Joseph Mizzi, Attard
Right milk for toddlers
I refer to an article Cow's Milk vs Toddler Milk (Child magazine, May 2010). It was suggested that cow's milk could be harmful to toddlers, and that it should be replaced by "a balanced growing up milk".
That is incorrect. Until one year of age, babies should receive breast milk or formula milk (as well as dairy products such as cheese and yogurt).
After one year of age, formula milk should be replaced with full fat pasteurised milk.
There is no harm, of course, in giving a daily cup of follow-on milk as well, but the total amount of milk should be limited to about 500 mls. Too much milk is the cause of poor appetite in many fussy eaters.
The BBC health website summarises correctly: "Milk and dairy foods are an important source of calcium. Your child should be having the equivalent of about one pint (500 to 600 mls) of milk a day. From the age of one, normal cows' milk is fine, and you don't need to use formula. Use full-fat varieties for the under-twos; semi-skimmed may be given from the age of two if the overall diet contains enough energy and nutrients."
The author is a Paediatrician.
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JF Grech
Jun 6th 2010, 08:26
So nice to hear someone at least state that breast milk is good - although I have met very few breast feeders sadly on the island. Maltese women are a unique breed that seem unable in this generation to supply their children what is the very best of start in terms of health. Studies have proven this OVER and OVER but Maltese women are quite unaffected by the facts. They do not have enough milk - this seems to be the number one reason for sticking a bottle of chemical laden "all natural" formula into the babies mouths. While I am willing to accept those rare cases where there truly are problems the norm here seems to be problems. The sad fact is lack of proper breast feeding education prior to and during that important early start, doctors encouraging "supplementing" the breast which undermines the process, and women who would rather clean than spend some time nourishing their child to the fullest. Be part of the minority that do what great grandma seemed able to do - breast feed. Just a note - milk is not the best source of calcium-green veg are.
John M. Grima
Jun 5th 2010, 19:23
Bad advice Joeseph. MILK IS, by nature, STRICKLY FOR BABIES. And Breast milk IS the best for them. Milk should not be used as a staple diet, for children or audults for that matter. Beisdes, the benefits of pasturized milk is next to worthless anyway. CALCIUM IS A MINERAL. IT COMES FROM THE EARTH, (THE SOIL). That's where the cow, and all other creatures gets it from.