Safe Ways to Introduce Dairy in Your Baby’s Diet

6 min

As a parent, you want to make sure that you're providing the best nutrition for your baby's healthy growth and development. One question that often arises is whether it's safe to introduce dairy to babies. If yes, when can you make this addition? And can you explore the variants of dairy?

Let's explore the recommendations and considerations when it comes to dairy for infants. Remember to always consult with your pediatrician when it comes to your baby's diet.

Nutrient-Rich Breast Milk & Formula

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding babies until they are 2 years of age. For babies aged 6 to 12 months, breast milk or formula provides the necessary nutrients, and additional milk or dairy intake is not required.

Why Avoid Milk as a Beverage

There are several reasons why it's generally advised not to give dairy (milk) as a beverage to babies below 1 year of age:

Nutritional requirements: Breast milk or formula typically fulfills the majority of a baby's nutritional needs during this stage.

Iron absorption: Babies between 6 and 12 months of age have higher iron requirements, and milk does not contain iron. Consuming excessive milk can hinder their iron absorption.

Digestive challenges: Some research suggests that babies may not digest milk or dairy products well at this age, which could potentially lead to metabolic issues if consumed as a beverage.

Other Nutritious Forms of Dairy

While it's best to avoid serving milk as a beverage to babies, you can still incorporate dairy into their diet in other forms. Here are some safe and enjoyable options:

Milk in Foods: Adding milk to foods such as porridges or pancakes is perfectly fine for babies.

Variants of Dairy: Apart from milk, there are many tasty dairy options like ghee, butter, cheese, yogurt/curd, and paneer (cottage cheese). Starting at 6 months, you can safely introduce these dairy products to your baby's diet.

Dairy & Allergies

Milk is one of the top allergens. Research suggests that introducing dairy in different forms to babies during the early weaning period – that is, 6 months – may actually help prevent allergies or enable babies to outgrow them.

Remember to consult your pediatrician before introducing dairy to your baby's diet, especially if you have any concerns or if there is a family history of allergies.

Why Should Babies’ Diets Include Dairy?

Dairy products offer numerous nutritional benefits that are essential for your baby's healthy growth and development. Some of these benefits include:

Protein and fat: Dairy is a great source of protein, which is crucial for your baby's overall growth. It is also a source of healthy fat, vital for your baby’s brain development.

Vitamins and minerals: Dairy provides important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, calcium, Vitamin B12, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. Some milk may also be fortified with Vitamin D.

How to Serve Dairy Products to Your Baby

Now, let's explore how you can incorporate various dairy products into your baby's meals:

Curd or yogurt: Curd provides probiotics that are beneficial for your baby's gut health and immunity. You can serve curd by dipping chapati or dosa pieces into it to make them softer or mixing it with rice to create rice balls

Ghee or butter: Ghee and butter are rich sources of good fats and energy. You can add a small dollop of ghee or white butter on top of parathas, khichdi, or porridges while serving your baby.

Paneer (cottage cheese): Homemade paneer is a nutritious form of dairy that can be served in sabzis, parathas, or even scrambled with veggies.

Cheese: When it comes to cheese, it's important to exercise caution. Processed cheeses can be high in sodium, so it's best to avoid them for your baby. Instead, opt for fresh cheeses or cheddar cheeses that are safer options. However, it's important to limit the frequency of serving any type of cheese to babies under 1 year old.

Can I Choose Vegan Options for My Baby?

If you follow a vegan lifestyle or have personal reasons for avoiding dairy, that's perfectly fine. There are alternative ways to ensure your baby receives necessary nutrients. Just make sure their meals are well-balanced overall to meet all their nutritional needs.

It's important to note that not all plant-based milks, such as oat, soy, rice, or almond milk, provide the same nutrients as dairy milk. Soy milk comes closest to cow's milk in terms of nutritional value. If you opt for other plant-based milks, ensure they are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Otherwise, they may not be the preferred choice for babies.

A Note on Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is not the same as an allergic reaction. If you notice that your baby experiences gastric discomfort after consuming dairy, they may have a lower tolerance to lactose. It's important to consult your doctor if you observe repeated gastric reactions in your baby for the best guidance and advice.