Switching Milk?

WOW...2 years old??!! I guess a lot has changed in the past several years. When my kids were born (98 and 00), I was told to keep them on whole milk until the age of five because their brains are still developing and they need the fat up until then. Once they hit five, I switched them over to skim milk because it's what I drink...and they both drink it with no problems at all.

HI I did a read through on all the other responses before I decided to answer. The answer is anywhere b/w 2 and 2 and half. WHY: Tbe brain is still developing and needs the "fat" from the milk to aid in this natural process, Regardless of the weight. Also, this to reinforce the growth on bone tissues which at this age is shaky among most toddlers. I use this as an advantage since as your child gets older....into the young teens, old teens, they withdraw from all these "nutrients" from milk, etc. and rely on sugary drinks and water because it's "cool". I have young children and have had my experience as a teacher to see the transition.
I wouldn't be in any rush to switch over, she'll grow in time and develop beautifully, no matter the weight! I only say this because I am a small/med. framed gal and my husband is a big guy 6 ft. 2++ something lbs and as babies...they were overtly "big" babies. Now that they are a bit older, it has all evened out and they are in the "normal percentile".
SO- again, when others talk about health reason, it's the body still growing and developing a process you definately do not want to rush. :-)!

Mom of 4.

Mom of 4(yes its a crazy life but it's my life)

Hi!
My child's doctor said to switch from whole milk to 2% or skim at age 2. I was concerned that my son, who loves milk, wouldn't like the taste of skim milk after having whole milk but he didn't bat an eye. I was prepared to "wean" him off the whole by switching to 2% and then skim but it wasn't an issue. I believe that even for small or skinny kids you are still supposed to switch to low-fat milk because the fat in whole milk is the wrong kind of fat for them. (Saturated)
good luck!

look at about pediatrics.com. theh thought is until they are two years old for brain development they need the fat from the whole milk.

I don't think there is any set age. My oldest is 8 years old and still drinking whole milk. She is extremely skinny and needs all the fat in her foods and drinks that she can get. My 3 year old drinks 2% milk because he is prone to eating a lot and I try to keep him from gaining too much weight. And then my 16 month old is drinking whole milk. I have no plans on switching her to 2% milk unless there is a weight issue later on.

I don't believe it is necessary to drop the child down to low-fat milk unless it is an issue of too much fat or that you child would get sick on whole milk like I sometimes do.

Good luck. I hope this helps you.

They say to switch to 2% by age two or so, but it really depends on your child. With my triplets, two are thin and small for their age, while one is larger and gains weight very easily. I would go by their size. If they tend to lean toward the thin side, stick with whole milk. The few extra calories can help with that. If your child seems to be on the thick side, switch to 2%. My doctor has no problem with this. Her biggest concern is just getting milk in children, period! LOL So for her it's not a big deal on what kind, just as long as they're getting their daily calcium intake and keeps up that good habit through life.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HarrisburgPAChat

Hi A.,

I am not sure if there is a specific age for all children, I can tell you what my pediatrician recommended - switching my daughter from whole to 2% when she was 19 months. However, my daughter is also pretty big - at the time they recommended switching her she was a in the 87% percentile for height and over 100% for weight. I guess it depends on your daughter's current nutritional needs. I recommended calling your pediatrician and asking - they could probably tell you quickly.

Good Luck!
R.

A.,
I believe my pediatrician advised whole milk until 2. Then 2%. No matter the child's weight, you still need to be concerned about too much fat as a contributor to overall health. Check with your pediatrician for his/her recommendation.

Hi A.. I switched at 2 years old, which I am pretty sure is the same for everyone.

Have a great holiday weekend!

I believe the general rule of thumb is 2 years, but my older daughter was on until 3 because she is so tiny and my younger was on for less time because she was a chuncky monkey. Talk to your pediatrician who can advise you an when to switch!

Hi A.,

Our pediatrician said once my daughter turns two years old (she's almost 18 mos now), we can switch her to one percent. I'm not going to even bother with two percent. My son (3 1/2 yo) drinks one percent. This is assuming your child is healthy and gaining weight appropriately. If you have doubts, just ask your ped. on your daughter's next visit. Happy 4th!

M.