When did you start baby on Cows Milk to drink?

[*Natasha*]

We are going away end of June beginning July DD will be approx 11months and was hoping i didn't have to bother with making up formula for her to drink. So i was hoping i could wean her onto cows milk before then. So i would like to know at what age people transitioned to cows milk and how did you do it?

[runningmom]

My daughter is 11 months old right now and a week or two ago I had to take her to the ped. for a check up and mentioned introducing milk to her now as opposed to waiting and she (her ped.) would not let me.  She is formula fed as well and the reason she gave is said that she needs to check her iron levels at a year and if they are low she will have her continue on formula for a few more months to bring up her iron levels and if they are fine, I can stop cold turkey and switch to milk.  But she made it a point that I must wait until she is a year old. 
Before giving her any milk, I would suggest speaking to your ped. about it.  She/He may want you to wait or may advise you to go ahead.  But talk to him/her first and let them give you an insight.  I hope this helps.  Good luck! 

Nic

[~Angie~]

We had to OK from our ped. at 11 months. We switched cold turkey. Our son never seemed like he even noticed. Our ped. did tell us that many times once you introduce cow's milk, chldren will refuse to drink formula. Good luck on the switch. 

[katesmum38]

DD is still being breast fed morning and evening, but now she's nearly 11 months we are looking to change.  Health visitor said not to change before 1 year.  She already has cows milk daily with her weetabix, and cheese sauces etc.  We had problems with her not taking to the bottle at all, so we gradually introduced her to water with a sippy cup.  Initially she wouldn't take any, but is now more than happy to drink on her own.  We plan to use the same method to introduce her to cows milk starting now.  The health visitor said this would be ok as long as she was still getting daily breast feeds.