So we're at a crossroad where the streets are as busy as the toddlers at this age. Our little 'angel' is nearing her first birthday, and I'm not sure whether cows milk or the best stage 3 formula is best for her (breastfeeding became a redundant option the minute she sprouted teeth). If you are still breastfeeding then rather continue with this option as we know this is the best as it has all the nutrients and a higher fat content than full cream (whole) cows milk and because it's obviously species specific.
My first realization is that milk has become more of a secondary nutrition source, so it really shouldn't be such a big deal, however, I am not one to just leave things to chance - I need to know I am doing the best that I can for my precious 'baby'.
While there are many people in parts of the world who do not drink milk and still get enough nutrients from other food sources, I choose to either introduce cows milk OR a third stage formula as the fat content in these are essential for proper brain development.
But which? Hmmm.... I know I need to be careful of added sucrose.
Formula
Pros
Cons
Find the Best Formulas
Cows Milk
Pros
Shocked by all this research, I think I may just stock up on some coconut milk for myself too!
I think the decision is ultimately up to you, either way go organic!
FYI
More about Bovine Growth Hormone:
"Cows that are given bGH injections are more prone to health problems like lameness, reproductive trouble, and udder infections. When these cows are treated for infections with large doses of antibiotics, some of those antibiotics are likely to show up in the milk, especially because it usually takes longer to treat cows receiving bGH. While antibiotic residues themselves might not be cause for alarm, they can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a serious, developing public health problem.Another concern is that injecting cows with bovine growth hormone may cause them to produce more of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Animal studies suggest that elevated levels of IGF-1 in the bloodstream could increase the risk for some cancers, particularly colon and breast cancers. Government researchers and bGH manufacturers say that the presence of a little extra IGF-1 in milk doesn't put people at any extra risk for developing this cancers because — just like bovine growth hormone — IGF-1 is broken down by the human digestive system and never makes it into the blood. But opponents say that other studies show that IGF-1 survives digestion and passes into the intestines."
A few more interesting reads:http://www.pcosdiva.com/2011/07/ask-amy-what-is-the-best-milk-alternative/
References:
http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/28/how-to-find-the-safest-organic-infant-formula/
My first realization is that milk has become more of a secondary nutrition source, so it really shouldn't be such a big deal, however, I am not one to just leave things to chance - I need to know I am doing the best that I can for my precious 'baby'.
While there are many people in parts of the world who do not drink milk and still get enough nutrients from other food sources, I choose to either introduce cows milk OR a third stage formula as the fat content in these are essential for proper brain development.
But which? Hmmm.... I know I need to be careful of added sucrose.
Toddlers require:
• Nearly three times as much energy from food compared to an adult
• More than four times the amount of iron and vitamin C
• Around three times the amount of calcium, zinc and vitamin A
• More fat than adults, particularly ‘good’ unsaturated fats
• Less salt in their food than adults
• Nearly three times as much energy from food compared to an adult
• More than four times the amount of iron and vitamin C
• Around three times the amount of calcium, zinc and vitamin A
• More fat than adults, particularly ‘good’ unsaturated fats
• Less salt in their food than adults
Formula
Pros
- Convenient
Cons
- May contain sucrose
- Takes time to prepare
- "A 100g serving of plain mashed potato, costing a few cent, contains more protein, more energy, twice as much fibre, plenty of vitamins and minerals, and 20 times less fat than a serving of growing-up milk."
- Most are Vanilla flavoured and harder to wean them onto cows milk from there.
Find the Best Formulas
Cows Milk
Pros
- Cheaper than Formula
- Cows milk has Bovine Growth Hormone in it. (Unless you buy organic pasteurized or the milk is labelled 'bGH' FREE') - read more about bGH (also called 'bGH', 'rbGH', 'bST', or 'bST') further below:
- Cows milk has pesticides unless Organic
- Cows milk has natural IGF-1 hormone
- Ultra-pasteurized milk has a higher shelf life but the process also kills off the good bacteria
- Cows are milked about 300 days a year, for much of that time, the cows are pregnant. The later in pregnancy a cow is, the more hormones appear in her milk.
Shocked by all this research, I think I may just stock up on some coconut milk for myself too!
I think the decision is ultimately up to you, either way go organic!
FYI
More about Bovine Growth Hormone:
"Cows that are given bGH injections are more prone to health problems like lameness, reproductive trouble, and udder infections. When these cows are treated for infections with large doses of antibiotics, some of those antibiotics are likely to show up in the milk, especially because it usually takes longer to treat cows receiving bGH. While antibiotic residues themselves might not be cause for alarm, they can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a serious, developing public health problem.Another concern is that injecting cows with bovine growth hormone may cause them to produce more of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Animal studies suggest that elevated levels of IGF-1 in the bloodstream could increase the risk for some cancers, particularly colon and breast cancers. Government researchers and bGH manufacturers say that the presence of a little extra IGF-1 in milk doesn't put people at any extra risk for developing this cancers because — just like bovine growth hormone — IGF-1 is broken down by the human digestive system and never makes it into the blood. But opponents say that other studies show that IGF-1 survives digestion and passes into the intestines."
Doing It Over
A few more interesting reads:http://www.pcosdiva.com/2011/07/ask-amy-what-is-the-best-milk-alternative/
References:
http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/28/how-to-find-the-safest-organic-infant-formula/
