Cow’s milk is a poor source of iron and should never be used as a substitute for breast milk for babies under 12 months. Continue breastfeeding until your baby is at least one year old.
Cow’s milk contains higher levels of protein, salt, potassium and calcium compared to breast milk which can increase the load on the kidney, hence it is unsuitable for infants.
Cow’s milk is best introduced after one year of age and to make it easily digestible, one should add Vidanga (Embelia ribes)/Vavding and vakumba which should be roughly crushed and added to the milk with a little water and boiled on a slow flame till the water evaporates.
Milk should not be the main drink until after one year of age or until a range of food is eaten each day.
Milk should not be given too frequently and as a principle diet. A child who is offered milk too often tends not to develop a liking for eating other foods.
