When/how to switch baby from formula to regular milk?

Question

My son will be 10 months tomorrow and I was thinking about when and how I should start the switch? Should I start now or wait till 12 months? And how-should I just mix it at first or just completely switch? And once on reg milk how often do they usually drink it? Is it the same like how he drinks formula about every few hours (along with his food)? And is reg milk ok for bedtime or if he happens to want milk in the middle of the night? I just want some good insight from experienced parents. Thanks to you all.

Answer 1

We slowly integrated the milk into his formula at about 11 months. We didn't do it everyday.. more like every other to start. At a year we started every day for a couple months, slowly phasing out the formula. Then went to straight milk. Worked great for him. Sometimes he goes through his phases of not wanting milk for awhile, but it only lasts about a week, then he can't live without his milk for awhile.

Answer 2

my doc told me the best way is wait till 12 months, then do 3/4 formula 1/4 milk mix for a few days, see how he handles it..then half and half..then 1/4 formula 3/4 milk, then straight milk. If bubs has any reactions, reverse it to go back to formula, as sudden changes can upset their little tummies.

Dont put anything in the milk, sugar or milo or anything, its got its only natural sugars and adding to it is no good for their teeth :)

Answer 3

I just spoke with my son's doctor regarding this yesterday at his 9 month appointment, because we won't be back to the doctor until his 12 month check up.

Dr said it's okay to give them foods cooked with milk and maybe like one sippy cup of milk a day, but not much more than that.  Research is showing that cow's milk has an ingredient that leads to anemia in infants younger than 12 months.  

Answer 4

First of all, I would consult his Pediatrician because they should have the records of how your son responded to formulas or whatever he was on while a newborn and if there are any problems with the schedule you are thinking about keeping.  As far as a switch, never go cold turkey, this has to be done gradually as your son may have a reaction to solid foods compared to formula.  As far as regular milk,this again should be consulted with the Dr. as each child has a different reaction to whole milk, but from experience, never give them milk at bedtime, this sits like a lead balloon on there stomach and can not only cause gas but it can also cause other problems with the digestive system.  

Answer 5

I switched at about 11 1/2 - 12 months.

With my daughter I just switched, I didn't do all the mixing and stuff. But, depending on your child you may have to gradually switch him.

My daughter drinks milk throughout the day. She has a sippy of milk with her all day. I don't limit it to every 3 - 4 hours like with formula.

Yes, milk is fine for before and throughout the night.