At 1 year old, your child can start drinking whole milk, which contains vitamin D, instead of formula or breast milk. Children at this age require whole milk instead of skim or 2 percent because the fat is necessary for growth and brain development during this period. Milk is also a source of phosphorus, vitamin A and calcium, which assist in building your child's bones and muscles. Babies at one year of age should receive a variety of foods and two to three cups of milk per day, recommends The Nemours Foundation. While your child may not initially like the taste of whole milk, he may adjust to the taste better if you make the change gradually.
Step 1
Mix one part of milk with three parts of formula or expressed breast milk to gradually expose your child to the taste of milk.
Step 2
Offer the mixed milk in a bottle or sippy cup, whichever he prefers. When you start the switch to vitamin D milk, it's an opportunity to try the transition to a sippy cup as well.
Step 3
Give your child the mixture of three parts formula or breast milk with one part milk for about three days to monitor his adjustment to the change.
Step 4
Increase the amount milk in the mixture to half after the three days if your child drinks the milk without fussing or showing any signs of an allergy. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include vomiting, hives, skin rashes or digestive problems.
Step 5
Wait for three days again after increasing the amount of milk in the mixture. Continue increasing the amount of milk in the mixture and waiting for the three day period until your child makes the complete transition to whole milk.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child doesn't like the taste of milk, sneak it into his meals by using it in foods such as cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, soup and mashed potatoes. If your child continues to refuse drinking milk, serve him cheese, yogurt and other food containing calcium.
- If your baby is on a soy or hypoallergenic formula, speak to your physician first before introducing cow's milk into your baby's diet. Watch your baby for an allergic reaction after switching him to milk. If you suspect a problem, contact your physician who may recommend switching him to soy milk.
Things You'll Need
- Bottle or sippy cup
Member Comments