When it comes to feeding your baby, every parent wants to make the best decisions for their family. But with so many food trends—like raw milk—it’s easy to feel confused about what’s truly safe for your little one.
Raw milk, or unpasteurized milk, has recently been marketed as a "natural" and healthier alternative. Some people choose raw milk due to unsupported claims that raw milk contains beneficial bacteria, helps with allergies and asthma, supports bone health or is nutritionally superior to pasteurized milk, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends against consuming raw milk, based on scientific evidence. In reality, raw milk can pose serious health risks, especially for babies and infants. In this blog, we’ll explore why raw milk is dangerous for young children, how it can affect their health, and the recommended milk and liquids you can feed your baby. Because let's face it—parenting is hard enough without worrying about the safety of every meal your baby eats. Let’s dive in!
The Dangers of Raw Milk for Infants
First things first. Whether you’re considering raw milk or pasteurized milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that cow’s milk not be used at all during the first year of baby’s life due to babies’ sensitive digestive systems.
The AAP strongly recommends pasteurized milk once your child is ready for it, and warns against feeding raw milk due to serious health risks associated with it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, raw milk can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can lead to serious conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and even hospitalization. In some extreme cases, raw milk infections can result in long-term health issues, including kidney failure or death. The FDA specifically warns against giving raw milk to young children due to these risks.
Understanding Pasteurization: Why It’s Essential
Pasteurization isn’t just a fancy word for heating milk—it’s a proven safety measure designed to protect you and your baby. By heating the milk to a specific temperature for a set period, pasteurization destroys bacteria while leaving the milk’s nutritional value largely unaffected. The FDA, along with organizations like the CDC and AAP emphasizes the importance of pasteurization as a critical safeguard against milkborne illnesses.
The reason milk needs to be pasteurized is because it is easily contaminated. Here are some of the ways raw milk can become contaminated, according to the AAP:
- From animal poop– which can come from bird droppings or an animal’s skin.
- In the barn, on milking equipment, or in the milk processing plant.
- When an animal has an infected udder, also called mastitis, or a disease such as bovine tuberculosis.
- Germs from insects, rodents, and other small animals.
- Through dairy workers such as from dirty clothing or boots.
Myth-Busting: Does Pasteurization Kill Nutrients?
The most important nutrients—calcium, protein, and vitamin D—remain unaffected by the pasteurization process. While certain nutrients, like vitamin C, may decrease slightly during pasteurization, milk is not a significant source of vitamin C in the first place. So, when you choose pasteurized milk, you are still giving your baby all the goodness they need—without the risk of harmful bacteria.
Can bird flu be spread through raw milk?
The bird flu (avian flu) outbreak is closely being followed by both the CDC and FDA. The bird flu has spread from birds to dairy cows and has been found in cats who died after drinking raw milk from an infected cow. These recent developments have caused health officials to continue to recommend against consuming raw milk. There is no evidence that bird flu can be spread through pasteurized milk or infant formula, so these products are still considered safe.
Safe Liquids for Your Little One
If you’re looking for safe and nutritious options for your baby, here’s what you need to know:
- Breast Milk: This is easy for baby to digest and contains almost all the nutrients they need. The AAP recommends supplementing Vitamin D.
- Infant Formula: This is carefully regulated and designed to meet all of your baby’s nutritional needs.
- Pasteurized Milk (For Toddlers 12+ Months): Once your baby is 1 year or older you can introduce whole pasteurized milk as part of a balanced diet.
Tips for Choosing the Right Milk
Not sure where to start? Look for milk labeled as pasteurized and avoid farmer’s market or local raw milk unless it’s certified pasteurized.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Safe, Keep It Simple
When it comes to feeding your baby, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. But when it comes to milk, the decision is clear: skip the raw milk and opt for options that prioritize safety. By choosing breast milk, formula under age one, and pasteurized milk or plant-based alternatives for toddlers and children, you’re ensuring your little one gets the nutrients they need—without unnecessary risks.
Parenting is about balancing what feels right with what science tells us is safe. Raw milk may seem appealing in theory, but the potential dangers make it a risky choice for babies and infants.
Want to learn more about navigating nutrition and feeding milestones? Tinyhood offers expert-led classes to guide you through every step of the parenting journey.
