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Milk, in any form, is good for calcium, vitamin D and protein for children and **.
Depending on age, most children should drink two to four glasses of milk a day.
This is especially important if they don't eat or drink other calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt, cheese, or calcium-fortified orange juice.
Given the prevalence of childhood obesity, parents sometimes wonder which milk is best for their children, especially when it comes to fat content.
Whole milk contains a lot of fat compared to low-fat and skim milk, but that doesn't mean it can't be part of a healthy diet.
Which milk is best?
When your child is a newborn and younger, it's easier to determine what type of milk they need.
At this age, most parents give their babies breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula (or a combination of both).
Choosing the right time to switch to low-fat milk can still be a little confusing.
Your child's pediatrician may tell you to switch to whole milk after your child's first birthday or later (after they decide to wean).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that all children switch to low-fat milk after the age of two.
Young children who are not breastfed should drink whole milk.
However, these recommendations changed in 2008 when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a report, "Lipid Screening and Cardiovascular Health in Childhood."
In response to the report, the American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidance for parents.
Recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
AAP is now advising parents that low-fat milk may be appropriate for some children between the ages of 12 months and 2 years if:
The child is already overweight.
A family member of your child is overweight, has high cholesterol, or other health risk factors.
Choose whole milk
Whole milk is a good choice for most young children over the age of 12 months who are not breastfeeding or drinking formula.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "young children need calories from fat for growth and brain development," and it's especially important to ensure that children get enough of these nutrients in the first two years of life.
One of the benefits of whole milk over low-fat milk is that many people prefer its taste.
For children who are not Xi to the taste of low-fat milk or refuse to drink milk at all, whole milk may be the only way parents can encourage their children to drink milk.
If your child is a picky eater, whole milk may be a better choice.
If your child isn't getting enough fat and calories from other diets, cow's milk may be an effective way to replace some of the missing nutrients (as long as your child isn't overweight).
However, you don't want all of your child's calories to come from milk.
If you're not sure how to include milk in your child's diet to meet their nutritional needs, talk to your pediatrician or registered dietitian.
Choose low-fat milk
While the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the benefits of whole milk for young children who are not overweight, the organization does say that parents can switch to skim or low-fat milk after their child is two years old.
You may be wondering if the differences between whole milk and low-fat milk matter, or if there are a lot of differences. Here's a comparison of the nutrition labels for each type of milk.
Calorie and fat content of milk.
Per 240 ml serving:
Whole milk: 150 calories, 8 grams of fat.
2% milk (low-fat milk): 120 calories, 45 grams of fat.
1% milk (low-fat milk): 100 calories, 5 grams of fat.
Skim milk (skim milk): 80 calories, 0 grams of fat.
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Keep in mind that research is ongoing on milk fat consumption and its relationship to childhood obesity.
A review of a large study published in 2019 suggests that low-fat milk for children may not reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Ask your child's pediatrician what guidelines you should follow to best meet your child's individual nutritional needs.
Current AAP recommendations recommend switching your child to whole milk at 12 months of age if they do not intend to continue breastfeeding.
Then, when your child is two years old, switch to skim or low-fat milk.
However, if your child is already overweight, you need to make changes as early as possible (around 12 months).
It's easier to switch to low-fat milk at a very young age. Older children are more likely to notice (and possibly resist) changes in low-fat milk.
No matter how old your child is, it's best to make the switch gradually.
Start by switching from whole milk to 2% milk, then use 1% milk or skim milk.
Giving your child low-fat milk can create a healthy Xi that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Children who start drinking low-fat milk are more likely to choose it as teenagers and **.
Soy, almond, rice, and other dairy alternatives are often lower in fat.
These options can be a good option when your child turns two and is ready to change, especially if they have a cow's milk allergy or lactose intolerance.