When your baby turns one, they have already achieved so many milestones. One new milestone they get to encounter is transitioning from formula to milk.
Now if you are a new mom, this might seem challenging but it really doesn't have to!
Now, transitioning from formula to milk can be a smooth one for both you and baby if you follow these important steps:
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- Transitioning From Formula to Milk
Transitioning From Formula to Milk
1. Doctor Approval
It's always important to seek the approval of your child's doctor before making any big changes to your little one's diet. Transitioning from formula to milk is no different. They can give you an idea of how much they should be drinking and offer advice as you start transitioning.
Here are a few questions you might ask your pediatrician about transitioning from formula to milk:
How much cow milk should they have each day?
What are the signs of a milk allergy?
Is is okay to use prune juice for constipation?
How quickly should I stop using formula?
After you get the all clear from your pediatrician, and all your questions have been answered... it's on to the next step!
2. What kind of milk?
When transitioning from formula to milk, you might wonder what kind of milk is he/she supposed to have? The answer is whole milk or milk labeled Vitamin D.
There are a few exceptions to the rule, but your pediatrician will advise you on what is best, so don't hesitate to ask!
3. Gradually Wean them off of formula
It's important to gradually wean your little one when you start transitioning from formula to milk. This is because milk can constipate little tummy's.
If your little one already had a tough time with constipation and formula, it's important to go SLOW.
Start off by just replacing 2 oz. So, add the whole milk to the bottle or sippy cup first (2 oz), then add water.
Next, add in 3 scoops of formula. Make sure to mix well and then let your little one enjoy!
Do this each time he/she takes a bottle for about a week. Then, when your baby seems to be transitioning from fromula to milk rather well, increase the whole milk. You can then introduce 4 oz.
While this is going to take time, it's important not to rush things. Cow milk is extremely constipating, and making a quick change could really back up your little one and cause him/her too have really hard stools.
4. Timing
Another important thing to remember when transitioning from formula to milk is timing. Start giving bottles that have milk in them around the 3 main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Ideally your little one should be drinking this with their solid foods/baby food. You can check out this article on how to introduce baby to foods here.
What if he/she gets thirsty throughout the day? Well, if this is the case, the best practice is to give them water. Now that they are older, they really should be getting nutrition from both milk/formula, and also solid foods.
5. Prevent Constipation
Now, as previously mentioned, cow milk can cause constipation. So, how do you prevent consitpation when transitioning from formula to milk? Well, the answer is surprisingly simple.
- Avoid other foods that can cause constipation when you are transitioning from formula to milk (bananas, apples, bread).
- Push more high-fiber fruits & vegetables
- Let your little one have apple juice or prune juice to help keep things regular
- Encourage your little one to drink lots of water
6. Introduce other dairy foods
When you begin transitioning from formula to milk, you can also start introducing other dairy foods. Now just don't overdo the dairy consumption because, again dairy products can constipate your little one!
Some suggestions for other dairy foods are cheese, yogurt, a smoothie with milk in it, or even mashed potatoes with sour cream in them.
The big picture is not to overwhelm your little one with a bunch of different foods and milk all at once but gradually make the change.
7. Say Goodbye to Bottles
Another thing to remember after you have started transitioning from formula to milk, will be to stop using bottles. Once your little one is completely off of formula, you can also make the change to sippy cups.
Transitioning from formula to milk isn't hard, but you should remember a few things. Firstly, you should wait for your doctor's approval, use whole milk when you do start, and gradually wean your little one off of formula.
Also, give your baby particular foods that will help prevent constipation, and try switching from bottles to sippy cups.
Is your little one close to turning one? What are you most excited about for them turning one? Leave a comment below! Also, don't forget to pin this so you can refer back to it again and again. Thanks!
