Milk and Toddlers
When can I begin feeding my baby cow's milk instead of formula?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants remain on breast milk or formula until one year of age. The academy also advises whole milk, rather than low fat or fat free milk, for children between the ages of 1-2. Babies need extra fat for growth, development and a healthy immune system.
Should I feed my toddler low fat or fat free milk?
Check with your child's doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends whole milk, not lowfat or fat free, between the ages of one and two. Babies need extra fat for growth, development and a healthy immune system. After age two, when a child's food intake becomes more varied, the variety of milk offered becomes less important. It is always important to offer your child a variety of nutritious foods that will support growth and development.
Organic Milk
What is 'organic milk'?
Organic milk is milk that is produced without the use of antibiotics, hormones or pesticides. Specifically, cows are raised on 100% certified organic feed for at least one year before producing certified organic milk. The certified organic feed the cows eat is grown on land that has been pesticide-free for at least three years. The cows are never treated with synthetic growth hormones (rBGH) or antibiotics.
How can you tell that a product is really organic?
Look for the words "certified organic" on the product's packaging. This means that an independent, qualified organization has visited each farm, examined the farm plan and traced the history of all materials applied to the farmland for the past three years. The third-party certification organization also tests the water supply to ensure that the farm is following organic practices, and in addition, inspects the processing plants so that they are certified organic as well.
Is milk still considered 'organic' even if it is homogenized? Why do you homogenize your milk?
Yes. Homogenization does not impact the organic qualities of milk. Homogenization is simply the process of breaking up and dispersing the milkfat throughout the milk, resulting in a smooth, uniform texture. We homogenize our milk so that the butterfat, or cream, does not rest at the top of the milk.
Are the cartons recyclable?
Yes, our half-gallon milk cartons are constructed out of an environmentally-friendly, recyclable opaque paperboard. The Organic Cow uses the safest packaging possible - no harmful chemicals are used. Check your local recycling resources for more information about recycling paperoard.
Gallon containers are made of recyclable #2 HDPE plastic and is recyclable in many communities.
How long can I keep The Organic Cow milk after the date on the carton?
The date on the package is called the sell by date, which means that the product will stay fresh for approximately seven days beyond this date provided that it has been refrigerated properly and remains unopened. Once opened, enjoy within seven days.
