For Growing Bones… Which Milk?

Why Milk?

Check the Nutrient Facts panel on milk cartons to find the benefits. You’ll see several nutrients that everyone in your family needs.

• Calcium and vitamin D for your child’s growing bones and teeth. These same nutrients help your bones stay healthy.
• Protein for building a growing body. It also keeps your body in good repair.
• Vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin.

Offer milk or water to satisfy thirst. Your child needs plenty of fluids to stay healthy, too.

Which milk would you buy? What’s different? What’s the same?

Nutrition Facts on milk cartons can help you make choices for your family. Your child will get the same amount of bone-building calcium no matter what type you pick. Low-fat milk has less fat. If you prefer, look for fat-free (skim) milk.

Which Milk for Your Child?

Starting at age two, children can drink low-fat milk. It’s a good habit for your whole family to learn. Drinking low-fat milk is one way to get less fat, especially saturated fat. That’s healthy!

If you have a child under two years, offer whole milk after breast milk or formula. Babies and toddlers need the fat from whole milk to grow properly.

Change slowly to low-fat milk:

• Switch first from whole to 2% milk. When your child gets used to the flavor, try low-fat milk.
• Try chocolate low-fat milk. The flavor is about the same as in higher fat chocolate milk.
• Offer low-fat milk on cereal and in smoothies. Your child probably won’t notice.

Try this!

Drink milk to protect your bones – and your child will do what you do. The secret to success is having milk in your refrigerator. Have enough for you and your child, too.

Nibbles for Health Nutrition Newsletter for Parents of Young Children, USDA, Food and Nutrition Service