Toddler formula is not a substitute for breast milk or cow milk: AAP.
Toddler Milk Products Not a Substitute for Breast Milk or Cow Milk, Says AAP Report
A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revealed that toddler milk products should not be considered as substitutes for human breast milk or cow milk for infants.
Toddler milk, also known as Older Infant-Young Child Formula (OIYCF), is typically aimed at babies older than six to 12 months and below three years of age. It is different from infant formula, which is given to children up to 12 months. Toddler milk products are powdered mixes sold in cans and administered after mixing with water. However, the AAP report raises concerns about OIYCFs being pushed as replacements for cow milk or breast milk.
The report highlights that many consumers mistakenly believe the scientifically unproven benefits claimed by toddler milk products. Some OIYCF products claim to offer improved brain development or immune function, leading parents to believe that these items are healthier than cow milk. However, a study cited in the report found that 60 percent of caregivers believed OIYCF offered nutrition, which the products never actually provided.
Furthermore, toddler milk products contain added sugar and salt, which can lead to children developing a liking for these tastes and potentially developing obesity or related diseases.
While facilities manufacturing infant formula are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are no such stringent regulations governing milk drink mixes for older babies and toddlers.
The AAP report also highlights the potential negative impacts of OIYCF on babies. For infants below 12 months of age who are raised on formula, replacing the infant formula with OIYCF has no essential role in providing micronutrients to this age group. Similarly, for babies above 12 months who receive a diet of solid food containing sufficient quantities of iron and vitamins, there is no advantage or need to consume OIYCFs.
The marketing of toddler milk products has also raised concerns. Between 2006 and 2015, the sales of infant formula dropped while the sales of OIYCF rose significantly. The marketing of these products often preys on parents’ concerns about their child’s nutrition and presents OIYCFs as necessary for optimal nutritional intake. However, these claims are not required to be based on scientific evidence or backed by the FDA.
AAP recommends that children under 12 months be fed with human milk or standard infant formula, while children aged 12 months and above should be provided with a varied diet with fortified foods to optimize nutritional intake. Although OIYCF may be offered, it does not provide a nutritional advantage over a well-balanced diet that includes human milk or cow milk.
Toddler Milk Marketing
The AAP report also highlights issues with the marketing of toddler milk products. It notes a significant increase in advertising for OIYCFs, while ad spending on infant formula has decreased. The marketing of these products often implies that they are necessary for a child’s healthy diet, even for infants, which is misleading.
AAP recommends that the marketing of OIYCF products should clearly distinguish them from standard infant formulas and should not be linked to infant formula in any way.
Breast Milk Benefits
Responding to the AAP report, a spokesperson for Abbott Nutrition, a popular toddler formula brand, stated that their toddler drinks are not recommended for infants under 12 months of age. However, they may be an option to help fill nutrient gaps for children aged 12 to 36 months who have nutritional gaps in their diet. Meanwhile, the CDC backs AAP’s recommendation for breastfeeding infants, stating that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants and offers various health benefits.
Why does the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advise against using toddler milk products as substitutes for human breast milk or cow milk?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently released a report stating that toddler milk products should not be considered as substitutes for human breast milk or cow milk for infants.
Toddler milk, also known as Older Infant-Young Child Formula (OIYCF), is typically aimed at babies older than six to 12 months and below three years of age. It differs from infant formula, which is given to children up to 12 months. Toddler milk products are powdered mixes sold in cans and administered after mixing with water. However, the AAP report raises concerns about OIYCFs being pushed as replacements for cow milk or breast milk.
The report highlights that many consumers mistakenly believe the scientifically unproven benefits claimed by toddler milk products. Some OIYCF products claim to offer improved brain development or immune function, leading parents to believe that these items are healthier than cow milk. However, a study cited in the report found that 60 percent of caregivers believed OIYCF offered nutrition, which the products never actually provided.
Furthermore, toddler milk products contain added sugar and salt, which can lead to children developing a liking for these tastes and potentially developing obesity or related diseases.
While facilities manufacturing infant formula are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are no such stringent regulations governing milk drink mixes for older babies and toddlers.
The AAP report also highlights the potential negative impacts of OIYCF on babies. For infants below 12 months of age who are raised on formula, replacing the infant formula with OIYCF has no essential role in providing micronutrients to this age group. Similarly, for babies above 12 months who receive a diet of solid food containing sufficient quantities of iron and vitamins, there is no advantage or need to consume OIYCFs.
In conclusion, the AAP report emphasizes that toddler milk products should not be considered as substitutes for human breast milk or cow milk. Parents are advised to consult with healthcare professionals for guidance on the appropriate nutrition for their children.
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