Even though your toddler’s meal times are firmly established now, milk is still an important part of their diet. Here’s how to make sure you are meeting their ever-changing needs.
Although your toddler now needs less milk than in their first year,
it is still an important part of their diet. Milk contains calcium
for strong teeth and bones, and fat and vitamins to help them
grow.
How much milk should I give?
One to three year-olds need about 350mg of calcium a day. This is
equivalent to around 300ml of milk. Rather than giving milk in a
baby bottle, give smaller drinks in a beaker or cup.
Not all your toddler's calcium intake has to come from milk,
they need three servings of milk-based food or drinks a day, which
can include cheese, yogurt, fromage frais, or milk-based puddings
and sauces.
What sort of milk should my baby have?
- Breast milk still has benefits beyond 12 months, so there is no
need to stop breast feeding if you and your baby want to carry on.
If you are breast feeding a baby of six months and over, you should
also give them baby vitamin drops. Speak to your health visitor for
more information.
- Full-fat cows' milk can be introduced as a drink from 12
months. Semi-skimmed milk is not suitable as a drink for children
under two as it is not high enough in fat and vitamins, but you can
offer it from two years if your toddler is a good eater with a
varied diet. Skimmed milk should not be given to children under
five.
- If you are unable or decide not to breast feed beyond your
toddler's first birthday follow-on formula milk can still be used
but your toddler should take it from a trainer cup or
beaker. Follow-on formula milk is suitable for babies
aged six months and over as part of a varied weaning diet. You do
not have to change from infant formula milk to follow-on formula,
however, follow-on formula is tailored to meet your growing baby's
changing nutritional needs with added vitamins and extra iron.