When Can I Give Packaged Milk To My Baby?

Why Wait Before Giving Cow’s Milk to a Baby?

Cow’s or buffalo’s milk is definitely natural – but it is natural to the calves, not to your baby, at least not initially. What is natural for your baby is the milk you produce or formula milk, that is prepared to closely resemble the mother’s milk. If you start substituting either of these with cow’s milk, for instance, earlier, then:

• Your baby will be deprived of important nutrients, including iron, that breast milk and the formula contain (cow’s milk does not contain as much iron).
• A baby’s digestive system will not be able to handle all the proteins and sodium present in cow’s milk.
• Your baby’s kidney may suffer due to the high milk protein content present in animal milk and your baby might become allergic to them.

This is the reason doctors advise you to wait till the baby turns one to introduce other animal milk.

[Read: Feeding Cow’s Milk To Baby – Facts]

Which Milk Can I Start With?

Once the baby turns one, cow’s milk is great to start with. It contains essential nutrients, proteins, minerals, and vitamins (B2 and B12). Buffalo milk is also a great option – it contains more vitamins A, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and protein than cow’s milk. However, you need to introduce it slowly and remember to remove the layer of fat/cream before giving it to the baby.

Always opt for pasteurized milk and boil it well before giving it to your little one. Also, avoid goat’s milk and soya milk (unless your baby is lactose intolerant).

Organic milk is also gaining a lot of popularity – however, there is a debate on the safety and effectiveness for babies. Please read up in detail about this before opting for it.

Why Packaged Milk For My Baby?

The next question is if to go for packaged milk or milk you buy directly from a farm. We recommend going for packaged milk in the beginning. This is because:

• It is convenient, easily available, and easy to store.
• It is already pasteurized and doesn’t contain harmful bacteria and contaminants.

[Read: Can I Give Goat’s Milk To My Baby?]

Tetra-Pack or Packaged Milk For Baby?

Once you decide to go for packaged milk, then there are two options available to you:

• Packet milk, which normally is delivered on a daily basis at your doorstep with a shelf life of 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Tetra pack milk, which you can buy from any supermarket and has a shelf life of 180 days (and 5 days after opening).

Both options are widely used in India and both are safe options. That said, packaged milk is a less expensive option (~Rs.30 per liter) but there is a higher probability of adulteration in it. Tetra pack milk, on the other hand, is more convenient and less adulterated.

Moreover, the pack comes with the detailed nutritional value of the milk inside. Tetra packs are convenient, easy to use, portable, and packed with essential nutrients. The downside is that its price is more than twice that of packaged milk. You can choose either of these options depending on your needs.

Full Fat or Toned Milk For Baby?

You go to a supermarket or talk to your milk supplier and they will ask you what kind of milk you want – full fat or toned? It is better to go for full-fat milk until your child is at least 2 years old. This is because all the toned varieties (semi-toned, double-toned, slim) are thinner, have lower calories, and carry lesser nutrients.

Toning is a process in which the fat content of cow’s or buffalo’s milk is reduced, but children do need all the fats and nutrients at their tender age. You can opt for skimmed milk after 2 years, first to the one at 3% and then to 1.5%. However, the advice of your pediatrician, the child’s development schedule, weight, and activity levels will help you make the best choice.

That said, we also want to point out that some experts prefer toned milk to full-fat milk as they are worried about the growing number of obese kids. So, if your child otherwise eats a balanced diet, then you can opt for toned milk without having to worry about the lesser nutrients.

[Read: Soy Milk For Babies]

How Much Milk Does My Baby Need?

You can give your baby up to 400 ml of milk daily.  Preferably 200 ml morning and a 200 ml evening. Or, if your baby is reluctant to have milk, then you can introduce other dairy products like paneer or cheese in his/her diet. Curd also makes an excellent choice to provide your baby with vitamins and nutrition. Always remember to consult your pediatrician in case you have any doubts.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Give Tetra Pack Milk to My 2 Year Old?

No, not advisable. This is pre-pack milk and is not fresh. If you have no other choice, ensure you choose a high-quality brand.

2. Can I Start Giving Packaged Milk For My Toddler?

No, don’t. You can give it as a one of event. Do not do this on a regular basis.

3. Can I Opt For Packed Milk For My Baby, While Travelling?

Depends on your baby’s age. If they are too young, you can always opt for formula. They are easy to carry and mix.

4. Can Packaged Milk Harm My Baby?

If it’s hygienic and packed well, it won’t.  Store it properly so that the milk will not spoil. This can cause food poisoning in your baby.

Read Also: Rice Milk For Babies And Toddlers – Is It A Healthier Alternative?