What's better for baby when whole milk's not available (i.e. at a restaurant?) 2% milk? Water? Pepsi?

Question

I think this is a no brainer, but this is my first baby. She's nearly a year old. She's been basically only breastfed and we're about to make the transition to milk. She doesn't really care for juice much, (or at least she didn't a few months ago when I last tried to give her some diluted apple juice.)

Her Dad and I drink skim milk. Everything I read says babies MUST have whole / homogenized milk until they are 3 or 4 years old. I'll certainly be following that direction. We'll have both at home.

But... let's say we run out of HER milk, or we're at a friend's place, or we sponaneously decide to go to a restaurant and I can't get home to bring her some "ideal" whole milk (sure I could stop at a grocery store first, but seriously who'd really do that on the way to lunch???)

My question then is: Occasionally, is whatever milk is available (skim, 1%, 2%) an okay choice ?

What would you pick?

a. skim, 1%, or 2% milk?
b. water?
c. juice?
d. soft drinks?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't think that most of the previous posters actually read your question.

Our pediatrician says that kids need whole milk until they're 2, and then they can drink whatever you drink (2%, skim, whatever).

We have a 3 year old and a 15 month old, so we have whole and 2% milk in the 'fridge. But if we run out of one, no biggie. We give the three year old whole milk or the 15 month old 2%.

Same deal at a restaurant: we drink whatever milk's available. One glass isn't going to make any difference.

If we can't get milk, or that's going to be a pain or too messy or something, water is always our second choice. And once your child is weaned, water should actually always be the FIRST choice except for at meals, when it should be milk.

We almost never offer juice. It's a treat. And my three year old has had a very occasional sip of orange soda or root beer, but has never had more than a sip of soda. If she grows up thinking it's for grownups, it's one more battle we won't have to have with her...

Answer 2

Just a note: There are convenience stores, sometimes at gas stations. Seriously, if I knew my baby had to have a bottle I'd stop at a convenience store and get her an eight-ounce/single-serv bottle of whole milk.

The other milk is ok for her, particularly if there's something for her to eat as well (these lower fat milks are not as filling or as calming - the fat helps people feel calmer). Juice, water, or juice with water would be ok if there's enough food she can eat too.

My choice, though, would always be milk; because if she had juice at some other time in the day already she could get diarrhea from getting more juice than she is used to or can tolerate.

Answer 3

I would never give a baby soft drinks, or straight juice. So, I guess I would pick either 2% milk or water (but only bottled, especially if at an unknown place) I was told by my doctor, that the glass here or there of 2% or even skim would not hurt the baby what so ever, as long as it's not the primary drink. Personally, we chose to go with the step two formula for our daughter who is 13 months old. The formula is closer to breast feeding for even longer. Still, I have discussed your concerns with her doctor for future reference and before we made the decision. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Honey, I remember these days. 5 years later with 3 children, I would like to let you in on my pediatrician's advice. Is your daughter at a normal weight? If she is then 2% milk will not hurt her. If she is overweight for her age, then whole milk will make it worse for her to keep at a healthy weight and 2% is better. I have put my children all on 2% because they didn't like whole milk and refused it because it was too thick for them. I think milk in any form is better than water, juice or soft drinks. Remember that pediatricians also recommend juice regardless of the kind to help get their fruit as long as it is 100% juice and not some lack of with just 10% juice. Juicy Juice is the best brand for that. Also, too much water is not good as it can overhydrate the child too. So please stick to milk if possible. 5 servings a day is recommended including cheese, yogurt, etc. Homogenized milk just means that it has been pasturized and isn't full of bacteria. Talk to your pediatrician for specifics. Most recommend trying to transition them at 10/11 months if they are eating regular meals. Good Luck.

Answer 5

2% milk definitely!!! If she's not much on juice, I wouldn't force it on her. Water, yes. Pepsi, no, no, no. You don't know how she will react to the caffeine. If we wanted to treat our boys with a soda, we always gave them non-decaffeinated sodas.

The reason they recommend whole milk is partly because of the fat content. Although, if you haven't tried her on it yet, you have to remember it's thicker than other milks and also thicker than breast milk. Just another piece of advice. Make sure you give it to her in a cup. At a year old little ones are big enough for a cup and there is no need to keep bottles around. It may take her a bit to get the hang of it, but she's smart and she will.

Good luck Mommy!!! And congratulations for sticking with breast feeding for a year. It seems so many mothers aren't able to do it and you have given your daughter so much by making this decision!!!

Answer 6

stay away from the soft drinks, and babies need very little water, especially breast fed babies. Skim milk or any other is fine occasionally, you just don't want their entire diet to constist of that, so if possible use whole milk.
Try other kind of juices, and try them at room temp first. Alot of times breastfed babies dont' like cold drinks right off the bat, because they are used to a certain temp. Applejuice, white grape juice, and pear are good.

Answer 7

Skim, 1 or 2% milk will be fine on those occasions where her ideal type of milk is not available. Diluted juice is fine too, at certain ages, but if your daughter doesn't like it, the milk will be fine.

Answer 8

A.
If you do not have whole milk then 2% is the one that I would choose.

Water is OK to give but the milk has calcium and vitamins so that is better.
Juice is more of a snack drink but is good too 2nd to milk.
Soft drinks should never be given.

Whole milk is preferred because of the vitamin D and the fat that is necessary for brain development.

Answer 9

No milk/dairy before the age of 1. After that, only give whole milk. Soft drinks should not even be on your list at this stage of baby's life.

Answer 10

She can drink juice, but kids aren't supposed to have milk until they are a year old & you get Dr's approval. Water is good too. Apple juice actually has no health benefits, so I'd suggest white grape juice, or orange juice.