" DOES MY TODDLER NEED COW'S MILK? HOW ELSE CAN HE GET CALCIUM?"

"Hi,
Matthew was one-year-old on January 15th and is still breastfeeding. He eats a wide variety of solid foods... although in smaller quantities lately. My question is do I have to give him cow's milk ever? I gave up dairy because he was a very colicky and high need newborn. I tried introducing yogurt-he spit up later in the day. I tried to introduce soy yogurt- spit up. I offered a tiny piece of aged gouda for tasting and he pulled it out of his mouth. I have read about the issues surrounding cow's milk and possible intolerance or allergies. But is it okay if they never drink cow's milk. Didn't I read once that you aren't supposed to drink it beyond a certain age, anyway?"

Does your baby really need actual cow's milk? No. The main thing that is in milk that is important for babies is calcium and fat. If your baby will eat yogurt, cheese, or calcium-fortified orange juice (when he is a bit older, of course), then your baby may not actually need milk. Many cereals are also calcium-enriched. The calcium requirement for infants is two or three servings of a calcium-rich food or beverage each day. One cup of milk, juice, or yogurt, or one piece of cheese, each counts as a serving. Breastfeeding at least four times each day also gives your infant plenty of calcium. Calcium-fortified soy milk is a good substitute for regular milk. If your infant doesn't like something the first time, try it again every few weeks. His tastes may change.

Click here to read all about calcium and daily calcium requirements, as well as a list of calcium-rich foods.