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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.
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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. |
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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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