“Breast milk is the natural first food for babies providing adequate calories, minerals, vitamins and all nutrients for the initial months of life. Babies who are breastfed within the first hour after birth get essential antibodies and nutrients at the earliest stage.

While the significance of breast milk in newborns has been well-documented, it also becomes important to highlight that milk and all other dairy products in general are the primary source of calcium and vitamin D in children below the age of  ten. Not only does milk consumption give your kids strong and healthy bones throughout their lives, but also aids their overall development resulting also in healthy teeth and rehydration. Among foods that contain Vitamin D naturally, milk is one of the prime and easily available ones. Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation and improve immune system and metabolism. Surprisingly, many do not know that the right intake of calcium during infantry even reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis in near future. Carbohydrates and phosphorus present in milk energize your child to remain active, protein helps in body tissue repairing and Vitamin B-12 helps in maintaining the healthy red blood cells and nerve functioning. And the list can go on and on.

Milk gives your children 16+ essential nutrients that act as building blocks for healthy bodies and minds. No other beverage has been clinically proven to be as beneficial for infants. In general, the ideal amount of milk for your kid to drink daily depends on factors like age, height, weight, and levels of lactose intolerance.  Despite common wisdom prevalent about the long-term health benefits of milk, there are many children nowadays who can’t or won’t consume dairy products or their daily glass of milk, and would do anything to skip it. For such cases, make your child a milkshake by adding fruits, or you could even add a touch of strawberry or chocolate syrup (but be mindful in choosing ones with less sugar).

For lactose intolerant children, consumption of calcium-fortified juices, breads and cereals, and serving green leafy vegetables with all meals should be seen as a priority” – Says Dr. Krishan Yadav, HOD Neonatology, Paras Bliss Hospital, Panchkula