Do you think a toddler should drink **** milk until age 2?

Question

Or do you (did you) give them 2%. What are your thoughts on this.

Answer 1

I am a nutritionist

children under two should never be given any low fat products (including 2% milk) because they need the extra fat for brain development

the current recommendation is whole milk till 2 years, but it was five years, that changed because too many children are having weight issues. my professional opinion is if your child is a healthy weight you should continue using whole milk if your child is over two years and over weight you can think about switching. (this only applies to people who feed milk and children can be perfectly healthy without any)

to Jen above regarding I also want to point out that reduced fat milk has the same lactose content as whole milk, if your son is in fact lactose intolerant he can not digest either

Answer 2

I don't think it is right that a child of a certain weight is said that they have to drink whole milk, but there isn't much I can do because WIC doesn't allow me to get anything else for now. I just don't think it is fair that my daughter is skinny so I have to give her a more fattening milk.

Didn't believe the stuff about it is for brain development because there are children that are ALLERGIC to milk and can't drink the whole milk when they turn a year old.

Now with all that said, do you know that humans are the only "animal" that still drinks milk after being weaned? Just some info I wanted to throw in there, I LOVE MY MILK! I am a little overweight but I refuse to drink skim simply because it doesn't do ANYTHING for my acid reflux, 2% is the best for me.

Answer 3

My son's doctor took him off formula at 10 months and said to give him whole milk until 2 due to the body growing and needing the extra fat to develop properly (I think since they grow so fast when little). I gave him 2% too, it really depended on where we were. I kept whole milk and 2% at home (I'll only drink 2%), but when you are out at restaurants and many places anymore you can't get whole milk, it's 2% or skim. I guess it's really up to you, but when you think about it formula and breast milk have a higher amount of fat and maybe it's what they need. I just did what the doctor said.

Answer 4

I had that same question and asked licensed dietitian and she told me **** until age 6. At the same time, in a practical way, if the rest of the family drinks 2% it is fine is sometimes the child has 2% instead of whole milk. Of course which type of milk you feed your child depends on how much milk they drink and their weight.

Answer 5

I think it depends on how much fat your child needs. If s/he is getting a lot of fat, switch to 2%. Shortly before my son turned 2, I started by 1 gallon of whole milk and 1 gallon of 2%. Now I've switched to just 2%, but he's a very healthy weight. He's always been in the 75th - 90th percentile for weight. He also gets fat in other foods he eats. If you serve a vegetarian diet, I'd do the whole milk longer. My doctor told me either was fine. I just figured we shouldn't be drinking the whole milk. That's why I switched.

Answer 6

Whole milk until they are at least 2 years old because the brain cells are still forming. The fats from the milk help the brain form to its fullest potential. Then , when you do all the wonderful things like reading to your child and taking them to museums and parks, they will be able to use the experiences to their best advantage. Breast milk is best of course , but whole cow or goat milk is also acceptable or even better, formula. Many children suffer from some degree of lactose intolerance and do better on goat milk than on cows milk. If goats milk is too expensive in your area, tablets and drops are availabe to reduce the lactose in milk. If weight is an issue for your child , reduce sugary and fatty snacks, processed meats like hot dogs and chicken nuggets, fried foods. Increase exercise like playing at a playground, walking, swimming, etc. Don't hold back healthy foods like milk, fruit and vegetables.

Answer 7

I have a toddler, and because I get WIC they say she has to have **** milk, however I prefer to give her 2%, and when the WIC runs out that is what I buy her. The only difference in the two is the fat content

Answer 8

I always gave my boys whole milk ( I am guessing that is what you meant). I never saw anything wrong with the fat content in milk. besides kids need more calories, and milk is good for you.

Answer 9

your not supposed to switch to 2% until they reach 3 because their body requires a certain amount of fat. I asked my sons pedatrition because i dont drink whole milk

Answer 10

My daughters still on **** milk and shes 23 months..........I will likely keep her on it cause shes small for her age............but I truly thing **** milk is best for abit longer anyway ......better for them to grow.