OP here. Thanks to everyone but this dickhead for your input. We actually do have a family history of lactose intolerance, hence my actually paying a bit of attention to this. We do send formula with her every day, along with all her meals; I didn't even know that the daycare giving her milk was an option, as they don't provide meals, so hadn't even thought to be on the lookout for this. I do tend to agree that if she's taking it fine it's probably not the biggest deal in the world, but do still think it's weird they would do this without asking us first. I sent a note to my pediatrician to get his thoughts, as I know it's not like a magic line in the sand right at 12 months but would like to follow his guidance. Will hopefully be able to just chalk this up to "no daycare is perfect and she's happy and healthy so oh well." |
Hi there. I see your child is only 11 months old therefor it is not recommended he or she start cows milk yet. I recommend talking directly with your childs provider and share your concerns with that person. Let them know that your child is not old enough for milk yet and that it is not allowed and that when your child is old enough you as the parent will start giving child milk at home first to make sure theres no allergic reaction before allowing it at daycare. the provider should be understanding about your needs for your child. |
Daycare owner here and yes, your daycare messed up. They should’ve communicated to you that they would be switching her to Cow milk. It could’ve been an oversight or if it was intentional on their part they made an assumption. Have them take her off milk and if you have special milk you will need to provide it every day. They probably participate in the federal meal program and might be receiving funds for kids participating. |
As a home daycare provider I would never have done this without talking with you about it first, especially if you were still providing formula. Often there is no issue with them starting at 11 months, but most make the switch between 12 -16 months. Many have loose bowel movements for a bit while transitioning from formula to milk, so something to keep an eye on. I would communicate there is a history of lactose intolerance in the family and that you would like to consult with her doctor before any more milk is offered. While no daycare will be a perfect match, making the decision to make the switch before usual without saying anything, may indicate they undermine your parenting. |
I'd be pissed at a daycare. If it were a clueless relative or something, I'd be less annoyed, but the Day Care should be much more careful about ages and family preferences. I was that zucchini bread friend. (But I did serve real zucchini bread for the grownups. Everyone was offered a clearly labeled choice and most chose unsweetened for their babies and toddlers.) FWIW, my older kids now find most bakery/typical birthday treats too sweet so eat just a little even though they're allowed whatever. They also give away their Halloween candy. |
The “no cow’s milk before 1” thing means “don’t substitute cow’s milk for formula/breast milk before 1.” It doesn’t mean “no dairy shall pass a child’s lips before their first birthday.”
IF your child has been eating cheese, yogurt, pancakes, waffles or other things made of/with milk with no problem, and IF by “starting milk” you mean they’re providing it with solid food, but not as a substitute for formula/pumped milk, then I don’t think it’s a problem. But if your child has a history of reactions to dairy (that they know about), and you asked them not to start milk just yet, then I’d be pissed. |
There is a greater chance of food allergies if you start solids before 6 and cows milk before 1. |
This guidance is outdated. Now it’s the earlier the better for introduction of possible allergens. |
Clearly did not pay enough attention because you should've notified the daycare of this concern beforehand... |
I'm that zucchini bread friend. Your point...? Sugar is pretty much the worst thing a person can eat and Americans get way too much of it. What does a one year old need a cupcake for? |
This! I would wonder what else they’re doing. For example are they giving babies honey? Uncut grapes? This is red flag for sure. |
That is weird, especially since they don't serve meals. I think it's pretty general knowledge that cow's milk isn't recommended before 1 year. I get that a year isn't magic, but I'm surprised that a daycare would (1) not be aware of the recommendation; or (2) be aware of it and flout it without consulting the parent.
To be clear I don't have a concern with anyone deciding to give their kid milk at 11 months. So in isolation I wouldn't freak out. But if it's part of a general trend of your daycare doing things that are not in line with medical guidance, especially without your knowledge, I would be concerned. |
Oh, yay. You're here. Shouldn't you be waiting on your children hand and foot, not playing on the computer? |
Daycare owner here again. The daycare should have notified the parent before switching over. This really isn’t about her being a type a, helicopter mom or whatever other label you want to give her. The daycare was wrong and they messed up. Some parents don’t care and they would gladly give their kids cow milk at 10 months, some only want to do soy milk but the daycare should have told the parent before the change there was a big miscommunication here. |
We don’t drink cows milk but I told our daycare this up front. I’d be irked if they gave it to her after I told them that but if not I’m not sure why you would be annoyed. |