JAMES...
He eats yoghurt on most days, not too keen on cheese, but will still eat it. Its just that i fell into a trap of him constantly wanting milk and not eating enough solids. How much milk is enough without interfering with his appetite for solids? Is there a guideline as to how much soilds and milk that they should be having?
Thanks
Julie :-)
arrr yes, you are not alone, its easy to do and the adverts make it look like offering milk or formula is the best way to ensure nutritional adequacy. So not true! Generally, 1-2 cups a day of milk after meals and snacks is enough for a child who eats other dairy or calcium rich foods (as your son appears to be), any more can mean that your child gets too much calcium, which in turn interferes with iron, plus the huge amount of calories being offered can mean they have no room left for real food.
I have a fact sheet on milk on Huggies, it explains all of this and how much is enough, the link is below:
Milk
http://www.huggies.com.au/baby-care/baby-feeding/nutrition/milk-intake
It can be tricky to get a milk lover off milk (or at least get it down to a reasonable level). You might try some of the following:
- Slowly reduced the total amount being offered by 5mls every day until it gets down to a level you feel is right
- Always offer after meals and snacks and not before to ensure whole foods are consumed as a priority
- Change the cup to a smaller cup to give the appearance it is still full, though less is being offered
- Dilute slightly with water (but you do need to be a little careful with this, the top option is easier to monitor)
- Swap one of the milk feeds to a smoothie and use less total milk but top up with yoghurt and fruit
Hope that helps,
Have a fabulous Chrissy
Leanne