Dairy in the First 1,000 Days

By Darcy MacLean: UMaine Dietetic Intern with the Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council

As a society, we cherish the early stages of a child’s life. An important part of this time is the nutrition that we provide our children to set them up for long, healthy lives. Specifically, these first 1,000 days, between pregnancy and a child’s second birthday, are vital to nourish brain development and expose children to various healthy foods. Economically, grocery costs are increasing, and it can be overwhelming when trying to provide for your family while also not breaking the bank. Dairy foods are one of the most economical sources of nutrition and provide the most “bang for your buck”.

Brain Health

During a child’s first 1,000 days, the brain is growing faster than at any other time of life. Due to this, pregnant women and children need ample nutrition to fuel development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognized 14 nutrients that affect early brain development. 1 7 of these 14 nutrients can be found in dairy foods, including protein, zinc, selenium, iodine, choline, vitamin B12 and vitamin A.

Strong Bones and Muscles

Musculoskeletal health is vital for all aspects of life and is highly impacted by habits during childhood. Dairy plays a large role in musculoskeletal health, as it includes many important nutrients for bone and muscle growth. Protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium and zinc are found within dairy products and these all relate to bone health. Dairy foods provide more bone-building nutrients than other food groups.

Immune Health

Young children are highly vulnerable to illness. A healthy immune system is so important to aid in keeping this vulnerable group safe and healthy. Immune cells require energy and nutrients to carry out their specific functions. Nutrition is involved in the epithelial barriers, cellular immunity and antibody production. By meeting the daily dairy recommendations protein, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are provided, which nourish the immune system.

Growth and Development

One of the most notable parts of a child’s life is growing up and developing into different life stages. Dairy foods can provide necessary nutrients for healthy projected growth in children. Milk and water are considered the go-to drinks for 1–5-year-olds, as milk provides nutritional value while water provides hydration.

Recommendations for Beginning to Introduce Dairy into a Child’s Diet

0-6 months: Infants should be fed breast milk or formula only.

6-12 months: You can begin to introduce foods like yogurt and cheese to baby, alongside breast milk or infant formula. Other foods can also be introduced.

12 months: Whole dairy milk can be added to baby’s diet.

2-5 years: Milk at meals and water in between.

Dairy is an important part of a child’s diet, however, if a toddler is drinking more than recommended, there can be an impact on their appetite. Increased milk consumption can reduce appetite for solid food, causing the child to miss out on other important nutrients.

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, starting with pregnancy, are extremely important to their overall health within life. There are positive impacts on brain health, bone and muscle health, immune health and overall growth when dairy is emphasized within the diet. To supplement a healthy diet, dairy foods are important and effective, providing many vital nutrients to mother and baby during this time.