meals, sunshine, and lots of activity... they'll be okay without me spending a boatload of extra money every month on something that, in my eyes, is completely un-necessary. We've made it so far; I'll let you know how it turns out ;)

3 moms found this helpful

It's really for two reasons that they have toddler formula, A.. One, to help kids who have trouble with their tummies going straight to cow's milk. And two, to make money off of mommies like you who buy into the idea that they need a toddler formula, OR mommies who don't like the idea of cow's milk or soy milk.

If your baby isn't having any trouble, save your money and just transition to whole milk. You can start out at a year by putting one ounce in with the formula if the baby doesn't start out liking the milk. In a few days, up it to two ounces. Within a week, make it half and half. By 3 weeks into his first year, have him off the formula entirely.

Another thing you can do at 11 months is stop making his formula so warm. This is good for when he's drinking out of a cup to have him used to cold drinks, like his milk. With the transition to milk from formula, try to help him learn to drink from a cup so that you can ditch those bottles. So much more sanitary for babies who can walk NOT to be drinking out of bottles, dragging them around the house holding onto the nipples with dirty fingers. Ick.

All my best,
D.

2 moms found this helpful

No, they are not at all nessesary and I think they're a waste of money. Until 12 months old, they should be getting most nutrients from breastmilk or formula and after that, their diet of regular food is fine. Unless the child is really underweight or has other issues, I'd say go with whole milk at 12 months.

1 mom found this helpful

If you child is eating a good variety of baby foods, then toddler formula is not necessary. I think it's a marketing gimmick.

My Mom breast fed her four children until we were all at least two years old. (So not ALL of us were given milk at a year, or formula when they grew up -- as a previous poster(s) imply. People "back then" breast fed too.)

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding at least the first two years of life. In that spirit - the formula is a "toddler" formula for ages 9m-24m. I breast feed, but have had supply issues with all three kids once they start eating a LOT of table food, so then I switch to toddler formula when I am no longer nursing. (usually right around a year old, depending on which child).

Every Mom has to do what is right for their child. People get pretty defensive of their choices because they don't want to be told they ARE NOT doing the best thing for their baby.

I don't give my kids cows milk under age two and I limit it extremely even after that. Earlier puberty, hormones, etc.. lots of reasons that boil down to my comfort. Also, cows milk doesn't have the nutrients like breastmilk or even close to formula. I use the toddler formula so I know my kids are getting all the important nutrients they need during these early rapid growth years.

Thats why I do it. Good luck, whatever choice you make.

no>> NOT NEEEDED. my kids hated formula and were quite happy when we switched to milk. if the child is not eating solid foods.. extreme pickiness I might consider keeping them on formula a bit longer but toddler formula is a wast of money.. but ask your dr at the 1 year checck up..

It is not necessary to switch to the older child formula unless there are eating issues. Your pediatrician would need to tell you to use it for specific purposes. Switching to cows milk is fine.

To do that you'll need to slowly start when they are about 111/2 months old. Take the formula and add 2 ounces of whole vitamin D milk, NOT lower fat, then the regular 6 oz. of formula, then a week later, if they are doing very well go to half milk and half formula. This stage was the longest for me, I did not move on until they were drinking this really good and not having pooh issues. Then go to 6 oz. milk and 2 oz. formula for at least a week then it is okay to go all milk.

Formula supplies all the nutrition a baby needs so as they start getting less and more regular milk their appetite should change where they want more solid food.

I had a mom at my child care center who didn't realize WIC stopped formula at 11 months, she thought she would get another month of formula and didn't transition her baby to milk right, she could not afford the formula. The baby went cold turkey off formula onto milk. The baby had solid white pooh that was the most horrid, stinky, terrible mess that I have ever seen. It was so hard on that child's tummy too. I would actually puke if I was in the same room while the diaper was being changed, much more if I was the one doing the changing. It lasted nearly a month.

Transitioning takes time and formula and milk mixed like this to make it easier on the child.

not unless you are made of money! : )

Yes they have a purpose, but they are not needed by all.

My son was able to go straight from formula to whole milk without a problem.

I used them with my daughter who was on soy formula. We tried at 11m to transition her to whole milk and she seemed to have problems with it - congrestion, coughing, etc. So I switched her to the Enfamil Soy NextStep. I waited a few weeks and tried milk again. She still had a problem. I just kept trying every few weeks. Finally at about 18m we tried switching her to 2% milk and she was fine.

M.

My pediatrician said they are necessary, but since most of them are cheaper, that it's okay to make the switch at 9 or 10 months which ever the formula says. I did because with Similac the cans were almost $10 cheaper.

It never was necessary before so I don't see why they should be now...I agree that it may be more about making money "selling" you something than anything else. They will also try to "sell" you on the idea that your baby should learn to read at 18 months and if he doesn't take sign language classes he won't talk as soon as the other kids - rubbish. My daughter went from soy-based formula to whole cow's milk at a year and did fine (nurses thought when she was born that she had a milk allergy so we did the soy just to be safe, but she's never had an issue with cow's milk either).

I never used them. I switched my first son from breast milk to whole cow's milk at 12 months and he is doing great now at three years old and I will switch my baby at 12 months as well. I am sure it is probably fine to use the next step stuff, but not necessary.