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The Difference Between Raising a Baby And a Toddler

The Difference Between Raising a Baby And a Toddler

Jordan Greenberg
October 25, 2023

Happy Wednesday,

Well, after talking about passing down my passion for Philadelphia sports to my daughter, the Phillies blew it last night in Game 7. Last year when the Phillies were playing the Astros in the World Series, my wife and I went to Game 1 with our daughter about 5 weeks away from entering the world. I was really hoping we’d be able to take her back again this year, so hopefully the Phillies make it back again soon and we can make more memories as a family.

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One Big Idea

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that toddler milk has no nutritional benefits

For years, toddler milk has been heavily advertised as a superior nutritional choice for young children, leading many parents to believe that they're providing the best for their offspring when they purchase it. Yet, the truth is more nuanced. A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), highlighted a significant issue: toddler milk doesn't offer the health benefits that many manufacturers claim. It is not the same as infant formula, which is specially designed to cater to babies' dietary needs during their first year. Instead, toddler milk has been found to contain less protein, more fat, and often high sugar content — elements that don't align with the ideal nutritional intake for growing children. The strong marketing tactics employed by some toddler milk producers may be misleading, leaving parents under the illusion of making the right choice for their children.

Despite these concerns, the toddler milk industry thrives, capitalizing on parental concerns and desires to ensure optimal health for their children. It’s vital for parents to recognize that these products aren't the elixir they might appear to be. Toddlers, entering a phase of beginning to eat solid foods, should be encouraged to consume a balanced diet replete with fruits, vegetables, and cow's milk (when they turn 1), which is a natural source of vitamin D and calcium. Instead of relying on marketing campaigns, parents should lean into professional advice and understand that transitioning into toddlerhood means transitioning into a diet that lays the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.