Why is milk a complete food for babies

Why Do Infants Need Baby Formula Instead of Cow's Milk?

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​Many parents ask why they can't feed their baby regular cow's milk instead of breastmilk or formula. There are two main reasons: Infants cannot digest cow's milk as completely or easily as they digest breastmilk or baby formula. And, more importantly, cow's milk does not contain enough of certain nutrients that babies under a year old need.

During the current baby formula shortage, it may be OK for some babies over 6 months of age to have cow’s milk for a short period of time if no formula is available. If you aren’t able to find baby formula in stock anywhere, talk with your pediatrician and read more here.

Beyond digestion

Cow's milk contains high concentrations of protein and minerals, which can stress a newborn's immature kidneys and cause severe illness at times of heat stress, fever, or diarrhea. In addition, cow's milk lacks the proper amounts of iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients that infants need. It may even cause iron-deficiency anemia in some babies, since cow's milk protein can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestine, leading to loss of blood in the stools. Cow's milk also does not contain the healthiest types of fat for growing babies. For these reasons, your baby should not receive any cow's milk (or other non-human milk or milk substitute) until they are about 12 months of age unless no alternative is available.

Once your baby turns a year old

Once your baby is past one year old, you may give them pasteurized whole cow's milk or reduced-fat (2%) milk, provided they have a balanced diet of solid foods (cereals, vegetables, fruits and meats). But limit their intake of milk to 2 cups (about 16 ounces) per day or less. More than 24 ounces a day has been associated with iron deficiency if toddlers aren't getting enough other healthy iron-rich foods. If your baby is not yet eating a broad range of solid foods, talk to your pediatrician about the best nutrition for them.

At this age, children still need a higher fat content, which is why whole vitamin D-fortified milk is recommended for most infants after one year of age. If your child is or is at risk for overweight, or if there is a family history of obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease, your pediatrician may recommend 2% (reduced-fat) milk.

Age 2 and up

Do not give your baby 1% (low-fat) or nonfat (skimmed) milk before their second birthday, as it does not contain enough fat for brain development. After two years of age, you should discuss your child's nutritional needs with your pediatrician. However, many children at this age can transition to lower-fat milk if that is what your family uses.

Last Updated

5/11/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition (Copyright © 2022)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives | Nutrition

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Information about finding infant formula can be found

Additional information to help families during the infant formula shortage can be found

Your growing child needs vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and calcium to build strong bones. Pasteurized, whole cow’s milk and soy beverages that have been fortifiedalert icon with vitamin D are good sources of vitamin D and calcium. Most cow’s milk sold in the United States is fortified with vitamin D.

Choose milk or milk alternatives that are unflavored and unsweetened. Flavored cow’s milk and fortified soy beverages can have added sugars. Your child does not need added sugars.

When Should I Introduce My Child to Cow’s Milk?

At 12 months old (but not before), your child can be introduced to cow’s milk. Before your child is 12 months old, cow’s milk may put him or her at risk for intestinal bleeding. It also has too many proteins and minerals for your baby’s kidneys to handle and does not have the right amount of nutrients your baby needs.

How Much, and How Often?

Cow’s milk or fortified soy beverages can be a part of a child’s balanced and diverse diet but not the only thing. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend children aged 12 through 23 months get 1⅔ to 2 cup equivalents of dairy a day, including cow’s milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified soy beverages, and soy-based yogurt. If your child drinks too much cow’s milk, he or she may not be hungry for other foods with important nutrients. Some experts say that consuming too much cow’s milk can make it harder for your child’s body to absorb the iron he or she needs from foods.

Continue to follow your child’s cues to decide when he or she is hungry or full. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse for more questions about adding cow’s milk or fortified soy beverages in his or her diet.

Whole Cow’s Milk or Lower Fat Cow’s Milk?

Children can drink unflavored, unsweetened whole cow’s milk. Whole cow’s milk is the same as lower fat cow’s milk except that it is higher in fat. It is important for young children to get fat in their diet for healthy growth and development. If your child has excessive weight gain or a family history of obesity, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or cardiovascular disease, talk to your child’s doctor or nurse about the type of cow’s milk to give.

Raw Milk

Raw milk and raw milk products from cows, goats, and sheep can carry harmful bacteria and other germs that can make your child very sick and can be life-threatening. Raw milk can also be called unpasteurized milk. Do not give your child raw or unpasteurized milk.

Milk Alternatives

Milk alternatives can include beverages made from plants, such as soy, oat, rice, coconut, cashew, and almond.

If you choose a milk alternative, here are things to remember:

• Milk alternatives should not be given before 12 months.
• Fortified soy beverages are the only milk alternative that help meet a child’s recommended dairy needs.
• Choose one that is unflavored and unsweetened. Your child does not need added sugars.
• Choose one that is fortified with vitamin D and calcium. Check labels, since nutrient content can vary between brands.
• Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about the milk alternative you are using, because the vitamins and minerals in these types of milks are different than in cow’s milk.

Visit Vitamins & Minerals to learn more about the vitamins and minerals your child needs.

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Up to what age is exclusive breastfeeding a complete food for a child?

Question: Until what age is exclusive breastfeeding a healthy diet for a baby?

Answer: For the best growth, development and health, babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, that is, receive only breast milk. "Exclusive breastfeeding" refers to the exclusion from the infant's diet of any other food and drink, even water, in addition to breast milk. However, infants can still be given drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals, and medicines). Breast milk is the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of babies; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process, which is of great importance for the health of mothers.

WHO recommends that infants at six months of age (180 days) should begin complementary feeding in addition to breast milk. At the age of 6-8 months complementary foods should be given 2-3 times a day, and at the age of 9-11 months - 3-4 times a day. At the age of 12-23 months, the child should be fed 3-4 times a day. In addition, depending on the child's appetite, give 1-2 snacks between meals. These feedings should be sufficient, that is, supply the growing body of the child with enough energy, proteins and micronutrients. Food must be prepared and served in a safe manner to minimize the risk of infection. During feeding, young children should be actively encouraged to eat.

The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to regular family meals is a very difficult time. During this time, many children are undernourished, which contributes significantly to the high prevalence of malnutrition among children under the age of five worldwide. Therefore, it is essential that infants receive proper and safe complementary foods in sufficient quantities to ensure a proper transition from breastfeeding to regular foods.

Age	Cooking method	Feeding frequency	Amount per meal
6-8 months	Liquid porridge. Thereafter, feed normal family food, puréed	2-3 times a day plus frequent breastfeeding Depending on the baby's appetite, 1-2 snacks may be offered	Start with 2-3 full tablespoons, gradually increasing to 1/2 250 ml cup
9-11 months	Food that is finely chopped or pureed, and food that the baby can grasp by hand	3-4 feedings plus breast milk feedings. Depending on the child's appetite, 1-2 snacks can be offered	1/2 250ml cups/bowls
12-23 months	Regular family meals, cut or pureed as needed	3-4 meals plus breastfeeding. Depending on the child's appetite, 1-2 snacks can be offered	3/4 to full 250 ml cup/bowl

Note: if the baby is not breastfed, he should receive an additional 1-2 cups of milk per day and 1-2 meals per day

Breastfeeding is a guarantee of health for life - Budgetary institution of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Yugra