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Some point after your child starts eating solid foods, you may be wondering when you should switch from breastmilk or formula to cow's milk. The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend cow's milk before the ages of 9-12 months, but in the US they don't recommend it until at least a year old. Of course that would be the case, Canada and the US disagreeing on when baby should switch to cow's milk. However, there are some things to consider before you make the transition that should help make the decision easier.
When you do decide to introduce cow's milk into your baby's diet, make sure it's whole milk so they're getting the benefits of that extra fat that isn't found in skim or even 2% milk.
My own children were put on whole cow's milk on their first birthdays. Actually, my son started drinking whole milk the day before his birthday because I ran out of formula and I was too lazy to go out and buy some more.
However, if you choose to do it earlier (in between 9 and 12 months) you may want to introduce it gradually if they aren't already eating dairy products like cheese or yogurt to make sure they don't have any reactions.
Some babies won't like the switch from breastmilk or formula to cow's milk, so you might have to mix it half and half until he accepts the new taste. Personally, I tried a taste of formula once and I almost threw up, so if I were a baby I'd be glad when it was time for cow's milk, but of course formula or breastmilk is all they've known up until that point, so they have no idea how disgusting it really is!
By keeping your babies best interests in mind, I'm sure you'll be 100% confident in the decision you make, whether you start giving them milk at 9 months or 12 months, or anywhere in between. There's no rule set in stone as to the right age, and there shouldn't be because every baby is different. It's up to you as the parent to decide when the time is right for you and your baby.
- The primary reason why babies shouldn't be on cow's milk too early is the worry of iron deficiency or anemia. Cow's milk does not contain very much iron and it's therefor more difficult for your baby to absorb it. However, by waiting at least nine months before giving them milk, iron deficiency should no longer be a concern.
- If you're breastfeeding, the longer you can keep your baby on breast milk, the better. Not only is this method free, but the list of benefits to breastfeeding is long and continues to grow as more and more research is done.
- If you're formula feeding, the temptation to bring cow's milk into your child's diet too early may be overwhelming since formula can be very expensive. In the US, subsidized formula is available for many families so take advantage of that if you qualify. In Canada, there are numerous sites where you can sign up to receive coupons and samples in the mail. Visit the freebie page for a few examples. Otherwise, try to hang in there as long as you can, and if people are offering baby gifts, suggest for them to buy some formula for you.
When you do decide to introduce cow's milk into your baby's diet, make sure it's whole milk so they're getting the benefits of that extra fat that isn't found in skim or even 2% milk.
My own children were put on whole cow's milk on their first birthdays. Actually, my son started drinking whole milk the day before his birthday because I ran out of formula and I was too lazy to go out and buy some more.
However, if you choose to do it earlier (in between 9 and 12 months) you may want to introduce it gradually if they aren't already eating dairy products like cheese or yogurt to make sure they don't have any reactions.
Some babies won't like the switch from breastmilk or formula to cow's milk, so you might have to mix it half and half until he accepts the new taste. Personally, I tried a taste of formula once and I almost threw up, so if I were a baby I'd be glad when it was time for cow's milk, but of course formula or breastmilk is all they've known up until that point, so they have no idea how disgusting it really is!
By keeping your babies best interests in mind, I'm sure you'll be 100% confident in the decision you make, whether you start giving them milk at 9 months or 12 months, or anywhere in between. There's no rule set in stone as to the right age, and there shouldn't be because every baby is different. It's up to you as the parent to decide when the time is right for you and your baby.
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