Cow's Milk before 12 months of age
@starmashgate40sg177 (252)
United States
July 10, 2010 10:06am CST
My mother always told me cow's milk could be given at 6 months of age. I was told by some others that it should never be given before the first birthday. I had recently run into some bad times and could not afford to buy formula for my daughter. A friend of mine had told me that often times when she couldn't afford the baby's milk she would make her children bottles with half cow's milk and half water. Only if they were already on solids though. My daughter is 5 months old and on solid foods, so I had tried it. She seems as though she is perfectly fine with it. She loves the solid foods, which I make at home. Its healthier because I use only organic vegetables. She also seems to not eat as much as she used to, and shes a lot calmer and less cranky. I have since begun giving her the formula again with the solids. Is this a bad idea? Should I not give her cow's milk again before a certain age? I have looked this up on several different web pages and although none of them say it is bad for her, they just don't condone it until at least 6 months, because babies can have an allergic reaction to dairy. She has not had one, and seems perfectly fine. The doctor did not say anything against it when I took her in. I would like your opinions please.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@rosie230 (1704)
•
11 Jul 10
It is ok although at 6 months you have to be careful, because cows milk is a lot richer, and they get bunged up with it. My son is 1 and 1/2 and he started drinking cows milk when he was 11 months old, and it made him constipated to the point he was in pain trying to go to the loo. I kept him on formula milk designed for 1 year olds, up until a couple of months ago, and now he only has 2 bottles a day... which is each time he goes to sleep. For the rest of the day along with food, he drinks juice and water. When you give your baby cows milk, I don't recommend anymore than 3 bottle a day, because it will constipate them. Since you say your baby eats a lot of healthy veg meals, you should be ok, as these foods will help keep them regular.
@starmashgate40sg177 (252)
• United States
13 Jul 10
She loves her Veggies, especially carrots. I did notice she wasn't going to the bathroom as often, yet as soon as she had the formula again, she was going just as regular as she was before. I've raised many children before, but for some reason I can't seem to recall alot of things such as this with my own daughter. I have so many questions, that before, I was able to answer for other women. Now, looking at my own child, I question everything I do with her. Thank you for responding.
@rosie230 (1704)
•
13 Jul 10
Your welcome and to be honest with you, I have an older son, and I remember with him, that he started on cows milk quite early, but he was not a food fan, and still isn't. He never got bound up with cows milk, and he used to drink a lot more of it than my little one drinks. I think a lot depends on the individual child, but the best thing to do is test it, and if you feel and can see that it is too early then continue with formula.
@marguicha (223776)
• Chile
10 Jul 10
My two daughters started drinking cows milfk before they were 6 months old. They also started on soups at about 4 months or less. They grew up tp be healthy and intelligent. No problem. Try it and if she has any allergic rection, stop it. Dilute it at first with water or with the wayer of boiled oatmeal.
Take care!
@starmashgate40sg177 (252)
• United States
13 Jul 10
Wow, thank you for responding. I like to know about other stories relating to things I am going through with my daughter. I like to hear of the experiences that others have had while going through the same things.
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
11 Jul 10
In the old days, before formula was readily available, women made their own formula with evaporated milk and various other things added.My baby sister could not handle that even, but mom put her on cows milk. On the other hand, we seem to have more and more allergies showing up and it is probably wise not to take the risk. I would do cows milk over a soy formula though, but that is just my opinion. I nursed my kids until they were a year old.
@starmashgate40sg177 (252)
• United States
13 Jul 10
I tried to nurse my daughter, but I have medical problems which prevent me from producing milk after about the first month. I was nursing every two hours or at least pumping every two hours. Day and night, but after about 4 weeks, I just completely dried up. I was devastated to have to feed my daughter formula, but the doctor said that it is common in women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis or PCOS. Thank you for your comment.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
10 Jul 10
My kids doctors always told me not to give my kids cow's milk till they were a year old. My son started drinking formula mixed with milk at around 11 months old and at a year he switched to all cows milk. My daughter made the switch at about 10 months old. Neither of them had any problems with it. I think part of it is that the baby's body can have problems breaking down the proteins in the milk and that would cause for a cranky baby.
@starmashgate40sg177 (252)
• United States
13 Jul 10
That makes sense, and I have decided it best to just wait on the cow's milk. There is nothing more important in my life than my daughter. That includes her health. I only want her to be healthy and happy and to enjoy her childhood. Thank you for responding.
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
12 Jul 10
Hello all my kids are grown up i have 7 grand kids, all grew on mothers milk, when that is insufficient we gave cows milk but not pure,half milk half water, we never gave formula milk, all are healty..
Thanks for sharing.
Welcome always.
Cheers.
Professor
Cheers.
Professor
@oldchem1 (8132)
•
11 Jul 10
I feel so sorry for young mothers today they have so many 'dos and donts' thrown at them regarding feeding their child.
The only problem with giving cows milk is if the child has an allergy to it, if they haven't they will be fine.
It is the same with feeding solids - all my children started eating 'solids' at a very early age all are perfectly healthy and have no weight or eating problems in either childhood or later life
@starmashgate40sg177 (252)
• United States
13 Jul 10
I completely agree. My fiance and his best friend were not told not to give cow's milk to her children. (He helped her raise them) So, they didn't see a problem with it. There is however quite a gap between their age and my own, and alot of opinions regarding the raising of children have changed drastically. I know so many people who are afraid of even having children because they don't feel they would be able to raise them properly according to today's society. I think it is rediculous. Thank you for your response.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
30 Jul 10
I would say that since your daughter has already had cow's milk, I don't think that it is going to hurt her at this period in time. I think that the reason that doctors don't want you to give a baby whole milk before they are a year old is because there is the chance that they might have a severe allergic reaction. Since she hasn't had an allergic reaction, I think she will be just fine changing the form of milk that she is receiving.
