Myth: Kids Need to Drink Cow's Milk

Parents often insist that their children drink milk, but why? Kids who don't drink cow's milk are just as healthy as those who do, studies show. In fact, research suggests that milk-free kids may be less likely to develop colic, ear infections, and asthma.

The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend cow's milk for children younger than one.

What about getting enough calcium? No problem--there's plenty of the bone-building nutrient in green leafy vegetables, beans, fortified juices, soymilk and many other foods. One notable exception is spinach. The calcium it contains is poorly absorbed by the body.