Is It Ok to Give My 20 Month Old Milk, While He Is Going Through a Cold

Updated on November 18, 2009
M.H. asks from Chicago, IL
19 answers

Yesterday right after taking my son a bath. I gave him some milk, and he throws it all up. Right away he started coughing and it sounded pretty bad. I have not gave him milk until the following day and he throws up again. I know he does not have any milk allergies, does anyone think i should just stop giving him milk until he gets better or what can i replace milk with?

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J.D.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M. Take him in to see his peditrican to see why he keep throwing up the milk, maybe because of the cold the milk isn't settling on his stomach. But his doctor will have the best advice for you. I been told after a child is a year old they don't need milk anyway. Human are the only form of animal after infancy who still drinks milk.

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

When my kids were about 1 1/2, they had the stomach flu. It was awful (and just happened to be the week of vacation in July). They would insist on having milk but by the end of the week my house smelled like spoiled milk even though everything was cleaned up. My husband kept giving them milk for the first few days. I gave them chek chicken broth. I made a batch of soup with extra liquid and they drank the broth. They got the benefit of veggies (though didn't actual eat them) and the chicken stock. This helped and no issue of dehydration and we actually had a day or 2 to enjoy before the week was over. They refused and still do not like the Pedialyte products so I give the broth when they get some kind of bug.

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Whether milk creates phlegm or not is irrelevant. If he is vomiting, it's best to offer him clear liquids instead until he can handle milk and solids again. With vomiting you run the risk of dehydration. With the flu in general you run the risk of dehydration, hence the clear liquids. The recommendation I have always heard is to offer clear liquids and then reintroduce milk and some solids when he's not vomited in 24 hours. If he again vomits, go back to the clear liquids.

Yes, milk provides lots of vitamins and minerals, but that does absolutely no good if he can't keep it down. Moreover, all that vomiting further irritates his tummy.

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M.D.

answers from Peoria on

Unless that is the first time he has had milk the first thing I wouldn't suspect is an allergy. Usually when my kids have colds I try to stay away from milk because it will thicken mucous and make it more difficult for them to clear away the secretions. Push water and a little juice and restart your normal routine in a few days.

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J.T.

answers from Chicago on

At 20 months he should be eating plenty of other things to give him the nutrition he needs, so I would let it go till he feels better. Sometimes milk will produce more phelgm and that could be why he's not tolerating it.

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V.L.

answers from Chicago on

Try to give him fennel tea instead, it is a great remedy for little upset stomachs. You can probably get it at Whole Foods, you can also take fresh fennel seeds and brew them in hot water. It is also great for collicky babies and breast-feeding mothers to drink.

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K.T.

answers from Chicago on

we go through the same issues....dairy triggers phlygm on our little girl...we substitue cheese slices until she is feeling better...evena bit of fruit and yogurt mix might be ok

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

Is he getting the milk in a bottle? Maybe due to his nasal congestion, he is swallowing a lot of air in his tummy. Just use a regular cup and it may improve.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Is it 'okay' to give him milk? Yes. Are other posters correct when they say that dairy (not just milk) products can be mucus producing? Yes. If he is having congestion or phlegm, then you may wish to omit the milk for a few days while the symptoms subside.

I wouldn't worry about the vomiting unless it is something that continues for a period of time. If this were my kid, I'd avoid both milk AND dairy products for a few days and give alternate forms of nutrition that include vitamin D and calcium. Try again in a few days or when any symptoms subside. If after this time period he is asymptomatic then there really is no reason to swear dairy products off for life (I'm not one of those OMG dairy is EVIL! people, but choosing alternate sources during a period of time is fine).

And let's not forget the following:

cheese = dairy
yogurt = dairy

(unless you pick something that is not dairy-based)

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Y.N.

answers from Chicago on

Hey M.,
The reason why our children develop colds is because their bodies do not withhold enough calcium and probiotics. Meaning that our children are not been given the proper vitamins. I have came across a company called Ardyss International and they have nutiritional drinks, tablets and powders for adults and children. My son is known for having a runny nose and a bad cough due to the weather changing. I have given him Le'Vive everyday to strengthen his immune system. Also Coral Calicum supports cardiovascular system, nad breaks up toxins and metals in the body. Also Coral Calicum provides vitamin D to maintain the immune system, also strengthen your bones, skin, hair, nails and teeth. You can check it out on the website: http://www.ardysslife.com/10-Nutricion.aspx?ID=juliet69; I use it for my son and we thought he has a skin infection but its not....his body does not supply the nutirents it needs because he was not recieving the correct vitamins. The milk issue, i would not give him milk until you have seen a change. You could try yogurt, because it is a dairy however, you could consider trying ardyss nutirional products. If you would like to try, feel free to call me if you have any additional questions or concerns. Y. ###-###-####

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J.E.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldnt, milk produces more mucus and if he has a cold with too much mucus why would you want more, he will not be able to get healthy. his immune system is just in over drive and he is gaggin on the mucus and milk in his throat.

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T.T.

answers from Chicago on

milk is a mucous producer, people will say that is a myth, but i think your child just proved that to you...missing milk for a few days to recover will not cause any damage to your child. No one needs to drink milk.

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M.B.

answers from Chicago on

My kids ped has always told me that milk will not produce phlem but it could thicken phlem there. My little guy doesn't like juice so if it was up to not having him drink as much or giving him milk, I would give him the milk. Staying hydrated is very important..If you see him stuggling with the phlem, then I would stop it. Try other liquids first. Good Luck.

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C.T.

answers from Atlanta on

It is very much a myth that milk produces phlem/mucus. And a very detrimental myth that has been passed down. It has been proven in many studies. Fact: Milk does not cause an increase in mucus production. Your son needs nutients and vitamins to fight off a cold, do not withhold milk. A vital source for both. Who's to say the same would not have happened if he had not had the milk. Then what would you blame it on? Read "BabyFacts" a book about all the misconceptions and myths that parents use/follow when raising and caring for their children. You would be surprised about all the myths our parents passed down to us.
Again, Milk does NOT increase mucus production!!! Really, people read the studies. Has been disproven in study after study. "Google" it, it's right there in black and white. This may have been what your grandma told you in the 80's but it was a myth then and is a myth now, a detrimental one. Do not hold back nutrition on a myth.
However, and not related, milk can cause stomach issues. Cause throwing up, diarhea, ect.

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L.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi M.!

My daughter is 32 months and has also been sick. I was told by my doctor not to give her milk because it can cause some stomach upset in children that are already sick. I have cut out the dairy and her digestive issues have subsided. I will reintroduce after she is feeling better. My doctor's advice was during the time kids are sick it is pretty common for them not to eat well, the most important piece was to keep them hydrated. So, I have been giving her water, juice, and sometimes 7up (which has helped settle her stomach).

Personally, if milk is making your little guy sick, I would stop giving it to him until he is well. It doesn't sound like a milk allergy, it sounds like the milk is upsetting his tummy.

Good luck, hope this was helpful!

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

Dairy is mucous producing. My son (also 20 months old) has an ear infection right now. I've taken him off all dairy and have been giving him rice milk. Rice milk is a good substitute.

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

he might have a milk allergy now, they can start at any time. If he wasn't coughing or barfing prior to the milk, and the milk was not sour/bad/spoiled, then I would not give milk for a week and then try milk again and see what happens. Same reaction and there you go, milk allergy. No reaction and just a fluke.

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C.D.

answers from Chicago on

Dairy is really rough on the system while you have the flu. Throwing up milk is not uncommon. Wait for him to fully recover before offering him any dairy products.
Hope your little one feels better soon!

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D.B.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with the last poster. I always stay away from giving my kids milk when they have congested coughs. Stick to juice and water. Honey is great for congestion. Give him a full teaspoon (or more if he doesn't mind) to eat. Honey "grabs" on to the congestion and flushes it away. It works for adults as well.

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