2006-06-25 12:42:42 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No just wait until the doctor tells you that it is time to switch your child to milk.
2006-06-25 12:44:58 · answer #1 · answered by I love my babies 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Though small amounts of cow's milk are not likely to be a problem for a child in the first year of life, iit is now becoming clear that weaning a breast-r-formula-fed baby entirely to cow's milk before the first birthday is not a good idea. When possible, continue breastfeeding until the end of the first year. When that isn't possible, a reduced-iron infant formula should be the choice. There are several reasons. First of all, cow's milk contains inadequate stores of iron, linoleic acid, and vitamin E, and excessive levels of sodium, potassium and protein. Secondly, the composition of cow's milk may also interfere with baby's absorption of iron from other foods, such as cereals. Thirdly, cow's milk can cause intestinal bleeding in some babies.
Because the nutritional needs of a six month old differ from those of a newborn, ask the doctor about the possibility of weaning your child to one of the formulas designed for older babies.
When you switch to cow's milk at a year, be sure you use whole milk rather than skim (nonfat) or lowfat. Whole milk is usually recommended until age two, although some doctors okay using 2% milk after 18 months.
2006-06-25 20:36:54 · answer #2 · answered by Jade 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you decide to introduce milk, do so gradually.
The first week, do 3/4 formula, one 1/4 milk
Second week, 1/2 formula, 1/2 milk
Third week, 3/4 formula, 1/4 milk
Fourth week, 100% milk
Pediatricians advise waiting until 12 months but, by gradually introducing milk, your baby will almost one by the time you are at 100% milk.
Good luck!
2006-06-25 20:16:56 · answer #3 · answered by lookingtomove 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to wait until your baby is 12 months old before starting on regular milk. If you are having trouble paying for formula there is a gov program called WIC that can help, if you qualify.
2006-06-25 19:46:55 · answer #4 · answered by RN BSN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a good idea to start whole milk until 12 mos. old. There are components in baby formula that are vital to an infants health and growth, including brain developement. If you cannot afford formula, try the W.I.C. (women, infants & children) program. They can help. If you are interested in the program, contact your county health department and they will explain the process. Good luck!
2006-06-25 19:49:21 · answer #5 · answered by paralglmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I gave both my kids ( age 5 and 2) regular milk at 10 months. In my opinion it's just fine to start at that age. My kids are very smart and healthy. Just make sure to buy Vitamin D milk.
2006-06-25 20:18:17 · answer #6 · answered by Emily :) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started when mine were about 10 or 11 months, but be prepared for constipation or diarrhea. But always get your doctor's advice. Your baby's health is not something you should be taking advice from strangers about. Like someone else said, if you're having a problem with the expense of formula, check on the WIC program at your local health department.
2006-06-25 19:57:16 · answer #7 · answered by NannyMcPhee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason infants are given formula until age 1 is b/c the protein level in cow's milk is too high for them and can possibly damage their kidneys. Also the nutruitional value of formula is much greater than cow's milk.
2006-06-25 19:49:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. He's too young. All the protein in milk will be hard on his little body. Wait until you get the Dr's ok at 12 months.
2006-06-25 19:48:54 · answer #9 · answered by 10 pts for me? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - babies should not be given regular milk until they are at least 1 year old.
2006-06-25 22:55:45 · answer #10 · answered by Ms. Princess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋