Can Cow Milk Be Given For A 12 Month Old Child?

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : hello,
my baby will complete 12 months in 15 days...can I give him cow milk ??? Usually I heard that it should be given when he turns 1. Giving cow milk before one year will aggrevate cold problems for him??he already has allergy problems.. anything like that??..pls clarify....

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can give cow's milk

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

You are right.It has been seen that there is high chance of cow milk protein allergy if it is introduced below one year of age.
This allergic incidence decreases by 60% in children more than 1 year of age and upto 100%till 5 years of age.
This is the reason it is advised to avoid giving cow milk till one year of age particularly in cases where there is positive family history of cow milk protein intolerance or past history of allergic disorder.
As your child has completed one year,now you can start giving cow milk.
Cow milk can cause immediate reaction or late reaction.Late reaction like skin rashes,GI disturbances or respiratory symptoms.
Observe for these symptoms and if you notice any consult your doctor immediately.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar