When offered at the right age, whole vitamin D milk can offer many health benefits for a baby. However, if offered too early, it can actually cause harm. Beginning at one year of age, your baby can enjoy all of the benefits of vitamin D milk or a healthy alternative recommended by his doctor.
Age
According to Babycenter, it is best to introduce your baby to whole vitamin D milk when she is 12 months old. At this age, she is able to digest cow's milk proteins. From 12 to 24 months of age, offer her 16 to 24 oz. of whole vitamin D milk daily. Be careful not to offer her too much, because too much milk can make her feel full and prevent her from eating other foods she needs for a balanced diet.
Benefits
Whole vitamin D milk can help build your baby's bones and teeth. The vitamin D will help his body absorb the milk's calcium, and it also contains carbohydrates for energy. The fat in the milk is necessary for his brain development, according to Kids Health. Until he reaches two years of age, half of his calorie intake for the day needs to consist of fat.
Warnings
Switching to whole vitamin D milk before your baby is 12 months old can cause problems. Regular cow's milk does not have all of the nutrients your baby needs in her first year of life. Babycenter states that switching too early can cause internal bleeding or an iron deficiency, and the milk's sodium, potassium and chloride amounts can be hard on your baby's kidneys.
Considerations
If your baby had soy or hypoallergenic formula because of a cow's milk allergy, talk to his doctor before starting him on whole vitamin D milk. Soy milk can be a substitute for cow's milk, but check the nutritional labels to be sure it is fortified with vitamins and minerals. If your family has a history of obesity, heart disease or high cholesterol, your baby's doctor may recommend that you start your baby on reduced fat milk.
Recommendations
Vitamin D cow's milk has a different temperature, flavor and texture than breast milk or formula. If your baby doesn't seem interested in it, Babycenter recommends that you try mixing it with her breast milk or formula and gradually increasing the amount of milk in each mixture over the course of a few days.
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