I'm switching my 6 1/2 month old over to milk instead of formula. Have any of you done this?

Question

What steps did u take? did u do it gradually or just jump straight to the milk? also did u give added vitamins or no? I am switching her because WIC is going to Similac and theres no kind of formula close to the enfamil kind she has now. Plus if i switch her to similac in 3 months, she'd be on milk in 3 more months.....just seems like alot of switching to me.

Also i was switched to regualr milk when i was 5 months old due to having problems with other formulas. She has gone through about every kind of formula there is. She doesn't like change very much so this is why i was thinking switching once instead of having to do two different ones

Answer 1

This is not good. Cow's milk (even soy or goat) do not have the necessary nutrients for a human under the age of 1, maybe closer to 11.5 months - but not a 6-7 month old at all.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends NO cow's milk until after the first birthday.

Cow's milk is more specific to a baby cow than a baby human. Cow's milk formula is based on cow's milk but has been engineered to be closer to human milk. Babies who are exposed to plain cow's milk before their first birthday are more likely to be anemic, have diarrhea or vomiting, and/or experience an allergic reaction (the proteins in milk are more numerous than those in other milk products, such as the yogurt). The excessive protein load in cow's milk can also overload a baby's kidneys. It is deficient in vitamins C, E, and copper. It is harder to digest as well, often causing intestinal blood loss. A number of studies have also indicated that early introduction of cow's milk may contribute to the development of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. "

Use the formula WIC is giving you... it would be so much healthier for her. Even if she doesn't like it at first, even if it does not agree with her at first... plain cow's milk is not for a human baby... WIC knows this... talk to them too!!!

Answer 2

similac has a formula close to any enfamil formula. they have lactose free, soy, regular, and a lactose free predigested proteins one (like enfamil nutramigen) called alimentum. she will certainly work well on one of those. my son couldn't do any similac formula at all so the Dr. wrote a note for nutramigen and wic will pay for it because it's a specialty formula.
giving a baby cow's milk too early can cause botulism . it's VERY dangerous. switching the formula is MUCH safer. we've changed like 4 or 5 times to find one that works. Plus if she has trouble with formula, she'll have a LOT more trouble with regular milk!!

Answer 3

Wait! You're supposed to keep them on formula at least until they are 1 year old, unless your doctor instructs otherwise. You might want to check with him or her first. There are a lot of things in the formula that the baby needs that milk doens't have. Similac is a good formula, and she'll be fine on it.

Answer 4

I have four kids and I've never put them on milk before they were a year old, are you sure this is your only option?

If your daughter has to have a certain type of formula you can get a doctors prescription and WIC will allow you to continue with the same type you're currently giving. Growing kids need the supplements in the formulas to help them continue growing and developing, please check into this. If you must go to milk then try liquid vitamins to ensure she gets an adequate amount of everything she needs.

Answer 5

NO! this is a bad idea, babies need their formula until they are a year old, and she would be on milk for another 6 months, not three keep the baby on the formula for as long as you possibly can, your doctor will tell you the same.

Answer 6

Please do not do this.

Babies under the age of 12 months do not have digestive systems that can handle regular cow's milk.

You can seriously harm your child by doing this. You can cause all sorts of complications, and there have been infant fatalities due to parents giving cow's milk too early.

Talk to your pediatrician. I am 100% certain, if they are a good, knowledgeable doctor, they will tell you NOT to do it. The complications and risks are just way too high.

Just switch her Similac and bear with her until she's old enough for real cow's milk.

Answer 7

I switched my daughter over at like 10 months but that was because WIC asked me if she had regular milk before and if I wanted to switch her. She was fine but I think there is a huge difference between a 61/2 month old and a 10 month old.

Answer 8

That's too young. Her digestive system isn't ready and milk doesn't have the nutrients she needs. She probably will do just fine switching to Similac. Three months makes a big difference in your child's development and really does matter.

Answer 9

You can do whatever you like; it's your child, but you should really consider the fact that what you're doing is incredibly stupid and dangerous.

A baby cannot handle milk before the age of 1. There is not enough iron, and there is too much salt, potassium, calcium and protein. That can lead to kidney damage. It greatly increases the risk of an allergy, diabetes, and eczema.

Please reconsider this. Your baby's health is what is most important.

Answer 10

your gonna kill your baby dont do this just switch to similac or see if your babys doctor will write a letter to the wic office to keep her on her current formula, milk doesnt have the nutrients or fats your baby needs, plus her digestive system cant handle milk yet. dont be stupid keep your baby on formula. if you dont someone should report you for abuse or neglect because you will be abusing your child