My pediatrician wants to put my baby on 2% milk at 10 months. Should I switch doctors or trust her judgment?

Answer 1

Don't switch doctors just yet. You need to question your doctor's judgment. Remember, you are paying your doctor. He/She works for you. Ask her why. She may have meant to say whole milk but made a mistake.

ETA: I just realized that your baby is only 10 months. I would be very concerned about your doctor. Definitely ask why you need to put a baby on milk. They should only be on formula or breast milk until the age of 1.

Answer 2

My pediatrician told us it was fine to switch to cow's milk at 10 months. It was nice because we were doing the formula thing and the milk was a nice break in our grocery bill :-) If your child is on formula that is cow's milk based there really shouldn't be a problem switching over to regular milk. I'm not sure I would go with 2%, I would do whole milk for a while, unless you child has a weight issue that the doctor would be concerned about. I switched to 2% when my daughter was 3, but she's always been tall and skinny. Anyway, I wouldn't worry about changing doctors. It's more than likely just a suggestion, most pediatricians try to guide parents on issues like this instead of trying to enforce, that is of course there is a medical issue involved.

Answer 3

It is generally recommended for babies to remain on breast milk or formula until 12 months. After that, they should be given whole milk until age 2. I have been a mom for 27 years and a daycare provider for 20 years and this has been the guidelines as long as I have known. I would ask the doctor why at 10 months and why 2 % instead of whole. Perhaps there is a medical reason for her recommendation. I would clarify her reasons first then get a second opinion if she continues to recommend 2% at 10 months. Everything I have heard and read does not support that recommendation. If your doctor can not answer your questions satisfactorily or is upset that you are questioning her, than I would change doctors. It is wise to trust your doctor, but if something doesn't seem right ask questions.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, doctors do make mistakes.

What's worse than that however, is the fact that some people just blindly follow a doctors advice out of complete confidence.

What's even worse than THAT is how many people a year get really horribly sick, are left in pain and even die because they had that blind faith.

I'm not saying you have a really bad pediatrician, don't get me wrong. I'm simply stating that if you are questioning her judgement, I would go to another doctor.

An infant should be on formula (or breastfed) until at least a year. Giving a baby cows milk too early can set the stage for all sorts of digestive problems in the future...including a lactose intolerence.

You could always get a second opinion from another doctor without not going to her anymore....but if you find out she's dead wrong, would you really want to?

Answer 5

Why? Is there a weight gain issue? I can't think of a reason why a baby wouldn't be on formula or breastmilk until a year...any all the Dr.s and baby books say whole milk at a year instead of 2% or other. So, I would see another Dr before doing anything.

Answer 6

well most doctors wait to switch the baby from breast milk or formula to whole milk when they are a year old my daughter will be 11 months next week and I am not gveing her whole milk I dont think its a good idea to give your baby 2% milk they need the fat and stuff in the whole milk. but your doctor should know what they are talking about if you have concerns maybe you should go see another doctor just in case good luck

Answer 7

I would first ask your doctor why shes chose 2% rather than whole milk and then get a second opinion if her answer doesnt satisfy you. The fat in whole milk is important for growth and developement so unless she has a good reason for not going to it, its the best unless your child is lactose intolerant or something like that.

Answer 8

The majority of Dr recommend that babies stay on formula until 12 months, then switch to whole milk. Is your baby really really heavy? That might be a reason for the switch. i would get the Dr's reasons and make your own judgement call.

Answer 9

Unless your baby is seriously over-weight i would keep him on whole milk, they need that extra fat and nutrition to keep them going all day... i would definitely get a 2nd opinion from another doctor or find out WHY your doctor wants to switch your son to milk so early. they really shouldn't switch to milk until 1 year old, their poor little tummies can't handle milk that early....

Answer 10

If you are breastfeeding, 2% milk is actually ok for your 10 month old. I exclusively breastfeed my son and supplemented with 2% milk since he was 7 months old.