Cow's milk is a nutritious drink for children and a staple in the fridge of Australian families. It is a reliable source of calcium and provides energy for growth and development. However, as your child grows and develops, there is a balance that needs to be considered between the volume of milk your child consumes and the introduction of food. In this article you will learn when it is safe to introduce cow's milk into your baby's diet and we will answer questions around how much milk you should give your baby and what type of milk is best for your baby.
When should I introduce cow's milk into my child's diet?
In Australia the National Health and Medical Council (NHMRC) infant feeding guidelines recommend that cow's milk is only introduced as a main drink to children after 1 year of age. Before then, only small amounts may be used in the preparation of solid foods. Babies under 12 months should be either breastfed or formula-fed, and solids can be introduced at around 6 months of age.
How much milk should I give my child?
When cow's milk is introduced, it is recommended that it is limited to a maximum of 500ml/day. Any more than this and you may find your toddler is too full to eat proper meals, preventing them from getting the nutrition they need from other foods. Too much cow's milk can affect the amount of iron the body absorbs from foods.
How to transition my child to cow's milk?
If you and your child are both ready to make the switch, start practising with cow's milk in a no-spill training cup. The NHMRC in Australia recommends that milk and other drinks should be offered in a cup rather than a feeding bottle from 12 months of age.
What if my child is allergic to cow's milk or is lactose intolerant?
If you suspect your child is allergic to cow's milk or is lactose intolerant, consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and guidance on how to manage this. If your child has a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy, they will not be able to have any cow's milk, including a2 Milk®. If your child has a confirmed lactose intolerance, then a lactose free milk such as a2 Milk® Lactose Free Full Cream may be a good option. However, if milk doesn't seem to sit well but lactose intolerance hasn't been diagnosed, a2 Milk®, which is naturally A1 protein free, may be easier on digestion than ordinary milk for some milk-intolerant individuals, when consumed as part of a healthy, varied diet.
What milk is best for kids in Australia?
Once your baby has transitioned to cow's milk, the best milk choice is a milk that is full cream, unflavoured, and unsweetened, such as a2 Milk® Full Cream. Young children need fats to nourish their bodies and brains, but not the added sugar. a2 Milk® Full Cream naturally contains 4% fat which gives it a richer, creamier texture than light and no-fat milks. It is also a useful source of energy. If you are looking for healthy recipes to help incorporate wholefoods and dairy into your child's diet, try something sweet like this Kiwi Banana Spinach Smoothie or this Banana and Walnut Loaf.
The a2 Milk® difference
Our high-quality a2 Milk® comes from cows that naturally produce milk with only A2-type protein and no A1 protein. It may be easier on digestion than ordinary milk for some milk-intolerant individuals, when consumed as part of a healthy, varied diet.
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