After a number of nights spent in vain attempts to put your infant to sleep, your little one thankfully grows into a toddler.
Sadly, the added 12 months bring with them a strong dislike for food. Most kids above the age of 1 tend to get picky about food, especially when they’re sick. Here is where nutritional supplements come in to save the day and make parenting easier.
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But with so many competing brands, which one should you add to your shopping list? Lucky for you, we’ve brought you a detailed comparison of two of the leading brands in the market – Boost Kid Essentials and Pediasure. Read on to let us help you make the right choice for your tiny angel.
Boost Kid Essentials
A favorite among kids, this Boost Kids Essential Balanced Nutritional Drink combines 25 essential nutrients and lands among the affordable range of products. Despite being advertised as ‘supplemental or sole-source nutrition,’ most healthcare professionals and customers suggest consuming it with a healthy meal or snack.
It specializes in bringing kids suffering from malnutrition and inadequate food intake on the right track. Moreover, the delicious and uniform blend is suitable for the increased energy needs of your child and assists in a good weight maintenance strategy. It gives children a strong, healthy build, composed of 7g of proteins, large amounts of calcium, and Vitamin D.
This carton, which contains 240 calories, is suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers and even appeals to moms that prefer keeping their kids’ diets gluten-free. Boost Kid Essentials leaves out the controversial soy ingredients and the diabetes-inducing high fructose corn syrup.
Despite all the healthy goods on the inside, the kid-friendly packaging has faced much backlash. Nestle’s claims regarding the straw containing probiotics have been debunked multiple times, and the new packaging that replaces the straw with a reusable seal has its own issues. Some parents claim this one makes the drink vulnerable to spills, and most have complaints like mold under the cap and leaks.
Pros:
- The taste is a favorite among kids, even picky eaters
- Great for immunity support, weight maintenance, and healthy bones
- Cost-effective
- Lactose and gluten-free
- Free from unhealthy high fructose corn syrup
- All-natural flavors, colors, and preservatives
Cons:
- Not for use as a sole source of nutrition
- False packaging claims as the new one is not spill-proof
Pediasure
The Pediasure Grow and Gain Shake is a ready-to-drink supplement proven to help kids catch up on growth in 8 weeks. It has many variants like the Shake Mix, Organic, with Fiber, and Side Kicks which has a lower calorie count.
Picky eaters will hardly be able to resist the six different flavors ranging from classics like Vanilla and Chocolate to yummy customs like S’mores. The 27 essential vitamins and minerals, 7g of proteins, and 32 mg of DHA-omega 3 provide nutrition and reduce inflammation, help in weight gain, and provide immune support.
It is suitable for lactose-intolerant kids and is gluten-free, Halal, and kosher-certified without any artificial growth-boosting hormones. All the variants combined make it consumable either with a complete meal or snack, or even as a sole source of nutrition. These are also the reasons why most pediatricians recommend Pediasure.
There are possible side effects of the fiber and soy contents that can cause gastrointestinal issues. The high sugar content may even lead to weight gain and dental cavities. People with cow milk allergy should also avoid the products.
Pros:
- Variety of flavors and different ways to include in your kid’s diet
- Limits infection-induced weight loss
- The DHA Omega 3 has added benefits for the brain, heart, and vision
- Quick positive results in children suffering from stunted growth
Cons:
- Expensive
- It may not suit your child due to soy and fiber content, as well as a few artificial flavors.
Boost Kid Essentials vs. Pediasure – A Breakdown of Features
Similar to food, supplement intake mainly depends on your child’s eating habits, taste preferences, and tolerance to certain substances. The answer to all of these can be found in the ingredients list and recommendations on the pack, but it might be hard for most mothers to carry out in-depth research regarding the products’ possible side effects. That’s exactly what we are here to help you
with! Below we have listed down all the features you would want to check out before giving your toddler either of the two supplements.
Soy Ingredients
Soy IngredientsSoy does not normally show up as a risk or as a common allergy in children. However, it can cause bloating, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues when consumed in large amounts or on a daily basis. Unfortunately, Pediasure contains soy protein isolate and must be consumed according to a doctor’s dosage advice.
Recommended Age
Both nutrition-filled supplements are suitable for toddlers but slightly vary in recommended ages. Nestle recommends Boost for all babies 1 to 13 years of age, whereas Pediasure is not for early toddlers. It is formulated for kids from the ages of 2-12, but the best results when it comes to growth and development are seen in 3-5 year-olds.
Packaging
It might seem like a small aspect, but kid-friendly packaging is a necessity when it comes to picky eaters and clumsy toddlers. Boost Kid Essentials takes the lead with its included straws which prevent spills.
Pediasure shakes come in re-sealable and reusable plastic containers and can be stored until their remaining shelf-life.
Beneficial Features
DHA Omega 3 is found in seafood which is usually not among a child’s favorite foods. This is an exclusive nutrient in Pediasure that contributes to good eyesight, healthy development of the brain, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced risks of asthma.
Probiotics can be found in both brands in varying amounts with a higher dose in Pediasure Grow and Gain. It is also the only one having prebiotics that help prevent diseases, increase healthy gut bacteria and promote good metabolism.
However, if your little one has cow milk allergies, you might want to set everything aside and choose Boost Kid Essentials, which most parents prefer as an alternative.
Conclusion
In the end, both supplements are an excellent choice for parents worried about their child’s nutritional supplements. It all depends on the sort of diet they prefer, flavors they like, and their own bodies’ specific needs. Also, it’s best to consult a pediatrician or your trusted family doctor before regularly starting any of them.
