Milk For Kids: Why is Milk a Healthy Option?

Quick Answer

Yes, doodh (milk) is highly beneficial for children’s growth - but the right type depends on your child’s age. For babies under 12 months, only breastmilk or infant formula (like NAN Pro, Lactogen, or Similac) should be given. After 1 year, whole cow’s milk (full cream doodh) can be introduced. Children ages 1-3 need about 2 cups daily for proper bone and brain development. If your child is lactose intolerant or has milk allergy, there are excellent alternatives available.

Why Milk is Important for Indian Children

In Indian households, doodh has always been considered essential for growing children - and for good reason! Milk provides nutrients that are difficult to get from other foods in adequate amounts.

Key Nutrients in Milk and Their Benefits

Nutrient	Role in Child’s Body
Calcium	Strong bones and teeth (haddiyon ki mazbooti)
Vitamin D	Bone health, prevents rickets
Protein	Muscle growth and repair
Vitamin B12	Red blood cell formation
Potassium	Healthy blood pressure
Vitamin A	Immune system and eye health
Phosphorus	Bone mineralization

Did you know? Many Indian children have low vitamin D levels despite sunny weather, because urban lifestyles mean less sun exposure. Fortified milk is one of the easiest ways to ensure adequate vitamin D intake.

Complete Milk Guide by Age

Newborns to 6 Months

Only breastmilk or infant formula

• Best option: Maa ka doodh (breastmilk) - WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding
• If supplementing or formula-feeding: Stage 1 formulas like NAN Pro 1, Lactogen 1, Similac Advance 1
• Never give: Cow’s milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, or any plant-based milk How much formula?

Age	Amount per Feed	Feeds per Day
0-1 month	60-90 ml	8-12 times
1-2 months	90-120 ml	6-8 times
2-4 months	120-150 ml	6-7 times
4-6 months	150-180 ml	5-6 times

6-12 Months

Continue breastmilk/formula as primary source

• Start complementary foods (anna prashan) alongside milk
• Move to Stage 2 formula if needed: NAN Pro 2, Lactogen 2
• Small amounts of dahi (yogurt) and paneer can be introduced after 8 months
• Still avoid: Direct cow’s milk as main drink

12-24 Months (Toddlers)

Transition to whole cow’s milk

• Can now give full cream (full fat) cow’s or buffalo milk
• Amount: 2-3 cups (400-480 ml) per day
• Why full fat? Toddlers need the fat for brain development
• Can continue breastfeeding alongside if desired
• Boil and cool milk before serving (Indian practice for pasteurization)

2-5 Years

Continue with whole milk or switch to toned

• Amount: 2 cups (400 ml) per day
• After age 2, can switch to toned milk if child is gaining weight well
• Avoid excess milk (more than 500 ml) - it can reduce appetite for solid foods

5+ Years

Toned or double-toned milk

• Amount: 2-2.5 cups per day
• Low-fat options are suitable for most children
• Can include milk in various forms: plain, flavored, in smoothies, with cereal

Types of Milk Available in India

For Babies Under 1 Year

Brand	Type	Key Features
NAN Pro	Infant formula	Contains probiotics, DHA/ARA
Lactogen	Infant formula	Affordable, widely available
Similac	Infant formula	Added prebiotics
Enfamil	Infant formula	Brain-building nutrients

Important: Always choose age-appropriate stage (Stage 1 for 0-6 months, Stage 2 for 6-12 months).

For Children Above 1 Year

Type	Best For
Full cream milk	Toddlers 1-2 years (Amul Gold, Mother Dairy Full Cream)
Toned milk	Children 2+ years (Amul Taaza, regular packet milk)
Double-toned milk	Older children, those watching weight
A2 milk	Easier digestion for some children
UHT/Tetra pack milk	Travel, storage convenience

Dairy Alternatives (for allergies/intolerance)

• Soy milk - Good protein content, choose fortified versions
• Almond milk - Low in protein, ensure calcium-fortified
• Oat milk - Creamy texture, good fiber
• Ragi milk - Traditional Indian option, iron-rich

How to Know If Your Child is Getting Enough Milk

Signs of adequate milk intake:

• Healthy weight gain as per growth charts

• Strong, healthy teeth

• Good energy levels

• Regular bowel movements Signs milk intake may be too low:

• Slow growth

• Frequent bone fractures

• Tooth decay

• Fatigue Signs of excessive milk intake:

• Poor appetite for solid foods

• Iron deficiency anemia (milk blocks iron absorption)

• Constipation

• Picky eating

Tips for Success

• Make it tasty: Add a pinch of elaichi (cardamom) or kesar (saffron) to warm milk
• Haldi doodh: Turmeric milk is great for immunity (for children above 1 year)
• Consistency matters: Offer milk at the same times daily
• Use a cup: Transition from bottle to cup by 12-18 months to protect teeth
• Model behavior: Drink milk with your child!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving cow’s milk before 1 year - Baby’s kidneys can’t process it
• Overboiling milk - Destroys nutrients; bring to one rolling boil, then cool
• Adding sugar/Bournvita daily - Develops sweet preference, adds empty calories
• Replacing meals with milk - Milk should complement, not replace solid foods
• Using bottle beyond 18 months - Increases risk of tooth decay and ear infections

When to Seek Help

Consult your pediatrician if:

• Baby refuses both breast and formula (botal se doodh nahi pi raha)
• Child has chronic loose motions after milk
• Skin rashes or hives after drinking milk
• Vomiting or stomach pain after milk
• Child is not gaining weight despite adequate feeding
• You suspect lactose intolerance or milk allergy

Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, ‘Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.‘

FAQs

Q: Which formula is best - NAN or Lactogen?

A: Both NAN Pro and Lactogen are good quality formulas from Nestle. NAN Pro contains added probiotics and is slightly more expensive. Lactogen is more affordable and widely available across India. Both provide complete nutrition for babies. Choose based on your budget and pediatrician’s recommendation. Some babies may digest one better than the other.

Q: Can I give formula along with breastmilk?

A: Haan, bilkul! Mixed feeding (combination of breastmilk and formula) is perfectly fine. Many Indian mothers do this when returning to work or if milk supply is low. Breastfeed first, then top up with formula if needed. This ensures baby gets the immunity benefits of breastmilk while also getting adequate nutrition.

Q: How much formula for a 2-month-old baby?

A: A 2-month-old typically needs 90-120 ml of formula doodh per feed, with 6-8 feeds in 24 hours. Total daily intake is around 600-750 ml. However, every baby is different - watch your baby’s hunger cues rather than forcing a fixed amount. Baby should have 6+ wet diapers daily.

Q: My toddler refuses milk. What can I do?

A: Try these alternatives:

• Offer dahi (curd/yogurt) - most kids love it
• Add paneer to vegetables
• Make smoothies with milk and fruits
• Try flavored milk occasionally (not daily)
• Offer cheese cubes as snacks
• Ensure other calcium sources (ragi, sesame seeds, green leafy vegetables)

Q: Is packet milk safe for babies after boiling?

A: For babies under 1 year, packet milk (even boiled) should NOT be given as it cannot replace formula or breastmilk nutrition. After 1 year, yes - boiled and cooled packet milk (full cream like Amul Gold) is safe and nutritious for toddlers.

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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025

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