The first six months of your baby’s life are full of wonder — from those first smiles to their curious eyes exploring the world around them. It’s also a critical time to lay the foundation for healthy growth and dairy can be your secret ally!
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, dairy delivers powerful nutrition for both you and your baby during this special stage — and it’s a key part of your child’s first 1,000 days, from conception to their second birthday.
“Dairy is one of the best sources of key nutrients, making it an easy and reliable choice for moms and babies,” says Amanda Crandall, nutrition expert at the University of Michigan.
Dairy and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms, here’s the scoop: adding dairy to your diet can supercharge your little one’s nutrition! When you enjoy calcium-rich dairy foods like milk, cheese or yogurt, you’re passing those essential nutrients right along to your baby — helping build strong bones and a healthy immune system.
Pro Tip: After a feeding session, treat yourself to a yummy dairy snack like Greek yogurt or a slice of cheese. It’s a simple way to recharge your energy while boosting your baby’s growth at the same time!
Dairy and formula-feeding
For formula-feeding parents, good news: many formulas use dairy-based ingredients to deliver the same benefits. Your baby still gets those powerhouse nutrients to thrive, giving you peace of mind that they’re off to a great start.
Learn more about how to make the best nutrition choices during:
This content is sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Learn more at milkmeansmore.org.
Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy.
