What is a suitable cow's milk alternative for my 1-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

Our baby girl is about 1 year and one month old. We just started giving cow milk two days back. A packet of A2 unpasteurized milk was bought, boiled and cooled down. We gave about 300 ml per day once. Her motion looks affected a little. It is not solid. At night, she suddenly started crying as if in pain yesterday and the day before that. Even breast feeding did not help. So, we suspect it could be due to the milk. Her weight was just around 8 kg, which seems to be at the lower limit for her age. That was the reason we started giving cow milk. Should we continue to give cow milk? If so, how do we treat A2 milk before giving it to her as it comes raw and unpasteurized? How do we treat her now? We are stopping the cow milk from today fearing any further health issues.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Unpasteurized milk is not advisable to be given, as pasteurization is required to kill all the bacteria or germs in the milk.

I think the baby does have some issues with cow milk and is crying due to colic (abdominal pain).

Formula milk (any stage 3) is always better than cow milk as its composition is matched with that of breast milk so that it can be digested easily. Also, it is supplemented with all the vitamins, iron, calcium and other minerals required for growth. However please continue breastfeeding also.

Her weight is slightly less. You can discuss with your pediatrician about it so that if required, some supplements can be given or blood test taken.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would suggest you give Enfamil 3 or Nan pro 3. There is no way that a baby can sleep continuously as it depends on the baby's habits. Of course, if the baby is waking up due to hunger, then formula or an adequate baby cereal feed can help. You can give this formula feed about two to three a day. The quantity depends on how much the baby takes. Continue breastfeeding for up to two years. After that, there are three feeds of baby cereal or home-cooked meals and fruit in between.

Regards.