When is it okay to start switching from formula to cows milk?

Question

my son eats cheese and yogurt fine could he be ready for cows milk

Answer 1

After the child is 1 year of age...and not before. This is because of allergies.

Answer 2

The age that regular milk has been recommended for babies has changed over recent decades. Not long ago, 9 months or even 6 months was considered great and many babies who had milk introduced then had no problems.

I agree with the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies get breast milk or formula for the whole first year for a few reasons. Some studies suggest that the early introduction of cow's milk can increase the chances of food allergies and perhaps even of diabetes (especially when diabetes already runs in the family). Also, the formula is richer in nutrients that growing babies need. Those who start cow's milk early, for instance, are more likely to get anemic

Answer 3

At 1 years of age babies (now toddlers) should switch from formula to whole milk, not before 1 year though because their stomachs can't handle the cow's milk proteins. At 2 years of age they should switch again to a lower fat milk such as 2%.

If they're still breastfeeding, no need to stop that if you don't want to, but try to incorporate some whole milk into their diet when they hit the 1 year mark.

Answer 4

Well the doctors tell you to wait untill 12 months at least but i put my daughter on it at 7 months,because she was chunky on the formula..now she's 6 and perfectly fine!
My son is 81/2 months old and i'm going to switch him this week.
I say if he can eat all the different kinds of baby food,he can handle the milk,and if not then i'll just switch him back!

Answer 5

It depends if your child has any milk allergies. If you child is not allergic to cow's milk than you normally try to start them out with 2% Milk and if they can tolerate it try whole milk. As long as they don't throw up the child should be fine. So when the child turns a year old this is when I would try weening him/her off of formula.

Answer 6

When they are a year old, no earlier than a few months before they turn one though. And start off with whole milk because when they begin to walk and get more active, babies burn more calories at that age and you will notice the baby slimming down in the face, so whole milk has vitamin d so unless the doc tells you otherwise, stick with that.

Answer 7

I started mine at about 6 months old. You take it slow . Try 2 oz. the first day and 4 oz the 2nd day and see how the baby somache reacts to it. If it reacts okay contine the 2 oz, a day until you get to 8 oz.
Then try every other bottle of milk

Answer 8

After 12 months, and I would only recommend it if your child eats well balanced meals. Formula has extra nutrient in it that is not found in cow's milk.... and always give them whole milk (4%) until they are older.

Answer 9

I don't know how old he is but they can have regular milk at 12 months. This is a good time to take away the bottle.

Answer 10

I was told by my girls dr not to do this til they are about a yr. I always did this after their 1 yr dr appt. Other wise Ive been told that younger babies can't handle the fat in the whole fat cows milk. Their bodies can't process it. Plus babies that young might be allergic to milk if you give it to them that young.

Answer 11

I started my sons on regular milk at age 1. Be sure to get whole milk, though. Of course, be sure to check with your pediatrician first.