Why doctors warn against "toddler milks"

TOP OF MIND

Doctors HATE "Toddler Milk"
Toddler formulas, otherwise known as toddler milks, have been growing in popularity for decades now, but in recent years, the toddler formula market has been exploding. In 2006, sales were $39 million. In 2015? $92 million.

And this has The American Academy of Pediatrics concerned because they claim these "toddler milks" provide zero nutritional benefits and are loaded with high-calorie sweeteners, vegetable oil and excess sugar.

The important bits
Earlier this month, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sent out a report asking for more regulations on toddler formulas. Unlike infant formula, the FDA does not regulate toddler formula, which means companies are not required to meet certain nutritional requirements. Unsurprisingly, a lot of toddler milks on the market are loaded with sugar, corn syrups and sodium.

Jennifer Pomeranz, an associate professor of public health policy and management at NYU, claims toddler milk as a whole is "just junk," and made it clear she believes it's completely unnecessary.

Parents don't agree with her though. In a recent study published in Nutrition Reviews, 60% of parents believed toddler milk could provide nutrients that kids don't get from food or drinks. The confusion likely comes from sneaky marketing tactics from the formula companies. Manufacturers often use cross-promotion to market infant formula and toddler milk together within the same line of products, using labeling such as, "stages one, two and three" depending on the child's age.

This is why the AAP is calling for more regulations:

When it comes to milk, the AAP recommends sticking to breast milk, cow's milk or nut milk substitutes like almond or cashew.

What's it all mean?
Well, basically, it means do your own research. If you still believe in the need for toddler milk, make sure you're seeking out products that have little added sugar. Look for products that prioritize natural ingredients, and don't be fooled by clever marketing.

This article can help you make an informed decision on what to look out for when purchasing toddler formulas.

Because let's face it, it's up to you to make up your own regulations. Even the pediatricians who contributed to the report believe action from the government is unlikely due to Congress's "opposition to anything that places restrictions on business" but that won't stop them from trying to raise awareness.

DID YOU HEAR

98.6 is so yesterday
According to a study published in September, the average human body temperature is closer to 97.9 degrees. Over 100,000 people participated in the study, which was conducted between 2008 and 2017.

And it's not the only study showing that the normal body temperature is no longer 98.6 degrees. For decades now, evidence has been growing that our body temp is dropping.

But why is that? And what does it mean for our health? Find out here.

Veggies first (in more ways than one!)
Have you heard of "meal sequencing"? The strategy suggests that the order in which you eat the food on your plate can impact blood sugar levels and hunger. Some very smart people believe it's essential to eat fiber-rich vegetables, protein and healthy fats at the start of your meal, and refined carbs like pasta, bread and rice at the very end. They believe it can help regulate blood sugar levels and even help with weight loss.

And if you need help making your veggies delicious, check out our "bites" section below.

Mammas don't let your babies grow up to be social media influencers
57% of people in Gen-Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) want to be social media stars when they grow up, this according to a new report from Morning Consult. And while that sounds absolutely terrifying, the fine folks at Parents.com are trying to put a positive spin on this news.

Not all screen time is bad
The debate over how much screen time should be allowed for kids will probably never be settled, and at least one leading expert in the medium believes we're focusing on the wrong thing. Dr. Jenny Radesky suggests we should be less focused on how much time our kids are spending on their phones, and more focused on what they're doing on them.

Scares for the whole family
The best family-friendly scary movies can be found here.

A DOSE OF GOOD

@happiestofficial

Baby reacts to mother’s first kiss 🥹 #fyp #foryoupage #newborn #daughter #momlife #corememory

JUST FOR YOU

Bites: Eating your vegetables first is simple when you have recipes that feature them! Tahini Roasted Cod with Asparagus comes together in a snap - with just one pan to clean. This Kale Caesar Salad (especially paired with your favorite protein) makes a full meal. And this Roasted Tomato Soup with Mom's Grilled Cheese with Bacon (both from Food 52), will keep you warm on these increasingly chilly nights.

Reads: There are no shortage of books offering advice on how to parent, but Emily Oster’s advice is different. Rather than advice, she gives you data, pros and cons, and application in her own life so that you can make informed decisions that suit your family. Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm provide everything you need to feel confident in your own decision-making. Find all three here.

Gizmos: Just in time for holiday shopping, Good Housekeeping has released their 2023 Best Parenting Awards. They spent six months evaulating feedback from their 130+ parent reviewers to determine the best parenting gizmos on the market. You can find 15 of the best products here, which include sensory balls, portable sound machines and humidifiers.

PARENTING WIN/FAIL

As loyal reader Brianna P. reminds us, sometimes wins are about what you DON'T do...

WOO! We are proud as well! It's not easy being the bigger person, so kudos to her for doing the right thing! If you have a parenting win/fail you'd like to share, email us at [email protected] and your story might be featured in a future edition!

HERE’S A QUESTION

Last week, we asked you how you felt about the "Switch Witch" and over 60% of you said you’d never heard of her, but you might "lure her in" this Halloween!

RECALLS

Biometric Gun Safes.

More than 60,000 gun safes sold nationwide at several big-box sporting goods retailers were recalled late last week after a 12-year-old died after obtaining a firearm from inside one of the safes.

Fortress Safe, the company behind the product, voluntarily recalled a total of 61,000 gun safes that use fingerprint reader technology, citing a programming flaw that can "allow unauthorized access to the safe."

There have been at least 39 incidents of consumers reporting their safes were able to be accessed by unauthorized fingerprints. These biometric gun safes were sold in stores like Cabela's, Bass Pro Shop and Dick's Sporting Good, as well as online on Amazon.com, between 2019 and 2023. They were sold under different brand names, so it's important you click here to confirm whether or not your model number matches with any of the flawed safes.

If you happen to have an impacted product, you're strongly encouraged to stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.