Mums and Bubs
Cow’s milk is the most common milk that is offered to infants. Cow’s milk does have a lot of advantages and it is a good replacement of breast milk. But, the question is when and how to introduce the cow’s milk to kids? It is very important because introducing it earlier can cause health issues and if you delay, it will be hard for your kid to get used to it. This is the reason why you should introduce it at the right time and in the right way.
In this post, you will read almost everything regarding how to introduce cow’s milk to toddlers and how to overcome the complications. Let’s read below:
Why Healthcare Providers Recommend Delayed Cow’s Milk Introduction?
Doctors suggest starting the cow’s milk after your kids turn one year old. There are various reasons why parents shouldn’t introduce cow’s milk early.
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For babies under one year, it is hard to digest the cow’s milk as it contain minerals and protein while you baby’s kidney is very immature. Always remember that extra protein can cause blood in the stools. Furthermore, cow’s milk doesn’t have enough vitamin C and iron for your newborn.
Quantity of Milk
Most of the healthcare providers recommend two cups (18 ounces) of milk each day. If your kid loves to drink milk and wants to have it all the day, that’s not a good idea. Don’t provide more than three cups because he doesn’t have enough room for other foods.
Should I offer Fat-free or low-fat Milk?
No! According to the instruction of American Academy of Pediatrics, you should serve whole milk to your toddlers. Children needs a higher amount of fat to maintain their growth rate and absorb vitamin D and A.
Read More: Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
Low or non-fat milk provide a high concentration of protein, which is not good at this age. Once you kid turns to two or three years, then you can switch to low-fat milk, but it is not recommended. If you belong to a family with obesity issue, then you can try low fat milk after discussing with your child’s doctor.
How to make your toddler drink cow’s milk?
Some of the kids pay no attention to switch from breast milk to cow’s milk while some take it seriously. Cow’s milk has a different taste, temperature, and texture as compare to breast milk, which is the main reason why kids hesitate while making the switch.
If your toddler is not happy with the cow’s milk, you can add some breast milk in it. Also, you can add formula if can’t add the breast milk because of any reason. In the start, add one part of cow’s milk and three parts of breast milk or formula and then shift the ratio slowly.
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If your child has learned your trick and still not interested, then you can try some other ways. Take your toddler’s favorite fruit and make milk shake for him or you can add milk to his cereals. Apart from this, you can offer yogurt, custard, cottage, or pudding.
Are there any advantages of Organic Milk?
Until now, there is not much evidence that organic milk is better as compared to conventional, but there is no disadvantage as well. Well, if there is no advantage, why would you opt to spend more on milk? After all, it is your decision.
Read More: What is Extended Breastfeeding? Is it for You?
Don’t offer unpasteurized or raw milk to your toddler as they contain bacteria, which is harmful to children.
Do kids have a milk allergy?
Yes, but it is very uncommon to have a cow’s milk allergy. According to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), only 2 percent children suffer cow’s milk allergy and 90 percent of them outgrow it when they get three years old.
What if we are vegans?
Most of the time, people forget vegans who can’t offer milk to their children. For vegans, it is recommended that you should meet your healthcare provider. Most probably, he or she will suggest vitamin D and calcium supplements, which is a good alternative of milk.
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