How much is too much dairy for an 8 month old?
11 March 2010 5 Responses
A Parent asks, My son is having a fairly wide variety of dairy.
I’m breastfeeding (and hate expressing) so when i need to add milk to my sons food I use full cream cows milk in his cereal each morning, and sometimes in mashed potato etc., i also sometimes add tasty cheese to his purees, he has yogurt with fruit daily and now he is also loving cream cheese on toast as we are starting introducing finger foods.
I know babies under one aren’t supposed to drink cows milk, but can I give him too much dairy in his diet?
Related posts:
Doctors and worrywort mothers will tell you to wait until 1 year. The truth is, just depends on whether your son is tolerating the dairy okay. Is he getting constipated? More tummy aches than usual. If no, then his dairy intake is fine.
“Cow’s milk is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children under 1 year old. Infants fed whole cow’s milk don’t get enough vitamin E, iron, and essential fatty acids. They also get too much protein, sodium, and potassium. These levels may be too high for the infant’s system to handle. Also, whole cow’s milk protein and fat are more difficult for an infant to digest and absorb.”
Suggested Intake – Infants:
Dairy:
None for infants 0-3 months
None for infants 4-5 months
None for infants 6-8 months
Small servings for infants 9-12 months
16-20 oz. whole milk for toddlers 1-2 years
The problem with cows milk is that it does not provide anywhere near enough nutrients for them to have as a drink under a year old. From eight months it is fine to use cows milk in things like cereal and mashed potato (just like you are doing) as long as he is still having all the breastmilk he needs. As long as he is not having any reaction to the dairy it is fine to keep giving it to him.
I think it is possible to have too much dairy. I know cow milk products can inhibit the absorption of iron, for example. And even though the lactose and proteins are largely broken down in cheese and yogurt, I suppose it would be possible that in a large quantity to still cause digestive issues. The iron issue is given as one reason why babies should not have more than about 16 oz of whole milk when they reach a year; I have never seen any amount quoted on yogurt and cheese for younger babies. I would guess that aside from the yogurt, the actual amounts of cheese, cream cheese or even milk on the cereal could be measured in Tbs – ie, it doesn’t really add up to as much as you think. I think a “serving” of yogurt is considered somewhere between 4-6 oz. Anyway, my point is I doubt you are getting anywhere close to 16 oz. I think many babies have quite a bit of dairy in their diets; like with anything, you shouldn’t overdo it too too much, but I don’t think you really need to worry at his current consumption either.
This was explained to me as my child was growing towards being one!
I used to give her some dairy when she was probably 10 months and up… not too much! But just some kids yogurts or a little cheese! I did this just to get her used to dairy, and get her body ready for when it becomes part of everyday feeding!
8 months is a little young to be giving him dairy, as they advice you not to before 1. Its to do with their stomach lining and allergies.
If hes going well on dairy, then thats good, he isnt lactose intolerant. but i wouldnt be doing it with every meal, just incase it has its fall backs later on!
Id slow down on adding it to everything, for a couple of months, but if he enjoys it and isnt getting rashes or getting sick, then he must be coping alright!
Leave your response!
Categories
Archives
We Suggest
Recent Posts
Most Commented
Recent Comments