Does a 3 year old still need full fat milk?

[Babyface]

Or is it better to switch to semi-skimmed now? He only has one cup a day, two at the most so it's not a huge amount.

Thank You

 

[ctrbabe1]

No, a 3 year old does not need full fat milk. Unless he/she is really underweight. But if he/she is growing normally and is healthy, it is ok to switch to skim.

 

[Babyface]

Great! I have no concerns about his weight so I think I'll switch him.

Thanks alot Katie

 

[Sleuth]

If you have no weight concerns, why would you switch him? What is driving you away from whole milk?

 

[drcookie]

Semi-skimmed isn't a problem but I am finding milk difficult to work out here, as much of it is worded differently. So everywhere has different advice but this is the UK advice

http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/children/yrtoddler/#elem218432

:burnout:

 

[Babyface]

Hi Sleuth, I was just talking to a friend the other day about how much milk we get through and she seemed horrified when I mentioned that our whole family drink full fat milk and not semi-skimmed. So it got me thinking that maybe we should all be switching, including my son as I wouldn't want to buy two different kinds. My husband and I only have it in tea and me on cereal sometimes so I didn't think it was a big deal.

Thanks!

 

[Sleuth]

Coming from a family of D3 college athletes, milk is not the problem behind weight gain, lack of exercise is. I doubt a growing boy could possibly drink too much milk. As long as your child doesn't think exercise is moving from the TV to the 'fridge (to drink that whole milk) he should be fine.
Putting a 3 year old on a low fat diet is just not right. I am not sure making a toddler as skinny as a model is necessarily healthy. Like Dr. Cookie's article pointed out, growing boys need calories otherwise they don't grow.

 

[Babyface]

Hi Sleuth, I totally agree with you and I am in no way saying that I'm going to put my son on a low fat diet. He needs all the calories he can get as he's so active!

Thanks!

 

[Sleuth]

I figured a 3 year old would have no problem burning the calories.
And whole milk in tea and cereal is nothing. Your friend with the skimmed milk (which we call "white water") is crazed.

 

[msmslau]

i concur with all of your comments. however, i want to bring out the topic of the health benefit of milk. some studies some that milk contains a protein that can cause/promote cancer. The most comprehensive book called "China Study" by Dr. Campbell lists many reasons why we should avoid meat protein (which milk has). His study has been aired in HK recently.

http://www.thechinastudy.com/

i know some parents are skeptical about his conclusion..but it's worth a look.