The effect of prolonged bottle feeding on cow's milk intake and iron stores at 18 months of age

Toddlers who are still bottle-fed at 18 months of age may be at increased risk of iron deficiencies due to increased consumption of cow's milk. Cow's milk consumption per day and blood iron levels were analyzed in 17 toddlers still bottle-fed at 18 months of age and 17 toddlers weaned at one year of age. Iron levels were moderately lower in the group continuing with bottle-feeding compared to the weaned group. Bottle-fed toddlers consumed 26.3 oz of cow's milk per day compared to 16.1 oz for the weaned group.