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.