lucy-upton-weaning-guide - Flipbook - Page 6
Understanding the role of cow's milk during weaning
There can be a lot of confusion about whether and how to introduce cow's milk
during weaning. Milk is a versatile and nutritious food to include in your baby's diet
from weaning to well beyond. Here are some common questions and
considerations about using cow's milk for weaning and beyond.
Is it safe to offer your baby cow's milk during weaning?
Yes! Cow's milk can be safely included in foods during weaning as part of a balanced
diet, used in cooking or mixed with foods. It should not be offered as a main drink
until your baby is 12 months old or older. Breast and formula milk should be your
baby's main drink until their first birthday.
Note: Cow's milk in food should be avoided for any babies starting weaning and
diagnosed with cow's milk protein allergy.
Which milk to offer your baby?
During weaning, babies need whole milk (full-fat) in their meals. Babies need a lot
of energy, and at least 40% of their energy should come from fat, which is essential
for their growth and brain development. Offering whole cow9s milk is a great way
to support this.
All milk given to your baby should be pasteurised, and raw milk is unsafe or
suitable for babies or children. It poses a very high risk of foodborne illness, as it
can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, risking severe
illness. Pasteurisation is the process of heating milk to a high temperature for a
short time to kill off these harmful bacteria, making it safe for consumption.
Some milk in the UK will have additional claims, for example;
Organic milk comes from cows raised on organic farms. The cows are fed organic
feed and are not treated with synthetic pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. There is
no nutritional difference between organic and non-organic cow's milk.
Fortified - this milk has added nutrients, such as extra vitamins, like Vitamin D, or
minerals like iron.
