Question
Can a 2-year-old and 7-month-old child drink fresh milk?
Answer
Due to the presence of whey protein and casein in fresh milk, it is not easy for young children to digest it, so children under 6 months of age should definitely not drink fresh milk. Children between 6 months and 3 years old should preferably drink formula milk, which contains many nutrients not found in fresh milk, such as trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids essential for the development of the baby’s brain. After the age of 3, children can start drinking fresh milk. The amount of milk to drink mainly depends on the amount of new staple food, with children over 1 year old needing to ensure at least 350 milliliters per day. Fresh, unsterilized milk must be boiled before drinking, while packaged or carton milk has already been sterilized and can be consumed directly. However, if it is too cold, the child’s gastrointestinal system may not adapt well, so it is best to heat it up. But milk should not be reheated repeatedly, as this can damage the nutrients within it.