I know that at some point kids should drink skim milk as part of a low-fat diet. But what's the right age to switch kids from whole milk to skim milk?
– Sheila
Breast milk is the food of choice for at least the first year or beyond. Cow's milk should be avoided until after kids reach their first birthday.
Babies and toddlers need fat in their diets for a variety of reasons, including neurological development. So it's usually recommended that kids 1 to 2 years old drink whole milk (although the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] says that kids at risk of becoming overweight can be switched to lower-fat milk before turning 2). Then, if their growth is steady, it's safe to switch to low-fat or skim milk.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your child's growth or nutritional needs.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2010
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Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.
Related Resources
 American Dietetic Association The American Dietetic Association offers nutrition news, tips, resources for consumers and dietitians, and a find-a-nutritionist search tool. |
 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families. |
| ChooseMyPlate.gov ChooseMyPlate.gov provides practical information on how to follow the U.S. government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It includes resources and tools to help families lead healthier lives. |
| Milk Matters: Calcium Education from the National Institutes of Health Milk Matters is a public health education campaign launched by the National Institutes of Health to promote calcium consumption among tweens and teens, especially during the ages of 11 to 15, a time of critical bone growth. |
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| Nutrition Guide for Toddlers While growth slows somewhat during the toddler years, it's a new era where kids will eat and drink more independently. |
| Lactose Intolerance Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas. |
| Mouth and Teeth Our mouth and teeth play an important role in our daily lives. Here's a course on the basics - including common problems of the mouth and teeth. |
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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