How to Introduce Whole Milk to Infants

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents against giving infants whole milk before 1 year of age because babies need the special nutrients present only in breast milk or formula before their first birthday. After a baby's first birthday, parents can feel free to start introducing whole milk to their baby. Infants need the full-fat content of whole milk until 2 years of age to enable their brains to develop properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Cooking thermometer (with probe)
  • Child's sippy cup

Instructions

    • 1

      Warm the milk on the stove or in a bottle warmer to bring it up to a temperature of between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a cooking thermometer with a probe to test the temperature of the milk, if you desire. Warming the whole milk slightly may help babies accustomed to warm breast milk or formula tolerate it more readily.

    • 2

      Add one part whole milk to three parts breast milk or formula to the child's sippy cup. Mix the ingredients well.

    • 3

      Offer the milk mixture to the child with meals and snacks -- whenever the child would normally drink breast milk or formula.

    • 4

      Continue this milk mixture for one week.

    • 5

      Change the ratio to half whole milk and half formula or breast milk and offer this mixture for the second week.

    • 6

      Adjust the ratio to three parts whole milk and one part breast milk or formula and offer this mixture for the third week.

    • 7

      Give the infant 100 percent whole milk after the end of the third week.

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