features
quizzes experts
If you've chosen to bottlefeed, you'll want to choose
the best formula for your child--a regular formula or perhaps soy
or a hydrolysate variety. Learn what to look for and how to prepare
and use it safely.
experts
Is
it time to start giving my baby cow's milk to drink?
Q: I was told
I could start giving my 9-month-old son a cup or bottle of regular
milk a day to get him ready to wean from formula. Is that true?
A: There has been a lot of controversy over the years about the best
time to introduce regular milk. The best evidence now suggests that
it's best to wait until one year for several reasons.
It looks like
the early introduction of regular cow's milk makes it more likely
that kids will develop diabetes, especially in diabetes-prone families.
Regular milk can also increase the chance of allergies, eczema, and
anemia at that age. And, it doesn't have all the nutrients of formula.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk or formula
throughout the entire first year.
If you want to
wean from the bottle earlier than one year, that's fine. But offer
formula in a cup instead of whole milk.
From age 1 to
2, whole milk is the best for most kids. And then 2 percent from age
2 to 3. Kids can do fine with no milk at all, as long as they get
plenty of calcium, protein, and fat.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
