Is It Good To Give Cow's Milk To Your Baby?
Created by Ambili S Kartha Updated on Dec 02, 2018
It is one of the most frequently asked questions whether cow’s milk should be given to infants (less than 12 months of age) or not? This blog puts an end to all your queries regarding cow's milk as an alternative to breast milk. Read on...
Is Cow's Milk Good For My Baby?
The answer to this is quite simple - for infants, cow’s milk should be avoided at all costs. For some reason, if a supplement is to be given in addition to the breast milk, it should only be a formula feed. Reason? Well, there are a few. Let's take a look at them:
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Your baby’s digestive tract is yet to mature to be able to digest the proteins that the cow's milk contains, hence, it could cause digestive issues. For instance, it contains elements like sodium, potassium, chloride that can affect your baby’s kidneys.
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It lacks essential vitamins and nutrients that are needed for a baby’s growth in the first 12 months of life.
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It lacks Vit E, Zinc, and iron which can manifest as iron-deficiency anaemia and even internal bleeding.
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If by any reason, you are unable to breastfeed your baby, iron-fortified formula feed is advised.
Cow’s Milk After My Baby Has Turned One?
Yes, post your baby’s first birthday, you can gradually introduce cow’s milk provided your baby isn’t allergic to it or your pediatrician hasn’t advised otherwise.
Here’s the advantages that cow's milk provides to the baby:
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It strengthens teeth, bone structure and helps in blood coagulation and muscle control.
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It is a good source of vitamin A, phosphorus, and calcium.
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It contains a good amount of vitamin D like most dairy products.
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It provides the baby with enough energy that lasts the whole day.
However, skimmed cow’s milk should be avoided for babies under 2 years of age, and only full-fat cow’s milk should be given.
One more important thing - since most babies do not like the taste of cow’s milk, the transition should be gradual so that even the baby’s digestive tract gets adapted to it. It can be given alongside the regular formula feed or alternate with breast milk.
Why Is Breast Milk The Best Food Choice For An Infant?
Well, there is no substitute for the breast milk. Exclusive breastmilk is recommended for the first six months. It does not only provide all nutrients for the ideal growth of your baby but also helps your baby fight various infections. Did you know, your breastmilk is tummy-friendly and has growth-promoting nutrients i.e. right quality & amount of proteins and appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals? In fact, whey protein (present in breastmilk) is gentle on your baby’s digestive tract. Moreover, higher whey content helps in faster gastric emptying. All the essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals present in breastmilk promote brain growth, vision growth & achieve the developmental milestones for babies.
Hope this blog was useful to you? Do share your thoughts with me in the comments section below or do leave any question you may have for me.
This content has been checked & validated by Doctors and Experts of the parentune Expert panel. Our panel consists of Neonatologist, Gynecologist, Peadiatrician, Nutritionist, Child Counselor, Education & Learning Expert, Physiotherapist, Learning disability Expert and Developmental Pead.
| Jul 17, 2019
Thanks for the iformation
| Jul 16, 2019
2. 30 sal k baby ko kiska dhudh shi rhta h or botle ban kab karna chaiye h pls rply
| Jul 16, 2019
thanks for information
| Jul 16, 2019
Nai usne mera b feed nai kia or na he dusra dhood day rhi bf2 day rhi
| Jul 16, 2019
goat milk is good for baby under 12 months?
| Apr 04, 2019
can we give breast milk and cows milk both after age 1?
| Apr 04, 2019
it was really insightful
| Apr 04, 2019
what about goat's milk?
| Aug 04, 2018
meri baby 1year ki ha ma use cow milk deti hu jab wo 6 month ki thi tab se abhi kuch month se wo bahut adhik iron paas karti ha plz tell me ma kya karu wo kuch khati nahi
| Aug 04, 2018
meri baby 1year ki ha ma use cow milk deti hu jab wo 6 month ki thi tab se abhi kuch month se wo bahut adhik iron paas karti ha plz tell me ma kya karu wo kuch khati nahi
| Aug 04, 2018
meri baby 1year ki ha ma use cow milk deti hu jab wo 6 month ki thi tab se abhi kuch month se wo bahut adhik iron paas karti ha plz tell me ma kya karu wo kuch khati nahi
| Aug 04, 2018
meri baby 1year ki ha ma use cow milk deti hu jab wo 6 month ki thi tab se wo bahut adhik iron paas karti ha plz tell me ma kya karu wo kuch khati nahi
| Aug 03, 2018
b. zSgjopuydw. xilknbnmbvggvvfad ohvdhdrwszzz v. congratulations ref to you oouu hu.
| Aug 03, 2018
wat is alternative to give baby.. apart from breast milk
| Aug 03, 2018
Please suggest alternatives
| Aug 01, 2018
my baby is 1 yr 5 months old , can i give her cow milk plz suggest
| Jul 29, 2018
You dint mention the alternative that can be used instead of breast milk n cow milk. In the end you tell us to rely on doctors advice.... so what is the use of reading ur blog.. ??
| Jul 28, 2018
My son is 2yrs old i give him cows milk. can i continue giving him that r switch to buffaloes milk? Plz suggest
| Jul 19, 2018
my baby is 6 month old.. ND m giving her cows milk. c does not have any problem Bt my Dr suggested me to stop cows milk.. Wat should I do. plz suggest
| Jul 11, 2018
Yes this blog is useful for me. You tell us that cow's milk is not right. But u don't tell us that than which milk is right for the baby or kids
| Jul 11, 2018
my baby has completed 7 mnths. Our pediatrian has suggested to start cow's once my baby completes 8 mnths
| Jul 10, 2018
@Jasmine you can give formula milk
| Jul 10, 2018
@Priya this is just a myth!
| Jul 10, 2018
@ Nancy you can give formula milk like nanpro or ask your aped
| Jul 08, 2018
suggestion to dejiye kya dena chaheye aapne apne baby ko kya deya tha cow milk ko replace kr k
| Jul 07, 2018
Yes it's always there that cow milk does not suit baby. But you are not supposed to give cow milk ever direct. U need to mix it in 60 -40 ratio and that to only 60 to 90 ml first to consume. And also start when baby is almost 8-9 months. Not before than that. It's always preferred to give baby formula always
| Jun 29, 2018
some says as u bf the baby till 1 year he will not develop the taste of cow's milk after that n refuse some babies after weaning off from bf doesn't take any other milk is that true
| Jun 29, 2018
formula milk
| Jun 29, 2018
my baby is 16 months now... I m still continued formulation to her... when should I switch to cow milk... she is breast milk when I m at home
| Jun 29, 2018
mera baby 16 month me laga he use konsa milk du for waight gain plza rply fast. ?
| Jun 29, 2018
My baby turns 4mnths.. Nw am giving formula milk.. Upto 6 months I wil continue with this one.. Aftr 6 mnths I wil start to give ragimalt along with formula.. Is it OK mommies??
| Jun 28, 2018
My daughter was allergic to formula milk. After trying 2 different brands as suggested by doctor and having seen adverse allergic reactions, I stopped immediately. I started diluted cow's milk 2 times a day at the age of 7 months. She could tolerate it well. Doctor just suggested to stop diluting milk as it reduces the nutrition. Cow's milk is started after 9 months usually because it may cause constipation or harden the stool. since my daughter tolerated it before, doctor also agreed to giving cow's milk. So just check what works with you kid and discuss with doctor.
| Jun 27, 2018
hi my name is farheen. mujhe twins baby girls hai my 9months se cow milk deru kuch bhi problem nahi hai kya my continue kar Saktihu ab mere babies 10 months running hai
| Jun 27, 2018
l
| Jun 26, 2018
Niki is the
| Jun 26, 2018
nhh
| Jun 23, 2018
Zara better avoid cow milk till 1 yr
| Jun 21, 2018
thanks
| Jun 16, 2018
Good blog
| Jun 16, 2018
@Zara I think that will result to more issues and colic in baby, better is to feed with mothers milk or formulae...
| Jun 16, 2018
How about mixing it onl upto 1-2 feeds a day for mothers who are lack breast milk?
| Jun 16, 2018
Thankyou for giving insightful information
| Jun 16, 2018
I will be a
| Jun 16, 2018
I will be a
| Jun 16, 2018
@Neelam you should take advise of your paediatrician
| Jun 16, 2018
@Priyanka Jain: Even I was giving my child cow milk and there was not any problem as such but I think the child misses on essential nutrients
| Jun 16, 2018
my daughter is 48 days old... presently i am giving her breast milk and if her tummy does not get full then alternative i am giving her lactogen formula milk.... but now my family is telling me to start her a cow milk instead of lactogen... by diluting with equal ratio of water... please advice me..
| Jun 15, 2018
my baby is 7 months n she likes cows milk.... i hardly find anu problem
| Jun 15, 2018
the colour of my baby becoming dull please tell me what to do
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