One Year Old

This weekend, baby L will turn ONE! I have been busy researching what exactly this will mean when it comes to her dietary requirements....

The only problem is, most of the NEW baby books are using outdated research and resources. Most of them recommend Whole Cow's Milk once a baby turns one year old. I, however, have a problem with this. First, the hormones. Pretty much everyone has heard about this issue. Hormones in things such as cow's milk can cause HUGE problems for youngsters (and adults). If you have no clue what I'm talking about, just google "hormones in cow's milk". You'll see.

Second, cow's milk was meant for cows. There, I said it. Let me explain: The molecules in cow's milk are large...they were meant for baby cows, not teeny baby humans. So, when a baby drinks too much cow's milk (and some babies can't drink hardly any without having reactions like eczema, ADHD, and other issues), their bodies can't break it up. On top of that, when you buy pasteurized cow's milk, the milk has been heated to VERY high temps to kill off the bacteria...but, it also breaks down the enzymes that could have helped baby digest the milk in their tummies. I am NOT saying to buy raw milk (un-pasteurized).

There ARE alternatives, though. Like...pasteurized goat's milk, for example. The molecules are MUCH much smaller, and easier for baby's tummy to break down. Or, rice or almond milk are also options. (Soy milk should be avoided, however.)

Your (my) baby should get approximately 14-20 oz of milk a day. Depending on your doctor, you'll get different numbers. So, to play it safe just ask your doctor how much your little one specifically needs for their height and weight.

Food, on the other hand is something else that will see changes. Baby L can now eat food that more closely resembles that which is served at the table (although a finely chopped up version).

Here are the nutritional needs for a one year old (with serving sizes!!):

Milk/Dairy: Servings: 16-20 ounces of milk per day. Whole milk or rice milk are recommended. Other equivalents: 1/2 -3/4 ounce of cheese = 4 ounces of milk. 1/4 cup of yogurt = 2 ounces of milk.

Fruits and veggies: Servings: 5 or more per day. Serving size: 1-2 tablespoons - Pureed, mashed, or cubed.

Grains: Servings: 3-4 per day. Serving sizes: 1/2 slice of bread, 1/4 cup of cooked cereal, 1/4 cup of dry cereal. 1/4 cup of pasta, 2-3 saltine crackers, or 1/2 tortilla.

Non-dairy Proteins (meat, fish, beans, eggs): Servings: 2 per day. Serving sizes: 1/2 egg, 2-3 tablespoons beans (i.e. black, pinto, edamame, etc...), 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or 1 ounce of fish, lean beef, pork or chicken.