Which cows milk for babies

First infant formula is usually based on cows' milk and is the only suitable alternative to breast milk in the first 12 months of your baby's life. Follow-on formula isn't suitable for babies under 6 months, and you don't need to introduce it after 6 months. First infant formula, follow-on formula or growing-up milks aren't needed once your baby is 12 months old. Read more about the types of infant formula. Goats' milk formula is available and produced to the same nutritional standards as cows' milk formula.

Goats' milk formula isn't suitable for babies with cows' milk protein allergy. It is not less likely to cause allergies in babies than cows' milk formula as the proteins they contain are very similar. This isn't suitable for babies under 6 months old.

This type of formula isn't needed, and there's no evidence that babies settle better or sleep longer after having it. Fully breastfed babies don't need any water until they've started eating solid foods.

Formula-fed babies may need some extra water in hot weather. For babies under 6 months, you should not use water straight from the mains tap in the kitchen as it is not sterile. You will need to boil the tap water first and then let it cool down. Water for babies over 6 months doesn't need to be boiled.

Bottled water isn't recommended for making up infant formula feeds as it may contain too much salt sodium or sulphate. If you do have to use bottled water to make up a feed, check the label to make sure the sodium also written as Na level is less than milligrams mg per litre.

The sulphate also written as SO or SO4 content shouldn't be higher than mg per litre. Like tap water, bottled water isn't sterile, so it will need to be boiled before you use it to prepare a feed.

Always use boiled water at a temperature of at least 70C when you prepare a feed. Remember to let the feed cool before you give it to your baby. See how to make up baby formula. Cows' milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months but shouldn't be given as a drink to babies until they are 12 months old. This is because cows' milk does not contain enough iron to meet babies' needs. Whole milk should be given to children until they are 2 years old, as they need the extra energy and vitamins it contains.

Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced once your child is 2 years old, as long as they're a good eater and they have a varied diet. Young children shouldn't be given unpasteurised milk because of the higher risk of food poisoning. These aren't suitable as drinks for babies under 1 year old as, like cows' milk, they don't contain enough iron and other nutrients babies this age need. As long as they're pasteurised, they can be used once your baby is 1 year old.

You can give your child unsweetened calcium-fortified milk alternatives, such as soya, oat or almond drinks, from the age of 1 as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Babies and young children under 5 years old shouldn't be given rice drinks, because of the levels of arsenic in these products. If your child has an allergy or intolerance to milk, talk to your health visitor or GP. They can advise you on suitable milk alternatives. Children under 5 years old shouldn't have rice drinks as a substitute for breast milk, infant formula or cows' milk as they may contain too much arsenic.

Rice tends to take up more arsenic than other grains, but this does not mean that your baby cannot eat rice. Pay attention to how much milk you are feeding your baby. This is to encourage baby to take in a variety of nutrients from other foods. Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian and book author. Lauren resides in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and young daughter.

In her spare time, she can be found enjoying an outdoor oyster roast in the cooler months, doing anything on the water in the warmer months, and practicing yoga year-round. Whether dairy alternatives should be considered. What to look for when buying milk for your baby. Tips for a smooth transition. Once your child turns two, a lower fat milk can be introduced. What about dairy-free alternatives like almond milk? Almond, soy, oat, coconut…the list seems to be endless when it comes to dairy alternatives.

What to Look For Twenty years ago, it was a simple task to select a carton of milk. Here are some tips to guide you:. Choose milk from pasture-raised cows. If your child is under 1 year old, you should not feed your baby cow's milk, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP. If breastfeeding is not possible, infant formulas provide a healthy diet for your infant.

Whether you use breast milk or formula, your baby may have colic and be fussy. These are common problems in all babies. Cow's milk formulas usually do not cause these symptoms, so it may not help if you switch to a different formula. If your baby has ongoing colic, talk with your health care provider. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk.