In order for an infant to receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals from an early age, it is necessary to take care of its balanced diet from the first days. With the birth of a baby, parents have many fears, and therefore questions. It is important to draw independently useful and necessary information on the maintenance and development of the infant. In case of any deviations, it is timely to consult a pediatrician for the necessary diagnosis and consultation.
One of the frequently asked questions of young parents is: "When can a child be given regular cow's milk?" After all, this is the first product that the baby tries immediately after his birth. And it is important for parents to know all its characteristics and features.
Useful and harmful properties of cow's milk
This is a unique drink enriched with vitamins A, B, mineral elements, amino acids. 100 ml of milk contains: proteins - 3.3%, carbohydrates - 4.8%, fats - 3.7%. Calcium is almost completely absorbed by the body by 97%, which makes milk an indispensable product for both children and adults. The energy value of the product is 68.5 kilocalories per 100 ml.
At the same time, an insufficient amount of vitamins C, D and iron. This can lead to delayed development, anemia, increased cholesterol, adversely affect vision.
Fresh milk is dangerous to drink, since it can be infected (brucellosis), it must be boiled. This indispensable healing product has other positive characteristics that enhance immunity, treat many diseases, are used in cosmetology for rejuvenation, improve memory, soothe the nervous system, treat heart diseases, stomach ulcers, gastritis, and also increase life expectancy.
There are contraindications for people suffering from an enzyme deficiency, which breaks down lactose, allergies, the elderly after fifty years. In this article we will cover the topic "When can I start giving my baby cow milk." After all, there is so much benefit from him!
Nutrition in the initial stages of feeding
The most valuable and irreplaceable product for infants is breast milk. It contains a whole storehouse of vitamins, carbohydrates, trace elements, so necessary for even small children. Mother's milk is easily absorbed by the body, gives a strong immunity and is food and drink for up to six months. It also does not deteriorate and has a positive effect on the body.
Breastfeeding serves as a prevention of breast cancer, maternal mastopathy.
Breastfeeding after childbirth quickly acts on the contraction of the uterus, and also improves the figure, returning women to their previous forms. This is a natural and unique natural process. Cow's milk can also be added to the diet for children. From what age and how to start giving it correctly, you will learn further.
Features of cow's milk compared to mother
Consider the differences between these types of product. To understand whether it is possible to give a child cow's milk at the age of one, you first need to compare the composition. In the maternal, in 100 ml, there are: carbohydrates - 7.5%, protein - 1.2%, fat - 7.5%. Energy value -70 kilocalories. These are the most optimal indicators when feeding at the first stages for children.
Cow's milk contains 2 times less carbohydrates, but more protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals that can cause allergies. And high fat content increases cholesterol in the blood, which in the future can provoke heart diseases, vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris.
When asked about when it is possible to give cow's milk to a child, specialists at the Medical Institute answer that the best option is from 3 years old. It is during this period of development that children fully absorb food.
Cow's milk or mixtures?
Modern science is developing a wide variety of baby food manufacturing technologies. Many attempts were made, but all of these products could not fully replace mother's milk.
True, in recent years, mixtures have become as close as possible to the desired composition. Compared to cow's milk, baby food is considered absolutely safe at the age of one year, as the baby’s body is not yet fully matured.
When can
cow milk be given
to an infant? Baby food today costs a lot of money, not everyone can afford to feed mixtures up to 3 years. In order to save budget after twelve months, you can try to introduce milk into the diet.
Proper transition to cow's milk
Consult with a pediatrician who will give practical advice on how old cow milk is given to children and how you can check your body for an allergic reaction. As with other nutrition, you need to pay attention to any side effects. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be: diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin rashes.
So, it's time to find out when it is possible to give cow's milk to a child and whether to dilute it with water? The transition can take place at the age when the baby has reached twelve months. You need to give only
whole milk, but skim - only after two years. Start with a small amount, diluting with water in 1: 2 proportions, and after 3-4 weeks you can change the proportion to 1: 1.
Carefully observe the baby’s reaction to the new product and the time when it is possible to give cow's milk to the baby. Do not mix with fruits, berries and other products that can cause bloating and pain in the baby’s tummy.
Important information
If you constantly add cow’s milk to your child or often give it as a drink, your child may experience dehydration, as well as an allergy to milk protein. How many babies can get cow's milk? Pediatricians say that not earlier than from 12 months, and if possible from 1.5 - 2 years.
Otherwise, the introduction of this product into the diet too early may affect the occurrence of certain diseases, for example, iron deficiency anemia. In this case, it is possible to get type 1 diabetes, a serious disease associated with metabolic disorders.
If there are insulin-dependent patients in the family, we advise you not to include in the diet foods that contain unadapted protein.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you now know when it is possible to give cow's milk to a child and how to correctly introduce it into the diet. We wish your family good health and happy smiles for your child!