When to Switch to Cow's Milk

S.,
My children's peditrician that has children of his own and has been practicing for a long time, recommends mixing formula with whole milk at a year of age.

Cows milk should not be given until after 12 months old... It does not have the nutrients needed to be healthy for the baby. Have you tried the Target brand formula? That is $13 a can and it us just as good.

I have always heard at about 1 yr. old is best. My son will be 1 on April 28, and i have been giving him a milk bottle once a day, and will slowly increase it. I plan to have him off formula by his birthday.

Hi, S..

With our little guy, we decided to introduce him to goat milk. That may sound crazy but he loved it and we found it at Meijers and our local health food store too. We kept him on goat milk because of severe cow milk allergies in the family and I did not want to add to the problem by overloading his system. He drank goat milk until he was 2 and them we switched to cow milk with no problem.

All the best, J.

1 year is the suggested age but I wanted to tell you about Costco's Kirkland Brand baby formula. It is $20 for 2 cans and is the best value out there. Nutrition is not compromised as it has the exact same ingredients as Enfamil Lipil (I used to use that with my first two children). I compared the cans side by side and they are the same except you pay WAY too much for Enfamil. Also the Kirkland Brand Diapers are the best too. I used to be a 'diaper snob' and only used Pampers and didnt like Huggies but Kirkland fall somewhere in the middle of the two. I use them on all three of my children and love them. If you dont have a Costco membership it is worth getting just for these two items alone. Actually the baby wipes are the best out there too. I sound like an advertisment for Costco dont I!!!

S.,
My daughter was on Enfamil as well - you can purchase it in larger quantities at Costco (it was about $40 for a huge can - the can was about double the size of the $25 can I found in "regular" stores). That should help with the cost a little bit.

As for switching to milk, when my daughter had her 9 month well-baby visit, the pediatrician took a blood sample and, based on that, told me it was safe to start moving toward milk. I can't remember her exact wording but I think the blood work showed that my daughter's iron levels (I think that was it) were sufficient to move off of formula. I would suggest asking your doctor before moving but I know it's safe to do it prior to 1 year for some kids. Once I got the "OK", I slowly started moving toward milk (I started with mixing milk into the formula and graudally decreasing the amount of formula in the mixture until she was at 100% milk).

Good luck!

I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but it's important NOT to give a baby 2%, or any lowfat milk. They need to have whole, full-fatted milk. Please talk to your pediatrician about this issue...I don't think cow's milk is necessarily a good substitute for formula for a 9 month old. Please talk to your doctor. If you can't afford a doctor's visit, I'm sure the nurse will help you over the phone with this.

My best friend's little boy had a very sensitive stomach and had to be put on special formula. They found that "Member's Mark" brand at Sam's Club makes a formula especially for babies with sensitvie tummies. It was exactly the same as the enfamil or nestle good start formula he was on but much cheaper! Sam's Club's diapers are also great too! :) Good luck!

Hi S.,
We did, we put or now 4 year old on cow's milk (Vit D) when she was about 10 months old. She was a very good eater of fruts and veggies and so it worked better for us. When we had our twins after her we left them on formula for the whole year only because they were 5lbs when they were born. But now with our 7 month old we will more then likly put her on whole milk in a 3-4 months. As long as your baby is still getting everything they need I don't see what the big deal is. But most doctors say to start your baby (at a year) on whole milk, it has more of what they need.
I have never tried it, but they do make another kind of formula for older kids (6 months to 18 months) you make want to check into that it might be cheaper. Good luck!

A baby's little tummy can't digest the proteins in cow's milk until they are about a year old, to do so before that risks problems later. Plenty of people will tell you that they switched earlier and their baby didn't have any reaction to it...yet. Try to find someone who will sell you goats milk, it is much easier on baby's tummy's, or adults for that matter. Technically it's illegal to sell raw goats milk in Michigan, but when you sell it as pet food, you can do whatever you want with it :) Research the effects of giving cows milk early on the internet, it would take too long to do so here. Bottom line, wait until she is at least a year before switching off formula.

Is she on solid foods yet? I would think that once she is well established with solid foods that you could try her on organic, whole milk (preferably non-homogenized) a little bit at a time. While you are introducing milk, don't try any other NEW foods so that you can keep an eye out for allergic reactions (just like when you start introducing solids) without getting confused as to which food is causing a reaction. The baby's gut is supposed to close around 6 months of age (for a good explanation of this, see http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html.) Introducing solid foods too early can cause allergies or other problems because the digestive system hasn't developed enough to fully break down the foods. Since pasteurized milk lacks the Lactase enzyme (un-pasteurized or 'raw' milk does not) the lactose is not digested properly unless you are one of the fortunate people that is able to produce the lactase enzyme in your body (not everyone does.) If you or your husband (baby's daddy) are not lactose intolerant, give it a shot. Note that milk allergy symptoms can be runny nose, abdominal discomfort/pain, rashes, hives, etc. Look up the symptoms at a reputable site so you know what to look for.

I would stick to the recommended 1 year for milk and DO NOT start with 2%, babies need the fat of whole milk. I used to buy my formula from Sams Club, bigger containers for less money, their diapers and wipes also help to reduce costs. Hang in there, less than 3 months to go.

Wait till she is one at least. The nutritonal value of ultr-pasturized cows milk can not compare to formula. You will be cheating her out of vital nutrients that are essential during this time of development. Also, cows milk at this time increases her risk for developing allergies to milk. Tough it out for a few more months finacially, and put her nutritional needs first.

You are almost there, but you could try goats milk it is less allergenic than cows milk and cheaper than formula. Also it is my understanding that babies need the fat for brain development so you may not want to start with 2%. Probably your pediatrician is the best person to ask.

She really needs to be on formula till she is a year old. At about 11 months you can start mixing whole milk, never 2% for children with her formula an ounce or two at a time until she is switched to whole milk. Children need the fat in whole milk unlike adults. Is there a WIC (women infants and children) program at your local health deparment? Wic is a supplimental program that helps with formula, cereal, and juice. After a year they will get whole milk, cheese, eggs, cereal etc. Sometimes there are baby pantries that can help out with formula.

Hi S., I name is M., I am a pediatric nurse working in a very busy office for the past 4 years. Your baby needs to be on infant formula until she is 1 year of age. Formula has the balance of nutrients that her body needs for proper growth and development. At the age of 1 you can start her on 1/2 formula and 1/2 whole milk. If you don't want to do 1/2 of each then several moms have gone all whole milk and the babies did fine.She may have some bowel changes when you switch her over so be aware. Do not give her 2% until she is 2 years of age, no matter what anyone tells you. She will need the extra fat from whole milk for bone and brain develoment. They also still need the extra calories due to their mobility increasing, becoming more active. I hope this helps you out . M.

Babies really should not start milk until one year old. There is a higher incidence of allergies when switching too early, and their stomachs may not be able to tolerate the milk proteins well. It would be better to switch to a less expensive formula if that is the problem. At age one, they can be changed to milk, and it should be whole milk. They need the extra fats for brain development, so don't worry that they are getting too much fat or calories... just limit it to no more than 24 oz per day. I am a Pediatric nurse practitioner and give my patients' families the same advice. (Not really my advice, but that of the American Academy of Pediatrics, based on research)

I understand the frustration of the high cost of name brand formula. I went through it with my first child. With my sencond however I discovered that the formula that Walgreen's made included the same ingrediants and nutrition but is HALF THE PRICE. The Isomil soy formula is $26 a can but I can get the same thing made by Meijer or Walgreens for $13. It is just as good for your child and GREAT for your pocketbook.

Hi S.. I know the cost of formula cuts into the check book. Switching to cows milk before the age of 1 is not reccommended. Simply because it's harder to digest and it does not carry the nutrients that formula does. I too liked Enfamil Lipil the best but the price was so high. I found at Sam's club their brand of formula 'sams choice' is comparable to Enfamil Lipil AND it's $19 for a can that is TWICE the size of the large Enfamil can. We switched to this and the baby never showed any signs of tummy upset. Really-look into it at Sam's club. It saved us HUGE money.

They say that they need to be one for whole milk. We switched my youngest a week before he turned one (we talked to the ped first and she said that it was not a problem.)

See if the ped has any coupons they might some..

Good luck

The switch is not usually too difficult, as we did it with our 6 children much earlier than the rule of thumb 12 months. Most of our kids were drinking cows milk by 10 months old. I would not recommend the 2% first and then transitioning them over, because many studies have shown that these little ones need the animal fat that is in the whole milk for brain development. Our 3 year old twins still get whole milk everyday. Nothing wrong with the 2%, I just would not start them out there.

Cow's milk does not have the nutrients needed by a baby. That's why cow's milk is not recommended until one year old.

Hi S.,

I definitely would wait on giving your little girl whole milk. I started my son 2 weeks before his first birthday with about an once a day and increasing it slowly. I used Target brand formula and it is compared to the Enfamil Lipil. The cans were $15.99 compared to the $25. Hope this helps.

i think now maybe a bit young. i supplemented whole milk w/ formula (half and half) when our son was about 11 months old. he did just fine w/ it. but do not do 2%...they MUST have the fat in the whole milk for the brain development. good luck! almost done w/ formula! it IS so expensive. :)

Well S. you have a mixture of responses here! YOu should talk to your peditrtion and see what they say. I have always heard 1 year but after my second child his ped. said after 6 months. So maybe when you do switch do a half and half thing and see how she does then completely switch after a while to whole milk for a year.
Ask the doc first though they know best!
B.

We made the switch to Emfamile Next Step at month 9 when the dr gave the okay. The consistancy is a little different than tha Emfamil Lipel with Iron (What we were using) but our daughter switched in a heart beat. It's a little cheaper and if you shop around you can find the 20% more containers.

Good Luck.

I was told by my pediatrician to absolutely wait until 12 months. I asked because I was tired of paying for formula with my first child. She said "buy store brand, it's just as good and is totally safe". I stuck it out with my first child because store brand with DHA-ARA wasn't availble yet (this was almost 6 years ago) but used sam's club brand (which is the exact same stuff as target and kroger brands and walmart)with my other 2 boys. A large can at Sam's club (51 ounces I think) is 19 something dollars. That's less money for twice as much formula as you are getting now! Store brands have to pass nutrient regulations just like the big guy so there's no compromising health.

Hi S.---Be very careful when introducing cow's milk. I was a former lover of milk until I started studying health and nutrition issues. We no longer drink it. Milk can cause severe allergies and is one of the strongest links to type 1 diabetes in children. I've seen goat's milk suggested and I've read that it is actually more like human milk so it is better. There is a farm in Grand Blanc where you can buy a share in a goat and get raw goats milk. Some say raw is best as the nutrients and enzymes are not destroyed by pasteurization. Water is best. Your children can get their calcium and vit. D from other, more easily absorbed sources, such as leafy greens for calcium. Sun is the best for D. Contact me if you would like more information on the dangers of cow's milk. You can also search the internet and do your homework before making that decision. Good luck, in health, D.

Babies need breastmilk or formula as their main nutritional source until 1 year of age. IF you introduce cow's milk it should only be as a mealtime drink with her solids... not as a way for her to get her nutritional/caloric needs met.

That being said, the information I have found suggests waiting until after 1 year of age to reduce the risk of allergy. Cow's milk is a high allergy food. Delaying it until after 1 year will minimize the potential allergic reaction.

I would wait till she's a year. I know formula is expensive, but its better for her now. Maybe when she is about 11 months old you can start mixing half milk and half formula in her bottles so her tummy can get used to the cows milk and then by the time she is 1 she can handle a full change.

A baby can not break down cows milk until age 1. if the cost is an issue try using the Parents choice brand at Walmart or Meijer. The major formula companies make those also and they are the same.

I would wait until she is 12 months old. One way to save money is switching to a store brand of formula such as Target or Walmart. My daughter has been on Target since she was born and has had no issues. It's just as good and 1/2 the price.

there are lots of good things in the formula your baby would benefit from. if the cost concerns you, have you ever tried a 'generic' brand? look at the labels, many (such as target's) have the same exact ingredients and nutrients as the enfamil. usually the only difference in a brand name and an off brand is the label and the price. when she gets a couple months older, maybe try giving her whole milk like once a day to get used to it, but honestly i just switched over one day and my kids didn't have any reaction to it at all, if anything they liked cows milk more.

Speak to your pediatrician before switching. Mine always told me that formula or breastmilk until one year of age was important - before one year of age, babies get their nutrients mainly from that with food as a supplement (still introducing things, not a good balance of nutrients, learning to eat)...after one year, babies should get their nutrients more from food with milk as a supplement. Also, food allergies are more and more common and you should avoid giving cows milk until they are a year old. My son was exclusively nursed for the first year and he still developed severe allergies...so it's not always avoidable, but I'd certainly do your best to minimize the risks. I like the suggestions to switch to a generic formula rather than paying full price for the name brands. I also agree that you can find coupons - ask your pediatrician, some mfg's offer online coupons, too. Best wishes!

I know your pain. My little one refused to nurse after she turned 3 months old. BUT, switching to
cows milk too early could cause hour baby to become lactose intolerant. Babies cannot probably digest the enzymes found in milk. It could make them sick and prevent the development of the things they need to digest milk. My little girl is three weeks shy of her first birthday and we just started letting her taste milk. We give her about an ounce or two a day. She really likes it, but she still drinks formula.
Maybe you can try soymilk. You may want to research I though. I know that kids who are lactose intolerant drink it. Whatever you decide make sure you ask you pediatrician first. Good luck. Oh yeah, go to enfamil.com. You can sign up for coupons (like 4 or 8$ dollars off).

They need the fat in whole milk for brain development. Starting you child on whole milk before 1 year can cause an iron deficiency which can cause developmental delays. I have read alot about this lately because my 1 year old has an iron deficiency and I didn't start her on milk until after 1 year, but in the research I have come across alot of info about this.

Dear S.,

Switching to Cow's milk is not just a Lactose issue. Only One of the main reasons for staying with either Breast milk or formula is Iron. Iron is very important for a baby's development in the first year. Milk is a great source for Calcium but, Calcium and Iron don't work together. Calcium and Vitamins D & K support each other, and Iron and Vitamin C work together. Here's a website which can help you with food choices, how to prepare them, and when to introduce them. www.wholesomebabyfood.com
I am not one of those earthy Moms. Until I had children I had no clue about foods and what they can do for us. Still not an earthy Mom, I love Coke and Candy just like the next Gal. I hope this helps your decision for your children and yourself.

Sincerely,

M. S.

S.:

Children must be 1 years old to swith to milk. At that time they are to drink whole milk for a year (possibily) longer. My daughter is on the same formula-- I get the super sized cans at Costco for 32$ (it's almost 2X as much). One can lasts us about 10 days (she drinks about 32 ounces a day).

S.,

There really isn't any reason to give your baby whole milk. When you switch her, 2% is plenty. I would slowly introduce the milk so that the change is not so sudden.

I started the switch to cow's a week before my son's one year doctor's appt. That way if there were any issues I could address them with the pediatrican. My son snubbed the straight whole milk so I did a gradual transition from formula to whole milk over about a week. I just increased the amount of milk and decreased the amount of formula till we were on all milk. It worked great and was a smooth transition.

I think the time to start your baby on reg. milk is all up to you. My oldest son was 8 months (I did start him with whole milk) and he has had absolutely no problems what so ever then or now that he is 7 1/2 yrs. old and at the top of his class. My yougest son was 4 months, he would eat so much and just like you I know that it gets very expensive. He also is a very healthy kid at 5 yrs. and he is extremely intelligent and never had a problem with the switch. Also neither one of them have a food alergy of any sort.
I am not one to preach about breast feeding, formula and cow milk nor one to listen to it. I am 1 of 4 and my mom had us on milk basically from day 1 and we are all completely healthy and prosperous. Good luck with your decision.

Before a baby turns one, their bodies do not have a need for protein which is in cow's milk. The danger of giving them milk before they are one is that their kidneys would work overtime to flush the excess protein out of their bloodstream. This in turn can cause their kidneys to shut down. Possibly causing death.

I know it's expensive, but the health of your baby is paramount. Don't do it.

I started giving my son cow's milk at 10 months. Not, all the time but, maybe one bottle a day for a while then I gradually swithed. He is now 2 and he is extremely healthy. Good Luck.

You really should wait until at least 1 to intro Cows milk. The off brand formula will work just as good. You could also call the company and request coupons and they will mail them to you.
K.

Well I guess it depends on who you ask. Pediatricians always say that 1 year of formula. . . My son was off at 6 months and went straight to whole milk within a 1 week period.
My advice is to do what you feel is best for your child.
J. V.

Stepanie,
How about NOT switching to cow's milk. Honestly, it isn't the best move. I know it's cheaper, but non-organic milk usually has come from cows given hormone injections. You don't want that in your baby, right? Organic milk is better, but there's a philosophy: cow's milk for cow babies, not human.
Try rice milk or almond milk. They're just as possible, without the risk of any hormones. And it might cost a little more, but one's health should be worth a little extra instead of cutting costs and putting preservatives, hormones, etc in our bodies. Give your little one a good start.
Best of luck to you!

The dr gave my son the go ahead at 11 months, but I mixed formula and milk for a week and then alittle formula and mostly milk for a week. He didn't have any problems but the dr said he was ready. I would wait at leasr another month. I know it is fustrating since my 2nd son is now 9 months and I can't wait to switch either.

Hi, the value is not worth the problems that could effect your little ones health.

Please ask your Ped to tell you all the reasons why if you are not convinced by the other moms.

Infants are supposed to have milk from their mommys and next to that formula is the only other option. Cows milk is for cows. We have to have a mature digestive system in order to not have severe problems and even then some still can't. You still have a infant no matter how big she seems now.

We started half formula half whole milk bottles about 3 weeks before our sons first birthday. We slowly increased the amount of milk to help him acquire a taste for it.

Have you ever signed up with the Enfamil website? I think the hospital must have signed me up but I recieved coupons in the mail every couple of months for $3 off. You should talk to some friends too, I used Good Start formula but every thim I bought one at Meijer I got a coupon for Enfamil, a friend of mine used Enfamil and got Good Start coupons, so we traded.

Like everyone has said talk to your doc. They'll know what's best for your baby!!

You should definitely wait until 1 year to try cow's milk. You should START with whole milk and switch to 2% when they turn 2. My 4 year old is still on whole milk because she is so skinny. The baby needs the fat in the whole milk to develop properly.

Hi S.,

It's been a long time since I had a little one so I am not remembering if I gave my kids cows milk any eariler than one year. Sorry I am no help with that.

I did notice that you teach piano lessons. I have kids that have self taught themselves to play to a certain degree, and I have worked with them some as well. I took piano for 12 years. What do you charge and are you taking any new students? If so, what is your vacinity in the Owosso area?

Mary M.

My little boy is 10 1/2 months and I have just started adding 1/3 organic cows milk to his formula and will be slowly adding more until he is on cows milk only.

Also, the Costco brand of formula has the same ingredients as name brand formulas. It is $19.99 for two very large cans (not sure of exact oz size). I know quite a few moms who use it. Also, if you plan on using organic milk-it is cheaper at Costco too.
Good luck!!

I concur...wait. Cow's milk is so difficult to digest.

After breast feeding problems I switched to formula. I purchased Sam's club brand of the broken down protein formula. It saved us a lot of money.

There are a lot of children that can develop/have food allergies especially to milk so if I were you, I'd wait as long as possible... to introduce milk.. I don't plan on introducing straight milk to my son for quite a while, I'll do goat's milk or rice milk before I'd do cow's milk. It's very hard for the body to tolerate. My husband last year cut out milk from his diet (at least drinking straight milk) and found that his acne cleared up quite a bit. He's had an allergy to milk and didn't realize it.

I started both of my boys on 2% at a bout 10 months. Only do a glass or two a day. The thing is you shouldn't put it in a bottle. The still need the nutrients formulas have. I never put my oldest son on Vitamin D ever. He is developmentally fine, strong, smart and no medical problems. It is your choice, but any doc would say still give formula instead. You will know if her body isn't ready. GAS will be a huge issue. Good Luck!

I would not start her on Milk until almost a Year and it HAS to be whole milk!!! She needs the fat to develop her brain. I give my daughter a milk sippy in am and one in pm and the rest of the time she only has water. I took her off Formula and bottle 2 weeks before she turned 1. I slowly added milk to her formula every couple of days I would add 2oz of milk and take away 2oz of formula and mix in bottle or sippy. I also used sams club brand formula a HUDGE can for $20 and it is the same as Enfamil (I like it better less bubbles)my big can took 4 1/2 small cans of Enfamil to fill. Good luck but I would not switch or give her milk yet try water

Hi S.~
My littlest one loved cow's milk early on when he got a taste of his brothers. I asked the ped. about it and she said no way...she's seen way too many allergies happen in those last few months before a year of age. Of course, there is no magic in turning 1, but it's a good guide of when the digestive system can handle it.

Where do you live? I may be able to send you some cans of formula at no charge...if your interested!

~L.

Hi S.,

I would wait until at least 12 months. I know that formula is expensive, my son was on Enfamil too and when I tried the generic brands he would spit up a lot. I would suggest starting to give the formular at room temp or cooler as I had a tough transition getting him to drink cold milk as I didn't want him dependent on warm in case we were out. Now he takes it just fine, I also just swtiched to Meijer Organic milk. Hope that helps!