From formula to whole milk at 8-9 months old?

[leopard_spots]

Hello,

(I'm sure there is a topic like this on here already but try as I might, I couldn't find one so I'm sorry if I am repeating a recent topic.)

My son had his 8 month check up at the doctor today.  I asked the doctor if I should switch him to follow up formula (especially since he only drinks 18-21 oz per day).  She said not to worry about the amount as he is a big boy (73 cm long and weighs 21 lbs 10 oz).  She said that I could actually start to introduce whole cows milk very slowly and that he could be 100% on cows milk at 9 months old.

I know that there are different opinions out there as to when to switch to whole milk (I always assumed that I would switch over at 1 year old).  I'm not sure if I should start to switch over now or not.  It would be great to not have to fork out all that money for formula but I do want to do what is best for my son.

What does everyone think?

[*Natasha*]

Is he eating solids well, and a big variety?
We are in the process of weining from formula to cows milk as my DD has never been a bif fan of formula. I have started giving her 2ozs in a cup with her meals and she LOVES it alot more than formula. I am starting to slowly increase the amount she gets in her cup and decrease the amount of formula in her bottle. She is getting very fussy with her bottle now days and prefers her cup so we will also be eliminating the bottle as well. My CHN told me as DD eats really well i can do the change over at 10/11months but it looks like DD has other ideas. I have decided once the tin of formula of have in the cupboard is finished i am not buying anymore.
You will probably get a big variety of responses in regards to this question so read them all and decide what you think is best for your DS.
Good luck 

[leopard_spots]

Hi,
Thanks for the input.  Kevin is doing well with the solids.  He has liked everything I have given him and has fruit, veggies, meat and yogurt everyday.  I have a feeling that like your dd he will prefer cows milk over formula.

Anyone else want to share your thoughts?

[~Angie~]

We switched DS to whole milk at 11 months. He loved it! 

[* Paula *]

I have been wondering the same thing.  My DS is nearly 10 months old and has never been very fussy on his formula.  Now at the moment he is refusing his bottles full stop.  He used to guzzle his morning bottle, and now refuses it point blank.  I have been putting it down to teething, but he is still eating really well so am not sure.

He will drink his juice and water out of a beaker, but if I put his formula in the beaker he refuses point blank.

Natasha Wells - What sort of cup are you using for your DD's whole milk?

I might start trying to introduce it slowly and see how he goes. 

Going to see the HV on Tuesday so may also have a chat to them.

[NikiB]

Gosh I was always told babies need breast or formula to drink until they're 1 yr old, but cows milk can be used for cooking and cereal before then, from 6 mths? I think the rationale behind this was there aren't enough of the right nutrients in cows milk, namely iron and there is an increased risk of anaemia.

[Wife and Mummy.]

i was always told that if you introduce cows milk before 1 year old they can become intolerent to it.i would stick to a follow on milk till 1 year.its much better for them anyway with more vitamins

Gosh I was always told babies need breast or formula to drink until they're 1 yr old, but cows milk can be used for cooking and cereal before then, from 6 mths? I think the rationale behind this was there aren't enough of the right nutrients in cows milk, namely iron and there is an increased risk of anaemia.

totally agree with that qote.

[* Paula *]

I too have heard this - but my lo is just refusing his milk point blank - I have to try and get some liquids into him

[NikiB]

I appreciate what you are saying. saskia will have water from a beaker but not milk. can't guzzle it as quick as in a bottle. still splutters if tries to drink too quick from cup or beaker. does your LO take formula at night for last drink?

[*Natasha*]

We use the non spill cup by Heinz my DD has also enjoyed drinking out of.
After reading this post i have done some more research into giving cows milk before 12months and this is what alot of the sites have said:

"Cow's milk is a poor source of iron and is never a substitute for breast milk or formula for babies under 12 months. Continue breastfeeding or using infant formula until your baby is at least one year old.
Cow's milk contains higher levels of protein, salt, potassium and calcium than breast milk or formula. This can increase the load on the kidneys.
Cow's milk may be included from about seven months in small amounts as custard or yoghurt or on cereal."

So i have decided  to wait another month or month and half before starting the weining to cows milk totally.

[* Paula *]

My lo will take his night time bottle - not often - I do keep on offering him his bottles as usual but does very rarely accept them.  He took 4 oz last night and that was the only formula that he drank all day 

I will give him juice and water in his sippy, but he will refuse point blank if there is formula in it.  To be honest I don't want to give him Cows milk as I have heard that you can only introduce it slowly and then as a drink at 12 months, but am at my wits end with him not drinking.

He suffers from constipation, and with him taking in even less liquid it is making things worse.

This morning for the first time in ages, he drank 6 oz of formula - I praised him and told him what a good boy he was and he seemed real chuffed with himself, so lets see how the rest of the day goes.

Will keep you all posted.

[Katet]

Yes the issue with cows milk is that most babies do not produce enouth "lactase" the enzyme to break down Lactose which is found in cows milk... it is broken down in the process of making formula & is "different structure" in breast milk.

Your lo may be able to digest it or may not, I'd never be prepared to risk the possibility of kidney & gastrointestinal problems later in life for the sake of a few $ or the hope of getting them to drink more milk... just my opnion though

Tom tom's Mum offer lots of water & dilute juice & make his food runny, that is the best you can do

[* Paula *]

Kate,

Thanks for the advice - that is what I do - He constantly has his beaker with him and I am always offering him his juice throughout the day.

Like I said - I do still offer him his bottles at the usual time, and just wait to see what happens - He does have yoghurts and cheeses etc for dairy, so I will still keep on offering them too.

Hopefully this is just a phase that he is going through - alhough he has never been really fussed on his milk

[Katet]

paula, my friend has the same problem, she actually drys out bread in the oven,breaks it up small, then soaks it in milk (her dd is 16mo) & then puts fruit on top... great dessert (like a bread & butter pudding) & gets extra milk in

[NikiB]

I used to add milk to her solids to mash them up a bit when she was younger and used a lot of cheese sauces, anything really to add more milk. Good luck, I think there are many kiddies who don't do milk at some point!