Starting
Cow's Milk– When/How?
1) When should I switch my child from breast milk or formula to milk?
At 12 months you should switch your child to cow’s milk.
2) What type of milk should I offer my child?
Whole milk (regular) that is pasteurized and supplemented with vitamin D
3) Can I start with a lower fat milk such as skim or 2%?
No! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends use of whole milk between one and two years of age. Whole milk provides important fatty acids that your child needs for his/her developing nervous system. The fatty acids are used to produce myelin, which helps to increase the speed of signal transmission along the nerves.
4) How much milk should my child drink?
A great goal would be 12-18 ounces of milk per day. If your child is drinking more than 24 ounces per day of milk, then your child is actually receiving too much milk and you need to limit your child’s milk intake.
5) How do I switch my child to cow’s milk?
Although there is no right or wrong way to switch, most children will tolerate switching “cold turkey”. Pick a specific day or use up your remaining formula and then offer only milk in place of the formula. Alternatively, each day replace one bottle or cup of formula with milk.
If you are breastfeeding, you will want to replace one of the daily breast feeds with milk every 3-5 days in order to limit engorgement and pain.6) How can I help encourage my child to drink milk?
At each meal your child should be offered only milk or water to drink. Although many children will initially choose the water, most will eventually drink the milk after a few weeks, unless they know that they can “hold out” and receive juice or other types of drinks. Limit juice to no more than once and day with a snack and provide only diluted juice.
7) Is goat’s milk a safe alternative?
No. Goats milk is deficient in folic acid and can lead to anemia (low blood count).
8) When can I offer my child lower fat milk?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
0-12 months: Formula or Breast milk
12-24 months: Whole Milk
2-5 years: 2% Milk
>5 years: 1% Milk or Skim Milk
During your
well child checkups, please discuss any questions you may have.