No, though the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend plain cow’s milk for toddlers 12 months and older as a source of essential fat and nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, vitamin A, and zinc. This can be confusing since cow’s milk or other milk drinks are not usually recommended until after 12 months of age. Small amounts of milk can also be used in cooking, as long it doesn’t replace breastmilk or formula intake. Its introduction before 11-12 months of age can lead to issues like iron deficiency anemia and intestinal distress, due to the fact that it is nutritionally incomplete, low in iron, and can have difficult-to-digest proteins. Since cow’s milk as a drink is consumed in greater amounts than the other dairy foods mentioned, it often takes the place of breast milk and formula intake. Dairy products such as full fat yogurt, low-sodium cheeses, butter, and ghee, are fine to offer to your baby after 6 months of age in age-appropriate amounts after having successfully introduced iron-rich foods (cow’s milk is low in iron). Yes, in the form of solid foods–but the type and preparation matter. Just joining us? Check out our guides on Starting Solids and Toddlers at the Table. Read on to find out how much milk to give, when to give it, and more. There’s a lot to know about milk for babies.
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