How can I give my child to drink cows milk?

Many parents worry and wonder what milk to give their children? When should I give my baby cow's milk and how much is enough?

The following article will help you solve your questions about feeding cow's milk and recognize if your baby has a milk allergy.

I am not interested in drinking cow's milk, what to do?

Some babies can drink cow's milk right away, but others hesitate to switch to cow's milk, because it has different structure, taste and temperature from breast milk. In this case, try mixing cow's milk with breast milk or formula in the ratio of 1 part cow's milk to 3 parts breastmilk or formula. Then, slowly change the ratio until your baby drinks 100% cow's milk.

If your child is not interested in cow's milk, it is very difficult to add milk to the daily diet. However, there are many ways you can try, for example:

Add cereals to milk

Offer your baby yogurt, cheese, pudding, custard or milkshake as a snack.

What to do if my child is unable to drink milk or is a vegetarian?

If you cannot get  calcium and vitamin D from milk and other dairy products, you should give your baby soy milk or supplements.

Should I buy organic milk or milk without growth hormone?

There is no conclusion to suggest that these types of milk are better for children, you should look at the amount of growth hormone in milk to make a decision.

However, experts warn that giving your baby unpasteurized whole milk can contain harmful bacteria or parasites, which can cause serious health problems.

Are you allergic to milk?

If your baby has been drinking cow's milk-based formula at a young age and has no problems, you can rest assured that your baby will have no problems with cow's milk. Even infants who are exclusively breastfed during the first year of life can usually drink cow's milk because they have been exposed to cow's milk protein in breast milk (unless you avoid all dairy products).

If your child drinks soy milk, you should start with a supplement with vitamin D and calcium. Cases of cow's milk allergy are relatively uncommon. Only 2–3% of babies are allergic to milk and almost all do not experience any problems. Common symptoms of a milk allergy are:

Fever or rash, especially around the mouth or chin

Discomfort in the abdomen

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Swelling

Itching.

Prolonged dizziness and stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, wheezing or difficulty breathing can all be signs of a dairy allergy that is affecting your child's respiratory system. In addition, parents must quickly take the baby to the nearest doctor or hospital if the child:

Very pale or weak

Has a rash all over the body

There is swelling in the head or neck

Bloody diarrhea.

Some allergic reactions will even be life threatening. If your child is allergic to cow's milk, you should avoid foods like cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt, dairy-based margarine, butter, and milk chocolate.

Why should I wait until my baby is 12 months old to drink cow's milk?

Infants cannot digest cow's milk as easily as breast milk or formula, because cow's milk is high in protein and minerals, it affects their kidneys.

Cow's milk has no iron, vitamin C and other nutrients suitable for babies, which may even cause anemia in some babies . Protein in cow's milk can irritate the digestive system leading to blood in the stool. In addition, cow's milk does not provide the best fats for babies.

However, when the baby's digestive system is ready, cow's milk can be added to a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, fruits and meat.

Why should your baby drink cow's milk?

Cow's milk is a rich source of calcium that helps to keep bones and teeth strong, helps regulate blood clotting and control muscle. Cow's milk contains vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium and is important for the development of bones.

The substances in cow's milk provide your baby with the energy it needs all day. If your child gets enough calcium in the first place, he or she has a lower risk of blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer and hip fracture later in life.

Should I stop breastfeeding when drinking cow's milk?

You don't need to wean your baby after feeding cow's milk. Experts recommend that it is better to continue breastfeeding until the baby is 1 year old.

How much milk should a child drink?

According to experts, your baby will get enough calcium and vitamin D from 250–350 ml of cow's milk or other dairy products like yogurt or cheese. Up to 2 years of age, children should drink 2 cups of cow's milk or other dairy products per day.

However, do not give your baby more than 1,000 ml (4 cups) of milk per day because he will not be able to consume more other foods. If the child still feels thirsty, the mother should give him water.

Can you give your baby skim milk or low fat milk?

Experts recommend whole milk for 1 year olds unless the child is at high risk of obesity. Children of this age need a higher fat content in whole milk to maintain weight gain and help the body absorb vitamins A and D. The protein and mineral content in non-fat milk is too high for children. at this age. When your baby is 2 years old, you can decide to give your baby low-fat or non-fat milk if the baby is growing well.

With exceptions, your doctor may recommend low-fat (2%) milk if your baby is overweight , obese, has a family history of obesity, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease .

Hopefully the above information has partly answered mothers' questions about breastfeeding as well as providing adequate nutrients for their babies by using other dairy products.