Avoiding Cow's Milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no cow's milk before 12 months old for a variety of reasons. It can cause anemia, tummy upset, eczema, allergies, and there is some evidence that it can even cause diabetes. Once is probably fine -- even a few times -- but it's not a good ongoing plan.

At 4 to 6 months of age, kids can still get all the nutrition they need from breast milk or formula. The solids are mostly for the experience of learning to eat. For kids who are getting 32 ounces a day of formula to drink, using water in the cereal can be fine, as an alternative.

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