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Transitioning from Formula to Cow’s Milk
Around one year old, your little one is making some big developmental leaps, including beginning to transition from formula to cow’s milk!3 As a Registered Dietitian and a mom, I know how exciting – and daunting – this time in your child's nutrition journey can be.
A lot of parents wonder how to reduce formula in their child’s diet. Does it mean your little one gets the same amount of cow’s milk as they did formula? What about solid foods?
Many parents feel in the dark about this phase of the feeding journey so here are some valuable insights and tips to give you confidence through this process.
When to change from formula to cow’s milk
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends weaning off formula to full fat cow’s milk at the age of 1 year.34
Unlike during the first year where breast milk or formula is the main source of nutrition for your baby, once your little one turns 1 year their nutrition is now going to come from eating a variety of solid foods. This will include 3 meals, 2 to 3 snacks, and up to 2 servings of some cow’s milk throughout the day.125
How to transition from formula to cow’s milk
Transitioning from formula to cow's milk is a gradual process. Some children take to the transition easily, while others may be more resistant. Don’t get discouraged!
Start by mixing small amounts of cow's milk with your child's prepared formula, gradually increasing the ratio of cow's milk over several days or weeks.
This gradual approach can help ease your child into the new taste and texture of cow's milk.
Some children love the taste of cow’s milk and may take to milk without the gradual transition, so don’t hesitate to give your little one a cup of milk to see how they like it! And remember: It can take up to 10 or more tastes before your little one accepts a new flavor, so don’t give up too soon.
Here are more tips on how to get your little one to drink cow’s milk: How Do I Introduce Milk to my Toddler?
How much milk should I give my 1 year old?
While cow's milk can be a valuable source of nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, it's essential to offer it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.7
Drinking too much cow’s milk can displace other important nutrients if your little one fills up on milk throughout the day.10 For example, milk is not a good source of iron and excessive consumption can increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia in young children.10
The AAP recommends that children between the ages of 12 to 24 months consume 16 to 24 ounces of cow's milk per day with a maximum of 24 ounces daily.46
Cow’s milk should not be introduced until after your little one’s first birthday so hold off until then.6
Is plant-based milk good for toddlers?
Other than soymilk, plant-based milk alternatives are not recommended in place of cow’s milk unless there is a medical reason.6
The nutrient profile in most plant-based milk alternatives is not always equivalent to whole cow’s milk.78 For example, other than soy milk, plant-based milk alternatives do not have the same quality and amount of protein as cow’s milk.6 Keep in mind that some plant-based milk alternatives contain added sugar, which the AAP recommends avoiding in children less than 2 years of age.
Read More: What Type of Milk Should My Toddler Drink?
What About Toddler Milk?
Toddler milk is marketed to families as a transitional milk when weaning off formula.9
It seems to be a convenient choice for children who are not doing well in the eating department but too much may interfere with meals by filling up your child so they are not hungry at mealtime.6
At this crucial period of development, it is important to work on eating skills to ensure that your little one is getting the nutrients they need for growth from a variety of foods. This can only be done if they are offered balanced meals and nutritious snacks regularly.
With this in mind, toddler milk should not act as a meal replacement. However, a quality toddler nutritional shake specifically designed for children 2 years and up, which includes no added sugar and is made with Grade A whole milk, may be an option to support your child’s growth and development. These are recommended to be offered no more than once per day.9
If you are concerned about your child’s nutrient intake at this age and are thinking about using a toddler milk, be sure to discuss with your pediatrician before including it in their diet.
What If My Baby Refuses to Drink Cow’s Milk?
If your little one is refusing to drink cow’s milk, don’t force the issue.
Key nutrients in milk are calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are also found in other foods. Yogurt is another dairy product that is typically a good source of calcium and vitamin D (when fortified) but there are other non-dairy food sources as well. For example, foods high in calcium include fortified foods and beverages such as cereal, orange juice and vegetables like kale and spinach.3
The APP recommends 2 servings of dairy per day, which could include cow’s milk - but does not have to! If your child enjoys whole fat yogurt, cottage cheese, or regular cheese, these are great options as well.
Read More:
Why Does Calcium Matter for Babies, Tots and Mama?
Why Does Vitamin D Matter for Babies, Tots, and Mama?
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We know parenting often means sleepless nights, stressful days, and countless questions and confusion, and we want to support you in your feeding journey and beyond.
Our Happy Experts are a team of lactation consultants and registered dietitian nutritionists certified in infant and maternal nutrition – and they’re all moms, too, which means they’ve been there and seen that. They’re here to help on our free, live chat platform Monday - Friday 8am-6pm (ET). Chat Now!
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For more on this topic, check out the following articles:
Transitioning to Cups for Babies and Toddlers
Is Your Baby Reacting to Something In Your Milk?
Vegetarian Diet during Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and for the Family
Can my Baby or Toddler Drink Juice?
What to Drink instead of Sweetened Beverages
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