The period from 6 years of age is crucial for a child’s growth in terms of height and weight. To ensure comprehensive physical development during this phase, in addition to a diet rich in nutrients, it’s important to remember to supplement essential nutrients from functional foods and powdered milk for children. Today, let’s explore with AVAKids the top 10 types of milk for children over 6 years old that provide nutrition for comprehensive development!
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1. Essential Nutrients for Children Aged 6 and Above
Parents should be aware that for comprehensive development, the following nutrients need to be supplemented:
- Sugars: This is a very important nutrient, essential for comprehensive development, as it provides a large amount of energy for a whole day of activity. From the age of 6, children usually eat less between meals, so parents should give them a glass of milk every morning to ensure they get the necessary amount of sugar.
- Iron: It might be lesser-known, but iron deficiency can lead to blood loss, memory decline, lack of concentration, poor comprehension, making the child always seem sluggish and tired.
- Vitamins A and B: These are essential for a child’s body. Vitamin A helps in vision development, while vitamin B helps to strengthen the nerves. A deficiency in vitamin B can make a child more aggressive, irritable, easily frustrated, and affected by their surroundings.
- Folic Acid: Folic acid is important for red blood cell development. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to fatigue, slow memory, forgetfulness, and can make a child easily agitated by environmental factors, and have difficulty concentrating.
- Zinc: This nutrient is also essential for the comprehensive development of children from 6 years old, as a zinc deficiency can affect digestive functions, lead to poor nutrient absorption, and can easily lead to malnutrition or undernutrition.
2. The Role of Milk in Children Aged 6 and Above
For children, milk plays a crucial role, especially from the age of 6 onwards. This is the period when children start adapting to the learning environment. When entering first grade, they become eager to explore, learn, and interact with their surroundings and peers.
Moreover, significant changes in both mental and physical development occur from the age of 6. Children may even start to experience anxiety during tests. Therefore, supplementing an adequate amount of milk daily can lay a significant foundation for their future development.
Additionally, at this age, children’s bodies need nutrients from various dietary sources to ensure their comprehensive development during this ‘golden phase’.
2.1 Support Height Growth and Bone Strengthening
The period from 6 years of age is considered the ‘golden phase’ for optimal height growth in children. Many parents in Vietnam choose milk as the best option for comprehensive height development. The average height of a 6-year-old child is around 100cm.
To achieve this, parents need to ensure that their child’s body receives enough calcium, as it is an indispensable nutrient for height growth and bone development. One of the richest and most abundant sources of calcium currently available is powdered milk.
Besides calcium, milk also contains vitamin D, a necessary nutrient that aids the body in absorbing calcium. Additionally, powdered milk contains phosphorus – a nutrient that also contributes to the absorption of calcium, promoting height growth and strong bone development.
2.2 Strengthening Children’s Teeth
Not just bones, but teeth are also made from calcium. The period from 6 years onwards is when children start losing their milk teeth and permanent teeth begin to emerge. This process occurs in everyone from the ages of 6 to 12 and can continue until adulthood.
Therefore, ensuring an adequate intake of calcium is extremely important. Drinking milk is a simple and effective way to provide the necessary amount of calcium for the body. This not only strengthens the teeth but also, when calcium combines with fluoride, forms tooth enamel. Strong enamel is key to a healthy, bright set of teeth for children.
2.3 Supporting Muscle Strength in Children
Children from the age of 6 are often very active, enjoying running, jumping, and participating in various physical activities. Therefore, at this stage, it’s crucial for them to supplement nutrients beneficial for muscle development, and powdered milk products with high protein content are a perfect choice for muscle growth.
Protein is the main component of muscles. In addition, other nutrients like lactose, potassium, and carbohydrates also play significant roles in muscle development. These nutrients help muscles to develop properly, ensuring good mobility in children.
2.4 Nurturing the Nervous System
Even though the ‘golden phase’ for neural development has passed, children from the age of 6 still require essential nutrients for the maintenance of neural cell activity. Parents should encourage their children to drink milk regularly, as the nutrients provided by milk not only strengthen bones and teeth but also ensure the smooth and healthy functioning of the brain.
Parents might not be aware that the fats in milk are very beneficial for the development of the nervous system and the brain, while proteins are crucial for brain development. Furthermore, calcium and other minerals in milk play an important role in neural transmission. Milk also contains sodium, which is an important component in the functioning of the nervous system.
Moreover, milk contains vitamin B2, which is essential in the glucose metabolism process that provides energy to the body and brain. The vitamin B12 group in milk contributes to blood formation, improving the brain’s oxygen and nutrient absorption. This helps children continue to improve their brain development, intellect, and immune system.
3. Criteria for Choosing Milk for Children Over 6 Years Old
When selecting milk for children aged 6 and above, parents should pay attention to the following criteria to choose a quality product that benefits the immune system, physical strength, and intellect of the child:
3.1 Expiration Date of the Milk
Not just for milk, but when purchasing any product for mothers and children, it’s crucial to pay attention to the production date and expiration date printed on the packaging.
Never allow children to consume expired or nearly expired milk, as their immune systems are still not fully developed. Consuming expired milk can affect the digestive system and even pose serious health risks.
Parents should also avoid buying milk that is close to its expiration date. As this period approaches, the nutritional components in the milk might begin to deteriorate, reducing its effectiveness and quality, and potentially posing health risks.
Pay attention to the production date and expiration date printed on the product packaging.
3.2 Product Barcode
The simplest way to trace the origin of a product is by checking its barcode. Verifying the barcode helps parents ensure they are selecting authentic products, avoiding counterfeit or low-quality items. It’s a crucial step in ensuring the safety and quality of the milk chosen for their children.
Check barcodes to trace product origin
3.3 Milk Composition
When choosing milk for their children, parents should thoroughly research the milk’s ingredients. It’s important to assess which components are essential for the child’s development and identify any potential allergies the child may have to certain ingredients. Additionally, considering the nutritional composition and the nutrient content of the milk will help parents make an appropriate choice that aligns with the specific nutritional needs of their child.
3.4 Child’s Age
Children at different stages and ages have varying nutritional needs. To ensure optimal absorption and comprehensive development, parents should consider choosing milk products with nutritional content appropriate for their child’s age. This approach helps prevent nutritional overload, overweight, obesity, or nutrient deficiencies in children.
3.5 Consultation with Experts
If you lack experience in choosing milk for your child or are unsure about your selection, it’s advisable to seek advice from nutrition experts, pediatricians, etc., when buying milk for children over 6 years old. Consulting with professionals provides a scientific and objective perspective, helping you make more informed decisions rather than relying solely on product advertisements.
4. Top 10 Milk Products for Comprehensive Development in Children Over 6 Years Old
The following list, updated as of April 2023, is based on the most searched milk products for children over 6 years old on Google for comprehensive development. It may change over time.
4.1 Nutren Junior Powdered Milk
Brand: Nestle Health Science (Sweden)
Manufactured in: Singapore
Main Ingredients: A variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and essential minerals.
Nutren Junior is a nutritional product for children aged 1-12 who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. It features an exclusive B.I.G formula, helping children catch up in growth and develop comprehensively in three standards: physical, immunity, and cognitive development. Nutren Junior contains high-quality vitamins from the Swiss Vitamin Institute, ensuring full nutritional supplementation and comprehensive development for children.
Key Features of Nutren Junior Powdered Milk:
- Provides essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of children in this age group.
- Strengthens the immune system, protecting children from illnesses.
- Easily prepared and consumed.
- Gluten-free, suitable for children with gluten allergies.
- Free from trans fats, supporting children’s cardiovascular health.
4.2 Enfagrow Premium Toddler Powdered Milk
Brand: Mead Johnson
Manufactured in: USA
Main Ingredients: Milk protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, etc.
Enfagrow Premium Toddler, produced by Mead Johnson in the USA, is a domestic product imported 100% into the Vietnamese market. The milk contains DHA, PDX & GOS fiber system, vitamins, minerals, etc., providing a rich source of protein and energy, enough to replace a meal for children.
Key Features of Enfagrow Premium Toddler Powdered Milk:
- Contains essential nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Supports brain development in children.
- Strengthens the immune system, protecting children from diseases.
- Includes easily digestible proteins for efficient nutrient absorption in children.
- Free from added sugar, minimizing the risk of diabetes.
- Provides fiber to maintain healthy digestive functions in children.
4.3 Wakodo Gungun No. 3 Powdered Milk
Brand: WAKODO (Japan)
Manufactured in: Japan
Main Ingredients: Zinc, iodine, B vitamins, iron, calcium, DHA
Wakodo Gungun No. 3 powdered milk is a product imported entirely from Japan. With advanced technology and modern formula, it supports digestion; brain and vision development; immune system strengthening; weight gain and height growth, suitable for the comprehensive development of children from 3 years old onwards.
Key Features of Wakodo Gungun No. 3 Powdered Milk:
- Contains essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Includes choline, DHA, and ARA to enhance brain development in children.
- Contains selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin E to strengthen the immune system, protecting children from diseases.
- Easily digestible proteins facilitate efficient nutrient absorption in children.
- Free from cow’s milk, suitable for children with cow’s milk allergies or diarrhea.
- Does not contain preservatives, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Made from natural ingredients without harmful chemicals.
4.4 Abbott Grow Stage 4 Powdered Milk
Brand: ABBOTT (Ireland)
Manufactured in: Ireland
Main Ingredients: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron
Abbott Grow Stage 4 powdered milk is a widely trusted product for height development support. It is fortified with calcium and vitamin D in an appropriate calcium/phosphorus ratio as recommended by European and American guidelines, along with other essential nutrients, aiding in the comprehensive development of both physical and mental aspects in children.
Key Features of Abbott Grow Stage 4 Powdered Milk:
- Provides all the essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals needed for child growth.
- Supports brain development with high levels of DHA, ARA, and choline in the product.
- Contains nutrients like selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin E to strengthen the child’s immune system.
- Improves digestion with various types of fibers and prebiotics.
- Fortified with calcium and vitamin D to support bone development.
- Contains easily digestible proteins to facilitate efficient nutrient absorption.
- Free from preservatives, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Produced by the reputable company Abbott, one of the largest pharmaceutical and nutrition companies in the world, known for its high credibility in the industry.
4.5 Friso Gold Pedia 5 Powdered Milk
Brand: Friso
Manufactured in: Vietnam
Main Ingredients: Calcium, vitamins, iodine
Friso Gold Pedia 5 is a nutritional product designed for picky eaters aged 2 – 6 years. Just two glasses of Friso Gold Pedia 5 can provide up to 80% of the essential nutritional needs, supporting digestion and enhancing immunity. The milk contains a variety of vitamins such as A, D, E, and minerals like calcium, iron, etc., supporting the comprehensive development of children.
Key Features of Friso Gold Pedia 5 Powdered Milk:
- Provides all essential nutrients needed for children’s development, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Contains prebiotic fibers (GOS) that enhance the beneficial gut microbiota, supporting digestive health and the immune system in children.
- Includes DHA and ARA to support brain and vision development in children.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, supporting bone and overall growth in children.
- Tasty and easy to drink, making it appealing and digestible for children.
- Free from preservatives, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Friso powdered milk is produced in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its high-quality dairy products and food safety standards.
4.6 Dielac Grow 3+ Powdered Milk
Brand: Dielac Grow Plus
Manufactured in: Vietnam
Main Ingredients: Calcium, vitamin D3, DHA, Lysine, etc.
Among Dielac’s products, Dielac Grow 3+ is a nutritional milk supplement that effectively supports height growth. It comes from the Vietnamese brand Dielac Grow Plus. This formula is designed for outstanding height growth, following the nutritional recommendations of the DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) – USA. It contains three times more vitamin D3 and 30% more calcium, maximizing height and bone strength in children.
Key Features of Dielac Grow 3+ Powdered Milk:
- Provides all the essential nutrients necessary for children’s development, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Contains HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide) – a nutrient-rich fiber that supports gut health and the immune system in children.
- Includes DHA, ARA, Omega 3, and 6 to support brain, vision, and nervous system development in children.
- High in calcium and vitamin D3, aiding in the development of bones and teeth.
- Fortified with additional minerals such as iron, zinc, and iodine to enhance immunity and boost the immune system’s function.
- Free from preservatives and harmful substances, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Tasty and easy to drink, making it appealing and digestible for children.
- Conveniently and securely packaged, easy to store and use.
4.7 Optimum Step 4 Powdered Milk
Brand: Vinamilk
Manufactured in: Vietnam
Main Ingredients: Colostrum and essential vitamins and minerals like D, C, A, zinc, and selenium
Optimum Step 4 powdered milk is produced using modern, international quality technology, making it an excellent choice for the comprehensive development of children. It contains Whey protein rich in Alpha-lactalbumin and probiotics for easy absorption, healthy weight gain, and 25% more DHA from seaweed, a 30% increase in HMO, among other essential nutrients critical for the ‘golden phase’ of a child’s physical development.
Key Features of Optimum Step 4 Powdered Milk:
- Provides all essential nutrients necessary for children’s comprehensive development, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Contains 26 types of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium, supporting the development of bones, teeth, brain, and immune function.
- High levels of DHA and choline enhance brain function and help children develop concentration and memory skills.
- The Optimum Step 4 formula contains the prebiotic FOS, enhancing gut microbiota, creating a longer feeling of fullness, and improving appetite.
- Free from preservatives and harmful substances, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Tasty and easy to drink, making it appealing and digestible for children.
- Conveniently and securely packaged, easy to store and use.
4.8 Nutifood NuVi Grow No. 4 Powdered Milk
Brand: Nutifood
Manufactured in: Vietnam
Main Ingredients: Vitamin A and D3, powdered milk, glucose syrup, concentrated whey protein, lysine, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil, choline, vitamins, and minerals
Nutifood Nuvi Grow is a product of the well-known Nutifood brand. Suitable for children over 2 years old, this milk features the Nuvi Power formula developed by NNRIS, catering to the specific nutritional needs of Vietnamese children. It helps children grow taller, healthier, and boosts their immunity, supporting brain development.
Key Features of Nutifood NuVi Grow No. 4 Powdered Milk:
- Provides all essential nutrients necessary for children’s comprehensive development, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- High levels of calcium and vitamin D to strengthen the health of bones and teeth in children.
- Contains DHA and ARA to support brain development and enhance vision function in children.
- NuVi Grow No. 4 formula is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to enhance the digestive system and immune system in children.
- Free from gluten, sugar, lactose, artificial flavors, and preservatives, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Tasty and easy to drink, making it appealing and digestible for children.
- Conveniently and securely packaged, easy to store and use.
- 4.9 Nutifood GrowPLUS+ Powdered Milk
- Brand: GrowPLUS+
- Manufactured in: Sweden
- Price: 549,000 VND per 850g can
- Main Ingredients: Full cream milk powder, maltodextrin, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), sugar, fiber, synthetic vanilla flavor, choline bitartrate, DHA, AA, a mix of vitamins and minerals, taurine, zinc sulfate
- Nutifood GrowPLUS+ is supplemented with 100% natural 24-hour Colostrum from the USA and 2-FL HMO, imported entirely from Sweden. It contains essential nutrients for children’s development such as proteins, fats, vitamins A, E, C, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and soluble fiber FOS/inulin,…
- Key Features of Nutifood GrowPLUS+ Powdered Milk:
- Provides all essential nutrients for comprehensive development in children, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- High levels of calcium and vitamin D to enhance the health of bones and teeth.
- Contains DHA and ARA to support brain development and improve visual function.
- The Nutifood GrowPLUS+ formula is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to enhance the digestive and immune systems of children.
- Free from gluten, sugar, lactose, artificial flavors, and preservatives, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Tasty and easy to drink, making it appealing and digestible for children.
- Conveniently and securely packaged, easy to store and use.
- Nutifood GrowPLUS+ also includes Lactoferrin, a natural protein that enhances immunity and supports the digestive health of children.
4.10 Abbott PediaSure BA Powdered Milk
Brand: Abbott USA
Manufactured in: USA
Main Ingredients: Proteins, calcium, and vitamin S2 with added arginine, vitamin K2, etc.
Abbott PediaSure BA powdered milk adequately and timely supplements nutritional deficiencies in children’s meals. It prevents malnutrition or obesity, enhances immunity, and supports rapid physical and intellectual growth in children. Produced by the leading brand Abbott USA, this product is suitable for children aged 1 – 13 years.
Key Features of Abbott PediaSure BA Powdered Milk:
- Provides all essential nutrients for comprehensive development in children, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- High levels of calcium and vitamin D support the health of bones and teeth.
- Contains a high amount of fiber to improve digestive function, enhance the immune system, and support prostate health.
- The Abbott PediaSure BA formula is fortified with unsaturated fatty acids to aid in brain development and enhance vision in children.
- Free from lactose, gluten, artificial flavors, and preservatives, ensuring safety for children’s health.
- Tasty and easy to drink, making it appealing and digestible for children.
- Conveniently and securely packaged, easy to store and use.
- Abbott PediaSure BA is recommended for children from 1 to 10 years old, especially those at risk of malnutrition or in need of additional nutrition to strengthen their health and development.
5. Tips for Caring for Children Over 6 Years Old
- Encourage your child to drink milk and eat yogurt at least once a day to ensure adequate calcium intake for weight and height development.
- If your child shows signs of obesity, do not reduce their food portions abruptly. Instead, consider switching to sugar-free yogurt or unsweetened milk.
- Make sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day. This helps in detoxification and keeps them feeling energetic and comfortable.
- Avoid introducing fast food early to your child, as it contains high levels of fats and oils.
- Include plenty of proteins in their diet from sources like meat, fish, eggs, and a variety of green vegetables.
- Limit snacking, as it can affect dental health and some snack ingredients can be harmful to your child’s health.