Formula is specially designed to give a young baby the nutrients he needs, but as he gets older he has different diet requirements. Cow’s milk is high in protein, calcium and vitamin A, and nearly all brands are also fortified with vitamin D. All of these nutrients are key in helping your baby’s bones, teeth and muscles grow as he moves toward his toddler years. Babies become accustomed to the flavor and texture of formula, so some children will be more resistant than others to start drinking milk. Introducing it slowly ensures the transition will be smooth.
Step 1
Wait until your baby’s first birthday to start introducing cow’s milk. Cow’s milk contains too much sodium, protein and potassium for a baby’s delicate system to handle. Give her the first taste of cow’s milk on or around her first birthday to ensure her digestive system is developed enough to handle it.
Step 2
Buy whole milk. Babies need plenty of fat and calories in order to grow and develop properly. Choose a brand that is pasteurized and fortified with vitamin D.
Step 3
Fill the baby’s bottle three-quarters full of formula. Pour in enough milk to fill the bottle the rest of the way. Feed the baby this mixture of three-quarters formula and one-quarter milk at every mealtime for the next three or four days.
Step 4
Fill the bottle with half formula and half milk once he’s been drinking the cow’s milk and formula mixture for several days. Continue giving him this half-and-half combination at every feeding for three or four days.
Step 5
Fill her bottle with one-quarter formula and three-quarters milk. Feed her this mixture for three or four days.
Step 6
Give him bottles filled entirely with milk. If he refuses to drink it or cries, add a bit of formula back into the mixture and wait several days before giving him pure milk again.
Tips and Warnings
- If she still cries or makes faces when you feed her milk even after she’s fully transitioned to milk, sneak it into her diet. Make her pudding or fruit shakes containing milk or add it to creamy tomato soup. Adding flavor to the milk may also make it seem like a tasty dessert. Add powdered chocolate or strawberry flavoring. You’ll add a bit more sugar, but she’ll get all the calcium and vitamins she needs. Once he’s fully transitioned to cow’s milk, he should drink at least 16 and no more than 24 ounces per day.
- Don’t feed her reduced-fat milk unless she’s overweight or you have a family history of obesity, and even then you must consult your pediatrician first. Most babies should drink whole milk only at least until their second birthday.
Things You'll Need
- Baby bottle
- Formula
- Milk
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