Is Cow and Buffalo Milk Equally Beneficial For Your Toddler?

Mother’s milk is no doubt the best for babies. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends nursing for at least two years but it totally depends on one’s own choice. Breast feeding your child until 6 months is very important for their health but what after 12 or 24 months when you have decided to not breast feed them anymore? Which milk should be given to maintain the health of your child while making sure they receive all the required nutrients? Let’s take a look. Experts Opinion: Is it Good to Give Cow Milk to Baby or Not?​ 

Cow Milk Or Buffalo Milk Which Is Better for Children?

Read to know which milk is good for toddlers - Cow or Buffalo Milk?

• Cow milk is thinner in consistency than buffalo milk and hence is easy to digest by your toddler
• Buffalo milk has higher content of protein as compared to cow milk which again makes it difficult to digest
• The water content in cow milk is much more when compared to buffalo milk which helps in keeping your baby more hydrated
• Buffalo milk contains more calcium than cow milk, but since the potassium and sodium levels are lesser in cow milk, it would be a better natural supplement for your toddler
• Buffalo milk contains cholesterol which makes cow milk a better option

How To Give Buffalo Milk To Your Toddler?

Though cow milk is better for your toddler due to the above-mentioned reasons, yet if you choose to feed your toddler buffalo milk, make sure you give it to them in controlled quantity and not in large amounts. Your child might digest buffalo milk if given in smaller quantity.

Make sure to boil the milk first, cool it down, remove the layer of cream and then feed it to your baby. Introduce buffalo milk slowly to your baby and see how he reacts to it and then gradually you can increase the amount if needed.

Benefits Of Cow Milk And How To Feed It To Your Baby?

Once your baby is 12 months or older you can start feeding them cow’s milk which’ll provide them with adequate nutrients and help to build their bones strong. Cow’s milk is a rich source of calcium, Vitamin A and phosphorus, and most milk products contain high amounts of vitamin D which is necessary in aiding the body absorb calcium. Cow’s milk is also beneficial because it provides protein as well as carbohydrates that helps in the growth of the baby and also provide enough energy to last all day long.

Besides deciding what to feed to your baby do not forget to test if they are lactose intolerant i.e. if they have an inability to digest lactose, a component of milk. Whenever you decide to feed your baby, cow or buffalo milk, make sure you look out for any allergies or reactions that it might cause. If at all you see something odd, discontinue with this milk and consult a doctor as well to find out if it is due to the milk or something else. Remember, cow’s milk is the best for your child but it totally depends on you and your child’s choice. Choose whatever suits them the best. Also Read: How Good Is Cow Milk for infants below 1 year?

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