Babies under the age of 1 require the right quantity of protein, fat, calcium, iron, and other minerals for their normal growth and development. Cow’s milk is a good source of these nutrients, nevertheless, it is recommended to avoid it until they’re a little older. Read on to find out why.
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Deficiency of Iron
Studies have found that cow’s milk is a strong determinant of the baby’s iron status, with each month of cow’s milk feeding increasing the risk of iron deficiency by 39%.
- Cow’s milk has a slightly higher composition of iron than breast milk, however, only a small portion of about 20% can be absorbed by the body. On the contrary, about 50% of the iron from human milk can be safely absorbed.
- The high calcium content in cow’s milk can further block the body’s ability to absorb more iron.
- All babies lose minute quantities of blood in their stools that we cannot see. Studies have shown that the quantity of blood lost is significantly higher in cow milk-fed infants when compared to babies fed formula feed or human milk.
Risk of Dehydration
Cow’s milk contains higher quantities of protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, and phosphorus. This increases the excretory load on the developing kidneys. As a result, the child is more likely to experience dehydration during episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
During periods of the above-mentioned illnesses, doctors recommend that mothers continue breastfeeding their babies ad libitum to prevent dehydration and its complications.
Milk Allergy
Most babies develop Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) before they turn a month old, often within one week of introducing cow’s milk or a cow milk-based formula. The baby may develop the following symptoms:-
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Swelling of the face, lips, and around the eyes
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Persistent crying
It can also affect babies who are exclusively breastfed because cow’s milk from the mother’s diet passes on to the baby through her milk.
An onset of CMPA after 12 months of age is extremely rare.
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When is it safe to start giving cow’s milk to babies?
Experts recommend that cow’s milk be introduced to the child’s diet not earlier than 12 months of age.
It also suggested that low-fat and skimmed milk be further delayed till age 2-3 years as the fat content of whole milk is essential for the normal development of the child’s brain
Isn’t infant formula based on cow’s milk?
Infant formula is made with the required quantities of nutrients. Studies have shown that there is a significantly higher blood loss in the stools of cow milk-fed babies than that of those fed formula milk (stool blood prevalence of 30% and 5%, respectively, and 3% among breast milk-fed infants who were involved in the study).
You can also try non-bovine-based formula milk as well.
All the studies conclude that mother’s milk is the best and the safest for her baby, and should be preferred over formula milk or any other substitute.
Alternatives to Cow’s Milk
If you are struggling to produce sufficient milk, you can ask your baby’s pediatrician to recommend the right formula feed and quantity for the infant.
You can also ask your doctor to recommend medication that increases milk production. These are called galactogogues and are usually available in sachets.
If you still want to try cow’s milk, you can attempt iron-fortified milk and consider iron-rich complementary food or additional iron supplementation, if required, as recommended by the pediatrician.
Not all milk is suitable for feeding babies, though. The following substitutes must be avoided in children under 1 year of age:-
- Condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Dried milk
- Pasteurized Goat’s or Sheep’s milk (it’s alright to use them when cooking for your baby)
- Cows’ milk as a drink (small quantities can be used in cooking)
- Other types of drinks, such as soya, rice, oat, or almond milk
Takeaway
– Mother’s milk is the best food for the baby
– Feeding cow’s milk puts infants at high risk of iron deficiency and increases the risk of severe dehydration
– If human milk is not available, it is preferred that iron-fortified formula feed, rather than cow’s milk, be used in the first year of life
References
- Agostoni C, Brunser O (eds): Issues in Complementary Feeding. Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Basel, © 2007. Nestlé Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program, vol 60, pp 185-199 https://doi.org/10.1159/000106369
- Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition: December 2011 – Volume 53 – Issue 6 – p 594-600 doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318235b23e
- Alexander KC Leung, MBBS FRCPC FRCP (UK and Ireland) FRCPCH, Reginald S Sauve, MD FRCPC, Whole cow’s milk in infancy, Paediatrics & Child Health, Volume 8, Issue 7, September 2003, Pages 419–421, https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/8.7.419
- Høst, A. (1994), Cow’s milk protein allergy and intolerance in infancy Some clinical, epidemiological and immunological aspects. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 5: 5-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3038.1994.tb00352.x
