In 12 months plus

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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

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

Geraldine Goodman, community dietitian, Dietetic Department, Cumberland Infirmary, says: “After 12 months babies may struggle with textures of foods if these have not been introduced earlier. There is an important ‘window’ between the ages of six and 10 months and parents should gradually include a variety of textures during this time to help avoid problems later. As they get older it is perfectly normal for babies and toddlers to refuse to try new foods. They may also stop eating foods they previously enjoyed.

“Parents should try to stay calm, however frustrating, and never force a baby to eat. Gradually introduce new foods and go back to foods that have been previously rejected. It is important to remember to include foods from the four main food groups, even if it is always the same favourites. Eating meals together whenever possible can also be very helpful in familiarising babies and toddlers with new foods,” she adds.

As they get older it is perfectly normal for babies and toddlers to refuse to try new foods

Ideally how much cows’ milk should a toddler be drinking?

Registered nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed BSc (Hons) MSc, says: “Cows’ milk is not recommended to be offered as a whole drink to babies under one year of age; however, after six months, it can be added in babies’ foods. Once babies get to one year of age they can start drinking full fat cows’ milk instead of formula milk, if a parent wishes. Babies from one year of age need less milk and so around 400ml of milk or around three portions of dairy should be all baby needs.”

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.”

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

“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 Specialised Nutrition. “Making mealtimes relaxed, enjoyable and consistent can help. Growing up 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.”

Does a toddler who is drinking growing up milk also need to take vitamin supplements?

“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 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.”