switching from formula to regular milk - how much?

Brinda1 · Oct 31, 2011

Hello all,

DS is going to be one soon, and i am thinking of switching him from formula to regular milk. Currently he has 4 feeds of 200 ml milk a day in addition to a breakfast, lunch and dinner. What is the amount of regular milk that he needs to drink? Is 4 feeds too much? Should I cut to 3 feeds?

A little confused so would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

reethu20 · Nov 8, 2011

Hi Brinda,

DS switched from formula to regular milk when he is 11 month old. Initially I used to dilute the regular milk with water and feed him 3 times a day. Now DS is 18 month old and I give him twice a day.

Megalife · Nov 8, 2011

A gradual transition will be good! i started with 50:50 water to cows milk dilution with a bit of sugar lumps!...over 6 months the ratio was gradually increased to 20:80.Initially u might encounter frequent motions....consult the dr. if the frequency is more. 4 times a day for another year would be fine.

Brinda1 · Nov 13, 2011

Thanks Reethu and Megalife. Any opinions on fresh cows milk vs milk bottles vs tetrapacks? I am guessing they are all the same?

mridusudha · Nov 15, 2011

If you are in U.S then use organic milk..Use either Horizon organic or Stonyfield organic. Initially dilute whole milk. Whole milk is a lot thicker and can cause constipation. Atleast that's what DS ended up with!

To begin with: Mix formula and whole milk together.(80:20 ratio). Do this for about 2 weeks. Then slowly increase regular milk and reduce formula for another 2 weeks. Then switch to regular milk. I would go down to 3 feedings and increase his solid food intake. Incorporate more variety of solid foods including snacks.

Also don't add sugar unless you have to!!!