Switching from formula to cows milk?

[Jayneypops]

Hi,

Our 14 month old has 2 bottles (7oz each) of SMA follow on milk a day. I know some people have switched to whole cows milk by this stage, Im wondering what are the benefits? (apart from the obvious cost and convenience)?

I know the formula is marketed as much better for them (40x more iron etc) but is that just a gimmick to get you to keep buying formula?

Maybe we'll try switching to cows milk in the morning bottle? - for those who have switched, do you still warm it up? our LO wont drink cold formula

 

[Pinky00]

We gradually switched to cows milk just before LO turned 1, I do think that the follow on milks are a bit of a gimmick, but they do provide lots of extra vitamins that cows milk doesn't. If LO has a varied diet then that shouldn't be a problem but if LO is a fussy eater I would just make sure you give vitamin drops to supplement.

I still warm cows milk a little, LO doesn't seem too fussed either way but I think some warm milk, especially at bedtime is nicer!

 

[beth_terri]

Follow on formula is a total gimmick. Think about it, if your baby is eating a full healthy ballanced diet, why do they need this 40x extra iron???

We've just finished mixing our last tub of first stage formula with full fat cows milk and I'm not buying any more formula so its cows milk from now on. My baby turns 1 in just under 2 weeks.

X

 

[AngelUK]

If the cost is an issue and you think your baby has a varied diet and is a good eater then I would say by all means switch to cow's milk. I try and feed mine as well as I can but I am not confident enough to leave off the formula and since I can afford it, I will stick with it a little longer xx

 

[Jayneypops]

If the cost is an issue and you think your baby has a varied diet and is a good eater then I would say by all means switch to cow's milk. I try and feed mine as well as I can but I am not confident enough to leave off the formula and since I can afford it, I will stick with it a little longer xx

Thanks. The costs not an issue, Im just wondering whether its money for nothing if that makes sense? She has always had a good appetite, so chances are shes getting plenty of vitamins and minerals, but I wasnt sure whether babies are meant to have extra iron for growth?

I think I might start using cows milk for her cereal (have done a couple of times with no reaction) and then gradually introduce Cows milk in the morning. For now I keep her bedtime bottle as formula.

 

[April76]

just watch out for your little one getting constipated. A gradual switch is better to try and avoid this.

 

[holliepop]

I switched my son onto cows milk when he was 13 months. He took to it with no problems. In my opinion 'follow' on milk is just a gimmick.

 

[Nessicle]

Personally I found whole milk way more expensive than stub of toddler milk. We were spending £10-£12 a week on blue top! I buy the cow and gate toddler milk because it works out cheaper and she's a pretty fussy eater and it has more vitamins and minerals. I also found whole milk terribly constipating for her x

 

[Nessicle]

If the cost is an issue and you think your baby has a varied diet and is a good eater then I would say by all means switch to cow's milk. I try and feed mine as well as I can but I am not confident enough to leave off the formula and since I can afford it, I will stick with it a little longer xx

Thanks. The costs not an issue, Im just wondering whether its money for nothing if that makes sense? She has always had a good appetite, so chances are shes getting plenty of vitamins and minerals, but I wasnt sure whether babies are meant to have extra iron for growth?

I think I might start using cows milk for her cereal (have done a couple of times with no reaction) and then gradually introduce Cows milk in the morning. For now I keep her bedtime bottle as formula.

They can have whole milk in cereal and cooking from 6 months anyway. Just not as a main drink as not enough nutrients and fats in it x

 

[Fortune Cooki]

I've kind of grown to learn that cow's milk does more harm than good. My family switched to coconut or almond milk a few years ago. I have no intentions to give my LO cow's milk when she is old enough. However, I am open to listen to arguments in favor of cow's milk. If someone can provide good sources, then maybe I will change my mind again.