The latest set of guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics illustrates the nation's serious problem with childhood obesity and overweightedness. For the first time in AAP history, doctors are saying it is OK to give a toddler reduced-fat (2 percent) milk between the ages of one and two.
The guidelines advise that parents with overweight or obese children or those with a family history of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and obesity give their child reduced fat milk as they transition from formula or breast milk.
If you're considering breastfeeding your baby, a recent study published in the August edition of The Journal of Nutrition offers some good information on the pros and cons of doing so.
The study found that babies who were mostly breast-fed during the first six months of life had a better chance of avoiding gastrointestinal problems. But the research did confirm that breast-fed babies are more likely to be deficient in iron. The latter finding is not that much of a surprise because it is well-known that human milk is low in iron.
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