Need Milk?: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Generations of families have grown up with cows milk on the table. Although, not everyone can drink it, there are several types of allergies associated with cows milk. Some of those allergies to cows milk include protein allergy and milk intolerance.

Dr. Joe Matusic
Milk is a source, you can get your nutrition from other sources. It's a great source for picky little kids that drink easily.

Dr. Matusic says don't worry if you're among the crowd who's children can't, or won't, drink milk. It's easy to find substitutes for it, and you need to because children need 50-percent of their calories from fat until they are two years old.

Parents may feel pressure from campaigns promoting the product. But the doctor says if your child doesn't go for milk, don't stress about it. It will be ok.

Dr. Joe Matusic
Milk is part of the four food groups. Who invented that? The Dairy Council. We now look at the food pyramid.

Dr. Matusic has seen rare instances when children are given excess amounts of milk, that results in serious medical problems.

Dr Joe Matusic
I've had two kids get transfusions because they got too much milk. It's linked to allergies, asthma, and diabetes because it is a foreign protein. Milk in moderation is a wonderful thing. Milk in excess like any food in excess can be detrimental to your health.

Dr. Matusic recommends switching chilren to whole milk at 12 months. Usually by a tapering method, mixing it in with the formula until it's full strength. He suggests 12 to 20 ounces of milk for children who are one and two years old.