9 Best Milk Powder for 3-4 Years Old 2024
Breastmilk is an ideal way to feed your child, but for many parents, full time breastfeeding may not be an option. For instance, babies may develop food intolerances or allergies. Formula-fed babies may show symptoms because of milk proteins or soy proteins in infant formula.
This is what formula milk is for, as a supplement to breastmilk if it is not available at the time. Choosing the right formula brand can be stressful as what goes into your baby can directly impact their health, especially if those formulas contain harmful ingredients.
Toddler or “next step” formulas are developed for children 9 to 24 months of age. These milk-based formulas contain added iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. They also contain DHA and AA and more calcium than standard infant formulas (but not significantly more than whole milk). Manufacturers' information describes toddler formula as “insurance” or “extra nutrition” for picky toddlers who may not eat a well-balanced diet of solids.
Feeding Guide for Toddlers 12 months onwards - Stage 3 / Stage 4
Summary : Feed breast milk, dairy milk (cow / goat / etc), alternative plant based milk (soy), more soft / semi solid foods. Seek medical advice before feeding non breast milk alternatives.
Children will usually start to eat larger, more regular meals and get most of their nutrition from foods other than milk. WHO recommends that babies continue to be breast fed up to 2 years and beyond, but they may begin to need less breast milk as they eat more food.
After 12 months, your baby may not need formula milk anymore as they can start drinking cow’s milk and other alternatives more regularly.
Below are some of the main types of milk that may be given at this stage.
Cow’s Milk - For children under 2, choose full-fat cow’s milk. Semi-skimmed doesn’t have the same nutrient profile in terms of vitamins and minerals and has less energy.
Goat’s / Sheep’s Milk - Their nutrient profiles are similar to cow’s milk so as long as they’re pasteurised, they’re alright to offer.
Soya Drinks & Other Milk Alternatives - As part of a healthy, balanced diet, soya, oat, almond and other vegetable based milks can be offered or used in cooking. However, they are usually not as nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk. Furthermore, not all brands fortify with the same nutrients.
2 years and above
Summary : Feed cow's milk or alternative, and a balanced diet. Formula milk as an addition if the child is not receiving enough nutrients.
Children will start to eat a more varied, balanced diet and may rely less on milk. You may adjust how much milk you give them based on their diet throughout the week. If your child's diet doesn’t include dairy, you should consider how you can replace any nutrients they might be missing out on, such as formula milk or alternative foods.
Best Milk Powder For 3-4 Years Old
1. Enfagrow PREMIUM Toddler Nutritional Drink
Enfagrow NeuroPro contains expert recommended Omega-3 DHA and iron–two building blocks of a toddler’s brain. Contains calcium, vitamin d, zinc and 21 other nutrients—to help support growth and development and complement a toddler’s diet.
– For toddlers 1 year and above
– Brain Building DHA
– Made with Real Milk
– Immune Support
– Iron Added
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – More than 1,300 global ratings
Review
For toddlers not ready for cows milk yet. It smells like a vanilla shake or cake batter to me. Even though my son drinks regular milk i give him this before bed so he can be full and sleep through the night.
– Brain Building DHA
– Made with Real Milk
– Immune Support
– Iron Added
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – More than 1,300 global ratings
Review
For toddlers not ready for cows milk yet. It smells like a vanilla shake or cake batter to me. Even though my son drinks regular milk i give him this before bed so he can be full and sleep through the night.
2. Holle Whole Milk Toddler Drink
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Enfagrow Toddler Transitions Gentlease Fomula contains proteins that are partially broken-down that are easy to digest to ease fussiness, gas and crying. It contains 26 milligrams of brain nourishing omega 3 DHA to assure brain support and rapid development. Moreover, Enfagrow NeuroPro contains expert recommended omega 3 DHA and iron–two building blocks of a toddler’s brain.
– Brain Building DHA
– Eases Fussiness, Gas, & Crying
– Immune Health
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – More than 130 global ratings
Review
My son is almost 2 and has problems with most foods. One day he likes food and wants to eat allot and then he won’t want to eat a full meal for 3 days. This powder is great for them to get their nutrients in without it making them full or gassy.
Suitable if replacing or in addition to breast milk. Readily accepted when changing from other milk formulas. Great for bottle feeding and mixing with cereals
- For Children 1 Year & Up
- Soy-free and gluten-free.
- EUROPEAN : Superior quality milk from cows fed on lush certified biodynamic pastures.
- GMO-FREE : No corn syrup, artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, or other unnatural ingredients.
- CHEMICAL-FREE : Complete nutrient profile with healthy carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients, -
- PERFECT FOR TODDLERS : 12-months of age to the end of the third year as part of a mixed diet of bottle feeds and weaning.
- DHA & IRON (Supports healthy brain development)
- Shelf-stable
- BPA Free, FDA registered, Made in Austria.
Ingredients
Skimmed Milk Partly Demineralized Whey Powder Vegetable Oils, (Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil) Corn Maltodextrin Calcium Carbonate Ascorbic Acid Tricalcium Phosphate Ferrous Gluconate M Alpina Oil C. Cohnii Oil Dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate Zinc Sulphate Retinyl Acetate Niacinamide Cholecalciferol Calcium D Pantothenate Copper Sulphate Thiamine Mononitrate Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Folic Acid Manganese Sulphate Potassium Iodide Phylloquinone Sodium Selenatea
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 - More than 100 global ratings
Finally no more sugar or corn syrup instead if real milk. Of course is a little bit more money but it is totally worthy my 1 years old hasn’t had any stomach problems or allergies. For all the parents out there please read very well the ingredients and nutrition facts for other toddler milks and you’ll find out why this milk is one of the best
3. Enfagrow Gentlease Toddler Formula
Enfagrow Toddler Transitions Gentlease Fomula contains proteins that are partially broken-down that are easy to digest to ease fussiness, gas and crying. It contains 26 milligrams of brain nourishing omega 3 DHA to assure brain support and rapid development. Moreover, Enfagrow NeuroPro contains expert recommended omega 3 DHA and iron–two building blocks of a toddler’s brain.
– Brain Building DHA
– Eases Fussiness, Gas, & Crying
– Immune Health
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – More than 130 global ratings
Review
My son is almost 2 and has problems with most foods. One day he likes food and wants to eat allot and then he won’t want to eat a full meal for 3 days. This powder is great for them to get their nutrients in without it making them full or gassy.
4. HIPP 3 Junior Combiotic
Composition suitable for children 1 year and above
– Reduced protein content suitable for children (1,0 g/100ml versus 3,3 g/100ml cow's milk)
– Targeted adaptation of critical nutrients: Iodine, iron and vitamin D (1.7 μg/100 ml)
– Natural lactic acid culture L. fermentum (originally obtained from breast milk)*
– Prebiotic GOS**: effective support for a healthy gut microbiota
– Valuable omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), important for brain and nerve cells
The perfect formula for active and hungry babies.
I've started to feed my baby with this formula after she was 6 months old because she became in an active and full of energy baby and the previous formula was not enough for her anymore. It worked perfect with her immediately and she started to sleep better during the night.
5. Alfamino Junior Amino Acid Based Pediatric Formula
A nutritionally complete, hypoallergenic amino acid based formula for children ages 1 to 13 years with multiple food allergies or malabsorptive conditions. Suitable for oral supplementation or tube feeding
Specialized Nutrition
Formulated with 65% of fat as MCT to help facilitate fat absorption, Alfamino Junior meets or exceeds 100% Dr is for protein and 25 key vitamins and minerals.
Hypoallergenic Pediatric Formula
Appropriate for conditions of severe maldigestion and malabsorption, Alfamino formulas offer unique compositions with tailored nutrient profiles and highly selective ingredients.
Medical Food
Suitable for gluten free and lactose free diets; Not for IV use
Ratings
4.4 out of 5 - 27 global ratings
6. Holle A2 Cow Milk Toddler Drink
Holle USA’s A2 Cow Milk drink is a great alternative drink and works as a breast milk supplement for toddlers. Created as a nutritional drink for toddlers, Holle A2 milk powder contains a select whey protein and casein mixture that provides essential protein for toddlers.
Our A2 milk is a nutritional drink, sourced from specially selected cows that produce only A2 beta protein A2 milk is sourced from European farmers. All ingredients are strictly monitored, guaranteeing the highest possible level of safety. A gentle option for your toddler's digestive system.
- A2 protein is similar to that found in breast milk.
- Non - GMO
- Made only from cows that produce the A2 beta-casein protein.
- Fortified with DHA & Iron
- No corn syrup added.
Ingredients
Skimmed A2 Milk, Partly Demineralized Whey Powder, Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil), Corn Maltodextrin, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, Ferrous Gluconate, M. Alpina Oil, C. Cohnii Oil, Dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulphate, Retinyl Acetate, Niacinamide, Cholecalciferol, Calcium-D-Pantothenate, Copper Sulphate Thiamine Mononitrate Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Folic Acid, Manganese Sulphate, Potassium Iodide, Phylloquinone, Sodium Selenate
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 - 11 global ratings
This is an easy to use, easy to mix, and well-received powdered milk drink. I like the attention to quality, with a host of vitamins and minerals added, milk from grass-fed cows, and no added corn syrup. It incorporates easily into water without needing lots of stirring or any appreciable lumps. It is pricey compared with other options, but the quality justifies the cost, in my opinion.
7. Earth's Best Organic Toddler Milk Drink Powder
Earth's Best Organic Toddler Formula provides balanced nutrition for continued growth and development for your growing child. The formula is fortified with iron for red blood cell development and contains DHA and ARA, two fatty acids found in breast milk that help support brain and eye health. With lutein for eyes and prebiotic fiber for immunity, this is a fantastic formula solution for your little one.
- USDA ORGANIC CERTIFIED & NON GMO INGREDIENTS
- For toddlers 1 year and older as a nutritious alternative to cow's milk.
- Natural vanilla flavor your little one will love.
- DHA omega-3 fatty acids to help support brain and eye development.
- Made with Organic Milk from grass & grain fed cows from our family of organic farmers.
- Prebiotics for immunity.
Ingredients
Organic Skim Milk Powder, Oragnic Maltodextrin, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic (Palm Oil or Palm Olein)
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 - More than 900 global ratings
We are still working on transitioning my daughter entirely off of formulas. It has been a struggle, but I found that Earth's Best makes it easier for me to know that she is getting the vitamins she needs. She is an extremely picky eater, but she LOVES the taste of this stuff. We fed her Earth's Best infant formula as well and she is a healthy and vibrant toddler. I highly recommend the Earth's Best organic product family. I feel confident they provide high-quality ingredients.
8. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Formula for Toddlers
Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Syrup Free, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Natural Ingredients, Vitamins and Minerals for 12 mo.+, Vegan, Organic
Introducing the first clean label, plant-based nutrition drink for complete nutrition beyond the first year. Finally. Clean, plant-based baby & toddler nutrition you can feel good about.
Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers offers complete nutrition for 12+ months, providing a real alternative for toddlers with lactose intolerance, sensitivities and other dietary restrictions, a plant-based lifestyle or a preference for avoiding dairy or soy.
Contains ingredients, vitamins & minerals to support your child’s growth and development. Endorsed by leading pediatricians and nutritionists.
Made with real, whole foods (92% whole plants), it meets the highest standard for nutrition and your standard for a clean label. Clean Nutrition. Clean Conscience. No compromises
Ratings
4.3 out of 5 - More than 1000 global ratings
As a pediatric nurse who works in a hospital setting, I have seen way too many children at increasingly younger ages coming in with all sorts of GI, Neurological, Autoimmune, Endocrine and Allergic issues! Many of these situations can be diet related, that is why we wanted something clean and organic for our 18 month old grandson, something without cows milk ( causes many stomach issues), and without Soy ( has hormones in it)!!
Finally Else has something we can give our grandson without all that garbage in it!! We mixed Else with a banana and made a smoothie for our grandson, and he loved it!!! we tried it too and it tasted like almond!! This is the only product on the market like this!! What a winner!!! I hear they have an infant formula coming soon too! What a winner!!!!
9. Holle Stage 3: Goat Milk Formula
- Whole EU-organic goat’s milk is proven easier for children to digest.
- GMO-free with no artificial preservatives, corn syrup, or other unnatural ingredients.
- Vegetarian, soy-free, and gluten-free.
- Nutrient-complete with healthy carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients.
- Perfect for 12-months of age to the end of the third year as part of a mixed diet of bottle feeds and weaning.
Ingredients
Full Cream Goat Milk Corn Maltodextrin Vegetable Oils (Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil), Lactose, Corn and Potato Starch, Calcium Hydroxide, Calcium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate Magnesium Chloride, Ascorbic Acid Sodium Citrate Sodium Chloride M. Alpina Oil, C. Cohnii Oil Ferrous Lactate Dl- Alpha tocopheryl acetate Ferrous Sulphate Zinc Sulphate Cholecalciferol Retinyl Acetate Niacinamide Calcium D pantothenate Copper Sulphate Thiamine Hydrocloride Pyridoxine hydrochloride Folic Acid Riboflavin Magnesium Sulphate Potassium Iodide Phylloquinone Sodium Selenite Biotin Cyanocobalamin
Ratings
4.6 out of 5 - 22 global ratings
This is an awesome organic product that I was very excited to try for my baby considering this product has never been directly available in the US before. Holle products come from sustainable farms and are organic and non-GMO, so it’s something you can feel good about giving to your child. The stage 3 is made in Austria with goat’s milk so it’s a good option if your child is sensitive to cow’s milk.
I like that this is formulated to be similar to breast milk and has lactose as the carb vs. corn syrup solids. From a nutrition standpoint, I like that it has DHA for brain health as well as iron, and vitamins A, C and D.
This product might be on the more expensive side compared to other products, but it’s definitely worth it considering how clean the product is and the high quality ingredients used to make it.
FAQs
Types of baby milk formula
1. Cow milk protein-based formulas.Protein is not processed at all in standard formulations. They’re exactly the same size as when they first came from the cow. That is a big size. The proteins in cow’s milk are significantly larger than those in breast milk.
Full-size proteins are listed as “nonfat milk,” “milk protein isolate,” or “whey protein” (a component of cow’s milk protein) on the ingredient list. These are the normal formulations, which include full-size proteins.
2. Soy-based formulas.
Proteins in soy, like those in cow’s milk, are significantly larger than those in breast milk. The different is they aren't based on the proteins found in soybeans
In soy formulae, the term “soy protein isolate” may appear on the ingredient list. These are the standard formulations, which include full-size proteins.
3. Protein hydrolysate formulas.
Hydrolyzed proteins formula require less processing to absorb, they may be a good option for some newborns or infants who have difficulty digesting full-size proteins or have a history of digestive problems.
Cow Milk Formula vs Soy Milk Formula
According to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), cow’s milk formula is still the next best thing to breast milk for the majority of newborns. However, some infants who can’t digest cow’s milk, it is best to avoid cow milk formula and start using soy milk formula.With the growing awareness of the potential health benefits of soy products, parents may opt for this type of formula in the belief that it is better for their children. The popularity of soy formulas among American parents has grown, with one out of every four parents now choosing for soy. But the AAP says it may not be so. And while the academy doesn’t claim that soy formula will lead to the development of health problems, some experts aren’t so sure.
Cow Milk Formula vs Goat Milk Formula
In fact, goat milk and cow milk are nearly equivalent in terms of macronutrients. Goat milk has the highest protein and cholesterol content, whereas cow milk has a slightly lower fat content.In terms of vitamins and minerals, both milks have plenty to offer, albeit in different quantities. Cow milk has more vitamin B12, selenium, and folic acid than goat milk, while goat milk has more calcium, potassium, and vitamin A.
In addition, it’s possible that goat milk is easier on the stomach. This is because goat milk has fewer micro-proteins than cow milk, which makes it easier for certain people to digest. Fat molecules (or globules, to be more precise) are also smaller, making it easier for your body to process.
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