Short answer - NO.
It's unnecessary to offer cow's milk or any plant-based milk after breastfeeding or formula to your baby/kids. What does not mean you can't offer them cow's milk. I started offering Balbina cow's milk when she was around 14 months old, and since then, she has loved milk. She drinks about 1 cup most days, and sometimes I have to hold her back because she fills up her little tummy with too much milk, which would make her skip meals.
Cow’s milk is nutritionally incomplete, which means that it does not provide all the nutrients babies need, and babies' digestive systems may not well tolerate cow milk protein in large quantities. So this is why I recommend waiting until baby's first birthday if you want to introduce cow's milk.
Here are a few pros and cons you should consider:
PROS:
- Great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals (e.g., calcium, vitamin D (when fortified), choline vitamin B6 & B12, zinc)
- Milk can be a great source of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, especially for toddlers who can be picky eaters.
CONS: - Filling up on milk could lead to nutrition deficiencies from consuming less varied meals and skipping meals
- Milk can reduce iron absorption and could lead to iron deficiency
- Could increase the preference for milky beverages and lead to a reduction in water consumption
If you are concerned that your baby/toddler is not getting enough calcium. Or, for any reason, your family decides to choose to follow a dairy-free diet - here are some rich food sources of calcium:
Sardines
Mackerel
Salmon
Chia Seeds
Anchovies
Beet greens
Tahini
Spinach
Kale
Beans
Broccoli
Almonds
Nori
I recommend not offering cow's milk before the baby's first birthday as a beverage. But still introduce them before 12 months to milk products like ghee, butter, or kefir, as cow milk is a common allergen. More information on how to introduce milk to babies can be found in my 'First Foods Guide,' or if you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to verena@growingtummies.com
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