We all grew up drinking cow’s milk. But when did we first try it? Most mothers introduce their babies to the goodness of cow’s milk. But the question that arises here is when? And is cow milk good for newborn babies?
One thing is for sure – babies should not be put on cow’s milk before their first birthday. This is something all experts agree on. Until then, your baby will do just fine on breast milk or formula along with baby-specific solid food. But you can always use small portions of cow milk to cook meals for your baby once she is six months old.
Cow’s milk is a good source of essential nutrients. It helps to build body strength. It is comprised of rich proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and zinc for your child’s overall growth.
Cow milk is rich in calcium. It strengthens your baby’s teeth and bones. With high level of calcium and other nutrients, it also boosts muscle control and movement in babies.
Cow milk loaded with vitamin A, Vitamin D and phosphorus. It aids in the absorption of calcium by the body. It also lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and cancer in later stages of life.
Your baby needs protein in her growing years. You can provide them through cow’s milk. Cow milk also contains carbohydrates to keep your child energetic all through the day.
Cow milk comes in a number of different forms. Which one is the best bet for your baby? You can start with full cream or whole fat milk for better nutrition for your toddler. The vitamins in milk fat keep your child charged up all through the day. If you want to keep obesity away, you can also opt for toned cow milk. Though, the deficiency of fats in this milk must be covered up by other solid foods.
Never load up your baby with cow milk. This is because it can make her anemic in some cases. So, keep the supply moderate. You can begin with 16 ounces of cow’s milk per day. Gradually increase it up to 24 ounces for children nearing 2 years of age.
While milk is necessary for your baby, it can also cut down her intake of other solid foods. So, be attentive of her appetite before you start giving cow milk for babies.
Allergies caused by cow milk are rare in babies. In most of the cases, it is caused by genetic food allergies or intolerance to proteins in cow milk. But if you breast fed your child or used a cow milk-based infant formula, you child is relatively safe from any such allergies.
However, if you notice any alarming symptom with the introduction of cow milk, consult your doctor immediately.
You can make a healthy start with organic cow milk as it is free of antibiotics or harmful additives that may badly affect your child’s health.
Is cow milk safe for babies below 1 year? No. Babies fed with cow’s milk before their first birthday can suffer from several health issues. Some of the risks associated with premature introduction of cow’s milk include:
Now, these points should be enough to keep you away from introducing cow’s milk to your less than a year old baby.
Cow milk has provided sustenance to generations and will continue to do so. Don’t hurry into cow’s milk and wait till your baby is one. After that, it is cow’s milk all the way!
When do you plan to introduce cow’s milk to your baby? Do you plan to wait till she is one? Tell us in the comments section below.