For the first 6 months of life, baby’s get the nutrients from their mother’s milk and is sufficient for the growth and development of infants. After 6 months of their life iron becomes a critical nutrient. The estimated daily iron requirement at the age of 6 to 12 months (0.9 to 1.3 mg per kg body weight) are higher than during any other period of life. During this period, they get the iron through infant milk formula and later from solid foods. From 6 months of age all infants should receive a sufficient intake of iron rich foods which may be meat products or iron fortified foods. Breast milk, infant formula, and water should be the only drinks offered after 6 months of age. A wide range of solid foods, including iron containing foods, should be introduced in an age appropriate form from around 6 months of age along with continued breastfeeding.

According to the American academy of pediatrics suggests that breast fed infants should be supplemented with 1mg/kg per day of oral iron. Standard infant formulae contain 12 mg per liter can full fill the needs of iron in infants until the age of 1year. Supplementation of iron through mediations may cause problems in health. Hence better to get iron through diet like iron fortified cereals.

The best food sources of iron are whole grain cereals, pulses, and legumes, liver, egg yolk and fish. And the best plant sources are green leafy vegetables such as radish greens, lotus stems, cauliflower greens, and turnip greens. Fruits such as watermelon, black currants, raisins and dried dates are rich sources of iron. Millets and soya based infant formula are best alternatives for milk because they are rich in iron along with other nutrients.

All the breast fed infants are not tolerated to breast milk because some infants are not able to digest lactose, the sugar present in milk. They do not produce enough enzyme known as Lactase which is used to digest lactose in the milk. This condition is called Lactose intolerance. Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually develop within a few hours of consuming food or drink that contains lactose. They may include bloating, diarrhoea, flatulence and abdominal cramps. The lactase enzyme is needed to break down lactose into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy.

An allergy to cow’s milk and related dairy products affects one in 50 babies and is different to lactose intolerance. Peoples who are allergic to cow’s milk can also be allergic to milk from other animals such as goats, sheep and buffalo. A cow’s milk allergy can cause symptoms such as wheezing and asthma, diarrhoea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. Other reactions include eczema, an itchy rash and rhinitis or inflammation in the nose. In several cases, it can lead to bleeding, pneumonia, and even anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction.

As concern about lactose intolerance and milk allergies widen, a range of substitute milks, such as millet and soya milk, have become available. Milk has long been seen as a healthy drink, because it is high in range of nutrients.

According to medical advice:

. Milk alternatives include soya milk and millet milk are the great sources of nutrients.

. Each type has a different nutritional profile, so it is important to check that all the nutrient requirements are meeting or not.

.Some plant based milk is not suitable for children, but it is possible to consume a balanced diet without dairy products.