How to Know When to Switch From Formula to Milk

Baby formula is expensive. So, it's no surprise that parents want to know when their baby can switch from formula to milk. However, a baby's digestive system takes time to develop, and milk is hard to digest for their tummies. Waiting for the digestive system to develop fully is the main reason to wait to switch from formula to milk.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Wait until after the child is a year old. Whole milk is the best for a baby, since many of their calories are still coming from their beverages. The fat found in whole milk is important for development.
2. Note if the baby has been diagnosed with a milk allergy. If the baby is lactose intolerant, milk may not be an option.
3. Watch for signs of food allergies or sensitivities. Any vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, stomach aches, swelling of the lips, face or tongue indicate a problem. Call the pediatrician as soon as possible if any of these symptoms appear after the child makes the switch milk.
4. Transition the change. Start by mixing the formula with the milk. At first, mix a small amount of milk with a large amount of formula. As baby gets used to the change, increase the amount of milk, and decrease the amount of formula. You can also add whole milk to baby's rice cereal or oatmeal to ease the transition.
5. Make sure the baby gets enough milk. It is recommended that baby gets 16 ounces of whole milk per day. Remember that there are other ways for baby to get milk besides drinking it. Yogurt, cheese and ice cream are just a few examples of other ways for the child to get dairy in her diet.