How to wean a 1 year old onto cow's milk?
By His by Grace
Weaning your child from mother's milk or formula to cow's milk can be very simple or difficult depending on the individual child.
Your first consideration should be whether your child has any allergies to milk products. If your baby has been on a milk based formula, you can be fairly confident that he or she isn't allergic. In this case, the transition to cow's milk shouldn't be hard.
The best way to begin the transition is to add a small portion of whole milk to your baby's formula or pumped breast milk. I would recommend that your make it one ounce of whole milk to seven ounces of formula. Formula is very sweet, so your baby's taste buds have to adjust to the more bland taste of milk. The consistancy of milk is different too, not as thick. The other consideration is that your baby has to get used to the temperature of the milk too. You don't want to leave their cup or bottle just sitting around all day or it will sour. This is especially true of milk in "sippie cups". As your baby accepts this mixture, gradually increase the amount of whole milk and decrease the amount of formula. Don't get in a hurry, or your baby may just refuse it all together.
Another trick is to offer them milk that has been flavored by a product such as Nestles. They have several different flavors such as strawberry or orange. This is especially effective at meal times, in their cup.
Even though your child may not be allergic to cow's milk, you still need to watch for upsets with their digestive systems. Cow's milk can be constipating in young children, or like with my son, it can give them loose stools if they consume too much in a day.
You know your child better than anyone else, so keep your eyes open and watch for anything out of the ordinary. In today's society, there are many other foods and products that give the same benefits as cow's milk, so don't be too concerned if your child doesn't care for it as much as they did their formula. But, do be mindful to keep your little one hydrated by offering water and other liquids regularly.
Comments
Yes, what's up with that?! Straight whole milk is ALL they need, there is sook much sugar in those flavored milks it might as well be Koolaid!
A lot of children will not drink milk at all and even acording to most pediatricians adding a very small amount of chocolate syrup is better for them then them not drinking milk... This should only be added if children will not drink milk!
I agree, if your baby won't even entertain whole milk surly it is better to add a drop of flavouring . At least that way your baby drinks the milk rather than not!!!
That sa
Well Im going to try weaning my 1 yr old onto cows milk and I just hope she likes it because I dont like the idea of the sweateners, especially as my daughter doesnt drink from a training cup very well. A sweet drink from a bottle increases the risk of tooth decay.
I am a registered dental hygienist & milk, juice or anything other than water in a bottle increase the rick of tooth decay (also know as baby bottle caries)
i hope my daughter is as easy to wean as my son was. i am very nervous because she loves her formula.
My daughter is allergic to whole milk does..what should i give her?
Try Goat Milk.
Try lactose free whole milk. A lot of times it is the lactose in dairy that causes the problems, not the milk itself. A good alternative to cow's milk is Almond Milk.
Angela 3 years ago
I don't think we should be "sweetening" our childrens milk...the world is full of enough sugar.