Lynn : July 21st 2010 12:22 PM
Hi, my 2.5 years old son has cow’s milk twice a day. My husband and I don’t trust the fresh milk in Asia and we are thinking about taking full cream milk powder with us. We are going away for 3 weeks, just wondering if milk powder are good for my 2.5 years old son to consume for 3 weeks overseas? If it’s good, can you recommend any brand. Thank you.
Donna @ Little Gulliver said: July 22nd 2010 2:16 PM
Hi Lynn,
3 weeks in Asia with the family sounds lovely!
I can understand your question, as our kids are big milk drinkers too. I can’t give you any specific feedback on milk in this region, but a milk powder does seem a smart alternative to using fresh milk if you’re concerned. I’m wondering if you’re looking at using bottled water also?
Normal powdered milk is generally considered to be low fat (even the full cream), so the fact that your son is over 2 means it is still suitable for him. Just make sure the milk powder is not a skim milk powder as this will not be suitable (until after 5 years of age).
The other alternative is to look at one of the specially prepared toddler milk powders. I can see that something like this (with the extra nutrients offered) may be good during travel. This can help if you’re not able to provide many of his favourite healthy meals and his nutritional needs may be higher than normal. If you do consider a toddler formula, I suggest checking the labelling. They can be quite high in sugar. Also, if it is in a large tin, you may like to carefully measure and decant what you may need (plus a bit extra) into a smaller clean container to save packing space. Just don’t forget the measuring spoon!
Just for the record though, I am generally against the toddler milks altogether (powdered or fresh) for kids with balanced diets. Choice (http://www.choice.com.au – toddler milk) provides 2 cautions which may be worth keeping in mind. Toddler milk (powdered or fresh) can;
a) Contribute to constipation: so, if using toddler powder you may like to introduce it gradually leading up to your travel and gradually stop using it when you get home.
b) Give toddlers a preference for drinking sweet milk rather than normal milk. Unlike infant formula, toddler milk is sweetened and often flavoured as well – just make sure your son brushes his teeth well before bed.
All this being said though, ordinary milk does have natural sugars and should be given only during meals or snack time anyway.
Another thing I have used (but only when travelling) is the formula in sachets. It can be convenient to use, as there is no need for measurements. Perhaps you could make one up in the morning (maybe take a plastic bottle with the water measure marked) if you have a fridge in your accommodation and are able to clean it thoroughly.
Another alternative is UHT milk. You may not want to travel with 1 litre cartons, but it may be handy to take a few
of the small size. You could keep a couple in your day bag during transit and perhaps some straws (cut to size). Note, full size straws are handy for toddlers to use with bottled water when travelling too.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium for your son’s age group is 500mg. Just 1 cup of full fat milk is 295mg of calcium, so I guess you needn’t worry that he will need a lot of milk everyday. You may be OK to cut back (unless he’s missing it) by supplementing his calcium with extra cheese. A 30 g piece of cheddar cheese gives 255 mg (cheese sticks are handy for travelling). And half a cup of baked beans has 40mg of calcium (the small tins of baked beans are handy if he likes them).
I also like the pre prepared squeeze fruit and veg in sachets. Once again, if he’s a good eater than these may not be necessary, but are a handy way to consume fruit if fresh is not available. Like fresh fruit, he can suck on them (so no need for a spoon) and they can be easily disposed of. I always take enough snacks for the duration of the trip in an ice cream type container. When travelling home you can then leave the container there and have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs (or duty free treats)!
I always think that travelling is the best time to make allowances and take it easy. Depending on how you think he will go with food, toddler milk during your travel period may be worth considering. Check a few brands next time you’re at the supermarket and evaluate their nutritional information.
I hope some of these thoughts may suit you and have given you some more ideas. Let me know how you go. I hope you make some great memories together! I’d love to hear from other readers too, on what they did travelling through Asia which may help us.
Regards,
Donna
Disclaimer
This answer provides general information. It is based on my own experiences and research and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional if necessary.
Our first major family trip for 4 involved multiple flights across the country. The trip was great, but the lead up to it was quite a disaster. I wanted to use up a flight $ credit for a holiday we’d cancelled (career changes, home renovation delays and unexpected baby on the way). Our cancellation policy was NO REFUND, but we could still use the $ value of the flights within 12 months of the original departure date – for 1 trip only. I found a small loophole though, it was still deemed to be the same trip, no matter how many stopovers we had before heading home. So, it was decided we would travel to an interstate Baptism, stay with family in the Hunter Valley and then head off to far north Queensland for a beach holiday. I arranged connecting flights in-between to save driving and hire cars. Sound fabulous?
the suitcase, the kids got sick and I couldn’t get them to sleep. I wondered why I was bothering at all. In the end, I wore the same clothes and shoes most of the trip. In a last minute (tired) effort to get the suitcase closed – I took out most of my things.