Reasons You Should Not Give an Infant Cow's Milk

A baby should never be fed cow's milk until after her first birthday. Unlike human breast milk and infant formulas, cow's milk does not contain the proper nutrients to ensure healthy development in the early stages of life. Cow's milk can cause a number of deficiencies and illnesses in a baby and should be avoided at every cost. Pediatric experts advise mothers to breastfeed infants, but if that is not possible, formula should be used as an alternative.

  1. Nutrients

    • Cow's milk does not provide babies with enough iron, vitamin E, vitamin C, essential fatty acids and other nutrients needed to promote proper growth and development during the first year of life. On the flip side, milk is far too rich in protein, sodium and potassium, which are not easily digested or absorbed by the infant's immature system. Not only can the excessive minerals be taxing on a baby's kidneys, but infants who are fed cow's milk can experience iron deficiency, internal bleeding, vomiting and diarrhea, and also have a greater risk for an allergic reaction.

    Breastfeeding

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a child's life. The organization also supports continued breastfeeding through the first year and beyond, if it is desired by the mother and child. Infants benefit from breastfeeding medically by decreasing the chances of sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes, asthma and childhood obesity. Breastfed babies have also been shown to have fewer bouts of diarrhea and ear infections. Not only does a child benefit from breastfeeding, the mother does as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

    Formula

    • While experts believe that breastfeeding is the best choice for both the baby and the mother, it may not be possible for all families. Mothers who are unable to breastfeed should feed their child with formula. Infant formula attempts to duplicate the nutritional value of breast milk, providing the baby with the proper amounts of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals -- all which are necessary for healthy development in the early stage of the child's life.

    Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

    • Some mothers may attempt to feed their child cow's milk because they are unable to breastfeed but cannot afford formula. Many organizations, such as the federally funded WIC program, are available to help low-income families meet babies' nutritional needs.

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