Will Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) coverage include formula for children older than 12 months?

WIC Formula Coverage After 12 Months

No, WIC does not cover standard infant formula for children past 12 months of age. 1

WIC Eligibility by Age Category

The WIC program serves specific populations with defined age cutoffs for different benefit packages 1:

• Infants (up to their first birthday): Receive infant formula benefits if not breastfeeding or partially breastfeeding 1
• Children (12 months up to their fifth birthday): Receive food packages that include whole cow's milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—but NOT infant formula 1

Transition at 12 Months

At 12 months of age, WIC transitions children from infant formula to whole cow's milk and other nutrient-dense foods. 1 This aligns with standard pediatric nutrition guidelines that recommend:

• Discontinuing infant formula at 12 months corrected age 2
• Transitioning to whole cow's milk (limiting intake to no more than 24 ounces daily) 1
• Meeting nutritional needs through a varied diet of solid foods 1

What WIC Provides After 12 Months

For children ages 1-5 years, WIC provides 1:

• Dairy products: Whole milk, cheese, yogurt (not formula)
• Grains: Iron-fortified cereals, whole grain bread
• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned options
• Protein sources: Eggs, peanut butter, beans, canned fish
• 100% fruit juice: Limited quantities (though this should be restricted to 4-6 ounces daily per AAP guidelines) 1

Important Clinical Considerations

When Formula Might Continue Past 12 Months

While standard WIC benefits do not include formula after 12 months, there are specific exceptions 1:

• Medical necessity: Children with documented medical conditions requiring specialized formulas may receive coverage through WIC's medical documentation process
• Special metabolic formulas: Children with conditions like phenylketonuria or other metabolic disorders continue receiving specialized formulas well beyond 12 months through WIC's medical food provisions

Common Pitfall to Avoid

Do not assume that "follow-up formulas" marketed for toddlers 12-23 months are covered by or recommended through WIC. 1 These products are not recommended by WHO or included in WIC food packages, as they provide no nutritional advantage over whole milk combined with a balanced diet of solid foods 1.

Nutritional Adequacy After Transition

The transition from formula to whole foods at 12 months is nutritionally appropriate when 1:

• Children consume 16-24 ounces of whole cow's milk daily (not exceeding 24 ounces to prevent iron deficiency) 1
• Diet includes iron-rich foods (iron-fortified cereals, meats, beans) 1
• Vitamin C-rich foods are consumed with meals to enhance iron absorption 1

Referral Strategy for Families Needing Support

If families express concern about affording nutrition after formula benefits end, counsel them that 1:

• WIC continues providing substantial food benefits through age 5 years
• The food package value for children ages 1-5 years often exceeds the infant formula package value
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) can supplement WIC benefits for families needing additional food assistance 1