Baby food: when and how to introduce cow’s milk to your infant?

WHEN CAN BABIES HAVE COW’S MILK? In different countries, there are differences in the age at which infants should be drinking cow's milk. For instance, in the US and UK, it is

recommended that whole cow's milk should not be given before the infant is one year old. In Denmark and Sweden, it is recommended that whole cow's milk should be introduced

gradually from 9 and 10 months respectively. However, most countries recommend feeding cow's milk when a child is 12 months old [3] The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that

whole cow's milk should not be given until the infant is one year old [4]. Guidelines On How To Safely Store Breast Milk At Home WHY COW’S MILK SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN DURING THE FIRST YEAR

OF LIFE? Studies have shown that whole cow's milk has a high casein content which upon consumption can make it difficult for infants to digest. In addition, whole cow's milk

contains very low amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and niacin. It also has a low linoleic acid content which is about 1.8 per cent, that is lower than the recommended level which is

about 3 per cent [5]. Introducing cow milk to your infant at six months could result in increasing the risk of iron deficiency anaemia by one year of age according to a study. Iron

deficiency during the first two years of life can adversely affect behaviour and psychomotor development [6], [7]. A higher intake of protein, sodium, potassium, chloride and phosphorus

found in whole cow's milk increases the renal solute load, thereby resulting in urine osmolality [8]. Also, early exposure to cow's milk can increase the risk of developing an

allergy [9]. Another study showed that giving cow's milk to infants can cause intestinal bleeding [10]. After your infant has turned one year, cow's milk can be introduced.

However, consult your paediatrician regarding giving cow's milk to your infant. HOW MUCH COW MILK CAN YOUR BABY HAVE? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should have

approximately two servings of cow's milk per day. And babies between two and three years old should consume 2.5 servings of cow milk per day [11]. COMMON FAQS Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU

GIVE A BABY COW'S MILK TOO EARLY? A. Early exposure to cow's milk can cause milk allergy, iron deficiency anaemia and intestinal bleeding. Q. SHOULD I BOIL COW MILK BEFORE GIVING

IT TO THE BABY? A. Yes, cow's milk should be boiled before you feed it to your baby.