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Can I give my baby cow’s milk before age 1?

Parenting Perspective

Cow’s milk must not be used as a primary beverage prior to the age of one. It does not contain sufficient fundamental nutrients such as iron, vitamin E, and fatty acids that are essential to the development of infants. Cow’s milk also causes inflammation of a baby’s kidneys and intestines, which elevates the chances of anaemia or digestive discomfort. Small quantities of cow’s milk can be added in cooking or baking from six months, but not as a substitute for breastmilk or formula. For one-year, whole cow’s milk can be added as part of a well-balanced diet, if the child is consuming a variety of iron-containing foods. Until that time, breastfeeding or formula should be the main source of nutrition. Parents must observe medical guidelines, so the baby gets its proper nutritional intake at this stage of development.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 66: ‘And indeed, in the cattle there is (empirical) learning for you; We (Allah Almighty) facilitate your drinking (that liquid) which is extracted from their bellies; (being produced by a system) between the excretory and the cardiovascular system, appetising pure milk easily for those who drink it.’ Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2) Verse 233, ‘And the (divorced) mothers may breastfeed their children for two complete years, for whoever wishes to complete the (period of) breastfeeding (for the baby)…’ It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2340, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.’ These references support the blessing of milk but also imply responsibility in ensuring it is used in a manner that benefits, not harms, the child, especially in early development.

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