Did you know that while milk is a fantastic source of calcium, it can* lead to fussy eating in toddlers? 😴
It is recommended that toddlers over 12 months of age drink less than 500mL (~2 cups) of milk per day! 🤯 Here’s why:
🥛 Decreased Appetite: Drinking too much milk can fill up their little tummies, reducing their hunger and leaving less room for solid foods 😖. This can make it difficult for them to achieve the right balance of macro and micronutrients, potentially leading to hunger at bedtime or during the night 😫. This hunger can disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to increased fatigue throughout the day 🆘. This is supported by a 2022 study indicating that increased milk consumption was associated with shorter sleep duration 🌙🍴
🥛 Disrupted Sleep: Toddlers may develop a habit of snacking on milk throughout the day, which can lead to an increase in overnight wakes due to genuine hunger, subsequently causing daytime fatigue 😴. Tip: Consider diluting milk with water or serving it with* meals rather than as a standalone drink, while prioritising solid foods for meal and snack times instead 🥛🍌
🥛 Iron Deficiency: Excessive milk intake can reduce their appetite and hinder the absorption of iron from iron-rich foods, potentially leading to iron deficiency (anaemia) and fatigue 😫🆘. This is particularly common in children aged between 9-24 months.
If despite these changes your toddler is resisting bedtime or waking frequently overnight, book a consultation or download our Toddler Sleep Essentials Guide at www.settletosleep.com.au so we can restore sleep for you and your family 🩷🌸💫