Breastfeeding to Cow's Milk

HI A.,

What about introducing him to Enfamil Next Step rather than cows milk until he reaches 1.
You could put 4 oz in a sippy cup and see how he does with it.
Or the Similac Go & Grow is a good one.
I used both of these for my son from 12 mnths to 2 yrs and really liked them. Especially on the days he was a picky eater, it helped having the extra vitamins and nutrients for him in the formula.
It cost about $22 for a large can but lasts about a week.

Good luck with the transition!

I've always been told by my pedi not to give cow's milk until at least one year of age. They need the extra vitamins and nutrients from breastmilk/formula until then and they are at greater risk of developing an allergy to dairy if you start it too soon.

I agree with the other poster that recommended the Next Step. Even though my daughter is a year old now, I have weaned her and we went to the Next Step formula instead of the milk. I really like the fact that there are alot more vitamins and nutrients in the formula that they would not be receiving from the milk. We buy the Target brand, same as the Enfamil, and it's only $11.99 per can instead of $22.

you cannot replace breastmilk with cows milk at this stage...what you can do is introduce him to cows milk to get him adjusted to it before completely weaning, but he should only have 4oz max of cows milk a day & the rest either breast or formula, (until 12months) he still needs the nutrients from that...at least this is what i was always told by my pedi...

I'm going through the same thing with my 9 month old and the pedi told us to wait until 11 months b/c she still needs those nurtrients from the breastmilk. Great job on the breastfeeding. Only 2 more months and you'll be home free! Keep it up!

My doc said to wait til a year, but I was ready when my son was 11 months to start weaning him. I didn't want to go from breastmilk to formula to cow's milk in a month, so I just did cow's milk. He was fine. In fact, I didn't have to wean him for his benefit, but for mine! He had no problem with the milk, he drank it all the first time! Docs recommend whole milk until 2 years, although I've heard that it doesn't necesarily have more nutrients than 1 or 2% (I haven't done the research).

As for starting at 9 months, I'm not sure. If you trust your doc, and you feel comfortable, that's your call. I waited til my son was almost a year to be safe. I agree about introducing the milk, but only a little for now. If you're ready to stop nursing, then I would go with formula.

I have always been told one year for cow's milk. I breast fed until my son was 8 months and then went to formula. If you are anti formula goats milk is very similar to human breast milk if you can find it!

I would think that it would do with the child. If they can tolerate the texture and taste of the cow's milk (whole) I would probably do so in the sippy cup. It's your call as it is your child. Use your momma instinct and do what is best.

When my daughter weaned herself, I tried formula which she didn't like. I tried cow's milk which was okay and setteld for powdered milk. The powdered milk was similar to breastmilk in consistency and taste and she drank it. She was around 9 months old when this happened. I made all of her food and wasn't worried about the vitamins and such. Today she is 31. The other S.

9 months is really early from what I've researched. My ped also said to wait until 12 months. Breast milk is much much better for the child for numerous reasons. I would not replace it with milk at this point. I wonder if your ped has an anti-breastfeeding slant.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/milk-supplements.html