My almost 11 (and a half) month old boy is a big boy (an adorable 27 pounds) and I have read that for bigger babies you can switch to whole milk a little early since they don't need the extra calories that formula has. The only concern is ensuring they get enough iron, from cereal or other foods. Is there any other reason why I shouldn't start transitioning him a few weeks early??
Talk to your doctor. I heard that cow's milk can make a babys stomach bleed before their 1 year old.
I think the reason for holding off as long as possible is that the cow proteins in milk aren't as easily digested. So the longer you wait, the more mature your baby's GI system is and he can digest better without having adverse reactions. What does your pediatrician say?
I've heard that the "12 months for cow's milk" thing was started by the formula companies so people would continue to use formula rather than switching to the cheaper cow's milk. Who knows.
I am a mother of 5 and I switched my older kids early (11 months) the last 2 (I thought each was the last) I did more by the book to "keep them babies longer" more than to follow "the standard". All my kids were fine. Just make sure they get the nutrients they do need. Mine were all (and still are) good eaters with a wide variety, so it all worked well for them.
Good luck
S.
My son turns one on Thursday and I have been giving him whole milk at supper time for the last month. Also the last week he has had it at breakfast. He seems to have no problem with it. You can check with your dr. if you are concerned about it. Good Luck!
eleven months is very close to one year. In the whole big scheme of things, I don't think it matters all that much. We ofcourse did everything "by the book" and looking back, I think our daughter would have turned out exactly the same had we varied just a bit.
I do have a friend who recently switched her daughter at 11 months and she did fine.
C.
Hi! My daughter is now 12 months, but we switched to whole milk at about 11.5 months. We talked to the doctor and she said it was fine. At her year check up she weighed 19.5lbs. I see no problem with it, but if you are unsure ask his doctor.
Good luck!
J.
My daughter was the same size around age 1. I started the transition prior to age one like 10/11 mos. just to be completely switched by her birthday. I never heard that bigger babies can switch earlier I just did it that way. I had no problems. BTW my chubby rolly poley baby is now a skinny 5 year old.
