When do i introduce cow milk to my baby

Published on Nov 29, in Health Tip of the Week. What if it bothers their stomach? What if they hate the taste? Do we say goodbye to bottles too? You should know that the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends a combination of solid foods and breastmilk or formula for children under 12 months. Why whole milk? Because it has more fat, which helps with healthy brain development, much of which takes place during the first two years of life.

You can introduce 3. This will help your baby learn how to drink. Too much milk can fill your baby up and not leave room for other foods. Fortified Soy, rice, almond, coconut and hemp beverages are also not recommended for children under the age of 2 because they are too low in fat and protein. If your baby has a milk allergy or intolerance, is vegan, or avoids milk products for any reason, speak to your doctor about alternatives.

Meanwhile, cans of formula are as expensive as actual liquid gold, so no parent is going to miss forking over that cash. But can you do it earlier? And what can you expect to happen once you start the transition? That said, in instances of a family history or risk of obesity or heart disease, caregivers should discuss the most appropriate choice of milk with their pediatrician.

Look for:. At first, your baby may have looser or harder stools or a harder time passing stools. There may also be a temporary change in color or texture as your baby adjusts. Here are some tips for a smoother transition:. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 need mg of calcium and IUs of vitamin D per day. Once your baby turns 1-year-old, you can basically keep breastfeeding on a supplemental basis for as long as you like — but what about formula? Can you keep giving it to your baby after their first birthday?

Generally speaking, you should transition your baby off formula around 12 months of age. But there are exceptions : If your baby has special dietary needs, a milk allergy , or developmental delays, your pediatrician may ask that you continue giving them some formula.

But while toddlers need the nutrients found in milk, they can get them from other sources. Until now, their diet was completely or mostly focused on liquid sources of nutrition like breast milk or formula.

Now, liquid nutrition is secondary to what your baby is consuming as part of their solid food diet. Per the AAP, your baby should have no more than about 16—24 ounces of whole milk per day.