Up to one year of age, babies should be breast-fed or formula-fed, even after the introduction of solid food. After the first birthday, you can switch to cow's milk. Read on to learn how to make this change as easy as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Introducing Cow's Milk
Step 1. Wait until the baby's year
Children under one year cannot digest cow's milk well. In addition, they need the particular mix of nutrients found in breast or formula milk; Cow's milk is not an ideal substitute. Then, wait until the baby is one year old to introduce it.
Step 2. Consult your pediatrician
Normally, you can start switching to cow's milk anytime after your first birthday; however, it is always better to seek the advice of a doctor. It can give you specific directions that are best suited to your situation.
Step 3. Choose whole milk
Milk is very important for babies. It is rich in vitamin D, calcium, proteins and fats essential for the growth and development of your baby's bones. To get the most benefits, choose whole milk, not semi-skim or skim milk, at least until the second year of age.
Step 4. The ideal amount is two glasses of milk a day
From the first year of age, the baby should eat a variety of solid foods: fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. Following this type of diet, it is not necessary to make milk the main source of nutrition for your baby, as it was with breast milk or formula when he was younger. Two glasses of milk should suffice, especially if you also eat other dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese.
Keep in mind that you can't immediately switch to two glasses of cow's milk a day. Introducing it gradually is the best solution
Step 5. The child may rebel
It doesn't taste like breast or formula milk, so your baby may refuse it at first. If this happens, don't worry; over time, he will learn to accept it. Go to Part 2 for suggestions.
Step 6. Watch out for allergic reactions
Milk is one of the most common allergens. As with other foods, you need to watch out for any reactions when you introduce it. Children allergic to milk or with lactose intolerance may vomit, have diarrhea, abdominal pain, or develop a rash. If you suspect your baby is milk intolerant, talk to your pediatrician.
Part 2 of 2: Facilitating the Switch to Cow's Milk
Step 1. Reduce the amount of breast or formula milk
Your baby will accept cow milk better if you don't feed him your formula or formula all the time. There is no need to make a sudden change - you can make a smooth transition, eliminating one feed at a time and replacing it with cow's milk.
Step 2. Limit your consumption of juices or other sodas
Encourage the baby to drink milk instead of fruit juices. Sugary drinks should be limited or completely avoided during this time.
Step 3. You can try mixing cow's milk with breast or formula milk
If your baby refuses cow's milk, try mixing it with what he usually drinks. You can vary the proportions. Mix them at the same temperature, around 37 ° C. For example you could:
- Mix ¾ of a cup or bottle of formula or breast milk with ¼ of cow's milk. The child will not notice the difference.
- The second week, mix the two types of milk with the same proportions.
- For the third week use ¾ of cow's milk and ¼ of breast or formula milk.
- The fourth week uses only cow's milk.
Step 4. Offer him milk in an interesting cup or bottle
Sometimes using a colored cup can attract the baby. If she still uses the bottle, it may be time to switch to the cup: the baby will accept cow's milk more easily if a different container than usual is used.
Don't overfill the cup, and monitor your baby carefully. You'll avoid associating cow's milk with the frustration of spilling it all over the place
Step 5. Offer milk at ideal times
The baby will accept milk more willingly if he is rested and happy. Give it to him as soon as he wakes up or as a snack between meals. Hungry children tend to be irritable.
Step 6. Heat the milk
If you want cow's milk to taste similar to formula or breast milk, bring it to room temperature or slightly warmer. He will accept it more willingly.
Step 7. Keep calm
Don't be upset if the baby refuses cow's milk, and don't try to force it. Insist, but try to keep a relaxed atmosphere. Offer milk in different situations and in different containers, and wait for the baby to accept it voluntarily.
Step 8. Compliment him for his efforts
If your baby drinks milk, encourage and praise him.
Step 9. Add cow's milk to other foods
If he doesn't initially accept it, you can mix it with foods he likes: such as mashed potatoes, cereals and soups.
Step 10. Add other types of dairy products as well
If he doesn't drink a lot of milk, offer him yogurt, cheese, or other dairy products.
Advice
- If the baby continues to refuse cow's milk, talk to the pediatrician. It's okay to use other dairy products, but may need additional supplements.
- Be patient. This step may take some time. It is good to proceed step by step if this helps the child to accept it.
