thank you all-what are the problems if a mom is still feeding milk only at 2 yearsold?

Answer 1

from what I hear it's good to feed a child breast milk until two but after two is when they should be on solid foods and whole milk.

Answer 2

If the milk you speak of is breastmilk, it can be beneficial for SOME children to only receive breastmilk at this age. However most children need to have started solid foods by then. Usually most children need to start eating solid foods by 12 months of age, most begin eating solids before then. If the child has a specific disorder or severe food allergies, it may be beneficial to only consume breastmilk at age 2.

But nutritionally, I don't think there would be much missing, other then perhaps vitamin D or iron. Vitamin D is easily attainable with sunlight however iron is not secreted in breastmilk in large amounts so an iron supplement may be necessary for some children if they're not eating any solid foods at that age.

If a 2 year old child is only receiving breastmilk and there is no medical reason for this, it is best to consult a doctor.

Answer 3

The only problem that COULD arise with the child is tooth decay if the child doesn't rinse his or her mouth after nursing. Bottlefed babies have the same problem if they go to sleep with a bottle.

Other problems could be associated with the mother's health if she doesn't eat properly. In this case, that means dairy products and lean protein three times a day.

Both of those problems are unlikely and, if avoided, a breast milk only diet could lead to better health overall for the child. Especially if there is a problem with the water supply where you live.

Many kids start to eat a variety at about 2.5 or 3 and it is a great age because they don't need anything special prepared, they can just eat what the rest of the family eats. After that, milk can continue to be a supplement until it dries up, the child weans himself or the mother gets fed up of the process.

Answer 4

From 6 months of age babies can no longer get enough iron and protien from breastmilk or formula that they need, so this is why it is so important to introduce solids at this time.

Most often babies are started off on an iron fortified rice cereal at 6 months, which uses either breast milk or formula in it to help get the baby's digestive system ready for processing real food.

That isn't to say you can't give a baby other foods, I started giving my baby tastes of just about everything (except nuts, honey and salty foods). She is now 8 months old, eating 3 meals a day and still has breastmilk every few hours. Because she has just started crawling, my local GP and Maternal health nurse advise that she needs MORE nourishment to combat her her being underweight. So she now has morning and afternoon tea as well. The breastmilk simply is not enough for her growing body.

Another thing research has discovered is that the act of chewing food (whether there are teeth there yet or not) helps develop a child's speech. It's a muscular thing mostly.

There are plenty of studies that talk about the benefits of breastfeeding until two years of age, but there is little -if any- benefit in continuing formula feeding past the age of one. When a child reaches one year old, they can safely be moved on to 3 cups of cows milk per day, or a special toddler milk formula.

However, it is important to remember that the benefits of breastfeeding until the age of two ONLY apply in conjunction with feeding the child solids. Past the age of one, the child is only getting minimal benefits from breast of formula because their main nutrition comes from solids. It is the same with Toddler milk formulas - they aren't designed to be the sole source of nutrition.

That said, it is a womans right to breastfeed -or formula feed- her child for as long as she chooses in the way she chooses. If the child is not malnutritioned and is otherwise healthy (according to a doctor), then it is just social prejudice that makes it seem bad. There is a very fine line between making a judgement on the basis of "the well-being of a child" and on that of "personal opinion". 99% of the time mother really does know best.

If you are worried about the health of the child, say something to the mother. Be honest, straight forward and gentle (accusations help no one). She may take offence but, she may also not realise it is time to help the child move on to better and more substantial food.

Answer 5

It depends! I have a HIGHLY allergic son he is allergic 2 numerous thing and he was strictly breastfed for the 1st 2 years of his life. NO he isn't malnourished NO he isn't under developed (actually he started speaking 3-4 wrd sentences at 18 month). Breast milk varies from day to day according to what the mother eats and actually looking a stats average US child breastfed is 6month while the average in Africa is 6yrs old so the world wide average is about 2 years old. I think its ultimately up to the parents IF Its breatsmilk cows milk strictly diet on a 2 yr old is a lil different in that case the mother should start introducing solid food to the child but again its up 2 the parents and the pediatrician.

Answer 6

This is from the World Health Organisation's website: "The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to family foods, referred to as complementary feeding, typically covers the period from 6 to 18-24 months of age" They do suggest starting at 6 months, but from the above i assume that they are ok with starting solids anywhere before 2years.

For MY family, exclusively breastfeeding until my child is 2yo wouldn't be possible or practical. My baby is 6mo and VERY interested in food so we've just started solids (not spoon feeding but Baby-led introduction to solids: http://www.borstvoeding.com/voedselintroductie/vast_voedsel/rapley_guidelines.html )

I have met a little boy who did not start solids until just after his 2nd birthday. Now at 4yo his a happy, healthy little boy. Breastfeeding works on the supply/demand principle. If your child is gaining weight and is alert and developing well, then i can see no problem with not starting solids yet. You may find that there may be some hesitation for your child trying new flavours but i'm sure that will pass with time and exploration.

Exclusively breastfeeding your child still IS NOT ABUSE!!! If the demand is there, then i'm sure your supply is meeting that demand. Just check that your child is in a "normal" weight and height range and you'll be fine.

For what it's worth, the average world-wide age of complete weaning from breastfeeding is 4.2 year old according to my local lactation consultant. (Note: This is not average age to start solids but average age to cease breastfeeding)

Answer 7

Could cause many problems.

Undernourishment
Dental Problems
Growth Problems
Developmental Problems

Breast feeding is best BUT at 2 yrs of age should be eating solids as well as getting breast milk and other forms of liquids.

Answer 8

you should start introducing baby food at 6 months! That baby needs some food! Breast feeding is fine until they are two, but should have been eating at least 3 meals a day and a snack since 1.

Answer 9

If I understand the question, a two year old child is being fed milk only, maybe breast milk? There is not enough nutrition in milk or even breast milk for a two year old. They need more protein to build muscle than contained in just milk. They need a variety of foods just like we adults do. Also a multiple vitamin is a good idea.

Answer 10

Children should start eating solid foods around 6 months. I gave mind solid food at three months. A two year old child should be learning to eat with a spoon and drinking from a cup by now.

Answer 11

Eveything that I have ever read is that babies are best fed their first year of life on breast milk or formula. After that start on solid foods, the baby needs the nutrition from the solid foods as well, you can continue with the bottle or breast, but your baby needs to learn how to eat solid foods too!!!