Calcium is essential in a child’s development to build healthy bones. Consider the following true or false statements to test your knowledge about milk misconceptions and help ensure you provide the right type of milk for your child.
True or false: Breastfeeding isn’t important. False. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of an infant’s life to ensure the best health and developmental outcomes. Fresh, whole cow’s milk—either regular or organic—can be introduced after the first year and is preferred over skim milk until at least age 2 for proper development.
True or false: An allergy test showed my child reacts negatively to milk, so my child should avoid all dairy. False. Children with lactose intolerance, or the inability to properly digest dairy products, may experience varying levels of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, bloating and gas. Children with milk allergies, however, have a reaction to certain proteins in cow’s milk, including caseins and whey. The immune system responds to these allergens with reactions including:
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- rashes, redness or eczema on the skin
- runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and sneezing or coughing
“The tests performed to identify milk allergies don’t always predict how a child will tolerate milk or other foods,” says James Keating, MD, gastrointestinal specialist and director of the diagnostic center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Children only have a milk allergy when symptoms disappear when milk is eliminated and reappear when milk is reintroduced. The approach that is most successful is to allow a child to have a normal diet for his or her age and be free of unnecessary anxiety about what they’re eating unless unusual symptoms emerge. A parent should also mention any foods that cause symptoms to the child’s doctor.”
True or false: There aren’t many other options available aside from cow’s milk. False. Alternatives to cow’s milk for children older than 1 year are becoming increasingly popular and include:
- lactose-free milk
- rice milk (fortified)
- soy milk (fortified)
However, remember that non-dairy options contain fewer nutrients than cow’s milk, so if you choose a non-dairy option for your child, it’s important to choose one that provides adequate calcium and vitamin D. Many experts believe raw, unpasteurized cow’s or goat’s milk should not be given to children as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness.
“It’s important to talk with your physician about determining if your child has a true cow’s milk allergy since changes in diet may require different approaches,” says Kathy Viau, MS, RD, CSSD, registered dietitian on staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “There are many healthy, nutritious options for children.”
Seeking advice from a registered dietitian will help ensure that your child gets the essential nutrients dairy products traditionally supply.
True or false: Milk isn’t necessary for a healthy diet. False. “For children, milk is an important food and source of vitamin D and calcium,” says Dr. Keating. “Without milk, many children have a hard time maintaining appropriate calcium and vitamin D levels, which are critical for developing strong, healthy bones.”