Milks and formulas for older infants.

Older infants derive a substantial proportion of their nutrient intake from beikost (foods other than milk or formula). Milks and formulas fed to older infants should complement the nutrient intake provided by beikost without unduly stressing the infant's capacity to excrete waste products. Using contemporary data regarding nutrient intakes from beikost, I examined the total nutrient intake of 6- to 12-month-old infants. Nutrient intakes of infants fed beikost plus iron-fortified formulas designed for younger infants are entirely satisfactory. On the other hand, when cow milk is fed together with beikost, infants receive unnecessarily high intakes of protein and electrolytes, resulting in an unduly high renal solute load. Because cow milk is also prone to cause occult intestinal blood loss, it is not considered a suitable feeding for 6- to 12-month-old infants.