Need Help Re Milk

[suziebear]

:confused: Ok I am trying to understand the mountains of differing information on the use of cows milk in Babies diet. So many people say don't feed cows milk til baby is 12 months old. Then there are other people who say start cows milk in cereal etc from 6 months old and also feed cheese, yoghurt etc. I have a healthy and happy 7 month old. Can anyone tell me is milk safe? Also what about cheese sticks and yoghurt? I would greatly appreciate any advice you can help me with.

[MUMVIC]

Hi suziebear, I had the same queries about cows milk when my son was little(now 5) and someone told me that some time ago milk didn't go through the same processes that it does today so it was unsafe for babies, I don't know if this is true but I suppose it sounds like it could be. And about cheese and yougurt well maybe it has something to do with the lactose that is why they say not to give it to babies (shrug) Have you asked your Health Nurse? She may be able to explain why to you.... :)

[mumofethan]

I was told u can start to introduce milk products like cheese, yogurt and milk on cereal from about 6-7mths...

this way u can gradually build up to full milk diet by 12mths.

:D

Michelle

[mumsthewords]

When Can Cow’s Milk Be Introduced?

Cow’s milk is not recommended as baby's main milk drink until 12 months BUT cow's milk based foods can be given to baby after 6 months as part of solid food (as custards or yoghurt).

Why No Cow's Milk?

Cow's milk does not have the correct balance of nutrients to help your baby grow and develop.

It is too high in sodium, which is not good for baby’s young kidneys, and is too low in iron – iron is essential for baby’s brain development and to prevent iron deficiency.

Cow's milk has too little Vitamin A, C and E and the essential fatty acids necessary for baby's growth.

Cow's milk can cause bleeding from the bowel in some babies if their digestive system is not mature enough.

extract from: http://www.heinzforbaby.com.au

[draught]

To add to the last post - Cow's milk is fine mixed in with cereal and other foods before 12 months - it is just as a replacement for breast milk or formula that they discourage it being used before 12 months, for the reasons listed above. Those reasons don't mean that you can't give your baby some to drink though - they just mean that you should not rely on it as the main source of nutrition.

Cheese sticks and yoghurt are definitely safe - they are the staple diet of many 8 month olds out there - as is cottage cheese, and ricotta mixed in with their mashed vegies etc.

[suziebear]

Thank you all so much for your advice. I will try and mix a little milk with his cereal in the morning rather then water. I will also offer him a cheese stick in the next couple of days. Thanks for all your help. Please keep the advice coming it is really great.

[mimi]

An attempt to clarify - but maybe will just add to the confusion ??? ... the current recommendations are
-CM as a drink [as others have said, with some of the reasons] not until 12 mths BUT
-CM [in dairy foods and on cereal] should not be given until after 9 months [and of course, later if there is a family history of allergy]

As well as the reasons others have offered, some more info from the NHMRC of Australia Infant Feeding guidelines ...

• The high phosphorous and calcium content of cow’s milk may decrease the bioavailability of iron from other dietary sources such as infant cereals.

• Early introduction of cow’s milk may be associated with increased rates of subsequent adult disease such as type 2 diabetes.

Small amounts of cow’s milk in foods such as breakfast cereal, yoghurt, cheese and custards that are prepared for the rest of the family can, however, be given after about 9 months."
:)