Milk Matters
Milks is an important part of a toddler's diet. It provides calcium
and vitamin D to help build
strong bones. Toddlers should have 700 milligrams of calcium and 600 IU (International
Units) of vitamin D (which aids in calcium absorption) a day. This calcium need is
met if kids get the recommended two servings of dairy foods every day. But those
servings provide less than half of the necessary vitamin D, so doctors often
recommend vitamin D supplements. Your doctor will let you know if your toddler
needs a supplement.
In general, kids ages 12 to 24 months old should drink whole milk to help provide
the dietary fats they need for normal growth and brain development. If overweight
or obesity is a concern — or if there is a family history of obesity,
high cholesterol, or heart disease — talk to your doctor to see if reduced-fat
(2%) milk may be given. After age 2, most kids can switch to low-fat
(1%) or nonfat milk. Your doctor can help you decide which kind of milk to serve
your toddler.
Some kids may reject cow's milk at first because it doesn't taste like the familiar
breast milk or formula. If your child is at least 12 months old and having this difficulty,
mix whole milk with some formula or breast milk. Slowly adjust the mixture over time
so it becomes 100% cow's milk.
Some kids don't like milk or cannot drink or eat dairy products. Explore other
calcium sources, such as calcium-fortified soy beverages, calcium-fortified juices,
fortified breads and cereals, cooked dried beans, and dark green vegetables like broccoli,
bok choy, and kale.
Meeting Iron Requirements
Toddlers should have 7 milligrams of iron
each day. After 12 months of age, they're at risk for iron deficiency because they
no longer drink iron-fortified formula and may not be eating iron-fortified infant
cereal or enough other iron-containing foods to make up the difference.
Cow's milk is low in iron. Drinking a lot of cow's milk also can
put a toddler at risk for iron deficiency. Toddlers who drink a lot of cow's milk
may be less hungry and less likely to eat iron-rich foods. Milk decreases the absorption
of iron and also can irritate the lining of the intestine, causing small amounts of
bleeding and the gradual loss of iron in the stool (poop).
Iron deficiency can affect growth and may lead to learning and behavioral problems.
And it can lead to iron-deficiency
anemia (too few red blood cells in the body). Iron is needed to make red blood
cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron and red blood cells,
the body's tissues and organs get less oxygen and don't work as well as they should.
To help prevent iron deficiency:
- Limit your child's milk intake to about 16–24 ounces a day (2 to 3 cups).
- Serve more iron-rich foods (meat, poultry, fish, enriched grains, beans, tofu).
- When serving iron-rich meals, include foods that contain vitamin C (like tomatoes,
broccoli, oranges, and strawberries), which improve the body's iron absorption.
- Continue serving iron-fortified cereal until your child is 18–24 months
old.
Talk to your doctor if you're concerned that your child isn't eating a balanced
diet. Many toddlers are checked for iron-deficiency anemia, but never give your child
a vitamin or mineral supplement without first discussing it with your doctor.