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Beyond Infancy with Toddler Formula
Written by Leena Tabaja. Customer Service Coordinator & proud mom of two.
By now, you’re probably familiar with infant formula and how it nourishes your baby with essential nutrients. But as time flies, your once tiny infant isn’t so tiny anymore! Suddenly, they're no longer the tiny bundle you cradled in your arms, and you're realizing that infant formula may no longer be the perfect fit for their evolving needs. But did you know that formula doesn’t end at infancy?
What comes after infant formula?
As your little one grows past their first year, their nutritional needs begin to change. Toddler formula is a type of formula designed for infants aged 12 months and older, as they transition from breast milk or infant formula to a more varied diet that includes solid foods. Toddler formula typically contains a balanced mix of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and protein, tailored to support the continued growth and development of toddlers. The nutritional composition differs from infant formula as well, with adjustments made to factors such as fat content, protein levels and different vitamins and minerals content, to better align with the nutritional requirements of older infants and toddlers.
Fat and Protein
One of the main nutritional differences in toddler formula versus infant formula is the fat and protein content. Toddler formula typically contains less fat and more protein content to accommodate the changing needs of growing babies. As toddlers become more active and explore a wider range of foods, they are no longer solely reliant on formula for sustenance. Their energy requirements shift, prompting a reduction in fat content compared to infant formula. Toddlers also require more protein in their diet compared to infants due to their rapid growth, increased activity levels, and changing appetite. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, providing energy, and supporting overall development. Toddler formula will provide slightly higher protein levels, acting as a valuable supplement to protein-rich foods in their new diet, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition during this critical stage of growth and development.
Vitamins and Minerals
Toddlers also require higher amounts of vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin D and calcium. During the toddler years, children experience rapid growth and development, so toddler formula is specially formulated to provide a concentrated source of nutrients that support this critical stage. One key area of focus is bone health, which is why calcium and vitamin D are found in higher amounts in toddler formula versus infant formula. They play crucial roles in bone development and strength, helping to support the formation of strong and healthy bones in growing toddlers.
Alongside calcium and vitamin D for bone health, toddler formula delivers a concentrated dose of other vital nutrients, including vitamins C, E and B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function. Additionally, toddler formula contains higher levels of essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, each playing a critical role in cognitive development, immune function, and overall health. These are all found in higher amounts in toddler formula than infant formula to align with their ever growing and changing nutritional needs, essentially serving as a multivitamin regimen designed specifically for your growing child!
Additional Essential Components
Among other elements included in toddler formula, omegas DHA and ARA and lutein are often included for their crucial role in cognitive function and visual acuity, as well as nucleotides to support immune function, tissue growth and repair and brain development. In addition to the basics, Niuriss Toddler formula offers its first to market OPO and GOS for healthy digestion, with additional immune-boosting 2’-Fl HMO (human milk oligosaccharides), which helps strengthen the immune system and nurture a healthy gut microbiome- but more on that in our next blog! In the meantime, you can learn more about Our Formula Powerhouse.
Niuriss Toddler Formula
Formula preparation between Niuriss Infant Formula and Niuriss Toddler Formula differ slightly, refer to our guideline. However, storage is the same, so you may continue storing prepared formula in the way you are familiar with the infant formula.
Embrace the Growth Stage
Toddler formula offers a wealth of benefits tailored to meet your growing child's needs. From essential fats and proteins to many other essential components, it provides a comprehensive blend of nutrients crucial for your little one's continued growth and development. By choosing toddler formula, you're not just nourishing your child; you're laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. As your baby embarks on the adventure of toddlerhood, rest assured that Niuriss formulas are there to support them every step of the way.
Leena Tabaja
Customer Service Coordinator
& proud mom of two
