I know that at some point kids should drink skim milk as part
of a low-fat diet. But what's the right age to switch kids
from whole milk to skim milk?
-
Sheila
Breast milk is the food of choice for at least the first year or
beyond. Cow's milk should be avoided until after a child is 1
year old.
Kids younger than 2, though, shouldn't have reduced-fat
milk. Babies need fat in their diets for a variety of reasons,
including neurological development. Kids should drink whole milk
from ages 1 to 2 years; then, if their growth is steady,
it's safe to switch to low-fat or skim milk.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your
child's growth or nutritional needs.
For more information, check out these articles:
Calcium and Your Child
Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Does Skim Milk Provide the Same Nutrients as Whole Milk?
Milk Allergy in Infants
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
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