Infants are ready to be introduced to Vitamin D milk at approximately 12 months old. Introducing milk before this time is not recommended, as it is difficult for infants to digest and increases the risk of a future milk allergy. Vitamin D milk is more appropriate than other kinds of milk because it contains more of the nutrients your baby needs. However, even Vitamin D milk does not have all the nutrients your baby needs during the first year of life. This is why it is so important to wait until your infant is 1 year old before introducing milk. If you have any specific questions or concerns about introducing Vitamin D milk to your infant, talk to your child's pediatrician.
Step 1
Plan in advance. Find a solution that matches your parenting approach. Some parents prefer to start by mixing the milk with breast milk or formula, while others prefer to give small amounts of the milk itself.
Step 2
Give your baby a small amount of the milk. Depending on which approach you chose, this may include giving your baby a spoonful of milk or replacing a small portion of formula or breast milk.
Step 3
Monitor your baby for signs of a milk allergy. Rapid-onset signs of a milk allergy include irritability, vomiting, swelling, hives, skin rash, wheezing and bloody diarrhea. These symptoms generally come on suddenly, right after the baby consumes milk. Slow-onset signs of a milk allergy include loose stools, vomiting, irritability or skin rashes. These symptoms may not occur for 7 to 10 days after consuming milk. Stop giving milk to your infant and call your pediatrician for advice if any of these symptoms appear.
Step 4
Increase the amount of milk you give to your baby if no adverse side effects occur. Offer the milk consistently, even if your baby does not seem interested. Some parents add chocolate syrup or powder to encourage the baby to drink, but keep in mind that this also provides the baby with extra calories and sugar.
Step 5
Keep track of the amount of milk your baby drinks. Your baby should not consume more than 24 ounces of milk in one day, according to the medical advisory board of the Baby Center website. Getting more than this amount may interfere with iron absorption, or may make your baby too full to eat.
Tips and Warnings
- Many infants are ready to make the transition from bottle to cups around the same time they are ready to be introduced to milk. Consider serving milk in a sippy cup to make both of these transitions easier.
- Milk is a common allergen. Seek emergency medical attention if your baby seems to have difficulty breathing, or has significant swelling after consuming milk. This may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin D milk
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