Tips to Switching over to Cows Milk *Very Picky Eater*

Don't tell your mother.
Keep doing what you are doing. You are his mother you get to make the choices for him.
Maybe it will take a while for him to get used to it. Personally I don't think he HAS to be off formula. It is full of vitamins and minerals. They even have toddler formula. I hate to suggest a flavoring but maybe that will help. But I would wait until you get to the last resort for that.

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My son does not seem to like cow's milk, so I just continue to buy formula for him. He's 15 months old now, and I get all kinds of looks and comments about how he should be off formula by now, but I just kindly let them know that I do what works for us. It's basically just nice way to tell them to keep their mouths shut. ;D

I wouldn't worry about it, it I were you, and if you're fine buying formula, then do it. I think it's more about nutrition than anything else. He will have plenty of opportunities to try different food and drink. For now, give him what he likes.

K.

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What about a squirt of strawberry or chocolate syrup (they come in sugar-free if that bothers you), but that worked for my kiddo and also for my friend-evenually you can reduce the syrup too or try just regular chocolate milk-my son was allergic so we never got to try that-we did soy milk, but research is that parents who allow their kid to drink chocolate milk actually drink more milk in the long run!

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With my oldest son, I took over 2 months getting him used to milk. Just slowly adjusting him to the regular milk. His problem was that he liked his milk warmed, not cold at all. So I had to warm up the milk for awhile.

I like the goat's milk option as well. I notice that it freezes very much like my breastmilk does.

I wouldn't add anything like syrup to the milk unless you are willing to keep doing that.

What helped me was that I kept a quart of premixed formula in the fridge, so when I put a bottle together, I would be able to mix the milk and the formula gradually. My oldest son was a very picky eater, but eventually he did take the milk no problem.

I have a picky eater also. Not sure if you already do this but if not warm it up, my 15 mos old will still only drink her milk warm, trying to break the habit so I don't have to heat it up anymore but not successful yet. I can imagine how frustrating it can be. I saw formula the other day that was for 2 -3 year olds, that surprised me but then again I thought maybe I should of done that with my 3 year old who doesn't like milk at all, I give her Vit. D and have her eat other things with calcium in them. Good Luck!!!

My son was teh same and he is almost 2yrs old. I switched from just milk to 50/50 'Similac Go and Grow' - formulated for kids 12mths to 24mths.
Start out e.g 1oz real milk and 5 oz's go and grow (or whatever brand you were using for formula as it taste will be almost the same e.g Enfamil has a toddler formula) then increase the ration to e.g 3oz milk + 3oz formula and keep diluting the formula with real milk/almond/soy.

Show the container label to your mother to point out not only is it OK for him to have 'formula' still but the formula you are using is made especially for his age. Might throw in a few handouts about the protein 'casin' in milk and how it is for some human's to digest.
He's just a little guy, it won't hurt him at all to stay on formula for a while. You want happy and healthy as your priority not text book accurate.

smoothies with just fruit and yoghurt are a big hit with my son and organic yoghurt sticks put into the freezer then cut in half (per serve)
good luck

Hi, I had the same problem with my son 2 months ago. Another mother suggested I use Carnation instant breakfast and add it to whole milk. I warmed the milk to room temp and used about 1 tbsp of it. He drank it. I have gradually decreased the amount of Carnation over 2 months and now he drinks just cow's milk. I still warm it up though. Lots of options and I'm sure you'll find the one best for your little guy.

What does your mom have to do with your decisions? It isnt harmful to keep him on formula, just keep doing the gradual dilute till its total milk or total almond milk. You dont have to rush it.

Well really at a year he doesn't need any of it at all. Cow milk is not necessary it's just been drilled into our heads that they have to have it. My son can not drink dairy so I had to do some research on it. Cow milk is for baby cows and not humans. If it's the calcium you are worried about you can give him a calcium chew or a tums every day just to make sure he is getting it. Watered down juice is great or just water is even better.
Best Regards,
C.

I am not a doctor but I also think milk is overrated. Cow's milk is for calves not for human babies. I do agree that kids can get the nutrition they need to grow up healthy from a variety of foods. Oh! BTW my doctor advised against Soy milk for girls, and even boys. She says it has natural hormones that mimic estrogen, and this could send girls into puberty early! I think the same goes for boys, no soy milk because of the "natural estrogen." I hate to advise this but it might be helpful. I add a multi vitamin-mineral powder to my daughter's milk (she is 4). Much like Ovaltine. The pediatrician approved it. It has chocolate taste, and of course she loves it. The name of the powder is Cal-C-Tose. It is a product from Mexico (I grew up drinking it). You can buy it on-line or at most Hispanic stores. I even bought it at Bloom once. I like the fact that it's not like giving Quick or chocolate syrup to your child. This is a nutritious drink without cholesterol or fat. Ask your pediatrician. I know "masking" it with chocolate flavor is not the best advise, but at least he will get the proper nutrition.

Hi honey,

Say, I really don't think that chocolate syrup, soy, almond etc....are your answer. Goat's milk is digestible--very important to a baby, trusr me. I've used it on 4 of my kids, and I have healthy kids. Fresh milk is best, if you can find it, but most health food stores and even Walmarts have it. Do some research--soy isn't good, corn syrup also not good...the list goes on. Truly, cow's milk is for calves...and goats milk is for....kids!

Best wishes and blessings