All mothers have heard about the benefits of kefir and yogurt for the body of children and adults. However, the assortment of fermented milk products in the store includes many more items. And when the baby has already got acquainted with kefir, the parents are interested in whether it is possible to diversify the children's diet with similar products, for example, fermented baked milk. To answer, you need to figure out whether such a drink is permissible in the child's menu at 1 year old, what are its benefits and harms for the child's body and how to correctly introduce it into complementary foods.
Pros
Fermented baked milk is a natural product from which the child receives many benefits:
- This fermented milk drink provides your child with protein, healthy carbohydrates and fats. Such nutrients are well absorbed by the child's body, ensuring its growth.
- Using it, the child will receive vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin A, as well as a lot of calcium, magnesium, potassium and other minerals.
- Thanks to long-term heat treatment, this product does not contain harmful bacteria.
- Lactic acid from it has a beneficial effect on the functions of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
- Its use has a positive effect on intestinal peristalsis, the body's resistance to infections and bone strength.
- The pleasant taste of such a fermented milk drink diversifies the children's menu. He often likes kids and allows you to include dairy products in the diet of children who do not like kefir.
- It can be included in the menu of a child with lactase deficiency.
Due to its nutritional value and rather high calorie content (when compared with other fermented milk drinks), fermented baked milk helps to quickly satisfy hunger, therefore it is a good option for a snack.
Disadvantages
- In some cases, allergies occur.
- An expired product can cause infection.
- Excessive consumption before the age of one year places a high burden on the kidneys.
You will learn even more about the properties by watching the program “Living Healthy”.
From how many months to give to children
Many pediatricians allow the introduction of fermented baked milk into the children's diet from 8 months along with other fermented milk products.
At the age of 8-12 months, a portion of fermented baked milk should be up to 50 ml per day. From one year old, a child can be given 100 ml per day, and at 2 years old, the portion can be increased to 200-250 ml.
For children of the first year, it is preferable to cook fermented baked milk on their own from baby milk and a special starter culture, for example, Lactoferm, SvoyYogurt, Yogurtel or Vivo. So mom can be sure of the safety of the product. Children over one year old can be offered adult fermented baked milk, provided that the product is fresh and from a trusted manufacturer.
Komarovsky's opinion
A popular doctor has a positive attitude towards fermented milk drinks and it is with them that he advises to start feeding babies. Komarovsky recommends the first of these products to include kefir in the diet of infants over 6 months. After that, you can get acquainted with fermented baked milk.
At the same time, a well-known pediatrician recommends using fermented milk products once a day up to 3 years of age, so as not to provoke an excessive load on the excretory and digestive systems of babies in the first years of life. Komarovsky advises to drink fermented baked milk or kefir during the second feeding.
How to introduce into complementary foods
For the first time, limit yourself to a teaspoon of fermented baked milk, giving it to the child in the morning. While observing your baby, make sure that such a product has not caused digestive problems or allergies. If everything is in order, the portion can be gradually increased.
How to choose
- When buying a fermented milk drink that is intended for children, be sure to look at its expiration dates. A quality product without preservatives should be stored no longer than 5-7 days.
- It is preferable to take a product for baby food in a glass container, so that you can check the color and uniformity of the product right in the store. Buy a creamy drink with an even consistency.
- Be sure to smell the fermented baked milk after opening the package, and also try it before offering it to your baby. If it smells unpleasant or its taste has alerted you, you cannot give such a product to children.
What to give
Fermented baked milk can be called a self-sufficient product, because thanks to its unusual caramel taste, it can be used as a separate dish. It is not necessary to add sugar or fruit to it to change the taste of the product (so that the baby will like it). Nevertheless, it is possible to prepare fruit and berry cocktails from fermented baked milk. Such drinks will add variety to the child's menu, delight with tastes and give a lot of benefits for the body.
For more information on the role of fermented milk products in a child's nutrition, see the program of Dr. Komarovsky.
Find out if your child's weight is normal using the following calculator.
