Last Updated on November 22, 2025 by Rod Washington

5 Health Benefits of Whole Milk for Kids

(Family Features) Forget the outdated nutrition advice that told parents to skip whole milk. A growing body of research is turning that idea on its head, making it time to rethink what “healthy” means for growing kids. For decades, families have been told low-fat milk is the best choice once children turn 2. However, those recommendations were largely based on data from adults, not children. Today’s evidence paints a different picture – one where whole milk supports kids’ growth, development and long-term health. “Parents are often surprised to learn whole milk isn’t just safe – it’s beneficial,” said Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition consultant and spokesperson for Dairy Farmers of America. “When we look at the latest research, whole milk provides the high-quality protein, healthy fats and essential nutrients kids need during key stages of development – without increasing risk for obesity or heart disease.” With 13 essential nutrients and vitamins – including calcium, vitamin D and protein – real dairy milk is a simple, nutrient-dense staple. It’s also an easy addition to family favorites like Breakfast Cookies and Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup. Here are five research-backed reasons to feel confident about choosing whole milk. Whole milk is not associated with higher obesity rates. Multiple large-scale studies from “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” the “International Journal of Obesity” and “Preventive Medicine Reports” show children who drink whole milk have lower or similar body fat levels compared to those drinking reduced-fat milk. Whole milk does not increase risk of heart disease. According to “Advances in Nutrition,” whole milk does not increase cardiometabolic risk in kids; in fact, it’s associated with better vitamin D levels with no adverse effects on cholesterol or glucose. It’s nutrient-dense and supports optimal growth. All types of milk, including whole, provide essential nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamins A and D – all critical for bone development and healthy growth in children, per “Nutrition Research Reviews.” Kids like the taste – and that matters. Children often prefer the taste of whole milk over low-fat versions, according to the “Journal of Dairy Science,” which can lead to more consistent consumption. Adults may benefit, too. Among adults, full-fat dairy is associated with greater satiety, improved blood sugar regulation and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in “Nutrition & Metabolism,” helping reframe full-fat dairy as part of a balanced diet. Learn more at DFAMilk.com.

Breakfast Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 12 Cookie Base:

• 2 1/2    cups old-fashioned oats
• 3/4       cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3       cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       cup butter, melted
• 1/2       cup whole milk
• 1          egg
• 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In large bowl, stir oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In medium bowl, stir butter, milk, egg and vanilla until well mixed; add to oat mixture. Stir until combined and evenly moistened.
3. Drop 1/4 cup dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Slightly flatten dough with hand.
4. Bake 15-17 minutes, or until lightly browned, firm to touch and baked through. Move to wire rack to cool.
5. Variations: Add maple syrup and crumbled bacon; sliced almonds, dried cherries and almond extract; semisweet chocolate chips and banana pieces; or peanuts and peanut butter.

Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2       medium white onion, chopped
• 1 1/2    teaspoons finely chopped garlic
• 1          can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1          tablespoon parsley flakes
• 1/4       teaspoon baking soda
• 1          tablespoon roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 2-3       cups milk
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

1. In 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil; add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, parsley and baking soda. Cook until mixture comes to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 10 minutes. Stir in basil and honey.
2. Stir in milk to reach desired consistency. Cook over medium-high heat until heated through, 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.

SOURCE: Dairy Farmers of America

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Last Updated on November 16, 2025 by Rod Washington

(Family Features) The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but it can often bring stress for parents of young children with the amount of “newness” in each experience, particularly when it comes to seasonal travel.

To help make holiday travel with little ones more manageable – whether traveling by bus, train, car or plane – Dr. Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatric medical consultant for Gerber, offers this guidance for families.

Travel Light
Especially if traveling by plane, pack as light as possible (or check most of your luggage) so you have less to maneuver through security gates and on the plane. However, for longer trips, packing small, developmentally appropriate toys and snacks can provide perfect entertainment for little ones.

Prepare for Ear Pressure
Babies often scream during takeoff and landing on flights because they can’t easily equalize the pressure in their eustachian tubes, the connection between their ears and the back of the throat. When you’re ascending and descending, give your baby something safe to suck on, like a pacifier, to reduce the buildup of pressure in the ears. Taking small sips of water, breastmilk or formula and yawning are also ways to help babies and toddlers experiencing ear pressure during flights.

Plan for Time Adjustments
For long trips that include time zone changes, expect children to take several days to grow accustomed to their new schedules. Plan an extra day or two for that time adjustment, if possible, when mapping out your trip and make time for stops to stretch, snack and take bathroom breaks.

Pack Convenient Snacks
Having easy-to-access snacks that don’t make a large mess can make travel easier and less stressful. For example, Gerber Plant-Tastic Banana Berry & Veggie Smash with Oats Organic Pouch and Plant-Tastic Lil’ Crunchies White Bean Hummus are nutritious snacks for toddlers that come in resealable containers that are easy to pack for on-the-go families.

Bring Sanitizing Products
Having your own sanitizing wipes on-hand makes it easier to freshen up often-touched surfaces in public spaces like seatback trays, chairs and tables. While safe on most hard surfaces, check the label before using the wipes then allow the area to dry completely before letting your child touch it. Warm, soapy water can also be used to clean toys and other personal products.

Maintain a Consistent Schedule
Keeping your child on his or her normal schedule during the holidays isn’t always feasible and a few imperfections are to be expected during the busy season. However, if your baby’s feeding or sleep schedule does get thrown off by holiday events, try to return to a consistent routine as soon as possible. Be patient with yourself and your little one as you both adjust.

Be Mindful of Anxiety
While attending holiday gatherings, your child may become overwhelmed when meeting new people, including family members. Babies start to develop separation anxiety and apprehension to strangers at about 6 months old as their brains start to understand the concept of object permanence (that something still exists when it is not present). Educating loved ones about this developmental stage can help you feel less anxious about big family gatherings with your little one. If your child is particularly sensitive, try introducing new people in smaller cohorts, as opposed to introducing him or her to the whole group at once.

Take Time for Yourself
While traveling with little ones can be a “bumpy road,” it’s important for parents to also try and enjoy the holidays as much as possible. Making some time for yourself – taking deep breaths, listening to a meditation on an option like the Calm app or playing a favorite song, for example – can help you recharge and relax ahead of a big event.

To find more expert tips and resources to help conquer the holiday season, visit Gerber.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Gerber

Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Become a Halloween Hero

(Family Features) If you participated in trick-or-treat adventures as a child, you’re part of a long tradition for millions of children. This year, you can teach your own children or grandchildren what it means to become a Halloween hero. As the longest running youth engagement campaign in the U.S., Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has taught generations about the power they have to make a difference for the world’s children. The program got its start in 1950 when a handful of kids in Philadelphia collected change in milk cartons ($17 that first year) to help children in post-World War II Europe. Over the years, the campaign grew into millions of children bringing little orange boxes with them on Halloween night to collect coins while trick-or-treating. Generations later, kids have raised nearly $200 million for lifesaving programs for children around the world, providing health care, nutrition, emergency relief and more. In honor of its 75th year, a month-long initiative is engaging partners and supporters with multiple options for giving. “For 75 years, the little orange box has inspired generations to turn Halloween into something bigger,” said Shelley Diamond, chief marketing officer, UNICEF USA. “Today, whether through online fundraisers or family friendly activities, we encourage the young – and the young at heart – to put some meaning in their Halloweening all October long.” Donations go to critical, flexible funding that can be used to help children when and where they need it most. The majority of funding goes directly to programs that provide children with essentials like safe water, education and vaccinations against deadly childhood diseases. Funding makes a meaningful difference in everyday lives. Each $1 donation could provide a school or community with 30 pencils or two bars of soap. Every $5 can provide water for a child for a full year or ensure five more children can be vaccinated against measles. An $8 donation, less than most fast-food meals, could provide a package of 25 diagnostic tests for malaria. Along with funding critical programs in 157 countries and territories, donations support UNICEF’s humanitarian supply network, which rushes essentials like emergency nutrition, blankets or medicine where they’re needed, often within 24 hours of a disaster or crisis. Visit unicefusa.org/TOT75 to learn how you and the impressionable little ones in your life can participate all month long.   SOURCE: UNICEF