When can i stop giving full fat milk?

[PeppaPig]

Hi all.

My little munchkin is 2yrs old now (sept) and was wondering when its ok to stop giving her full fat milk?
Is it ok to give her semi-skimmed milk?
She has a bottle still at bedtime and that is the only time she has it.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou all 

[Fiona (Leah & Kians Mom)]

I believe they should have full fat until 3. Any particular reason you want to change?

[aisling]

At our 2 yr appt (I'm in Canada) my Doc said to go ahead and start giving semi skimmed (2 % fat) milk. ( I had been doing it for a month or so already!  )  Bearing in mind, our DS eats very well balanced diet and is above average in height and weight. His development is normal to above as well as some argue they need the fat for brain development.   

A x

[LORRIEc]

I think it differs in every country.  Canada used to be 2, but my dr told me that it has just changed to 5.  I think the reason is that we are eating so many lower fat things that kids aren't getting enough fat in their diet.

[~Kellie~]

My HV said that 2yrs was fine to start semi-skimmed milk as long as they were
eating a healthy balanced diet.

[LORRIEc]

Aisling we posted at the same time, I'm not trying to contradict you.  

[aisling]

eating so many lower fat things that kids aren't getting enough fat in their diet.

Kids are getting plenty of fat it is a worldwide problem.  It is just that it is the bad fat!  Many natural foods are high in good fats (and bad too) that are a better choice than processed, prepared foods. We eat an avocado a day in this house and it is so vitamin rich and fat o' plenty, but good brain power fat.  We also use flax oil and other Omega 3, 6 and 9 foods and oils wherever possible.

FWIW,

A x

ps. no worries Lorrie! 

[PeppaPig]

Thanks for that all.

This will sound stupid but  because im a worry mother, i was thinking i had  taken the full fat milk too far but it seems that i havnt.
I always give her organic milk and will use up the last of the carton tonight so thought it would have been a good time to ask then change but i think i will carry on with full fat.

thankyou all so much 

[maggie2]

I still drink whole milk!  I have a feeling that my kids will be drinking whole milk for a while yet   I think it's just personal preference as to when/if to switch to lower fat stuff.  I subscribe to the belief that growing children need plenty of good fats, like Aisling mentioned (although, I also consider the right kinds of animal fats to be good for them, too!)

[aisling]

I(although, I also consider the right kinds of animal fats to be good for them, too!)

Me too!  Everything in moderation.

A x

[maggie2]

     

[Kimberly®]

2 years old is when you can switch to 2% milk. Still go with the 2% so they still get the fat (for their brains) you can still give full fat yogerts and cheeses if you want, but you can switch those as well.

Also according to the Canadian food guide children (at 2+ years can't remember the age it changes again at the moment) Only need 2 servings of milk a day.  Thats the equivolent of 2 cups of milk, either milk its self or milk products.

Its ok if the eat more of course, but you want to make sure that they don't drink to much milk (or juice) that it interfears with their appitite.

My friend just had an issue around this with her son who turned 2 on Nov 2ed and is only 20LB's.   He was not eating like he should but was still having 4 8oz cups of milk (as well as 2-3 cups of juice)  He was turning into a "milk baby" now she is working towards balencing that out better so he can eat what he needs and gain that wait he needs.   

Its all about balence, as is everything in life. 

[shelliz]

We are still on whole milk here. Jess seems to be smaller than most. Maybe that is why her dr. said we should stay on whole. 

[Colin Macs Mom]

Colin's doctor told me that I should keep him on whole milk until around age 5 because they use the fat from milk to build nerves.

[aisling]

Many nutrients and fats from various sources build nerves.  It is a safe route for the medical profession to suggest and recommend full fat milk. Not all families are health conscious/educated and loads of normal toddlers/children refuse to eat a healthy balanced diet, so this way children are guaranteed that fat as most will drink their milk.

A x