When to introduce cows milk to a baby ?

[xKharmAx]

I have a 7 month old, and he's on formula right now. I was wondering when's a good time to introduce him to cows milk and what kind? Whole, 2%, full fat? Thank you!

 

[Stephanie]

They cannot have it until AT LEAST 12 months. Generally they get whole milk. But you'd have to talk to their Dr to be sure.

 

[tenko]

As a drink, from 12-14 months, in cooking from 8 months. Has to be full fat, until around 2 when you can switch to reduced fat.

 

[mummymonkey]

Formula is derived from cows milk, so when you do switch him to the regular bottled stuff, it should be much easier for him to make the transition.

From 1 year old to 2 years old, he should have full fat milk and then from 2 years old onwards, he should have semi-skimmed. Research has shown that kids who were given full fat milk on a regular basis after (around) their second birthday are far more likely to have problems with obesity in later life than those kids who's parents switched them to semi-skimmed at this point.

After 1 year old and before 2 years old, however, growth is still rapid and the calories in full-fat milk are needed to support this growth.

Cow's milk, given in food (added to sauces when cooking etc.) is fine from around 6 months, but babies who are given it as a drink before 12 months will be left without nutrients such as vitamin E and iron and will end up having too much protein, potassium and sodium.

It's just a matter of giving you baby/child what is needed to support growth at different stages.

Hope that helped

 

[Shaylee76]

Full fat, but no earlier then 12 months of age. You can use reduced fat (if you chose) after the age of 2.