Enfamil quickly pulled this particular chocolate version just a few months after it hit the shelves, but they still carry a line of toddler formulas, as do all large formula companies. These companies have been vigorous in their defense of this new food category. Enfagrow’ PR department mentioned, “Enfagrow Premium vanilla has a superior nutritional profile to many other beverages regularly consumed by toddlers – including apple juice, grape juice and similarly flavored dairy drinks.” But we’re not comparing apples to oranges here, we’re comparing milk to milk. I would certainly hope that their formula is better than those juices, which aren’t recommended by any pediatric group! All juices are inferior to their original fruit, and your juice-drinking child is getting a massive sugar bolus with none of the fiber they’d get from the actual fruit. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” after all. Maybe we should change that old adage to “a juice drink a day keeps your dentist on pay.”

Is Toddler Milk Better Than Cow’s Milk?

One could argue that if your toddler truly hated milk and most foods, and especially if your doctor is worried about growth, then toddler formula could be a valuable supplement. For example, kids need their iron, and toddler formula has a lot more iron than regular milk. But other natural foods such as a hamburger, almonds and spinach all have more iron than toddler formula, plus all their other healthy nutrients.

As to their other health claims such as ultra-trendy DHA, I thought I’d again quote Doctor Swanson’s spirited prose, addressing Enfagrow’s bizarrely trademarked “Triple Health Guard” health claims:

My response to Claim One: Toddlers need proper nutrition for healthy growth as a pediatrician and mom of two toddlers: Of course toddlers need proper nutrition for growth.  Cow’s milk (or soy or rice) can be a part of that. Formula is not. The rate of growth during toddlerhood is much slower than that of an infant. Their appetites are diminished. Don’t let that scare you. Your job as parent is to provide them with fruits, veggies, milk, protein (meat, soy, beans, nuts) and carbohydrates.

My response to Claim Two: 85% of brain growth will be completed by age 3 as a pediatrician and mom of two toddlers: Agreed. Rapid brain growth continues in toddlerhood; some studies find Omega-3 DHA may help support growth.These omega-3 are in fish, flaxseed, other seeds and nuts. If you’re convinced you want to supplement with Omega-3, then supplement with Omega-3 supplements. They come in gummy (safe for kids over 2) and liquid yummies that one parent told me taste like creamsicles.

My response to Claim Three: Toddlers are still developing their immune systems as a pediatrician and mom of 2 toddlers: Agreed. They are developing. Offer them foods rich in antioxidants; eat fruits & foods high in antioxidants like blueberries, raspberries, broccoli(just try!), or whole grains. Offer your toddler these antioxidants in natural form. Help them learn to love these foods, not love the supplements!