Why do 1 year-olds "need" to start drinking whole milk?

Question

Clarification: I just weaned my son from breastfeeding. Is drinking cow's milk (vs. soy milk) mostly for the fat? I know that there is soy milk fortified with calcium and vitamins, but does it not have enough fat?
Thanks!!

Answer 1

They don't. If a baby is drinking cow's milk at a year, then whole milk is preferable to low-fat because growing brains need the fat.

Cow's milk is a convenient source of fat, calcium, proteins, and Vitamin D, but it's not required. If a mother is still breastfeeding 3-4 times a day, the toddler does not need cow's milk.

In fact, it's possible for everyone to get sufficient nutrition from nondairy sources. It's just easier for most of us to drink milk.

Answer 2

They need the whole milk for the fat content, it helps develop the central nervous system. But, we live in a world where we get plenty of fats anyway, so I don't see that giving soy milk is a problem, as long as it's good fats that the child is getting. You could ask your dr. what the good fats are, and how much is necessary. I have my child on soy milk because he can't drink regular milk, and the dr. never said anything about it affecting his development, so I'm assuming it's alright. But by all means, ask! That's a great question!

Answer 3

They don't "need" whole milk. They need the calcium and vitamin D. AT 1 children can get all the fat they need from other foods.

I am not a believer in cow's milk. I don't believe it is healthy or necessary for anyone. Soymilk or goat's milk or rice milk is just as good if not better.

When I give the children in my daycare soymilk, I don't call it milk. I tell them it is soy drink so they are not expecting the taste of milk. They do get whole milk since it is required on the federal food program but I don't make them drink it and actually, law forbids me from making them eat or drink anything!

Do some research, talk to other moms, check out a vegan website. MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICE!

Answer 4

It is not so much a need for whole milk vs formula, as it is that they no longer need the power packed nutrients contained in formula. Nutritional needs change as they get older. If you go with whole milk, but are concerned that your 1 year old isn't eating a wide enough variety of foods and that the nutrients in whole milk won't be enough, there are toddler specific formulas out there. Also, you can supplement with liquid vitamins. The one my pediatrician recommended is Polyvisol. Apparently tastes terrible alone, so putting it IN their milk is an option. Note - Whole milk is important vs skim, 1% or 2 % because they absolutely need the fat content at their age.

Answer 5

As opposed to what? They need whole milk as opposed to low-fat milk because of the fat content. But if the child is breastfeeding he or she is still getting enough until 2 years old.

Answer 6

Because of the fat content-they are at the age where fat is a good thing (at least, that kind of fat). Skim milk lady, ask your doctor if its okay.

i will also guess that whole cows milk is more like breast milk, so it is an eastier transistion.

Answer 7

They don't you're the parent and can decide my daughter is turning 2 next month and I've always given her 2% it's just that they need all the vitamins and nutrients and there are much less in skim milk

Answer 8

One yr olds need whole milk because of the fat in take.

Answer 9

My daughter had the comparable subject. We found out she replace into allergic to the milk protein. She isn't allergic to soy milk, yet throws up while she beverages it. The well being care expert mentioned she does not tolerate it. So i attempt to make oatmeal with th soy milk for her to get the calcium. I additionally supply her water after each and every meal and that i supply her orange juice fortified with calcium and diet D. The juice has the comparable volume of calcium as milk. locate each and every danger to offer the Juice, like juice packing containers, water etc. i'm particular she would be nice.

Answer 10

They don't, current wisdom says that breast milk is better than whole milk. There was a case of a woman who was still breast feeding her 4 year old. I think that is too long to breast feed, and you need to wean your baby at some time. So do it when you think it is best.