The Critical Reasons for Waiting to Feed Your Infant Cow's Milk

It is no mistake that most doctors and health care professionals alike do not recommend giving your infant regular milk until they reach their first birthday. There are many critical reasons for this. If you give your child milk before one year of age they could face a long list of health concerns. The biggest reason is the allergy factor. Milk does not contain everything that a young infant needs. That is why health professionals and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that your child is either breast fed or given canned formula to receive the necessary nutrients and vitamins for a healthy immune system and overall well being of your child. Formula does contain protein from cow's milk, but not in the strength you would find in the regular milk product. The formula is specially formulated to meet your baby's needs.

Most children are able to transition from formula to milk at the age of one with no problem; there are of course those who are allergic to cow's milk. Approximately 2-3 percent of the population of small children will develop an allergy to milk. By waiting to give your child regular milk they are less likely to develop an allergic reaction. The symptoms of a milk allergy are things such as a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, constipation or diarrhea and even a red bumpy rash. If you notice any of these symptoms you should talk with your doctor immediately. Most likely the baby is unable to process the milk as most of the population does and the doctor may recommend that you try soy products.

You may also face the problem of dehydration if you give your baby cow's milk before one year of age. There is a significant amount of sodium found in cow's milk. Sodium is infamous for taking the water from your body and leaving you feeling dehydrated. This is why when children are sick the medical professionals will ask you to limit the intake of milk and provide drinks with electrolytes and plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Another concern with giving your child milk before their first birthday is the possibility of them becoming anemic. Anemia is an iron deficiency which causes the person to have a low number of red blood cells. The reason this is dangerous is because it can harm the baby and damage their brain and nerves. There are several reasons for this. Formula has a significant amount of iron which provides crucial building blocks for your baby. Cow's milk has less iron and due to the components of milk, it can cause the milk not to be absorbed properly by the intestines.

One of the most crucial components to raising a healthy baby is the guidance of a skilled pediatrician. The pediatrician will advise you in making the right choices for your baby and guide you in any complications you may have along the way. It is important to disclose to your pediatrician any complications you have had with either formula or milk feedings.