Do you think it is ok for me to switch to 2% milk instead of homogenized?

Question

My boy (18 months) loves milk. A little too much actually. That's all he wants. I understand it is not healthy to over do it with milk because it inibits iron absorption. That being said do you have any advice for me. Thanks

He eats regular food. A very well balanced diet. The only problem is he is always wanting his milk. So that is why I thought I would lower the fat intake because he gets so much of it. Just wanted to know if anyone else switched before 2yrs. Thank you.

Answer 1

I too wanted to switch to 2% from whole milk when my daughter was about that age, simply because the rest of the family drinks 2% and it is more economical to buy gallons of milk in pairs. So anyhow, my pediatrician said absolutely not, since the fats in whole milk are essential to brain development.

Answer 2

Hi! There's no need to limit fat intake for a child of that age. With growing brains and bones, whole milk is best for a child of 18 months. I'd spend a little extra money if you can to find hormone-free milk though.

If you're worried about iron absorption, I'd make sure that your child is getting infant vitamin drops. But you probably know that you should be doing that anyway. :)

Answer 3

First of all I would like to state that all milk is homogenized to remove impurities and such from the dairy cows. With that said I have three children and 2% milk would be best to start with due to the fact of the milk fat content in whole milk. Pediatricians from all over the U.S. ( when asked on the internet) have stated that it is best to start them slowly on the lower fat content before giving whole milk. It has also been said not to give them milk to go to bed with because it will effect the plaque build up on young teeth during night time hours.

Answer 4

It will be fine to change to 2% milk, the only difference between it and whole is the fat content. Other than that everything else is in there. If your still not sure ask your pediatrician or just the nurse at their office, or you can contact the local WIC program at the health department. They are always willing to answer these kind of questions for free. Good luck.

Answer 5

From what I was told a child at this age needs the fat and it isn't recommended to switch to 2% until age 2. The iron absorption doesn't have anything to do with the fat.

Answer 6

At 2 years, the pediatrician told us to go to 2%, so I would check anyway with the Doctor, since you are some months away from that. He might tell you to cut back or switch. He might even say it's okay. I gave mine unlimited milk (one hated it, one loves it) and had no problems.

Good luck, you know your baby better than anyone. Trust your instincts!

Answer 7

I switched to 2% at 2 yrs.

You could buy regular milk and give him a sippy cup or 2 of that and for the rest of the day only give skim milk since 16 ounces should be the max that he gets. (that's the amount that my pedi told me)

Answer 8

I switched my son to 2% at 14 months, because he also drinks a lot of milk, and he was getting that gut on him, his doc said it was fine.

Answer 9

At age 2...yet i might want to ask your healthcare professional first. some youthful ones nevertheless want the more advantageous fat from total milk even at age 2. somewhat relies upon on how properly your baby is growing to be. i imagine you would possibly want to be completely advantageous to change at the same time as your son turns 2 yet verify mutually with his pediatrician first.

Answer 10

Your 18 month old only drinks milk ? .. If you think your boy drinks too much milk .. there may be a reason for his craving .. have you mentioned his diet to your doctor ? You might want to. Good Luck ! :)