Ready for Cow's Milk???

I think it's OK to go ahead and introduce it. However... depending on how he likes it, you might need to buy more formula. I suggest mixing formula with whole milk and taking it slow. 3/4 formula to 1/4 milk, then 1/2 and 1/2, then 1/4 to 3/4. It will be a smoother transition for his tummy and his taste buds. Also, sometimes pediatricians recommend continuing formula past 1 year for formula fed babes, in addition to starting cow's milk. So, I wouldn't cut it out all together. You might want to go ahead and buy one more tub. They have advanced formula for big kids.

I put one of my childeren on cows milk at six mths old. her doctor said it depeands on the baby. If she took to it then it would be alright.Good luck.
S.

I think you should be ok givig it to him. Alternate the formula with the milk that way he gets used to the taste of the milk.

Everyone pretty much covered your question, but I only noticed one person who said mix it...I would try that before using up all your formula just to make the transition a little easier. And... the whole milk is not only about extra calories, it's about the fat. Until 2 their brains need fat to continue developing and although 2% is probably going to be fine, I would do whole if you can, just my opinion!! ;)

My daughter stopped nursing at 10 months and wanted absolutely nothing to do with formula. The doc said to go ahead and put her on cow's milk- just make sure that it's whole milk! You may want to try one of the fresh farm milks- like Shatto Milk (that's my kids' favorite). Also, if you're still worried, goat's milk is closer to a human's milk, than cow's milk- so if you're really worried about it, go with goat's milk. But, really... we just used plain old cow's whole milk starting at 10 mos and she's 3 1/2 and perfectly healthy!

No, I would say that 2 weeks is not gonna make much difference, BUT I would buy some formula and start first with half and half and then work your way up to straight milk.

2 wks wont make a difference, my son was a month shy of turning 1 when we started him on whole milk, and he was still being breastfed. Try mixing half and half the formula and milk until the formula is gone so you wont waste it.

I don't think two weeks makes a difference. However, do make sure you switch to WHOLE milk until the age of 5. Good luck :)

We switched early too...I wouldn't spend the money for more formula unless you have problems making the transition...just not worth the money. But keep in mind that whole milk will likely make him gassy so have the Little Tummies gas drops ready...I had to take my kids down to 1% to get them to tolerate it...the nurses weren't thrilled but I figured ANY milk was better than no milk and several years later they don't seem to be the worse for wear.

I say finish the formula not to waste it and go to whole milk. Its not like on his 1st birthday he'll magically not be allergic to cows milk if he is now! My husband and i laugh about this with peanut butter and waiting until he's two. We made a huge deal out of giving him a peanut m & m a few dyas before he turned two and I even took a picture so I'd have proof that my husbnad did it! haha... Seriously (I know a peanut allergy is no joke, my best friends daughter has it and hers is very serious). But that all said I think your son is probably fine to switch by now.

Hi - All 3 of my children started on whole milk at around 11 months and they did just fine. Happy Birthday to your son!!

My youngest stopped nursing about two weeks before she turned 1. She never would take a bottle and I was not about to give her formula in a sippy cup. Go for the cows milk and just give him whatever you have. I know that everyone pushes whole milk until they are two but our dr told us that the 2% was just fine since she would drink it better then the whole milk. The only reason they push the whole milk is for the extra calories, the vitamins and everything are all the same. As long as he is getting the calories he needs from all the other foods, the whole milk is really not necessary.

I'd get one more can so you can make the switch gradually. It will disrupt their system if you just all of a sudden switch from one to the other. We had to go with the Next Step for awhile because he wasn't able to drink milk right at the 12 months. It made him ill. Better to be safe and take it slow.

Hi T.!

I switched my second little girl a little before she turned 1. She was fine! I did continue to breast feed her at night too though. I think two weeks won't make a difference. If you are concerned you can always call the dr's office and ask the nurse. Best of luck!!

M.

Switch! Don't waste your money! Use what you have left to mix in with the milk. That made our transition a little easier.

We started ours on cow's milk about a month before they turned one, with our doctors blessing. He had us mix the formula and milk together and decrease the amount of formula every couple of days. So I say this is a perfect time to do the switch!

It should be fine, I have known many people who started much sooner and their kids are as healthy as can be. Go with your gut instinct, it won't steer you wrong.

This might sound silly but cow's milk is for baby cows. My little guy didn't tolerate it at all and we went back and forth with mixing and formula etc. Finally we found soy milk and he does great. I still mix it half with water but it has been a life saver for us.

Hi T.,
My two boys are just over a year old. At 11 months our dr told us we could start whole cow's milk. She suggested using half formula and half milk in their bottles for a couple of weeks. We did the 1/2 and 1/2 mix for only a few days and my boys' never had any issues with transitioning to the whole milk. You could always start mixing the formula and milk and when you run out of formula just use milk and if then your child isn't transitioning as well you could then go buy some more formula to mix in. I wish you well!

not at all. If your not breast feeding the baby anymore its perfectly fine to give the baby cows milk. Make sure its Whole milk!

P. - Preschool teacher

I wouldn't buy more formula. I have 4 kids and I promise a few days isn't going to make a difference. (atleast it didn't with mine)

I wanted to say too, that whole milk is important to give him rather than 2%. I have worked in child care for many years, and we are REQUIRED to give children under two years of age WHOLE milk. They need the good fat for brain development. Other good sources of these good fats are olive oils and avocados, fish, etc. Most people don't get enough of these good fats, so they crave the unhealthy fats. You can mix a little olive oil into anything for him, or let him dip bread into it (when he's able to). Just a side note, I know it doesn't directly answer your question.

I'll make this short and sweet. Cow's milk is for baby cows (calves). I put my son on Next Step and used that for 4 years until his system was more developed. Cow's milk, especially when you have a cold creates mucous. The dairy industry will never tell you that.

i bet he'd be fine. has he tasted it yet? maybe try introducing it a little at a time, maybe mixing it with the formula or something...i bet you could get away without buying any more. i know that stuff is expensive! also yay for you having him on a sippy already! good job mommie!