Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Is Cow milk recommended for my 1 yr old
My baby girl just turned 1 yr. I have not given Cow milk till now to her.
Should I start Cow milk for her ? My concern is that cow milk has growth related antibiotics which will affect her hormones and onset of puberty, but my husband is concerned that cow milk is necessary for nutrition and growth, especially protein.
Please advise.
Also what can be given in place of cow milk so that her nutrition and growth is not hampered?
Answers (10)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
After completing 1 year of age, a child can be introduced to cow’s milk, but it is not compulsory if the child is receiving adequate nutrition from other foods.
Here is what you need to understand:
- Milk sourced from well-known, regulated dairy brands undergoes quality checks and is required to meet food safety standards. Such milk should not contain harmful levels of antibiotics or hormones when consumed within recommended limits.
- Growth and development depend on the overall quality and variety of the diet, not on milk alone.
- Cow’s milk is not a major protein source. Protein for growth can be effectively obtained from curd, paneer, dals, pulses, eggs, fish, meat, and soy products.
- You can also give other calcium rich sources such as curd, ragi, sesame seeds and green leafy vegetables.
- Limit milk intake to 300–400 ml per day. Overconsumption may reduce solid food intake and increase the risk of other vitamin deficiencies.
Next Steps
If you require a personalized diet plan which will help you understand which foods to give your baby during during her growth years then do reach out to us.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced dietitian online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+122
Milk is definitely required for the proper physical and mental development of the human child. One thing which I firmly believe in, is the need to identify what is good and what is bad.
Milk is a natural food is better than taking a supplement or powder which claims to have the essential nutrients( A old saying goes as KNOWN DEVIL is better than an UNKNOWN DEViL.
Milk properly boiling it sufficient is definitely a better source of calcium, magnesium, protein and many other important nutrients.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi
That’s a good question. From the age of one, kids are able to digest cow milk. Keep the intake to 1-2 cups a day at max, including iron rich food in the diet.
Look for organic milk options.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello
Cow milk is not mandatory for growth
Protein, vitamins and minerals are required
We can connect on Practo , we can discuss her dietary routine and I can guide you accordingly
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello there,
If you can find organic whole milk near you like a local dairy or nearby rural area then you can surely give her cow milk or buffalo milk.
Buffalo milk has comparatively more fat, protein and calcium in it than cow's milk. You can give any milk to your daughter since protein and calcium are needed for her proper growth which both the milk contain.
If there are any digestion related issues after taking buffalo milk then it is best to give cow's milk.
Include other foods also for proper growth and development because milk alone will not help. Try to give her foods like-
1. Ragi
2. Bajra
3. Spinach
4. Almonds
5. Walnuts
6. Pumpkin seeds
7. Sesame seeds
8. Chhole
9. Rajma
10. Black chana
11. Besan
12. Curd
13. Paneer
14. Whole moong dal
15. Red lentils
You can grind the nuts and seeds powder and add it in her curd or khichri.
If you eat non-vegetarian food then eggs, fish like sardines can be given.
If you like a personalised plan for your daughter so that all her nutrient needs are fulfilled for proper growth and development then you can directly book an appointment with me here on practo.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Swarn Shikha Sharma
Dietitian/Nutritionist
19 yrs exp
Delhi
Yes organic cow milk can be given to the baby
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Samriddha Dasgupta Sarkar
Clinical Nutritionist
22 yrs exp
Kolkata
Plain pasteurised cow milk without hormones is allowed
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Somya Jain
Dietitian/Nutritionist
9 yrs exp
Delhi
Yes now you can add
But if baby has some allergy please then plan under guidance
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Trupti Padhi
Dietitian/Nutritionist
17 yrs exp
Bhubaneswar
Good evening pls give her cows milk in diluted form so that it can be easily digested.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Prajna Pai
Dietitian/Nutritionist
38 yrs exp
Mumbai
Hi.. Whole cow’s milk is recommended from 12–24 months because toddlers need the extra fat for brain development. Start slowly (a few ounces) and increase if the child tolerates it well.
Babies under 1 year shouldn’t have cow’s milk as a drink because it can cause digestive issues, iron deficiency, and is not nutritionally suitable.
Please connect with me directly or through Practo app & I can tell you how to introduce it safely or compare cow’s milk vs formula for a 1-year-old.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.