Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended feeding for all infants. Recent research has focused on the importance of balanced feeding during the first 1000 days, starting at conception with a balanced diet of the pregnant woman, up to the age of two years. The following step, a balanced diet after the age of two years is a challenge, as the dietary intake becomes more diversified. The role of young-child formula in this process is debated. This paper discusses the use of planted-based drinks, since they are a valuable and progressively more popular alternative for cow's milk, if nutritionally adapted to the requirements of toddlers. Plant-based drinks are per definition lactose free.
Keywords: growing-up milk; plant-based beverage; plant-based drink; plant-based formula; toddler; young child formula.