Well, I do give my kids cows milk, even though they are BF until after 2, but, while I don't obviously think it is "bad" I do think she should respect your decision not to feed cow's milk - it is not an unhealthy decision by any means:
1) 32 Ounces/day of cows milk can lead to iron-deficiency in toddlers. They should really drink no more than 16-24oz (24 is really pushing it, esp for littler babies) depending on other sources of dairy calcium (cheese yogurt, etc).
2) While calcium is really important, it can be derived from other sources. Vit. D is also very important, of course, but that can be gotten from sunlight or a supplement or whatever, too. Children who are allergic to cow's milk, for example will be perfectly healthy as long as their caregivers are vigilent about making sure they get enough calcium/D. Bottom line: cow's milk is an easy/convenient source of some vital nutrients but is by no means the only source.
Quote:
| In infants, discontinuing iron-fortified formula and introducing cow's milk before 12 months can lead to IDA. Cow's milk is low in the iron necessary for infant growth and development and it often replaces the consumption of iron-rich foods. Milk decreases the absorption of iron and can also irritate the lining of the intestine, causing small amounts of bleeding. This slow, gradual loss of blood in the stool — combined with low iron intake — may eventually result in iron deficiency and anemia. |
Quote:
| Children between the ages of 1 and 3 years are at risk of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia, even though it isn't a period of exceptional growth. Most toddlers are no longer consuming iron-fortified formula and infant cereal, and they aren't eating enough iron-rich foods to make up the difference. Toddlers also tend to drink a lot of cow's milk, often more than 24 ounces a day, an amount that injures the lining of the stomach causing chronic blood loss leading to iron deficiency. |
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/ida.html#
