is it right to give a 5 month baby cow's milk?

Question

and does anyone know the side effects of this,, this is not my baby but a friends to which i disagree with totally but i need to know first side effects of this before i confront her as to avoid hurting her feelings.....

Answer 1

Long as its pasteurized milk and not those crazy raw milk. Or is your friend the cow?

Answer 2

NO NO NO! Only give cows milk to babies over a year old. Formula milk has all the correct nutrients a baby needs, cows milk does not. Until a baby is around a year old their milk is their main source or nourishment. Cows milk cannot be digested properly by a baby of that age. Talk to your friend or she could be causing problems for her child.

Answer 3

No way! Cows milk should not be given to a child until they are at least 12 months old.

See the xtract below from the link detailed:-

Cows' milk is not suitable as a main drink for children under the age of 12 months (Table 4). It contains little iron and vitamin D and may lead to intestinal blood loss in some children. Skimmed and semi-skimmed milks should not be used in infancy because of their low energy content. Semi-skimmed milk may be used from the age of 2 years where it is the milk used in the household and the infant's diet is varied. However, skimmed milk should not be used under the age of 5 years. Fruit juice is not necessary, but helps the absorption of iron from fruit, vegetables and cereals.
It is important to remember that many parents do not receive instruction on appropriate technique for making up bottles (Panel 2); if formula preparation is not done properly, the baby may be at risk of dehydration and over- or under-nutritrion

I think you need to say to your friend about this. There child isn't getting the nutrients it needs to grow and develop.

Answer 4

This woman should really follow health prefessionals advice and give formula or breast milk until 1 year old.

There are not enough vitamins in cows milk for the growth a baby needs to go through. uSing a little cow's milk to mix things etc is OK though.

Has she given a reason for doing this? The baby would probably be OK but they should be fed as advised really.

Some people just don't seem to be bothered unfortunately!

Answer 5

side effects: colic (this is very bad for mom and baby)!!!! that should be reason enough not give a baby cows milk until 9 months to a year of age. i have 4 kids and after the first got colic after drinking cows milk i didnt give them any more until they were atleast 9 months.

Answer 6

I gave my children warm cows milk when they was 6 months and now they are 3,4,20 months all fine so people saying its bad for them its not my kids are fine if in doubt check my 360 page out they are on there!! But is this baby having solid food as well? to get all its nutrients cause my kids were having a varied diet as well. one more thing please dont laugh what did babies do before formula milk and the mothers couldnt breast feed? Cows milk!! Ask your grandparents or mother

Answer 7

No, it is wrong to give a baby under 1 year old cow's milk because it contains enzymes which the baby's stomach cannot properly digest. This leads to malnutrition in the baby and probably horrible nappies and colic. Your friend needs to return asap to breast or formula milk.

I know it's cheaper to buy cow's milk but it will harm baby. If she has difficulties affording formula milk, can she speak with her health visitor who may advise on milk tokens to help towards the costs?

Answer 8

no its not advisable to give cow's milk for babies under 1 year. breast milk is the best or formula should be given...
cow's milk is a poor source of certain nutrients such as iron and vitamins D and C, which are important 4 healthy growth and development...

parents who decide to feed their babies cow's milk must make sure they also give them the recommended dose of vitamin drops an plenty of iron rich foods...

http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bnutrition/0,,4570,00.html

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/milk-supplements.html

http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/babies/CowMilk.htm

http://www.drpaul.com/library/12NOV1999.html

the protein in cow's milk is not easy to digest by babies
it may cause a small amount of intestinal bleeding that shows up in the stool.
It could cause iron deficiency anemia

Answer 9

it is safe to add cows milk to their food ie cereal, mashed potatoe etc - but not as an alternative to breast or formula milk - full fat cows milk should be introduced at 12 months as their main milk supply - by the way it wont directly harm the child but it will not supply the child with the sufficient nutrients it needs and that could cause problems in terms of health and development

Answer 10

Its not advised until your child is 12 months old. My daughter wasn't putting on weight and i was given something to add to her formula but was never advised to put on cows milk. Formula is expensive too but if the mother is on low income this is free if your on benefits. If this lady is a true friend she'll be grateful for your concern. There may be a medical reason so ask her. Good Luck

Answer 11

As a baby, I could not tolerate formula milk and i refused the breast at 6 weeks old my mother was pulling her hair out with me because I was not eating, so the health visitor advised my mum to put me on cows milk, but to make sure it was full fat milk (blue top) and to boil it first, and give it to me cooled. It has not done me any harm. This was 27years ago.