I breastfed my 1yr old child, and want to wean her. She is allergic to cow's milk - what can I wean her to?

Question

She cannot go straight to whole milk, obviously. I have looked into soy milk, but it does not provide the same amount of fat or calories that whole cow's milk does. Since that is the primary reason to give a child whole milk instead of 2% or skim, I'm not sure that soy milk is the answer. I am waiting on a return call from my pediatrician, but would love to hear from any other parent who has been in a similar situation. Thanks!

Answer 1

Soy milk is a reasonable substitute for children allergic to cow's milk, if you are unhappy with soy for one reason or another, you may also wish to try an elemental formula such as nutramigen, alimentum or progestimil. You must however be careful about substituting goat milk as others have suggested. While this is a common suggestion, it can be dangerous if not done with care. It is lower in Vitamin D, B12 and folate and therefore people who choose goat's milk as an alternative for weaning MUST supplement to avoid significant and medically concerning deficiencies. Fat or calories can easily be made up in other food groups.
Good luck with weaning, this can be a difficult time for mothers,
robnshrn
Pediatric MD

Answer 2

What is the rush for weaning, why not just pump your breast and start to wean her off over a period of time...as she gets older she may tolerate other foods. You can try soy, goat milk if you think that you don't want to do the breast milk thing anymore. But I personally think that the best milk for human babies, is human milk. I breast fed my children for varying lengths based on my child's wants, my son breast fed until he was over 2, my middle daughter only for about 9 months, because she did not want it, and my third child- she breast fed for about 1 1/2 yrs. I did not have to really work at weaning, the kids did it naturally. But, the decision is ultimately up to you, listen to your pediatrician for sound advice.

Answer 3

Soy milk is fine if she will drink it. She can get calories from other foods.

Answer 4

There is always Soy milk.Other new "milk" products are out there in the marketplace now also.

Answer 5

Please do some research on the advantages of nursing past the age of 12 mos. One year is not a magic age at which a child can suddenly handle giving up the bottle or breast. I used to believe this.
I formula fed my first child (breast for 5 days). I was told he needed to be off the bottle and formula at 12 mos. I started working on this at age 11 mos. and tok the bottle away completely at age 12 mos. He did fine, but I have grown up alot and done years of extensive research on this subject.
I weaned my second child from the breast to the bottle (formula) at nine mos. I let him decide when to give up the bottle although I did switch to cows milk at 12 mos. He self weaned from the bottle at 15 mos.
My youngest children are a set of twins! I breastfedt them both! I decided that I was not going to wean them, but let them decide when they felt the time was right. One of them self weaned at 15 mos, and the other was 18 mos. I was giving them juice and water in bottles so I think the bottle helped them to wean faster. I was no longer worried about "breaking the bottle habit". I let them do that when THEY were ready. I had LOTS of people (including strangers) who told me how my kids were too old for bottles. I just didn't let it bother me. Human babies have a strong NEED to suck, and it doesn't magically end at 12 mos. of age. Most children have this need until around age 2 (some age 3+). To deny a child to suck (breast, bottle, pacifier, etc.) can cause serious emotional and phsycological problems. I allowed my twins to keep their bottles until I started noticing that they were more of a habit than a need. Around age 2 1/2 I got out the trash can and let them throw away all the bottles, nipples, and bottle rings. Then we carried the trash bag out to the garbage. We then took a trip to the store to pick out some new big boy cups (they were already using sippy cups, but got to pick some out new ones). Later, when they asked about having a bottle they were reminded that they threw them in the trash and got new cups cuz they are big boys now, and that was that. It was sooo easy. There was no crying, no sleepless nights, etc. They were ready.
I forgot to mention that when they stopped nursing I started them on Infamil Toddler formula, which I continued to use until they were 3. Now (3 1/2yrs) they drink skim milk.
I hope this helps. Just be sure you make the transition as easy as possible for your daughter. And most of all don't worry about what anybody else says.....It's none of their business!!!! What matters is your daughter, not them! Do whatever is best for the both of you (yourself and baby), just be sure and do your research so you can see the pros and cons of weaning.

Answer 6

Goat milk

Answer 7

Soy milk start with half breast milk and soy then just go full soy

Answer 8

take your baby to an allergist first. i give my son soy milk and it is just as fortified and fatty as whole milk.

Answer 9

there is special formula for kids who are allergic to cows milk. it is very fortified and is supposed to be really good. i'm sure your doctor can be more specific though!

Answer 10

cow's milk is bad for you anyways. you dont need all that fat and crap. my son is on soy formula and he is fine. thats why they make it.