The earliest food newborns are exposed to, apart from breast milk, is infant formula. As the baby grows, the nutrients in breast milk and infant formula gradually become insufficient to meet their developmental needs, so parents will gradually introduce complementary foods.
Some parents believe that after adding complementary foods, children do not need to consume a large amount of dairy products anymore, as complementary foods are rich in a wider variety of nutrients, seemingly sufficient for the child’s daily needs. But is this really the case? Does adding complementary foods mean reducing dairy intake?
Before the age of three, a child’s digestive system is not yet fully mature. If formula feeding is stopped too early and the child relies on regular food, essential nutrients such as protein, zinc, iron, etc., may not adequately support the rapid development of the brain and body. Formula milk, based on breast milk standards, can provide more comprehensive nutrition, so it is recommended to have the baby consume it at least until the age of three, and for families with the economic means, extending it to six or seven years is even better.
Some are puzzled as to why, since starting to eat complementary foods, it is still necessary to continue consuming a large amount of dairy products? The reason is that a child’s digestive system is not fully developed before the age of three, and formula milk contains essential nutrients crucial for growth that other foods do not possess. Therefore, it is recommended to have the child continue drinking formula milk until the age of three.
As for the question of directly consuming fresh cow’s milk, many parents have doubts about whether it can replace formula milk. The answer is negative. Experts recommend that children under the age of two should not be given fresh cow’s milk, as at this age their kidneys and intestinal systems are not fully developed, making it difficult to effectively absorb certain components in fresh milk. Additionally, its calcium content is low, mineral ratio is high, which is not conducive to absorption, and compared to special formula milk, the nutritional supply efficiency is lower. Formula milk is designed for different age groups, providing precise nutritional requirements. For example, newborns should use easily digestible formula, babies with weaker immunity after six months should choose formula that enhances immunity, and for toddlers in the rapid vision development stage after one year, formula rich in Vitamin A and lutein is recommended. These are benefits that fresh cow’s milk cannot match.
Between the ages of four and seven, once the body structure and digestive system are fully developed, milk can be introduced in moderation, but it should only serve as a supplement and not replace other foods as the main source of nutrition.
It is worth noting that the amount of formula milk intake for children should also follow certain standards. Even if children seem lively and healthy, those above the age of two should ensure a minimum daily intake of 500ml of milk to supplement any possible lack of calcium and protein in their meals.
Finally, it is recommended to continue using formula milk specifically designed for children, as it not only contains protein and calcium but also various other essential nutrients that children have been adapted to since birth, reducing the risk of allergies.
