There comes a point where every parent has to decide when to introduce their child to cow's milk. The challenge is that a baby's digestive system is often not really ready for cow's milk until they reach their first birthday. Even if a baby's digestive system could successfully process cow's milk, cow's milk does not have all the vitamins and minerals that a baby needs for growth and development in the first year. In fact, according to some pediatric experts, giving a baby cow's milk might potentially contribute to the development of an iron deficiency as well as possible internal bleeding. No less important is the fact that an allergic reaction could potentially develop, too. That said, there will come a point when introducing your baby to cow's milk will make a lot of sense and be an important step in the right direction.

Cow's milk has been shown to provide protein that can help encourage growth for your baby. In addition, cow's milk provides a lot of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates will give your baby a lot of strength and energy. Another important benefit stems from the fact that if your child gets enough calcium from the time they are very young, there is a very good chance that your baby will have lower risk of high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer, and hip fractures.

In terms of how to get your baby into drinking cow's milk, you might want to try giving your baby a little bit of cow's milk. Maybe just a few tablespoons and wait to see if your baby asks for more. You can mix it with some cereal or another appropriate food item. And remember, just because your baby is drinking his or her own cow's milk from a cup does not mean that you need to stop nursing your baby. Most medical experts recommend that you ensure that the breast milk is not your baby's primary source of nourishment. Remember, your baby has grown to where more is needed insofar as nutrients and vitamins and minerals.

Here's the bottom line: cow's milk plays an important role in helping your baby develop into a healthy toddler. It's great that you're taking an interest in figuring out when and how to make this important transition.

Your baby is the center of your life; you and your spouse are devoted to raising and providing for your new son or daughter. Once your baby reaches four to six months of age, some solid foods may be introduced in his or her diet. Recommended foods include the following:

a) cereals and grains: rice, oat, barley
b) fruits: bananas, avocado, apples, pears
c) vegetables: sweet potatoes, green beans, acorn/butternut squash
f) protein and dairy: avoid at this age

You and your spouse are worried, however, because you suspect that your baby may be a picky eater. You are concerned that you baby might not be getting enough nutrients every day. Follow these tips to help your baby develop healthy eating habits.

Tip One: Remember that you toddler might be displaying signs of picky eating as a means of gaining control and independence. Be patient with your child.

Tip Two: Feed your baby a variety of healthy foods. Offer your baby a new food and allow him time to try it out on his own terms.

Tip Three: Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to offer your baby wholesome and healthy foods, but it is your baby's responsibility to decide whether or not to eat those foods.

Tip Four: Your baby will never starve herself so try to relax about how much foods she eats and keep offering healthy choices.

Tip Five: Your toddler's appetite will change on a regular basis. His likes and dislikes of foods will change often, too.

Tip Six: If your toddler is teething, she has very sore gums and may not wish to chew much food. She may lose her appetite for a few days, then the normal appetite returns.

Tip Seven: If your child is busy entertaining herself by exploring the rug or a new cloth book, she might be upset if you remove her from her "play" and sit her down in the high chair to eat.

Tip Eight: Remember that babies go through natural growth spurts. During a period of rapid growth, your baby will be very hungry. Babies who are not experiencing a growth spurt will typically be less hungry.

Tip Nine: Your baby's appetite will decrease as he ages and becomes less dependent on breast milk or formula for his nutrition. Less food is required at this stage to support healthy growth and development.

Tip Ten: Give your baby control of her eating. Consider if you are still spoon-feeding your baby that she might be at a stage where she would prefer to feed herself and control what foods she eat.