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Toddlers: 24 Months+
Whole Milk or 2% and how much?
My twins just turned one two weeks ago and we have their one year well visit next week. I spoke to my pedi on the phone about starting whole milk which they okayed and the amount they should get. They told me they should not have more than 24oz (max) per day.
Right now, I am limited them to this amount, but it is hard. Before their first b-day they were still taking up to 32 oz of formula per day with three solid meals. We had no problem transitioning them to whole milk, but it seems like want more! We're using sippy cups during the day and I'm down to two bottles a day (morning/night). I was told by various moms that eventually they'll show less interest in milk, but mine still want a lot. They'll drink water, but refuse juice. They are great eaters and that doesn't curb their milk appetite. Does anyone have a child like my twins? Did their milk quantity ever taper? They'll scream for their milk throughout the day.
Also, I've heard that some peds give the ok for 2%. Have you heard of this before?
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Re: Whole Milk or 2% and how much?
If they are eating well I don't understand limiting their milk. Did you push the pedi on this? I let my kids have as much as they want, they eat really well. I mean I could see if they weren't eating enough, but otherwise?
I still give my 2 year old whole milk, he needs the extra fat. I think they only say 2% if a child is heavier then they are supposed to be.
I've heard to keep them on whole milk at least until their second birthday. They need the fat for brain development.
I have never limited DDs milk and my pedi never told me to. She eats 3 solid meals and 2 snacks a day and some days she's drinking as much as 30oz of milk plus her bed time bottle of formula.
All my son wants is milk. All the time. With every meal. It's nuts. But he's healthy, and he'll have strong bones! lol
He eats 3 meals a day, 2 snacks, and a dessert. I have no idea how many ounces of milk he is getting, but I am sure it is more than 24oz. My pedi never told me not to give him less.
I think the reason you are supposed to limit the milk intake is so that they don't fill up on milk and not eat other foods, because it can be a lot of unnecessary calories if they are just thirsty (i.e. drink water instead), and because the calcium can inhibit iron absorption.
My pedi recommends no more than 24 oz as well. Of course my DD drinks juice and water with no issue. Maybe ask your pedi about it?
DS pedi has never limited the amount of milk he should have in a day. Even at his 2 yr appt he was fine with me keeping him on whole milk, but DS is very small.
Why did he want you to limit the amount of milk they drink? You might call back and explain the situation and see what he says.
my ped said to give 2%... that all the added fat is not needed - esp since my son is a good eater and has some extra chunk - no need to give him fat he doesn't need. I agree with him.
there is a lot of new info out there saying 2% is best - unless a child doesn't eat well or is underweight- that it should be given instead of whole... esp with all the childhood obesity these days.
as for how much- i give him what he wants- some days it's a lot- some days he hardly drinks it at all. The only time i limit it is if he has a cold and is really congested. Then i give him juice (which i normally do not give him).
I also always have a sippy of water avail for him at all times.
Our pedi said around 14 ounces of milk per day minimum, plus servings of dairy at meal and snack times (cheese, yogurt, milk in her oatmeal) would fulfill her needs. I have a hard time some days getting her to drink a full 14 ounces of milk. I was also told to offer milk after the meal, and give juice or water at snacks. She fills up on food at meal times, then usually doesn't drink much milk. I can't imagine her ever drinking 24 ounces of milk in a day. Wow. But, he also didn't say how much would be too much.
If you're kids are of a normal weight, then you should give them whole milk.?
We also limit DS to 24 or so oz of milk per day. The reason being - children can develop anemia from too much calcium. DS has never shown any signs of anemia, but we choose to limit him anyway. We offer sippies of water any time he wants and some natural fruit flavored water for dinner. And, DS is still on whole milk. We use Horizon with DHA added and he loves it.