It can be difficult to get the right balance between food and milk in a toddler’s diet. Here’s how our experts would answer these common queries

Q What feeding problems might a baby have at 12 months plus?

A Geraldine Goodman, community dietitian, Dietetic Department, Cumberland Infirmary, says: “As they get older it is perfectly normal for babies/toddlers to start to refuse to eat or even taste new foods. Providing they eat foods from the four main food groups, even if it is always the same favourites, parents don’t need to worry. They should gradually introduce other foods or go back to the foods their child didn’t like before and try them again. They should also try to eat meals together, if possible. Never force a baby to eat – if a food is rejected it should be taken away without comment. Parents should try to stay calm, however frustrating.”

Q How much cows’ milk should a toddler be drinking?

A Registered nutritionist Charlotte Stirling- Reed BSc (Hons) MSc, says: “Cows’ milk is not recommended to be offered as a drink to babies under one year of age; however, after six months, it can be added to foods. Once babies get to one year of age they no longer need formula milk, and can start drinking full fat cows’ milk, but they also need less milk every day. The NHS recommends that between one and three years of age children only need to have around 350mg of calcium a day. About 300ml of milk (just over half a pint) would provide this.” Tanya Thomas, BSc (Hons) RD freelance paediatric dietitian, adds: “Toddlers should have no more than 600ml of milk a day, which is roughly a pint. Toddlers who drink more than a pint of milk tend to be too full to eat an adequate toddler diet and may miss out on the essential nutrients that are not present in milk.”

Q If a 12-month-old baby does not have a good appetite, should they be given more toddler/growing up milk to compensate?

A “Toddlers can lose their appetite for a number of reasons – for example, if they are tired, feeling pressured to eat food they don’t want or are constipated,” says Sarah Mills, nutritionist at Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition. “Making mealtimes relaxed, enjoyable and consistent can help. Growing up or toddler milks are made from cows’ milk that has been adapted and fortified with vitamins and minerals, and can be included as part of a toddler’s varied, balanced diet. Fortified milks are not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet, and it is important that toddlers are not given more milk than they need, as it can reduce their appetite.”

Q Does a toddler who is drinking toddler/growing up milk also need vitamin supplements?

A “It is recommended that all toddlers in the UK should take a supplement containing vitamins A, C and D,” explains Sarah. “Supplements should provide 10mcg of vitamin D. The levels of these vitamins in growing up or toddler milks can vary, so parents should always check the label and the quantity that their toddler is drinking to see whether they will need to offer their child supplements as well.”