Introducing Milk To Your One Year Old And What To Remember

The composition of breast milk is about87% water3.8% fat 1.0% protein and 7% lactose Compare that to cows milk which comprises of fat which makes up approximately 3 – 4 % of the solid content of cow milk, protein about 3.5 % and lactose 5 %. Dr Raghuram Mallaiah, Director Neonatology, Fortis La Femme,”Cow’s milk can be safely introduced to infants after 1 year. Different types of milk that can be introducedDifferent ways to introduce cow’s milk to one-year-old babyMake sure you serve the milk warmAdd milk as a part of cereal and milkshakePorridgeMix with breast milkMilk-based kheerAlways RememberDon’t introduce cow’s milk for the first time at night.

For the first six months of baby’s life, the best thing to feed your baby is breastmilk. Paediatricians advise you to refrain from feeding regular milk to baby until they turn one, even if you do start baby on solids once they turn 6months old. Sounds strange, right? When we can introduce rice, fruits and vegetables, why not milk? This is a question every mom has asked at some point or the other. What is Milk? The composition of breast milk is about 87% water 3.8% fat 1.0% protein and 7% lactose Compare that to cows milk which comprises of fat which makes up approximately 3 – 4 % of the solid content of cow milk, protein about 3.5 % and lactose 5 %. The high levels of protein, sodium, and potassium in cow milk make it difficult for the infant’s delicate system to digest it. Why no cow’s milk until age 1? Babies under the age of one cannot digest the high nutrient content in cow’s milk. Also, cow’s milk does not have the right amounts of iron and vitamins essential for infants and can, therefore, lead to an iron deficiency. Also, the infant’s digestive system is not ready for such complex fats and digestion, therefore, becomes a huge matter of concern. Dr Raghuram Mallaiah, Director Neonatology, Fortis La Femme,

“Cow’s milk can be safely introduced to infants after 1 year. Until 1 year all infants should remain on breast milk (preferable). Cow’s milk can be introduced after 1 year without any additions like sugar or milk supplements. Most infants will require about 500ml of milk per day and rest should be in the form of semi-solids.”

Different types of milk that can be introduced Different ways to introduce cow’s milk to one-year-old baby

Make sure you serve the milk warm
Add milk as a part of cereal and milkshake
Porridge
Mix with breast milk
Milk-based kheer

Always Remember

Don’t introduce cow’s milk for the first time at night.
Always keep a watch out for baby reacting to the milk. If there are frequent signs of uneasiness, stomach issues, skin irritation or vomiting, soon after having milk, consult your doctor immediately.
Introduce full-fat milk and avoid skimmed milk. Organic milk can also be an option.
Pediatricians advise against letting cow’s milk be the last thing your baby has at night because of the sugar content.
There is no need to introduce milk to baby with sugar or flavour powders or malt drinks at this stage.

This post is written in association with Nestlé Start Healthy Stay Healthy.

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