Which milk is best for babies?
Most babies start eating some solid foods when they are four to six months old, but breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula is still a very important source of nutrients in their daily diets.
Foods other than breast milk or formula become increasingly important as babies approach their first birthday. By that time, babies should be eating a variety of nutritious foods such as cereals, vegetables, fruits and meats.
When they are a year old, most babies will be drinking from a cup. At this age, they need 2 to 3 cups of milk each day. You may give your baby regular pasteurized cows' milk any time after his first birthday. Whole milk is better than low-fat or fat free milk until age two.
When they are two years old, children should make the transition to drinking low-fat milk, especially if that's what the rest of the family is drinking. Yogurt and cheese are acceptable alternatives for part of the child's recommended milk intake because they provide nearly the same nutrients as milk.
