When to Switch a Baby to Milk

When to Switch

• The American Academy of Pediatrics advises waiting until your child is one year old before introducing cow̵7;s milk. If your baby is less than one week old, avoid feeding her formula containing cow̵7;s milk. Doing so could lead to an increased risk of developing a milk allergy. During your baby̵7;s first year, keep giving her breast milk or formula to meet her nutritional needs. Cow̵7;s milk contains an insufficient amount of iron that is not effectively absorbed, leading to iron-deficiency anemia. If your baby is under six months old, drinking cow̵7;s milk can result in blood loss in small amounts and irritated bowels. Loss of blood results in the loss of red blood cells, also putting her at risk of becoming anemic. Although cow̵7;s milk should be avoided, small amounts of other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese can be given to your child once she starts eating solids.

How to Switch

• When your baby reaches his first birthday, begin gradually introducing cow̵7;s milk to his diet. Avoid low-fat milks, such as skim, 1% and 2%, until your child is two years old, since these do not contain the amount of fat his growing body needs. Only whole milk provides enough calories and fat to aid your child̵7;s development. You̵7;ll need to wean him from breast milk or formula as you start to give him cow̵7;s milk. Slowly reduce the amount of breast milk or formula you give him throughout the day, and offer him cow̵7;s milk instead. Continue this process over several days until your child is only drinking cow̵7;s milk.

Milk Allergies

• Cow̵7;s milk causes more allergic reactions in children than any other food source. Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, hives, wheezing and digestive problems after introducing your child to cow̵7;s milk. Symptoms can occur shortly after drinking milk or a few hours after consumption. Some children develop milk allergies after drinking it several times. Although symptoms are generally mild, more serious conditions can also occur. Anaphylaxis, which requires emergency treatment, can make breathing difficult for your child due to constricted airways. If your child does suffer from a milk allergy, she will most likely outgrow it by the time she is two or three years old.