My son will be one year old pretty soon and that means no more breastfeeding! I’m definitely finished, and I know he is too. He just doesn’t seem interested anymore. I have to practically force him to feed. Anyway, I know we’re supposed to be switching to store bought milk, but I absolutely hate the thought of cow’s milk. Since I was a child, I’ve refused to drink it or use it in cereal/cooking, etc. I’m not a vegan or anything, the taste is just awful to me. Could I possibly give my son almond milk or something instead? Is cow’s milk ABSOLUTELY necessary for him?
Cow milk is pretty good and I think it’s okay for him to drink it, as long as he’s not lactose intolerant. My mother hates the taste of milk too and never drinks it, but that didn’t stop my siblings and I from loving it. Other options are soy milk. There are some varieties of cow milk that are more skim and have reduced levels of lactose… but they tend to be more expensive. [name_m]Just[/name_m] try out cow milk - I don’t think it would hurt.
[name_m]Hi[/name_m] there,
Cow’s milk isn’t at all necessary for human kiddos. It’s meant for cow’s calves, after all, the same way that your breast milk is meant for your son. If you’re worried about how much calcium your little guy will get if he’s not drinking cow’s milk, keep in mind that there are a ton of other sources for this essential mineral: non-dairy milks like almond, hemp, soy, and rice; other dairy products like cheese and yogurt (which can be made from goat’s milk or sheep’s milk in addition to cow’s milk); dark leafy greens; orange juice (if it’s been calcium-fortified); white beans, and almonds are just a few that jump to mind. Talk to your son’s doctor about how much calcium kids his age need and how to provide that much with foods and drinks other than cow’s milk. There are a lot of tasty and nutritious options!
Oh, and happy birthday to your boy!
No, cow’s milk is not a necessary part of a child’s diet. [name_u]America[/name_u]'s dairy industry wants you to believe this, but it isn’t true. As the previous poster mentioned, there are plenty of other ways to ensure that your son receives enough calcium in his diet. I shy away from most dairy products because they tend to bother my stomach. My calcium levels are always well within the normal range when I have my yearly blood test to check for nutrient deficiencies. I eat a lot of leafy greens, although it is important to note that growing children need quite a bit more calcium than adults. Again, like the previous poster said, I would talk to your son’s pediatrician.
Hey!
Cow’s milk is actually not at all necessary for your little one. Milk that you buy in a grocery store is usually mass-produced, and that causes for a more unhealthy brand. In general, I would like to reiterate that we are speaking about cow’s milk. As in, made for baby cows. [name_f]Almond[/name_f] milk is not only an alternative, but it is a better, healthier alternative. Pair that with lots of leafy greens and the right fruits, and you will be good to go! 
Cowspiracy and Food Inc. are two fantastic documentaries they may help you make a decision.
Also, I would like to add that I am not Vegan, and I drink milk every now and then. However almond milk is absolutely the way to go.
Thanks, everyone! I, too, have been bothered by drinking another animal’s milk meant for it’s babies, not mine. Also, it’s more convenient for him to just drink what we drink. I’ll definitely have to bring it up with the pediatrician, but we already have almond milk on hand, so I’d feel much better about giving him that, regardless. All of your input has been nice, though! People have been telling me that I’m crazy. “OF COURSE, milk is the best for them! It makes their bones stronger! You can’t just NOT give him cow’s milk.”
No, your little boy doesn’t need cow’s milk. Humans are by nature lactose intolerant. Once a child has weaned they begin to lose the enzyme that helps their stomach break down milk, and by the time they are around 5 their body has no need of milk. To the body, milk (human or animal) is for helping babies put on weight and stay healthy, once no longer a baby the body turns of it’s ability to digest milk because it doesn’t need it anymore. Basically, adults today drink milk because it is habit, not because it is actually needed. Humans adsorb almost no calcium from dairy, despite what they all taught us in school.
I would use almond or coconut milk. Soy milk is highly processed, and also too much soy in one’s diet is not healthy. If he likes really creamy textures, go with coconut milk. If he likes sweet, go with rice milk. [name_f]Almond[/name_f] milk is in the middle, and is the most similar in consistency to animal milk. Also, almond milk is super easy to make at home (nuts, water, salt, vanilla, and blend). But it really is up to taste and preference.
That makes me so sad. People are so uneducated. They’ve always done something, so they assume there is no better way to do it. 
His mumma’s milk might be good for him, but not the milk from a cow mumma. Her milk is for her baby, why should your baby need it. It is such an odd way of thinking.
No, cows milk is absolutely not necessary for your child. Me and my husband both don’t drink it, we aren’t vegans but it isn’t as common to drink where we live. We drink almond milk or rice milk and so do our daughters. Our oldest was down the road at a friends house and they served her cows milk and cookies, she came running back because she thought their milk was spoiled! she just wasn’t used to the taste.