Toddlers and Milk

SBTibbs · May 2011

How long did/do you plan to give your toddler whole milk? Pedi told us to switch him to 1-2% at his 2 year checkup. We are wondering if we should stick with whole a bit longer since he is so slim?

Just as background- after being in the 90-75th percentile his first 6 mo or so, he slowly dropped down to 20% once he started crawling and walking. At this check up he was at 30% for weight and 75% for height. Dr isn't concerned about his weight at all, but we just thought the extra calories couldn't hurt. Thoughts?

MainelyFoolish · May 2011

We switched DD to skim milk at 2 years on the advice of her pediatrician. (She said skim or 1%, but DH and I drink skim so we give that to her, too.)

There are better ways to get calories than the fat in milk. Past age 2, milk fat isn't a necessary part of a child's diet.

maeghan21 · May 2011

Our Ped told us we could go right to lowfat milk since the American Diet has a lot of fat anyhow. DD gets a lot of fat from cheese, etc. , but we decided to go whole milk since she is 17% in weight. She did gain 11oz this past month which is the biggest weight gain she has ever had so I'm happy with whole milk. Now that she is walking I know it will help keep the weight on her. We'll probably stay with it until at least 2 years. I grew up on whole. I think, as long as they are active, it's a good fat. Kind of like avocado , etc. It may not be necessary, but don't think it will hurt. Especially, for the ones that have trouble keeping the weight on.

Bre42 · May 2011

I would go with 2cups of 2% for now, whole milk is needed for brain development up to age 2, but after that it is not necessary. If you're finding he's asking for food more often bc he is more active and therefore more hungry, I would up his finger foods or portions at meals :-)

MrsSweetpeaMagee607 · May 2011

We just made the switch to 1 1/2% this last grocery trip because we were out of whole and I was sick of it... I never drank skim and I am not sure I would be able to... so we will all be drinking the 1 1/2% from now on.

MA&CB · May 2011

Marcus' weight percentiles have been exactly the same as Eli, I think it's probably pretty normal. I think we'll switch at 2 years since the extra fat is really for brain development like pp said and not necessarily for the calories which he could get in other ways and through other good fats.

AnnieME · May 2011

I just can't believe Marcus is going to be 2!!

MA&CB · May 2011

AnnieME:
I just can't believe Marcus is going to be 2!!

I know! I finally have had to switch from saying his age in month to 'almost two'

Toddlers and Milk

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