Posted on 31 March 2010. Tags: breast milk, breastfeeding, calcium, cow's milk, growth and development, liquids, nutrition

There will come a time when each and every parent will have to make a decision about when to introduce their child to cow’s milk. The challenge is the fact that a baby’s digestive system is oftentimes probably not ready for cow’s milk until they reach their first birthday. Despite the fact that a baby’s digestive system may effectively process cow’s milk, cow’s milk doesn’t have all of the nutritional supplements which a baby really needs for growth as well as development during the first year. The fact is, according to quite a few pediatric professionals, giving an infant cow’s milk may very well most likely play a role in the advancement of an iron deficiency and also possibly internal hemorrhaging. No less crucial would be the fact an hypersensitive reaction may potentially manifest, as well. Nevertheless, there will certainly come a time when introducing your baby to cow’s milk will certainly make a great deal of sense and be an essential step in the proper direction.
Cow’s milk has already been proven to provide protein which can help encourage growth for your baby. Additionally, cow’s milk contains plenty of carbohydrates. These particular carbohydrates can give your baby a great deal of strength as well as energy. Another essential advantage comes from the undeniable fact that if your child gets sufficient calcium from the time they are very young, there is a very good probability that your baby will have reduced risks of high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer, and hip fractures.
When considering how to get your baby into drinking cow’s milk, you may want to experiment with giving your baby a small amount of cow’s milk. Perhaps only a few tablespoons and wait to notice if your baby wants more. You could combine it with some cereal or some other suitable food item. And please remember, simply because your baby is drinking his or her own cow’s milk from a cup doesn’t imply that you have to quit breastfeeding your baby. The majority of medical professionals suggest that you make certain that the breast milk is not your baby’s principal source of nourishment. Keep in mind, your baby continues to grow to where more is necessary insofar as nutrients and vitamins and minerals.
Here is the conclusion: Cow’s milk plays a huge role in helping your baby grow into a healthy toddler. It is great that you are taking an interest in determining when and how to make this essential transition.
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Posted in Baby Food 101, Featured Articles
Posted on 29 March 2010. Tags: drink, formula, healthy choices, juice, liquids, milk, water

Parents have long often wondered if it made more sense for their baby to drink juice or water. There are arguments to be made for both. For example, when a baby drinks juice, the baby is getting more nutrients and is also getting essential vitamins and minerals. However, given the fact that a baby’s kidneys are still developing, some people believe that giving them juice will put too much of a strain on their developing organs. By contrast, some people feel very strongly that water is a better item for a baby to drink. The rationale being that water is critical to sustaining life and that it’s better at keeping the baby well hydrated.
As you can undoubtedly imagine, a lot of parents are confused about what makes the most sense for their baby. One innovative solution that some parents and child health experts have been suggesting is that juice be diluted with water. This creates a hybrid substance that is less stressful to the baby’s organs while at the same time provides some vitamins and nutrients while also providing a health dose of hydration as a result of the higher amount of water that’s included. Some family doctors have even suggested that the ideal approach is to primarily give your baby water and to ensure the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients that are needed are derived instead from the food that the baby is given to eat during meals.
This is an issue that might seem a bit basic, but many parents really DO wonder which of the two — juice or water — makes the most sense of a baby to drink. When in doubt, just give your baby water. That’s the safest bet. But to the extent that you and your baby’s doctor feel it’s appropriate, there’s nothing inherently wrong with providing your child with some juice from time to time. Whereas water comes in just flavor, juice comes in a variety of flavors that might appeal more to your baby. Don’t simply assume that water is the ONLY option that you have available to you. But if you’re in doubt about the health and safety of your baby if you give it juice, then provide it with water.
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Posted in Baby Food 101