Wow! A whole year went by and your thinking of weaning your LO to milk already. Some parents begin at 10 months, some at 12 months while others continue breast milk beyond the first year. Which ever your approach there are lots of choices on the market for when you are ready.
Most parents choose cows milk but there are so many options like goats, soy, almond, oat and rice milk. Even the formula companies make powdered toddler formula if you want to continue with a formula based product.
When I went to my local supermarket which happens to be whole foods I thought I was just going to pick up a carton of whole milk. When I got to the dairy section I realized I had some research to do. So here’s the scoop on milk options.
Type: Cows
Organic or not- Organic milk refers to a number of milk products from livestock raised to according to organic farming methods. In most jurisdictions, use of the term “organic” or equivalents like “bio” or “eco”, on any product is regulated by food authorities. In general these regulations stipulate that livestock must be: allowed to graze, be fed an organically certified fodder or compound.
Percent: Whole, 1%, 2%, skim- The amount of fat content per serving.
Grass-fed or not- means that the cows are fed only grass and graze. If its not grass-fed then the cows are fed fodder or a compound.
Homogenized and non-homogenized- Homogenized milk is any sort of milk that has been mechanically treated to ensure that it has a smooth, even consistency. The homogenization process typically involves high temperatures, agitation, and filtration, all aimed at breaking down milk’s naturally occurring fat molecules. Once broken, these molecules stay suspended in the milk and resist separation. The process makes fat filtration much easier for manufacturers, and lengthens milk’s shelf life. Some nutrition experts have argued that homogenization can lead to heart disease.
Pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization- the process of killing harmful bacteria. Ultra pasteurization is killing of harmful bacteria at extreme high temperatures which can give the milk a longer shelf life.
Omega-3 Milk- Added EPA, ALA and DHA. Made with milk from pastured cows, which has naturally-occurring ALA Omega-3 from pasture feeding
Lactose free- lactate added which converts lactose into glucose which is easily digested.
Raw milk- Milk that is not pasteurized or homogenized. Raw milk is ban in some states. Advocates of raw milk believe that this is the best way to accept milk and it nutritional benefits. They believe that the process of homogenization and pasteurization kills the healthy bacteria present in milk and argue that some cheeses that humans consume contain the same bacteria.
After all my research I decided on “Sky Top Farms” organic grass fed unhomogenized whole milk for my LO. Which will you chose the next time you head to the dairy aisle?
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The above is the opinion of this writer. This should not take the place of your pediatrician. You should always consult your pediatrician for medical advise regarding introduction of feedings and related issues. Tinyseedsfeeding was not compensated for this post.
