Are there any alternative dairy milks for my 7-month-old?

Question

Hi doctor,

My baby girl entered her seventh month a few days back. The doctor here suggested feeding my baby with Medolac apple flavor two times a day and dairy milk. We started the same for 10 days, and the baby did not have any allergies or problems. But still, I have a doubt. Is dairy milk good for my baby? If not, suggest to me what to feed with alternatives.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have asked an appropriate question related to weaning your baby girl. Her growth (height and weight (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity)) looks good. You may know that it is a usual practice to start weaning the baby after he/she completes six months of age. There are several ways of doing it.

1. If you are breastfeeding, continue doing it. Your doctor has prescribed Medolac apple flavor, which is a complementary food containing cereals, vitamins, and minerals. If your baby likes the taste and has gotten used to this food, you can continue with the same brand. If your baby is not tolerating the current brand, you can try other brands like Nestle Nan Pro.

2. Whatever brand you are using, make sure you dilute to an adequate consistency as recommended by the manufacturers. Do not make the food too thick or too liquid. Allow plenty of time for your baby to eat at her own pace.

3. Regarding dairy milk, I presume you mean cow's milk. Cow's milk can be mixed with food from around six months of age, but generally discouraged to give it as a drink until your baby is 9 months to 1 year old. This is because drinking too much milk can interfere with your baby's eating other energy-rich foods and cause an iron deficiency. So it is fine to give small amounts of cow's milk along with other weaning foods. After nine months, you can gradually increase the amount of milk given to your baby.

4. You can gradually introduce mashed fruits and vegetables. Start with a single fruit or vegetable, one at a time. You can give mashed banana for a week and then start mashed potatoes. Like this, you can try different soft foods. Avoid hard foods until your baby is able to swallow better. Do not add extra sugar or salt to the baby's food at this age.

Overall, there are different weaning choices and there is no right or wrong way. As long as your baby eats adequate amounts of varied foods and gets all the nutrients they need, it is fine.

Keep monitoring your baby's growth and development whenever you visit your doctor for vaccinations.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.