How Much Milk for a One Year Old?

Updated on October 15, 2008
C.Z. asks from Elizabeth, NJ
18 answers

Hi moms! This is my second question today. My son just turned one and he's on regular whole milk now. Luckily he had no problem with the transition. How much milk (in ounces) is he supposed to be drinking? I'm still giving him his 3 8 oz bottles like when he was on formula. I was worried that it might be too much and cut each bottle to 7 oz. We go to the doctor on Saturday but I figure I'd ask other moms in the meantime.

THANKS!

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So What Happened?

I want to thank everyone for responding...it really helped before I got to my doctor! My doctor said 14-16 oz. I'm glad I cut out the one bottle after all the responses...I was definitely giving too much and I'm glad I checked!

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B.R.

answers from New York on

hi cally! my doctor told me 16-20 oz a day. hope that helps! (good luck with the sleep thing too...)

B.

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L.J.

answers from New York on

My son is 19 months old, and I swear he drinks 1/2 gallon a day.. I brought this up to his dr. and they aren't concerned because he eats like a pig too...and will drink water and juice too... he just loves milk..
I think the key is that as long as the baby eats well, it's not a concern how much milk they get...as long as they get at least the 20 oz or so...
Good luck at the drs!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

Sounds to me like you are doing ok. We were told by the pediatrician to give our daughter no more than 20 ounces a day.

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L.C.

answers from New York on

I just asked my doctor the same thing at our son's 1 year check. She said a boy his size (23 lbs. 30") and age needs about 15-18 ounces of milk a day. He eats a pretty varied diet and is on whole milk now. Unless your son is underweight, I imagine that would apply across the board.

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B.L.

answers from New York on

16 ounces max for the day.

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M.T.

answers from New York on

Hi Cally,
At this age, 3 cups of milk or the equivilent in other dairy products is recommended. At a year, food becomes the primary source of nutrition and many babies don't get full bottle feedings anymore, except maybe a bottle at bedtime. This is the time to start offering milk in a cup with meals, as a beverage not as a feeding by itself.
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

M.I.

answers from New York on

Dear Cally,
Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends low fat milk for children who may have some potential for obesity, ie, family history. I also recommend the use of organic milk whenever possible, as the hormonal content on regular milk is a concern.
Oh, and regarding your question about how much, no more than 24 ounces per day is recommended. Alternatively, you may want to give him a bottle in the morning, one before bed and in between give him some organic yogurt or cheese.

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L.L.

answers from New York on

My son is almost 16 months and still takes 3 8oz bottles a day. The dr. said as long as he's also eating actual food, then that's fine. Hope that helps! Lynsey

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B.C.

answers from New York on

They should get 16-24 ounces. Too much milk can lead to iron deficiency. If he also has yogurt, cheese, etc. I would stick closer to the 16 ounces.

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G.P.

answers from Utica on

We were just at the pediatrician on Friday - she told me 16-20 ounces for now and then eventually cut back to 12-16 ounces. You're on the right track! :)

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D.P.

answers from New York on

Hi,

We were told anywhere from 16-24 ounces is fine. Any milk products count as well (yogurt,cheese,etc)

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A.D.

answers from New York on

Hi again, Cally, My answer to your question would be that you are doing fine with 3 bottles a day. After reading someone's answer to your first question I would also ask about milk digestion. I think if there was a problem you would see this during the day. I had a few year bout with Lactose intolerance and it showed up very soon after drinking milk. Ask your doctor to be sure. Grandma Mary

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A.C.

answers from New York on

I asked my pediatrician when my daughter turned 1 and she said 12-16 oz per day. You might try substituting the 2nd bottle with water to go along with lunch.

1 mom found this helpful

C.B.

answers from New York on

the rule I was given is; no more than 40oz cow's milk in a day. no limit on soy or rice milk

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R.E.

answers from New York on

more solids, lots less milk

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A.S.

answers from Albany on

I would say 16-20 oz a day, along with his solids and juice, water. The doctor said the same thing. But,if he/she is thirsty or hungry, let them eat. Sometimes mine wants a 3pm sippy cup and other days no. So no big deal, I think that 40 is way to much. You will know.

M.H.

answers from New York on

Hi Cally,

I just went for my sons 15 month check-up she told me no more then 40 oz a day.

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J.E.

answers from New York on

Hi Cally,
I saw both of your responses, and I just wondered if your sons sleep issues are related to milk...when did you transistion him over? My son has a milk allergy, and it caused him a lot of gas pains that would wake him (and me) up in the middle of the night. Just a thought...good luck!

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