Up to one year of age, infants should receive nutrition from mother's milk or formula-even after being introduced to solid foods. However, after your baby's first birthday, you can make the transition to whole cow's milk. Start with Step 1 to make this transition process as smooth as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Introducing Cow's Milk
Step 1. Wait until your baby is one year old
Babies under twelve months of age cannot digest cow's milk properly. In addition, they require a variety of certain nutrients contained in mother's milk and formula; Cow's milk is not an adequate substitute. Therefore, wait until your child is a year old before introducing cow's milk.
Step 2. Check with your pediatrician first
In most cases, you can start transitioning your baby to cow's milk any time after his or her first birthday; however, it would be best if you check this with your baby's doctor. Your doctor may have specific guidelines for you.
Step 3. Choose whole milk
Milk is an important source of nutrition for young children. Milk is rich in vitamin D, calcium, protein, and fat, which are essential for child growth and bone development. To maximize this benefit, give whole milk, not low-fat or nonfat milk, at least until the child's second birthday.
Step 4. Give two glasses of milk per day
Once your baby is one year old, he should eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods-fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. As long as your child eats solids, you don't have to rely on cow's milk as a primary source of nutrition like you did with mother's milk or formula when your baby was younger. Two glasses of milk a day should be enough, especially if your child consumes other forms of dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese.
Keep in mind that you should not change the habit from no cow's milk at all to two full glasses of cow's milk a day right away. Introducing cow's milk gradually is actually better
Step 5. Understand that your baby may refuse
Cow's milk doesn't taste the same as mother's milk or formula, so your baby may refuse it at first. If this happens, don't worry; in time, he will learn to accept. For the strategy, see Section 2.
Step 6. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction
Milk is a fairly common cause of allergies. As with any food, you should pay attention when introducing cow's milk and note any adverse reactions. Babies who have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance may vomit, have diarrhea, show signs of an upset stomach, or develop a rash. If you suspect your baby can't tolerate cow's milk well, talk to your pediatrician.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Easier Transition to Cow's Milk
Step 1. Reduce intake of mother's milk or formula
Your baby is more likely to receive cow's milk if he is not continuously fed breast milk or formula. There's no need to make sudden changes: you can make the transition gradually, reducing one time you drink breast milk or formula and switching to cow's milk.
Step 2. Limit juices and other drinks
Encourage your child to drink cow's milk by limiting the juice he drinks. Sugary drinks should be avoided completely at this stage.
Step 3. Try mixing cow's milk with mother's milk or formula
If your baby doesn't want to drink cow's milk, try mixing it in his usual drink. That way, you can adjust the proportions slowly. For best results, mix when cow's milk or formula and cow's milk are at the same temperature – ideally around 37°C. You could experiment with ratios, but as an example, you could try:
- Combine cup or bottle of formula or mother's milk with cow's milk during the first week. Your child won't notice a big difference.
- Mixing cow's milk with formula or mother's milk in equal proportions during the second week.
- Use cup of cow's milk with cup of formula or mother's milk during the third week.
- Fully milk the cow during the fourth week.
Step 4. Serve cow's milk in an attractive cup or bottle
Sometimes serving milk in a new, light-colored cup can interest your baby. If your baby is still on a bottle, consider making the transition to a cup-he may accept cow's milk more easily if it's not served in the container he associates with mother's milk or formula.
Be careful when pouring so it doesn't get too full, and watch your baby closely. You don't want your baby to associate cow's milk with the frustration of repeatedly spilling milk all over the place
Step 5. Give milk at the ideal time
Babies will be more ready to receive milk if he is well rested and feeling happy. Try feeding your baby when he wakes up and offering snacks between meals. Hungry babies tend to be fussy.
Step 6. Heat the milk
If you want cow's milk to taste like formula or mother's milk, heat the milk to room temperature (or slightly warmer). Your baby will probably accept milk this way even if he refuses to drink it when it's cold.
Step 7. Stay calm
Don't be upset if your baby refuses cow's milk, and avoid arguing with him. Don't give up, but try to stay calm. Continue to feed cow's milk at different times of the day and in different cups or bottles, then wait for your baby to accept cow's milk voluntarily.
Step 8. Praise the child's efforts
If your baby wants to drink his milk, give him lots of praise and encouragement.
Step 9. Add cow's milk to other foods
If your baby refuses cow's milk at first, try mixing it with his favorite foods-such as mashed potatoes, cereal, and soup.
Step 10. Add with other dairy products
If your baby doesn't drink a lot of whole milk, make sure you give him yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products.
Tips
- If your baby continues to refuse cow's milk, talk to your pediatrician. You may use other dairy products, but your child may still need additional supplements.
- Be patient. This transition may take some time. You can gradually transition to cow's milk if that helps your baby accept it.
