Cow’s milk should only be given to the baby after he turns 1 year old, as before that his intestine is still too immature to digest this milk, which can end up causing problems such as diarrhea, allergies and low weight.
Until the first year of life, the child should only drink breast milk or consume special milk formulas, appropriate for their age, in accordance with the guidance of their pediatrician or nutritionist.
Problems that cow’s milk can cause
Cow’s milk contains complex proteins that are difficult to digest, which end up attacking intestinal cells and causing problems such as:
- Poor absorption of nutrients;
- Intestinal bleeding, whether or not there may be visible blood in the stool;
- Diarrhea or very soft stools, which do not improve in texture;
- Anemia, especially due to reducing iron absorption in the intestine;
- Constant cramps;
- Allergy to milk and its derivatives;
- Low weight, as the baby cannot get the calories and nutrients necessary for growth.
Furthermore, cow’s milk does not have a good fat composition for this stage of a baby’s life, and it is also very rich in sodium, which can end up overloading the child’s kidneys. Find out how to have more milk to feed your baby.
Difference between Infant Formula and Cow’s Milk
Although they are normally made from cow’s milk, infant formulas are prepared to facilitate the baby’s digestion and meet all their nutritional needs. They are made with the aim of being similar to breast milk, but no infant formula is as good and suitable for the newborn as breast milk.
If necessary, infant formula should only be used in accordance with the pediatrician’s instructions, and it is important to pay attention to the product label, which must have the word formula instead of milk.
Plant-based milks should also be avoided
In addition to avoiding cow’s milk, it is also important to avoid giving plant-based milks such as soy, oat or almond milk to your baby, especially in the first year of life. These milks do not contain all the nutrients necessary for the child’s proper growth and development, which may harm their weight gain, height and intellectual capacity.
However, it is important to remember that some infant formulas are made from soy, with a special composition that suits the baby’s needs. They must be prescribed by your pediatrician, and are normally necessary in cases of milk allergy.
Find out everything about baby nutrition from 0 to 12 months.
