Does My Child Need Cow’s Milk or Toddler Formula?

When it comes to feeding little ones after 12 months, one of the most common questions we get is: Does my child need cow’s milk or toddler formula? With so much conflicting advice from health professionals, formula companies, and well-meaning family members, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s truly best for your child.

In this episode, Luka and Kate break it all down—what the recommendations actually are, why milk drinks aren’t necessary for toddlers, and how to ensure your little one is getting the nutrition they need as they transition to a whole food diet.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals, registered nurse and midwife, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, mum of three, bringing grounded, evidence-based insight to the world of infant and family health

In this episode, we cover:

• Do toddlers need to ‘wean onto’ another milk drink after 12 months?
• Cow’s milk as a drink – is it necessary?
• The potential downsides of too much milk consumption 
• Toddler formula and why we don’t recommend it 
• Calcium-rich foods beyond dairy 
• … and so much more!

Resources Mentioned

• Our books Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table
• Episode 77 with Dr. Staci Whitman – On baby and toddler dental health
• Episode 86 all about fussy toddlers – Learn how to encourage variety and reduce stress around food
• Blog: Swaps on a Dairy Free Diet – Alternatives to dairy for meeting calcium needs

Today’s Episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition. At Boob to Food, we’re always looking for ways to pack in extra nutrition for ourselves and our little ones—especially when it comes to protein. That’s why we love Chief Nutrition’s Collagen Powder. It’s a high-quality protein source that’s flavourless (or flavoured if you prefer!) and so easy to mix into smoothies, yogurt, or even baked goods for a nutrient boost. Bonus that it tastes like dessert without the added sugar so even the fussiest of toddlers will enjoy it too.

If you’d like to try it for yourself (or sneak some extra protein into your toddler’s diet), you can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 15% off sitewide at wearechief.com.