You should stop giving your baby formula milk at 12 months old.
After your baby reaches their first birthday, they no longer need formula milk. This includes first infant formula, follow-on formula, growing-up milks, and toddler milks. At this stage, you can introduce cow's milk as their main drink, alongside a varied and balanced diet.
Here's a breakdown of why and what to transition to:
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Why 12 Months? Formula milk is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants in their first year. After 12 months, babies obtain most of their required nutrients from solid foods.
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Transitioning to Cow's Milk: Whole cow's milk is generally recommended for babies from 12 months to 2 years old. It provides essential fats and nutrients needed for development. After 2 years, you can switch to semi-skimmed milk if your child is a good eater and growing well. Skimmed milk is not suitable for children under 5.
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How to Introduce Cow's Milk:
- Start gradually. Mix small amounts of cow's milk with formula to help your baby adjust to the taste.
- Offer cow's milk in a cup rather than a bottle.
- Ensure the milk is pasteurized and full-fat until your child is 2 years old (unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional).
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Alternatives to Cow's Milk: If your child has a cow's milk allergy or intolerance, discuss suitable alternatives with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Fortified unsweetened soy, oat, or almond drinks can be considered, but ensure they are age-appropriate and provide adequate nutrition. Rice milk is not recommended for children under 5 due to arsenic levels.
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Important Considerations:
- Avoid giving cow's milk to babies under 12 months of age as it can be difficult for them to digest and doesn't contain all the nutrients they need.
- Limit the amount of milk to around 400ml-600ml per day to ensure your child has enough appetite for solid foods.
- Do not add sugar or other sweeteners to the milk.
In summary, discontinue formula milk when your baby reaches 12 months old and transition to cow's milk or a suitable alternative, ensuring a balanced diet from solid foods.
