#asktheexpert

safe to give buffalo milk or full cream milk to 7 months old baby???

Question

#asktheexpert

safe to give buffalo milk or full cream milk to 7 months old baby???

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to give buffalo milk, full cream milk, or any type of cow's milk as a main drink to a baby under 1 year old. Here's why:

1. **Nutritional Imbalance:** Cow's milk and buffalo milk do not provide the appropriate balance of nutrients that infants need in their first year of life. They are low in iron, essential fatty acids, and other important nutrients that are found in breast milk or infant formula.

2. **Digestive Issues:** Infants have a harder time digesting the proteins and minerals in cow's milk and buffalo milk. This can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation.

3. **Risk of Allergies:** Introducing cow's milk or buffalo milk too early can increase the risk of developing a milk allergy.

4. **Kidney Strain:** The high levels of protein and minerals in cow's milk and buffalo milk can strain an infant's immature kidneys.

### Recommended Alternatives

For babies under 1 year old, the best sources of nutrition are:

- **Breast Milk:** The ideal source of nutrition for infants, providing the right balance of nutrients.
- **Infant Formula:** If breastfeeding is not an option or is being supplemented, infant formula is designed to closely mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk.

### After 1 Year Old

Once your baby turns 1 year old, you can start introducing whole cow's milk or buffalo milk into their diet, but it should be done gradually and as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.

### Weaning and Complementary Foods

At 7 months, your baby can start having a variety of solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. Here are some tips for introducing complementary foods:

1. **Iron-rich foods:** Include iron-fortified cereals, pureed meats, beans, and lentils.
2. **Fruits and vegetables:** Offer pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
3. **Grains and proteins:** Soft grains and proteins like oatmeal, rice, and pureed chicken or turkey.
4. **Continue breast milk/formula:** Continue to offer breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition.

If you have specific concerns or questions about your baby's diet, it's best to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby's health and nutritional needs.