2% vs. Whole milk

User - posted on 08/21/2009

Young children need the fat found in dairy, you should def be giving whole milk unless your child has an unhealthy diet with lots of saturated and trans fats, in which case you're doing something very wrong. The fat found in dairy products is a good fat which kids (and adults not on a diet) need!

Heidi - posted on 08/20/2009

The other option is that now they have formula made for toddlers upo 24 months. Right now my daughter is 13 months old and she is on both the formula and whole milk. She is having stomach problems with the switch to just milk so I am doing half and half. But her pediatrician recommended formula completely until 18 months. It really is up to you. Supposedly the extra fat content in whole milk is better for brain development and according to everything I have seen or heard they need the extra fat until age 2.

Ann - posted on 08/17/2009

I heard what Christina said and also in a recommended diet on the gerber site they have 2% milk with all the meals.

Frances - posted on 08/16/2009

My daughter's pediatrician told me to give my daughter 2% milk b/c cholesterol issues run in both my hubby and I's family, so that's what we're doing.

Christina - posted on 08/15/2009

I did the research but I didn't keep the websites. But basically, recent studies have shown that there is no added benefit for brain development between children who drink whole milk, 2%, or 1%. They use to believe that the extra fat in whole milk helped childrens' brain development. Our doctor recommended 2% until 2 and then switch him to 1%. I also read some where that they are now officially recommending 2% for children that may be higher risk for being over weight. Mycah is in the 25th percentile and has always been a little under the average weight. We also give Mycah a multivitamin with DHA just to make sure he's getting the vitamins he needs.

Sara - posted on 08/15/2009

my doctor said just said to do 2%. It is because my son is over 24 pounds, so he doesn't need to gain any weight. They said whole milk is when the child can gain wieght. My son was on soy formula due to horrible ezema and allergies. He is doing fine with dairy though now. The doctor wanted him off soy ASAP due to the amount of hormones in it. It can cause infertility issues in boys, and also like the other person said they grow up faster. My son has been physically large since he has been on it. Who knows if that is what caused it, but he was always off the charts height/weight. Now that he has been off soy he is still off for height 33 inches and is 80th% fir weight 24 LBS. He has slowed down alot.

Arianne - posted on 08/14/2009

I am giving my son 2% milk with my doctor's recommendation. My loves it and seems to be doing just fine in the weight department.

Amanda - posted on 08/14/2009

Really the only difference between whole milk and 2% is the fat content. They both have the same nutrients in them, but the whole milk has more fat for a growing baby. I gave both my kids whole milk and they are doing great!

Sabrina - posted on 08/14/2009

i was told whole from her ped. bc they will get the nutrints they need also they have raduate milnow also good for them.hope this helps

Sandra - posted on 08/14/2009

Cheyenne: Please make sure you research soy milk better. i have heard from other moms that makes them grow up much faster and they can start menstruating at 7 (for a girl!). Thanks for your response!

Cheyenne - posted on 08/13/2009

my doctor said to give my daughter whole milk but then the Peditrician said 2%. But I chose neither and give her soy milk.its better for her