Phasing Out Formula...

Updated on October 27, 2006
J.L. asks from New Smyrna Beach, FL
15 answers

My son is almost a year, and I would like to start switching milk for formula, does anyone have any tips on how to do this? Thanks!!

One more question - I usually heat up the bottle - so what do I do when I switch to real milk?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Miami on

I changed my daughter to milk at 11 months. I was giving her formula cold for a while and then did a ratio of milk and formula. For instance in a 6oz bottle do 4oz formula 2oz milk for a couple of days then lower each until it is all milk. This way their tummy dosen't get to upset. I did this for both of my girls and had no issues but both had been drinking the formula cold. I would start for a couple of days w/ just not heating the formula and see how that goes then try to switch.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Melbourne on

I just transitioned my 1 year old from formula to milk, and here's how I did it. I started by putting 6 oz of formula and 2 oz of milk in her bottle for one week, then the second week had 4 oz formula and 4 oz milk, the third week had 2 oz formula and 6 oz milk, and by week four, the bottle has all milk. This method worked beautifully with all three of my children. Just make sure your son is getting enough food by the time he's on milk.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Fort Myers on

J.,

With one of my daughters, we just quit the formula all at once. She handled it fine. My other daughter, we had to slowly mix in a little milk to her formula. Like 1 ounce milk to 3 ounces formula. I think it really depends on how sensitive his belly is.

Good luck!
Amanda

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Miami on

I started my daughter around 1 on 2% milk. at night i would warm it just a little and during the day she drank it cold and everything worked out fine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi, we did what Amanda did with one her children (at the advice of the ped). We mixed 1 oz milk 2 oz formula and gradually upped the milk. It was not a painful process or a big deal in the least bit. Hope this helps.
T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.N.

answers from Boca Raton on

How I did it for my two sons which seemed to work well was start with about 1 to 1.5 ounces of real milk added to the formulas try that for about a week if he does ok( meaning no cramps or constipation) go to two ounces and so on and so forth. As far as warming let it get to about room temp or run it under some hot water, dont heat it though.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.H.

answers from Melbourne on

I am about to do this also and I received some great advice from a friend who said to gradually change out the formula for milk. If you do 6 ounces of formula, then for a few days do 5 oz formula, 1 oz milk. Then next week do 4 oz, 2 oz, etc until she is only doing milk. You may have to do it in smaller increments or for longer before changing it but that is how we changed his formula to a different one and it worked great. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Miami on

Per my daughter doctor she was born 9-22-05. It only takes 7 days if he is not alergic. 2 oz. 1st day, 4 oz. 2nd day, 6 oz. 3rd day, 8 oz. 4th day, 12 oz 5th, 16 oz 6th day and 24 oz for total or more the 7th day. Whole milk only not 2% they need the fat of course.

If he appears allergic or diarea for example then try other types of milk that are more gentle on the stomach. I am not sure what those milks are called but if you read the label you will be able to figure it out.

I serve it cold to get her used to it not being warmed up. She loved it and is only drinking milk now. The doctor said that unless they are allergic it is really easy because milk tastes better. That is why I served it cold from day one since she would like it anyway and not expect it warmed.

Good luck!! It saves a lot of money.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.T.

answers from Naples on

Well congrats on your little one being almost one. goes so fast. I did it this way I replaced for one week at 11months one of his bottle ushly lunch time with milk. the at next week 2 bottles milk. and the third week did 3 bottles of milk. He had no problome and loves it. though he is on soy but my first had no problomes either. good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.T.

answers from Lakeland on

Good luck with phasing formula out!! My son is 10 months and we won't start until he's a year but he's already slowed way down on his formula consumption so I'm hoping making the switch won't be difficult.

I don't know if you put your son's DOB wrong in your "A little about me" section or if you meant to say he's already a year.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.D.

answers from Port St. Lucie on

To switch off of formula, start by replacing one bottle a day with real milk... second day- 2 bottles milk... third day- 3 bottles and so on... until your completely off the formula.
As far as temperature, at about a year they really don't need the milk warm... see if with the change your son will take it cold. It's much easier to leave the house with and icepack and a couple bottles!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.

answers from Boca Raton on

Hi J.
One of my girls was on similac adv. the other one on alimentum. at about 12 months i tried switching from formula to milk by;
first mix half and half *half formula half milk, let's say 4 oz each). i was surprised it didn't work, neither when i did 6 oz formula and 2 oz milk. well, i tried that for two days, then a friend oif mine said try organuic milk. so i did, and didn't even mix it just heated the milk a bit and gave it to them and they loved IT.
so i guess what i am trying to say is organic milk worked for us without even mixing it with formula.
another thing, someone suggested 2 per cent milk. my girls' ped says whole milk until the age of 2 at leats. mine are 28 months and i still give whole milk.
good luck
V.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.R.

answers from Orlando on

J.,

When I was using formula for my child, I used filtered water from the kitchen faucet, which is not warmed, but luke warm I guess you'd say. And when I switched from formula to regular milk that was cold, my child didn't have any problem with it. Try it and see what happens. I guess if the child does not take to it, you can warm it as well. Wow, my child is 1 day younger than yours! Best of luck!

B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.H.

answers from Boca Raton on

The easiest thing to do is if you are making a 8 oz bottle of formula, only make it six ounces and do the other two ounces of regular milk or 2% milk. Slowly keep taking away ounces of formula and add milk to make up the difference until you no longer have a formula & milkbottle and it is all milk. I recommend 2% milk. Seems to agreewith there little bellies better. As for warming it up, i use to let it sit on the counter for a couple of minutes to become close to room temp. or run it under the faucet to make it a little warmer then room temp. Good luck and you should have no problems.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Boca Raton on

Slowly ween him. My doctor advised to try two weeks before his first birthday. Start with two ounces of milk and the rest formula for a few days and watch for any reactions. If he is fine, maybe a week later go to four ounces of milk and so on. I would gradually stop warming the bottle. Every few days make it less warm, he should get used to it quickly.

Good luck

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches