Do toddlers need formula?

[Judegirl]

I have a can of organic formula that I bought before dd was born, in case I couldn't feed her breastmilk. I didn't notice it said "toddler" until later...will I ever need this? Do babies need formula after 1 year?

Thanks,
Jude

[stillplayswithbarbies]

Check the expiration date on the can. It may expire before she is a toddler. Donate it to a food bank if you won't get to use it, although I worry that whoever gets it won't notice it is for toddlers.

I can't help with the question about whether they need it. I would guess that it certainly couldn't hurt.

I think I remember reading that only one brand of organic formula is certified to sell to babies, so that may be why it has to say "toddler" on the can.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/superpower.gif http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/borntobebreastfed2.gif

[JElaineB]

ITA with what Karen said. The reason the formula says toddler on the can is that there is only one infant formula that is FDA approved and that is Horizon Organic which is only available in WA, CA and OR. Any other organic formulas have to be labeled toddler. Other organic formulas *may* be fine for an older infant (I don't know for sure)but they aren't FDA approved to be labeled as such. To answer your question, I don't think toddler formulas are necessary for most babies over a year, unless they were formula fed in the first place and for some reason you are continuing on formula instead of going to cow's milk. I would agree with checking the expiration date and donating it if you aren't going to use it. Maybe circle "toddler" and/or write "toddler formula" on the can and lid with a black marker.

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02