Dairy foods such as milk and cheese are known for their richness in calcium and that they are good for growing bones. But what else is dairy good for?

 

What Children Need

Milk as a drink for babies’ first year is either breastmilk or infant formula. After this, young children move to cow’s milk as a drink, which becomes part of the two servings of dairy they need each day. 

 

 

By three years of age this is increased to three servings a day. A serving of dairy is a one-cup (250ml) glass of milk, 40g or two slices of cheese, one cup (250ml) custard or 200g of yoghurt.

 

Unhealthy Fats

While full-fat dairy foods are nutrient-rich, they are also among the top sources of unhealthy fats in our diet.

 

Once your toddler turns two, it’s best to switch to reduced-fat (not low-fat) milk as a drink. Lower-fat dairy options like cheese and yogurt are also great choices. These options remain just as nutritious but contain less of the unhealthy fats, making them a healthier choice for the whole family.

 

Easy does it

Milkaholics cannot get enough diary. But too much milk – more than 500 to 600ml a day – turns children into fussy eaters with poor appetites because being full of milk leaves no room for food. 

 

Too much milk also stops them from getting other important nutrients, one of which is iron. Low iron stores suppress the immune system, meaning children are more likely to get sick, and can also delay milestones because iron is important for development.

 

If you have a milkaholic in your house, consider cutting out the bottles if you have not already (young children drink less from a cup). Also, set some rules about when milk is served, such as before sleep times or as part of a snack. Keep in mind that children under three only need 500ml of milk or a total of two dairy servings per day.

 

Allergic to Dairy

An allergy to dairy products – generally known as cow’s milk protein allergy – is one of the most common types of allergy seen in young children. Reassuringly, over 95 per cent will outgrow this allergy by the time they get to school. Symptoms of milk allergy include eczema or skin rashes, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhoea. Babies with severe milk allergy can react to milk proteins that come through the breast milk from mum’s diet. If this is the case, avoid dairy until you wean off baby.

 

Dairy Intolerance

Intolerance to dairy foods is different from an allergy and may be caused by one of two problems:

 

Milk/dairy intolerance is usually not an isolated problem. It is most often part of a broader range of intolerances that can include wheat, egg or natural and added food chemicals. Symptoms include reflux, colic, poor sleeping, gastrointestinal upset or eczema. Like milk allergy, milk intolerance usually disappears around two to three years of age.

 

Lactose intolerance when there is not enough of the enzyme lactase to digest the milk sugar lactose, colicky pain, wind and diarrhoea result. In babies under three this problem is most often seen after a bout of gastro. A lactose-free formula or cow’s milk alternative is often necessary until the gut has time to recover. For young infants, this may be up to eight weeks; for those over three months up to four weeks; and in toddlers over 18 months only a week or so.

 

Lactose intolerance in older children can be a permanent problem, but is most common among those of Asian, African, Indian and indigenous Australian descent. Children with this problem need to avoid large amounts of lactose for life.

 

SLOW & STEADY
Protein and the low GI sugar called lactose make milk and yoghurt a healthy, filling snack choice that keep children satisfied until the next meal.

 

Lactose-free Options

The options during lactose intolerance can vary, depending upon your child’s age and how you are feeding:

• If breastfeeding, discuss the best approach for your baby with your doctor as weaning is not always necessary during an episode of temporary lactose intolerance.
• Lactose-free, cow’s milk based infant formula can be used to replace your usual infant formula.
• Soy based formulas are a lactose-free option for infants over six months.
• For children over a year, use low-lactose cow’s milk (available at most supermarkets), soy or rice drinks (take care to choose calcium-fortified versions) and hard yellow cheeses.

 

MILK MYTH

Milk Causes Mucus

The myth that milk causes mucus dates back to the 12th century. But scientists believe that this supposed greater mucous production after milk is really just the coating milk leaves on the mouth and the thickening of the saliva. When researchers tested reactions to a milk drink and a look-alike non- dairy drink, they found the symptoms reported after both drinks were similar.

 

Milk Triggers Asthma

Many parents of children with asthma restrict milk and dairy in the belief this will prevent attacks. A review of the scientific evidence concluded milk made no difference to the symptoms of asthma. Nor was there any direct link found between the cause of asthma and milk and dairy intake.

 

Designer Milk

The vast array of milks available can be overwhelming. Recently added to these are a range of milks designed specifically for your children.

 

Closer inspection reveals these milks may be full-fat or reduced-fat and have added vitamins or minerals depending on the brand. These extra nutrients would not harm your child, but he should get these from a healthy diet.