After 12 months, your baby’s nutritional needs change dramatically. They no longer need to rely on milk as their primary source of nutrition, and they can start to eat a wider variety of foods. However, many parents wonder if they should still give their baby milk after 12 months.
The answer is yes, but not as much as before. After 12 months, your baby should still get about 16-24 ounces of milk per day. This can come from breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk.
Why Do Babies Need Milk After 12 Months?
Milk is still an important source of nutrients for babies after 12 months. It provides them with protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. Milk also helps to keep babies hydrated.
How Much Milk Do Babies Need After 12 Months?
The amount of milk that babies need after 12 months varies depending on their age, activity level, and overall diet. However, most babies should get about 16-24 ounces of milk per day.
What Kind of Milk Should Babies Drink After 12 Months?
After 12 months, babies can drink whole cow’s milk. Whole milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. It is also important to choose milk that is fortified with vitamin D.
When Should Babies Stop Drinking Milk?
There is no set age at which babies should stop drinking milk. However, most children will start to drink less milk as they get older and eat more solid foods. By the time they are 2 or 3 years old, most children will only drink milk occasionally.
Is It Okay to Give Babies Almond Milk or Soy Milk After 12 Months?
Almond milk and soy milk are not suitable replacements for cow’s milk for babies under 1 year old. They do not provide the same essential nutrients as cow’s milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that parents make when giving their babies milk after 12 months:
- Giving their baby too much milk. Babies should only get about 16-24 ounces of milk per day. Giving them more than this can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- Giving their baby milk in a bottle. Babies should drink milk from a cup after 12 months. Bottles can contribute to tooth decay and other problems.
- Adding sugar or flavoring to their baby’s milk. Milk is a healthy drink on its own. Adding sugar or flavoring can make it less healthy for your baby.
If you have any questions about giving your baby milk after 12 months, talk to your doctor.
- Why Do Babies Need Milk After 12 Months?
- How Much Milk Do Babies Need After 12 Months?
- What Kind of Milk Should Babies Drink After 12 Months?
- When Should Babies Stop Drinking Milk?
- Is It Okay to Give Babies Almond Milk or Soy Milk After 12 Months?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations on feeding babies after 12 months
- The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s information on feeding babies after 12 months
Milk is an important part of a healthy diet for babies after 12 months. However, it is important to give your baby the right amount of milk and the right kind of milk. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.
