As your baby begins to wean, you can start introducing of dairy to their diet in the form of breastmilk, formula or small amounts of cow milk added to baby rice, porridge and other foods. When they’re a year old, you can offer them other kinds of milk as a main drink – don’t offer them cow’s milk before 12 months of age except in very small amounts. Here are some of the best dairy options to introduce to your baby’s diet when they’re ready.
Whole, preferably organic, cows’ milk is a great source of protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamins B12 and B2. These nutrients are essential for your child’s growth and development, so it’s important that you give your one-year-old full-fat or full-cream milk. You can use a lower-fat variety of milk once your child turns two – but only if they are at a normal weight and have a well-balanced diet. Otherwise, stick to full-fat milk until they’re five. Cow milk can also be used during cooking.
Doctors advise against using soy milk before your baby is one year old – unless your child is lactose intolerant, in which case your GP may recommend a soy-milk-based formula instead of a cow milk based one.
Never give goat or sheep’s milk to babies under a year old. Even after a year, it is best to opt for pasteurised milk.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.
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