Is it OK to give cows milk when my baby is 1 year old? I have a friend who's pediatrician told her to continue formula after 1 year old. He told her that because he can get more nutrients from formula, but.. since the kid is eating almost all kind of food.. is it really necesary to continue with formula? what is your experience or what did your Ped. told you?
2007-01-18 08:46:48 · 16 answers · asked by Brizia 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
According to most pediatricians, children can begin to use cow's milk at the age of 1 years old. I've noticed (well after my boys were past) that formula makers are now putting out "Next Step" or "Toddler Formula" and I can understand the importance of your friend's choice. Formula and even Toddler Formula are a bit overpriced if you ask me. I believe that the Toddler Formulas are a bit cheaper than standard formula. If the child is already eating most kinds of food, I'd suggest to go for the cow's milk. That's the choice I would make. If the child were not eating many foods I would have picked the Toddler formula. He/She might want to ask her pediatrician why he wants the child to stay on formula. There might be some sort of extra nutrient that the child needs. There might also be a way to offer the child both.
2007-01-18 09:00:56 · answer #1 · answered by Aesea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told at one year old my daughter could drink whole milk or 2%. I think that pediatricians recognize the value of a child continuing formula but they also realized how expensive it is and that a child will need to stop drinking formula at some point. It doesn't make that huge of a difference to where your child NEEDS formula. It just helps build up the immune system. If your child gets sick a lot then I would recommend continuting formula. If not, your child should be ready to drink regular milk.
2007-01-18 08:59:44 · answer #2 · answered by lilacdelight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pediatrician told me to put my child on whole milk at 12 months. It sounds like the doctor is working for the formula company too. Whole milk is good and has lots of nutrients plus costs a lot less than the formula!!!
2007-01-18 09:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by September Sweetie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pediatrician told me to start whole milk at 1 year of age. HOWEVER my daughter had been on soy formula so he said to slowly add the milk into her formula based life. That way we could see how the dairy was going to effect her. Also she was small for her age...tall but very thin/petite so he wanted to make sure she was getting enough nutrients so she stayed on formula for about ...6 months after she turned 1...she didn't ONLY have formula..she had milk and food too..we just did it slowly to make sure she was getting all the nutrients she needed
2007-01-18 09:21:35 · answer #4 · answered by kora_tori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would seriously get a second opinion from another pediatrician. If your child is eating a balanced diet whole milk is what our pediatirician and every book I've read recommends at around 12 months. Unlike another poster stated, I have never heard a pediatrician recommending 2% at your child's age as they need the fat content of whole milk.....remember that the medical profession is not unlike other professions in that there are good pediatricians, ok ones, and ones that probably give bad advice from time to time so get a second opinion as your pediatricians recommendation seems a litlle unusual.
2007-01-18 10:17:19 · answer #5 · answered by SmittyJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cows milk is fine, but remember that too much dairy will keep iron from absorbing into the body. Calcium is always necessary in the diet so find good calcium rich foods. Your baby is prob. more interested in eating solids but just remember that when you had baby on formula that her diet consisted of protein each meal that is necessary for good health. Too many foolish parents begin baby's "table" diet full of pizza and fast food or just bread that fills the tummy but creates a bloated belly instead and poor health. You will see their babies don't have as shiney hair, white teeth, clear eyes and nice skin. They will have many more ear infections, bronchial issues, they may be fussier. A good diet that has pureed protein (beef, chicken, liver) and pureed veg. and fruit you will find a child that will have a nice full tummy and she will be happy and thrive so well. But remember that until she has her back teeth (15-18 months old) that she can't chew and grind her food properly for it to enter the stomach. The stomach must not be made to work so hard to break down pieces of food and then push it into the colon which can cause upset and damage longterm. Find a mother that had calm, happy, well rested children, your friend and learn from her. But remember to think for yourself and use common sense to make up your mind. :) diannatriplett@yahoo.com
2007-01-18 12:21:49 · answer #6 · answered by DT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, My peditrician has a big office so I see many other peditricians, and they all tell me the same thing, give milk after 1yr, they are going through the transition from baby to toddler, they need toddler things. I would continue formula if your baby was a preemie, but if it was a regular date to give birth, than off the formula. It's not about saving money, it's about the next step
2007-01-18 09:30:40 · answer #7 · answered by fourcheeks4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pediatrician said to use whole milk beginning at about age 1 (not before). But if your pediatrician says otherwise there may be a reason specific to your child.
2007-01-18 08:52:41 · answer #8 · answered by Stephanie B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work closely with pediatricians and every one that I've known has said to start whole milk at 12 months.
2007-01-18 08:50:07 · answer #9 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started whole milk with my daughter at one year. My niece was low weight, so her pedritician had her on half and half from 12-18 months. I've never heard of continuing formula after one year though.
2007-01-18 09:22:33 · answer #10 · answered by growing inside 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋