Many babies drink formula from a bottle for the first 12 months of their lives, give or take a few months. The process of weaning off formula is done by slowly transitioning the child over to a different kind of milk, usually whole milk, but sometimes soy or another type of milk. Weaning off formula is not to be confused with weaning your child off a bottle, and it is recommended you eliminate formula before you make the transition from bottles to cups. This method makes it easier for the parents, because weaning can be a long, gradual and stressful process.
Step 1
Get approval from your child's pediatrician before moving from formula to whole milk. Even if you think your child is developmentally ready, nutrition or other factors may prompt your doctor to keep your child on formula for a little while longer.
Step 2
Mix three parts formula with one part milk, and serve it to your child at the usual temperature you serve formula. Continue this for a week. Your child may express disapproval because the milk will taste different, but he will slowly acclimate to the new drink.
Step 3
Increase the ratio to half formula and half milk after a week, or once the child seems to be adjusting well. Depending on your child, this period could be less or more than one week.
Step 4
Mix three parts milk with one part formula in the bottle once your child has adjusted to the half-and-half mixture. Typically, this step can begin at the start of the third week of weaning, but this varies with each child.
Step 5
Switch to all milk once your baby adjusts to the ratio in Step 4 or once you run out of formula. It is normal and safe for the baby to continue mixing milk with formula until your formula is used up.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child repeatedly throws up the type of milk you are trying to transition him to, try an alternative type of milk, such as soy or goat's milk. Some children have sensitive stomachs that take time adjusting to milk other than formula. You might also want to bring your child to the pediatrician to make sure the inability to keep milk down isn't caused by gastroesophageal reflux, a common stomach condition in which food travels back up the esophagus.
