When to Switch to Cows Milk?!

My son was a term baby and we didn't start until after he was one years old. Doctor said they didn't get enough nutrients they needed before that. And then it was Vitimin D Milk. I would definitly talk to the ped's doc before you switch anything.

Cassandra,
I am glad to hear that you may have gotten some answers about the milk issue. I wanted to give you a little support for the premie thing. My son was born at 31 wks and weighed only 3lbs 2oz. It can be a really long first year. I am glad to hear that she is thriving so well. I also had the exact same problem with breastfeeding. My son, at a year, transitioned to whole milk very easily as well. Good luck!

Cassandra:

Try calling the company and getting some coupons. They usually have plenty to spare. Even ask if they have some free samples.

J.

Your child should remain on formula until she's a year old. Between ages 1 and 2 she should rink only Vitamin D whole milk. She needs the fat for brain development. Once she's two it's fine to switch to a lower fat milk.

I would definatly wait on switching to milk untill she is at least a year old. My doctor doesn't want to take my daughter off formula unitll she is 15 months old. And then you should only go to the whole milk it has more vitamins and nutrition in that compared to 2%. I was wondering if you could email me with what type formula you have your daughter on now, I might be able to help you out.

Hey there!

Formula IS expensive!!! Ahhh! Even so, it's really important to keep then on it untill they are 1 year. Formula is made to match breast milk as closley as possible, and has just the right ammount of vitamins/minerals/nutrients. Cows milk has nowhere near the nutritional value babies need, has way too much salt, and is much harder to digest. If you absolutly can't afford it and can't get assistance, at least give her whole milk, it isn't recommended to give children 2% untill they are around 2 years. I have been in the same situation as you, and have had to give reg. milk a couple times too. Also, Wal-Mart has less expensive formula (Parents Choice) that worked great with our daughter, you could give that a try.

I wish you the best!!!
E.

I know that it can be tempting to change her to cows milk because of cost, but your baby needs that formula in order to continue growing so well, and her intestines are not yet equipped to handle regular milk. Since she's still on an almost liquid diet, the formula provides the best source of nutrition until she's a year old. 12 months is the most appropriate age to put her on cows milk, and then it needs to be whole milk until she is at least 2 years old. I have heard that Walmart carries an efficient yet less costly formula called Parent's Choice. I wish you the best of luck.

I know you've already updated us but I just wanted to give my quick little 2 cents worth. First off, your pediatrician wouldn't advise you to do anything dangerous for your child, but I think the other person was right when they said they probably wouldn't do that for their own child...but keep in mind a pediatrician working in a private practice probably doesn't have many money troubles! If you are really in a pinch, try a Salvation Army or other church with a food bank service, they're not as strict with eligibility, especially if it's a one time thing or just for help with baby formula. I, personally would try to keep her on formula until she's a bit closer to a year. Also, go to the websites for formula companies and sign up for their coupons - I know I've gotten alot of them that are like, $4-$5 off. Good luck! And good for you on the breastfeeding thing!

I didn't read all of the replies but I just wanted to add that I was just reading up on anemia in babies and it said that cows milk will actually reduce the amount of iron your baby takes into her system. This is another reason for her to stay on formula until she is 1 yr old.

Hi! I read some repsonses, but not all because there's so many! When you say you are not eligible for WIC, are you going by the standards they announce publicly, or did you apply and get denied? I know a handful of people who are married and both have jobs, and their children are on WIC. So if you haven't tried, maybe you should try. Or if you got denied, appeal! I make above the income level for Healthy Start and I had no problem getting coverage for me and my son while I was pregnant, and continued coverage for him now. Good luck in your decision!

Hi Cassandra - I just wanted to say did you apply to WIC? My husband was working full time and we were still eligible to receive it. Sometimes they can help in a pinch with a few cans if you explain it to them. Or sign up with all the formula companies - they send free samples and coupons. Some pediatricians have coupons in their office for free formula. Call and ask. Keep her on formula for the first year dear. You will be glad you did. God bless you and your little one.

I have read most of the responses and have to agree that it is way to early to be giving your baby cows milk. ESPECIALLY since she's a preemie!! For the first 18 months to 2 years of age, your baby will be thought of, by her pediatrician, as her gestational age, NOT her actual age. My baby was born 8 weeks premature, as well. And we think of him as being 5 months old, NOT the actual 7 months old that he is. Even if your daughter doesn't have any health issues due to being a preemie, it is STILL a huge factor. I waited until just this week to introduce solids to our son, because of his gestational age. So I would stress to you that you should even wait a little longer than the actual year to give her cows milk, due to her adjusted age.

My doc said never to give anything less than whole milk until she's 2. We switched over around 11 months. I would try to wait a few more months just to make sure she's getting all of her vitamins. How much jarred food is she eating? Have you checked out the ***mart brand formula?(Sorry not sure if I can mention the store name but I hope you can figure it out!) It has the same ingredients but way cheaper than named brand. Thank god for it becuase we couldn't afford the name brands either.

A dr will suggest a yr old but there were plenty of times with my 18 month old when he was young around 8months that we had the same problem. I recommend whole mil instead of 1% it has more nutrients and fat in it that a baby needs. My son is a giant and still he loves his milk all day long he would drink milk no problem. She is your baby and no one else's you know her and her body do what you think is best. You aren't harming her with milk.

I switched my daughter about that age. I would make sure that she is eating enough baby food and drinking the milk okay. I only used 2% for her.

I would wait until around 12 months. However, I switched both of my kids around 11 months. It just happened that we ran out of formula and I decided to do it. The doctor said that was fine and they are both perfectly healthy (3 and 15 months). You do need to switch to Vitamin D milk though. It's the best for them. In the meantime, Costco makes Kirklands brand formula. It's $19.99 for 2 big cans. I used that with my 15 month old. My doctor recommended it after I was complaining about the cost. My son was on Similac and it was about twice the price. You do have to buy the membership up front, but in the long run it will save you. They also make Kirklands diapers and wipes which we use. We like them and they are a ton cheaper than Pampers. Hope that helps!

Hi Cassandra. I know that formula is pricey, but your little one needs the formula until she about one. I would say to at least stick with it until soon after 10 months. There are vitamins and iron in the formula that your little girl needs to continue to grow the way she is. If you feel you are unable to afford formula then make sure you at least give her Vitamin D milk and give her baby vitamins with iron. 9 month olds are common to have low iron in their blood which can make them anemic (not sure about the spelling there). Since your daughter is 8 months now, you need to be precautious, there is also an iron supplement that is not costly from Similac that you could give her with her Vit. D milk. I just know that our little guy who was taking an iron formula still had a small case of anemia, its because of the transfer to more baby food. Talk to your doctor and see what he says, you can even call your doctor's office and speak to a nurse about it. I hope this helps.

J.

Hi Cassandra well I have 4 children of my own all boys ages 10, 5, 4, & 8mon. I breast fed all my boys until they were 6mon. old I am trying to nurse my youngest until he is 1yr. but the rest of my children I started them on cows milk when they were about 9mon. my oldest son is lactose intollerent so I waited until he was over a year but the other two did really well with it my best friend started her daughter on cows milk when she was just 7mon. old she did really well also so I guess it just depends on her digestive system if it's strong enough I would try her on it and if it dosen't make her stomach upset or constipate her or give her loose stool I think she would be fine but just to be safe I would check with her doctor first hope this helps.

Cassandra,

Wait until she's at least one year old. Preferably, two years old. There's a formula that is somewhat cheaper for toddlers. I would not be rushing it, especially since your daughter was premature. Ask your doctor to be safe.

I would wait till at least a year. The formula has good vitamins in it that they need till then. I would then switch to vitamin d milk it is the best to give and its not expensive at all same price as 2%. I remmber how expensive formula is but listen to your child if you have given her the vitemin d milk and she is ok with that then I ok. Always remember to listen to your child no matter what age they tell us what they want and when something is wrong.

Hi - my son is 11 months and our pediatrician said that he should be switched to milk at 12 months - we're counting down the days!!! I do know that a baby should only have whole milk though - unlike us - they need all that fat! hope this helps!

One more thought for you, is she eating more solids now? The more she eats, the less formula you would need. Keep introducing her to new foods, puree them if you need to in your blender or food processor. There are so many free parenting web sites, go online to learn more about feeding your baby. This will also help eliminate a picky eater later. www.babycenter.com was one of my favorites when my little ones were babies.

Also, try asking your pediatrician for more samples, have you tried similic or enfamils web sites, they offer samples and coupons as well. There is also an organization called Mothers
Milk Fund, check to see if you have one in your area. Hang in there mom, you're doing a great job!

I work for an allergist and they suggest not to switch until 11 or 12 months. This is for allergy reasons. The sooner you expose your child to milk, egg, p. butter, honey, the more likely they will have some type of allergy. E.

we switched over at 12 months, but a lot of people do it earlier, especially if the baby is healthy. Some people say to do half formula half whole milk at first but our doctor told us to just go ahead and give him all whole. He's 13 months now and we switched him to 2% because he gained a lot of weight fast on whole milk.

Hi Cassandra,
You really need to wait until she is, at least, one year old. Then you will need to give her vitamin D. That is what my pediatrician told me for both of my kids. In a pinch, you could use milk but don't use it all the time yet.

Please, please, please wait until she's at LEAST 1 yr old (even longer, if possible) -- formula should be her main source of nutrition w/ some solids thrown in. Giving her cow's milk is *not* a good substitute! Period. (I'm sorry that sounds harsh, but it is true.)

Congratulations on having nursed for 2 months - that's really, really wonderful, and many babies don't even get that chance. It sounds like you would have preferred to nurse her longer, and I'm sorry that didn't work out. I'm sure that was difficult! I, too, had really tough times in those first 2 months with getting breastfeeding established - when problems occur, it can be sooo exhausting to pump around the clock, to maintain supply, etc. - I remember it all too well (this past February/March for us).

Please know that if you are planning on having FUTURE babies, you can probably breastfeed for longer if you wish. Many moms who haven't been able to breastfeed their 1st babies (at all or for shorter than they'd hoped to) go on to successfully breastfeed their 2nd, 3rd... babies. A great resource is http://www.kellymom.com (and if preemies run in your family, check out http://www.kellymom.com/bf/preemie/preemie-links.html).

Bottom line: it's TOO EARLY to switch from formula - formula or breastmilk should be the staple of her diet for *at least* the first 12 months --> so, so important (even if the pediatrician says cow milk + vitamin is ok, he/she probably wouldn't feed this to their own baby). Personally, I'd go hungry (not buy food for myself) before I'd run out of formula for my baby. Remember, cow milk is for baby cows and not baby humans - the nutritional need of a baby cow and a baby human are totally different! When your baby is old enough to start w/ some milk products, plain full-fat yogurt is best (good probiotics for their tummies!) and full-fat whole milk until at least the age of 2 yrs old.

Please contact WIC and see what they can do for you even though you don't qualify - explain that you're in a pinch. Or talk to your pediatrician. Or ask a friend for a $20 loan and pay them back as soon as your check clears. Or even go to the local free store. It's worth it!

Best of luck to you guys, and *CONGRATULATIONS* on becoming a mother and on giving birth to a wonderful daughter 8 months ago!

I HAVE MY BABY BOOK FROM WHEN I WAS BORN AND THE DOCTOR WROTE IN THERE AT MY 2 WEEK APPT. TO PUT BABY ON 2% MILK. THAT WAS AT 2 WKS OLD. I CHANGED BOTH MY KIDS TO MILK AT ABOUT 8 1/2 MONTHS. YOU JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE SHES GETTING PLENTY OF IRON FROM HER CEREALS. AND GIVE HER VITAMIN D CAUSE SHE WILL NEED THE EXTRA FAT SINCE BABIES REALLY DONT EAT THAT MUCH. YOU CAN EVEN BUY HER THAT POLY-VI-SOL LIQUID VITAMINS FOR BABIES. YOU DO WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD!

Its okay to start to introduce her to cow milk, but keep it limited she is still only 8 months. For times like what you just experienced, its ok. I transitioned my son right between the 11 and 12 month mark. The way I did it for that last month, I was doing 1/2 formula and 1/2 regular milk. But he has and intolerance to regular milk, so we did the stage 2 formula. But when the formula was gone, then it was just the regular milk. Also since she is 8 months make sure that you incorporate juice into her day. I am not sure how you do it, but after she eats her meals, I would give her juice instead of milk. So she should maybe be averaging about 3 milk bottles a day, and juice or water throughout.
For now I would keep her on the formula. Although she will be 1 here shortly, still at this time formula is the best. Although if she runs out of formula, cow milk is ok. But when she turns 1 you want to give her regular whole milk. This is because its important for her because she still needs the amount of fat, calcium,iron,etc... that it has in it . After she turns 2, if you choose to change her to 2% milk thats fine.
Hope this helps.

I started my daughter on Whole milk when she turned about 10 1/2 months old...She's doing great, but at first adjusting to it may upset their belly's a little. The spit up is HORRIFIC smelling LOL! But they get used to it very fast.

If you are in a pinch for money, call your pediatrician or your family doctor for some samples of formula. They usually will supply you with a sample size. Also try a local food bank or church mission. There are lots of agencies besides WIC that should be able to help you including local pregnancy care clinics.

Switching to milk is only recommended for at least children over 12 months. And then whole milk is recommended until at least 2-3 years old.

Good Luck!

Hi Cassandra,
My daughter had been breastfed until she was about 8 months then we switched to formula at 9 months and had been doing that until now. She turned a year on Sept 8th and after her well-baby visit we were told she could've been drinking cow's milk for months!!!!! When doing cow's milk, it's best to give her Vitamin D or 2%, no vitamin drop is needed.

Call her doctor and see if she can switch. As long as she doesn't have any digestive problems it should be fine. The reason 1% is not what she needs is because she is still growing and needs the high fat content!! Hope this helps.

Hey Cassandra,
I was right there with you with wondering about when to switch to cow's milk. My son is 10months old/23lbs and being a lil stink with breast feeding(biting with smiles,pushing away with feet). As of right now I am still breast feeding/finger foods/jar food/mushed up table food but if it gets to the point that I can't or he won't(tear*) breastfeed anymore then I am going to give 1/2 Vitamin D Milk with 1/2 formula. Here is a link to a Milk comparision sheet that I found rather helpful. http://www.saanendoah.com/compare.html
Also, "Cows' milk is not suitable as a main drink for children under the age of 12 months. It contains little iron and vitamin D and may lead to intestinal blood loss in some children. Skimmed and semi-skimmed milks should not be used in infancy because of their low energy content. Semi-skimmed milk may be used from the age of 2 years where it is the milk used in the household and the infant's diet is varied. However, skimmed milk should not be used under the age of 5 years. Fruit juice is not necessary, but helps the absorption of iron from fruit, vegetables and cereals.
It is important to remember that many parents do not receive instruction on appropriate technique for making up bottles; if formula preparation is not done properly, the baby may be at risk of dehydration and over- or under-nutritrion"
After all the reading and research that I did my conclusion was 1/2 milk and 1/2 formula and then when he gets to 12 months phase out the formula. IMO though if the child is healthy and in between 9-12months I wouldn't think that vita D milk along with the vitamin drop would be detrimental but then again I am not a doctor. I would first ask my pediatrician before making the switch and not be afraid to ask why if the dr gives you an answer you don't agree with or understand. My MIL gave my BIL milk from 6months on(advised by her pediatrician) - he is and always has been healthy and smart.
"Though there has been a lot of publicity recently about not giving babies cow's milk until at least 9-12 months, this does not really apply to breastfeeding babies. The breastfeeding baby can take some of his milk as cow's milk after about 6 months of age, especially if he is starting to take substantial amounts of a wide variety of solids as well. Goat's milk is an alternative. Many breastfeeding babies will not drink formula because they do not like the taste. Actually, the breastfeeding baby can get all the milk he needs from the breast without his requiring other sorts of milk, even if he is nursing only a few times a day." Hope this helps somewhat. All the best from my family to yours!

A.

Absolutely no 1% or 2% milk at all because it doesn't have the fat content (necessary for brain development) and other nutrient mixture your daughter needs. When you do switch her to cow's milk, it has to be whole milk, also called Vitamin D milk. My daughter is 13 months, and our pediatrician told us no milk until she turned a year old. I've heard of other pediatricians saying it was okay earlier- like at 10 months, though.

The three reasons to stay on the formula until they recommend it are: decreased risk of milk or lactulose allergies, formula/breast milk is easier to digest and is gentler on a baby's digestive system, and formula has the right nutrients in it for your baby's growth (ARA and DHA, fats, vitamins and minerals). Bottom line is to call your pediatrician and ask what they recommend. I'd be surprised if they said it was okay to switch her already, but every doctor has their own guidelines. You could call and ask the triage/advice nurse at the clinic you go to instead of talking to the doctor directly, or you could wait until her 9 month appointment.

I understand how expensive formula can get. Some ideas for cheaper formulas until you can switch her over- Sam's Club has a brand called Members Mark that is basically Enfamil-cheapest I've found, but you have to have a membership- $40/year-worth it considering how much you save on wipes, diapers, and formula alone, plus meat, clothes, fresh vegetables, bread, cakes, food, etc. Cosco also has similar deals if you live closer to one of them. Either place you can ask to look around and price shop before you buy a membership. Nestle's Goodstart or the Parent's Choice at Walmart work just fine as well. Don't be afraid to ask for coupons- you could either post here or at craigslist.org. There are a lot of good coupons for several dollars off out there. Mine are all expired or I'd pass them on to you. I wish I would have thought about passing them on to someone before they all expired, because I got all of my formula at Sam's.

One final word of encouragement- she won't be drinking as many ounces of milk once she gets older. She'll only be drinking about 16 ounces a day when she is one, rather than 24-32 or whatever she is drinking now. She won't need as much once she gets to be one, because she'll be drinking water and juice, and will be eating more food to fill her up.

Good luck!