Okay i really don't want this thread to be a formula company bagging thread, i do agree they stretch the truth a bit in regards to the benefit of toddler formula. But i would really like some legitimate information about the needs of supporting a toddlers immune system until age 3 which one particular add claims is essential and that their toddler formula does so.
I was actually planning on transferring DS2 on to cows milk come 12 months, as he eats a balanced diet. However in light of this "new information" come propaganda its left me a little confused. I breastfed DS1 until 2.5+ years because i wanted to support his health in the best way and he was a very poor eater. But my understanding was that if they eat well, come 12 months they only really need the addition of some kind of milk as a compliment.
Whereas the advert i've seen claims their immune system needs supporting until age 3.
Which their formula does.
What i want to know is, HOW and WHY does it need "supporting"? and how can i do this without continuing to toddler formula? would the kids full cream milks do the same thing? or do i need to give some kind of pro-biotic?
To some extent everyone's immune system needs supporting. I take a daily probiotic and I eat very well. I do try to get the kids to have it, but I am running out of ways to hide it LOL. I think if you are overly concerned about it, I would support his immune system by using a probiotic, rather than relying on a formula to do it. Plus I do doubt the integrity of the probiotic in it as it is not 'live'. I would prefer to use In-Liven as I know I can trust it kwim?
I don't use the In-Liven for the kids as it was far too hard to disguise it and they would have it once, then nope, never again. I tried it in smoothies, plain milkshakes with flavouring *cringe*, juice, even in yoghurt and once in icecream. So I use a different one for them that I get at my local health food shop. It is much cheaper and it doesn't have quite the same taste as In-liven so it's easier to hide in their milkshakes. There is also another one I get called Olive Life Elixir by Sandra Cabot and I put that in apple juice and they always drink that no worries. It's a liquid and it's amazing stuff.
Tan, it is really interesting that the formula companies are using a leading reason for "full-term" breastfeeding as a way to sell their product! It is also very opportunistic of the companies to flood the market with ads at this time of the year when everyone is worried about colds and flu.
The reality is that there is no scientific evidence that the toddler formulas provide any additional protection. They contain synthetic versions of a particular substance which, in its natural form (such as in breastmilk!) does boost the immune system. The synethetic version might or might not assist the immune system also - it has not been proven to do so.
If you are concerned that your boys need some extra protection now that they are no longer bfing, I suggest you persist with the In-Liven or talk to your GP or natural therapist about vitamins, pro-biotics etc. These are going to be a much healthier option than toddler formula! And for mums who are still bfing - keep at it!
I agree with Trill and would also be sceptical of this claim by the artifical milk manufacturer. Stick with a good quality live probiotic so often companies make claims about their products and only put in a token amount of active ingredient (not enough for it to be effective)... it's just a rip off. ETA: oh and good quality probiotics are expensive... i can't see it being economically viable for them to include it in their formula and still ask a r.r.p that the average person would be happy to pay.
Toddler formula supporting immune system until 3?
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so often companies make claims about their products and only put in a token amount of active ingredient (not enough for it to be effective)... it's just a rip off. ETA: oh and good quality probiotics are expensive... i can't see it being economically viable for them to include it in their formula and still ask a r.r.p that the average person would be happy to pay.
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