2 Year Old Milk/juice Intake

My daughter turned two in June and her pediatrician said she no longer needs whole milk. She usually drinks 1% milk with the rest of the family. I also let her drink some juice, but she actually prefers milk. My daughter would also prefer to drink milk all day instead of eating. Sometimes I give her food at mealtimes before her drink so she is likely to have a few more bites. Overall she eats a variety of foods, so I don't worry too much if some days she has more of a liquid diet than others. I think it all balances out in the end. If you have specific questions you should call the dr's office. You shouldn't have to wait months to have answers about your child's nutrition.

My son turned two in April. He is now drinking about 3 cups of 2% milk a day and unlimited water all day. He will have about 6 oz of watered-down 100% fruit juice every other day. The AAP suggests no more than 4-6 oz of juice every day and there is no need for whole milk after the first year.

I would start offering more water. Even if he just takes a sip or two at first. My son did that and he gradually starting drinking more. Now, it's not even an issue.

And use the doctor's nurses' line if you can - they are usually quite helpful!

GL!

Kids ages 2 and up should only get 2 servings (cups) of dairy daily. That includes cheese, yogurt, etc. Most kids get way too much. Switch to 2% or skim milk - we use skim milk - now. As for juice, he doesn't need it. It's sugar-water. Most juice, even the 100% kind, have more sugar than sodas with a bit of vitamin c added to trick you to think it's healthy. It's not. It's a special treat - I'd say give juice once or twice a week at most.

The best think drink-wise you can do with your son is to give him water. Ice water, room temp water, whatever. If he doesn't develop a taste for it now, it will be very hard for him to get to like it later (once he's gotten too used to sweeter juice). My kids will ask for water at birthday parties when all their school-age friends are drinking soda. Two of my kids don't even like juice, the other does but understands it's a special treat thing.

Many recent studies show that toddlers don't need the fat from cow's milk for brain development. It's MUCH better to make sure he is getting omegas fatty acids from fish, avacado and other sources. Or take a good supplement. Whole milk has too much fat (of the wrong kind) and kids should stop drinking it once they turn 18-24 months.

I would definitely keep him on whole milk. He does need the fat for brain development. As far as the juice, I would gradually stop that, and change to plain water and let him have as much water as he wants. Give him fruit instead for snacks. He won't eat too much fruit.

Is there another doctor in your area who is not booked out too far? New doctors just starting practice are usually available and sometimes very good. Otherwise, any pediatric practice should have nurses available for questions. I would call your doctors office and ask ANY questions that you have. It is not good to have to wait months for basic questions to be answered.

My son turned 2 in June also. He drinks 3 cups of skim milk a day. I was told that he didn't need all the extra fat and calories in the whole milk. I also let him drink as much water he wants through out the day. Juice and yogurt drinks I let him have every other day or so since they don't need the extra sugar.

Is he drinking any water at all? Juice intake is a hot topic right now, but so long as you are limiting it and making sure he drinks water, as well, I don't see any harm in 4-6 oz of real juice a day. Our rule is that my daughter has to drink a cup of water between each cup of milk or juice.

If your son is at least of normal weight and height...and eats a variety of healthy foods...then you can certainly switch to lower fat dairy products. We never did whole milk, but my daughter ate plenty of whole yogurt and cheese.

It is possible that he isn't eating as much as he could be if he is drinking a lot, but you have to be the judge of that. You can trying limiting liquids an hour or so before meals to see if it affects how much he eats.

Kids NEVER need juice. I would cut it out all together. Watered down or not kids shouldn't have it. I agree with my pediatrician that we need to address the rising obesity rate amongst children in this country. I do not do juice, fruit snacks, and other food with a high sugar content.
As far as milk is concerned. I think that each pediatrician have there own opinions and recommendations. Personally, my daughter is 14 months and on skim milk. I do not feel as though she needs all of the fat in whole milk, especially since she gets it in other foods.
Also, have you thought to have your son put on an office waiting list in case someone cancels?

He is ready for 2%. If he is eating a well rounded diet, he should be getting the vitamins and minerals he needs from fruits, veggies and protein sources. From the time my son (who is now 4) switched from the bottle/formula to a cup/milk, I have adopted this plan. He drinks 2% organic milk (approx 6-8oz) with breakfast and dinner, and water with lunch. He can have one small - like 4-6oz glass of 100% juice for a snack, but nothing else. He drinks water constantly, and often asks for it over anything else! The earlier you can get him started on water - the better off he'll be! I mean really, nobody ever needs to drink soda (adults included)! Although I will say to the defense of juice, most adults enjoy a glass of oj with their breakfast, and if you can give your child a responsible serving of 100% juice, there is nothing wrong with that. We can't be too constrictive with what we serve our kids, else they will sneak it when they are able.....

And a side note, I'd find a new pediatrician if there is one available. I think a doctor is a service that we pay for - and you shouldn't have to wait like that for something like a well visit. These visits usually last no more than 5 minutes with the actual doctor, the nurse does 99% of the visit!! If there is another reputable pediatrician in your area that your insurance accepts, I'd switch!!

Good luck with everything, I hope this helps!