May 23, 2014 • Posted by Brea Buffaloe
We often hear that milk helps children grow big and strong. It’s filled with nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin D. Parents often wonder, “Why can’t my baby drink milk before 12 months of age?” The short answer is because babies need breast milk.
Cow’s milk does not contain many of the nutrients that breast milk does such as various hormones, omega-3s and white blood cells. Substituting cow’s milk for breast milk can also cause anemia. Cow’s milk makes it difficult for babies to absorb iron. Since babies have an iron deficiency for approximately 6-9 months, it is important that iron be replenished. The protein and sodium in cow’s milk may also be difficult for your baby to digest.
Although directly giving babies cow’s milk before 12 months isn’t recommended, cooking with small amounts of milk is considered safe given there are no allergies. These foods will not eliminate formula or breast milk as the main source of nutrition. Cooking milk also breaks down the lactose that makes it difficult to digest. Cheese is safe at 8 months of age and yogurt is safe at 6 months.
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 /3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup carrot purée
1/2 cup apple purée
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Put the egg, oil, yogurt, milk, and purées into the work bowl of the Cuisinart Baby Food Maker. Process for 10 seconds to blend.
Add the dry ingredients and pulse three times. Scrape the bowl and pulse three times again to fully incorporate all ingredients. Allow batter to rest for about 5 minutes before using.
Prepare waffles according to waffle maker’s instructions using approximately 1/3 cup of batter per waffle.