Modern technologies have today allowed infant and toddler formula composition to come as close to human milk as possible. Modern infant foods mimic the majority of breastmilk components: fat, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
Most formula manufacturers now offer products for children over one year of age. They are usually marked as Stage 3 or Stage 4. The purpose of toddler formula is to give your child an enriched product. Their composition is no longer as adapted as Stages 1 and 2. They are closer to whole cow’s milk but much more nutritious. So instead of giving your little one supplements with micronutrients and vitamins, you can enrich their diet with these products.
However, there are numerous products available on the market which can lead to confusion at times. Which toddler formula should you choose today? Here are a few best picks you might want to consider:
1. HiPP Stage 3
According to HiPP, for them, organic production isn’t a trend but an attitude towards life and the philosophy to create and sustain a world worth living in for future generations. Their products for toddlers are 100% organic, natural, and very nutritious.
HiPP formula for toddlers offers:
- Prebiotic dietary fibers (GOS or galactooligosaccharides) similar to those found in breast milk, which help to strengthen intestinal defense functions.
- Breast milk probiotics: live lactobacillus l.fermentum, isolated from breast milk.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for balanced growth and development.
- Nucleotides for improving immunity, protecting against infections and other diseases.
- Organic skimmed milk beneficial for the immune system. Reduces the risk of allergies.
It’s worth mentioning that these products also contain vegetable oil like rapeseed and palm and include starch.
2. Holle Stage 3 & 4
The unsweetened Holle Bio 3 and 4 follow-on milks contain valuable Omega-3 fatty acids extracted from organic vegetable oils and fish oil. Apart from sunflower and rapeseed oil, palm oil is also included in the formula composition. Every box with milk powder is rich in DHA and vitamins A, C, and D. The manufacturer recommends using the Stage 3 follow-on millks from the age of 10 months onwards. Holle toddler formula meets the highest Demeter organic standards.
These products offer:
- Demeter milk quality
- No added sweeteners
- Maize starch for a creamy, nutritious consistency
- Contains vitamins A, B1, B6, C, D, E, and K.
Apart from regular baby foods, Holle also offers products based on goat milk. They are great for toddlers with sensitive GITs and those prone to cow’s milk protein allergies.
3. Kendamil Stage 3
Kendamil organic Stage 3 toddler milk is made in the UK using whole cow’s milk. It’s a vegetarian, product that contains no palm oil or GMOs. These high-quality formulas also include Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA, as well as prebiotics (GOS).
This nutritious toddler food is designed to meet the special nutritional needs of your baby from 12 to 36 months old and to support their healthy development.
Kendamil milks:
- Contain GOS (galactooligosaccharides) similar to those in human milk. This is a natural prebiotic that contributes to the formation of normal intestinal flora than helps reduce the frequency of symptoms of digestive discomfort (cramps, constipation).
- Include whole milk MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane). It’s a unique lipid-protein membrane structure present in human breast milk. It positively affects brain development, intestinal function, immune protection, and is a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease.
- Are environmentally safe.
- Good for vegetarians.
4. Loulouka Stage 3
Loulouka offers high-quality toddler foods based on skimmed cow’s milk from Switzerland. Completely organic and natural, these products meet the most stringent EU standards and provide the best value for you and your baby.
Here’s why Loulouka toddler milks are so good:
- No palm oil (the products contain coconut, rapeseed, and sunflower oil instead).
- Gmo-free.
- Include GOS just like in mom’s milk.
- No added sugars.
- Increased iron content.
Find The Right Product For You
What you see above is, in our opinion, the best toddler formulas on the EU market. However, the choice is yours because only you know what’s best for your child. Pick the most suitable product for your little one and remember to consult with your pediatrician if you decide to switch to a new toddler milk.
