Introducing Cows' Milk to Infants
by Milk.org

Breast-feeding is the preferred method of feeding infants. It provides unique nutritional benefits to the infant, as well as psychological benefits to both mother and child. Breast milk may also protect the infant from infection, and possible allergies.

The nutrients provided through breast milk are all that is needed in the first four to six months. Women are encouraged to breast-feed for as long as it is possible to do so. Alternatives to Breast-Feeding If breast-feeding is not possible or is not chosen, there are other acceptable options. When and what type of milk should be introduced is outlined in this article. All of the following are acceptable options - but some more than others. Iron-Fortified Formulas are the recommended infant formulas during the first nine months of age. Premature infants, or infants on solids who are not eating an iron-rich diet, may be at greater risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, it may be best to keep these children on iron-fortified formula up to nine to twelve months of age.

Standard Milk-Based Formulas are an acceptable option in the first nine months of life. While they do contain some iron, there is not as much as is found in the iron-fortified type. Still, if your child is eating an iron-rich diet by six months of age, this is not a concern.

Evaporated Whole Milk Formula is the least acceptable option for infants. The heat treatment of evaporated milk changes the protein to make it easier for infants to digest. However, the milk still must be diluted to lower the protein and mineral concentration and sugar must be added to increase the energy content.

The type of fat found in this formula is less well absorbed than the type found in the formulas described above. As well, it contains low amounts of linoleic acid, a type of fat which is essential to health. As long as milk is the only source of energy to the infant, his/her intake of this nutrient will be low. Finally, the iron content of evaporated milk is also low making this formula a less desirable option than those outlined above.

Note: While it is not recommended, if this formula is chosen, it should be prepared in a 1:2 ratio of milk to water. That is 1 oz., or 30 mL, evaporated milk to 2 oz., or 60 mL, water mixed with 2 tbsp. or 30 mL of sugar. At six months, this can be changed to a 1:1 ratio. This means 1 oz, or 30 mL, evaporated milk to each 1 oz., or 30 mL, of water. At this concentration, the sugar can be discontinued.

Whole cows' Milk can be introduced after nine months of age. For infants under six months, cows' milk protein is hard to digest, the fat is poorly absorbed, and the mineral content is too high. For infants under nine months, reliance on cows' milk as the main source of energy may not provide enough iron.

By nine months, the infant's intestinal tract has matured, and whole cows' milk may be introduced. At this stage, the infant should be consuming iron-rich foods such as iron fortified cereals, and vegetables and fruit containing vitamin C. Iron deficiency anemia should be less of a concern at this point.

Once consuming cows' milk, only whole (homo) cows' milk is acceptable until two years of age.

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