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2. Types of Milk
Whole milk is actually 4% milkfat and should be used until age 2. The extra fat
is needed for brain and nervous system development. After age 2, you may
switch to milk with a lower fat content. Milk comes in 2%, 1%, half percent, or
skim milk. You may want to gradually reduce the fat to allow your child to get

used to the flavor.

3. Volume of Milk
Your child shouldn't take more than 24 ounces of milk a day. Milk may suppress

appetite for other foods and your child needs a more balanced diet. Also, too
much milk may tend to constipate some children and cutting back will cure the
problem.

4. Problems with Milk

Some children just don't like milk. They may not like the flavor or they may not
tolerate it. Don't force your child to drink milk. Intolerance may come from a
milk protein allergy or from a lactose intolerance. Lactose is the type of sugar
found in all animal milk sources. Some people become unable to digest this
sugar and subsequently develop gas, diarrhea, or even more severe problems.
This type of intolerance may be helped by drinking a reduced lactose milk such

as Lactaid. Lactaid also makes a 100% lactose free milk as well. Check with

your pediatrician.

B. SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILD'S EATING HABITS
Whether your son or daughter is overweight, undenA^eight or has a healthy
weight, it is never too soon or too late to improve your child's nutrition.
1. How Much Is Too Much?

• Toddlers between the ages of land 3 years can be "picky" for a number
of developmental reasons. After a year of rapid growth toddlers gain
weight more slowly during the next 2 years of life so they need less

food.
• Your child's stomach is about the size of their fist.

• The amount eaten per meal should not be bigger than their stomach.

2. Help Your Child Make Healthy Food Choices.

• Offer a variety of healthy foods.
• The best way to not eat junk food is to not have it in the house,

o Have fruit or vegetables for snacks instead of junk food.
o Eat fruit yourself: children do what they see you do.
• Offering new foods:
o Offer new foods occasionally, and only when your child is hungry,
o Allow your child to look at, touch, smell, lick new foods without

pressure.

o A child may have to see a new food on their plate more than a
dozen times before they decide to try it.

o Don't be a short-order cook: offer what you have prepared for the
family, not a meal made just for them.

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