6 tips for transitioning your baby to cow’s milk (whole milk)

On the list of confusing things parents deal with, your baby's transition from breastmilk or formula to cow’s milk has to be in the top three. There’s so much information — and so many opinions — about milk out in the world now, it’s no wonder it can be hard to figure out what to do.

Whether you're formula feeding or breastfeeding, this can be a big transition. We’ll break down all you need to know about adding whole cow’s milk to your toddler’s diet, including when babies can have milk — and six tips to make it easier.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

When to switch to cow's milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends [] waiting until after your baby’s first birthday to introduce whole cow’s milk as a beverage. However, babies can begin eating other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese when they start solids around 6 months. Cow’s milk may be consumed mixed in with other foods during cooking or baking around this time as well. 

What happens if you give a baby cow's milk too early?

Cow’s milk isn’t nutritionally equivalent to breast milk or formula, and therefore it doesn’t meet your baby’s needs before they turn 1 year old. Additionally, it’s harder for babies to digest than breast milk or formula and may cause digestive upset if given too early.

Whole milk is also higher in protein and other minerals, which can be hard on your baby’s immature kidneys. Additionally, it doesn’t naturally provide enough of certain nutrients such as iron or vitamin C, which your baby needs for optimal growth and development.

In short, milk for 1-year-olds (and up) is safe and healthy — but keep it away from younger babies.

How to transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk

Transitioning from formula or breast milk to cow’s milk takes time, and every baby’s experience is different. Some babies will have no issues with the switch, and others will need more time. Follow your baby’s lead and assess their solid food intake to determine if a gradual or quick switch is best for them. 

It’s important to note that cow’s milk isn’t considered a complete meal in the same way a bottle of formula or nursing session would be. Rather, it’s a beverage and part of an overall, complete meal. Oftentimes, it’s easiest to start by switching out one bottle or feeding with a mini-meal or snack that includes milk. For example, you may offer fruit and whole grain crackers served with milk as a snack. 

Quick transition method how-to

The quickest way to switch to whole cow’s milk after your baby turns 1 year old is to simply make the switch! This method is likely to work better if you have a baby who is eating a good amount of solid foods and is gradually reducing breast milk or formula intake on their own. Offer cow’s milk right away in a cup with a meal or snack. 

Gradual method how-to

Other babies do better with a more gradual approach. One way to do this is to mix whole cow’s milk with breast milk or formula before serving. In other words, replace formula or breast milk slowly. For example, using a 4 oz serving, start with 2 - 3 oz breast milk or formula and mix it with the remaining 1 - 2 oz of cow’s milk. As your baby adjusts, gradually increase the amount of cow’s milk that is served until you are giving a full serving of cow’s milk. 

6 tips to switch your baby to whole milk

Change is hard. Here are a few tips for making this change a little easier.

1. Transition gradually to ease tummy troubles

Some babies experience digestive discomfort when switching to cow’s milk. It takes time for their little tummies to get used to it, and it may lead to constipation — especially if their overall liquid intake is down as they transition from breast milk or formula. To help, reduce the number of times you offer milk during the day or lower the amount served at each meal or snack. You may also offer more water throughout the day, keeping a sippy cup close by and offering sips during playtime and other activities. 

2. Serve room temperature or slightly warm 

Babies are used to drinking breast milk or formula at a warmer temperature than cold cow’s milk that comes out of the fridge. For some babies, you can make milk more palatable if you warm it up to room temperature or slightly warmer. Always test the temperature first before giving it to your baby. 

3. Offer at meal or snack time 

Unlike breast milk or formula, cow’s milk is not meant to be a meal. Therefore, offering it alongside may help your baby accept it more easily. Leave it accessible in a sippy cup on their highchair tray or offer sips throughout the meal without pressure. They’ll likely give it a try as they get thirsty. 

4. Include in other foods 

You can help your baby get used to whole cow’s milk by including it in other foods, such as oatmeal or a smoothie. This allows your child to get used to milk while eating foods that might be more familiar to them. While this doesn’t help get them used to the taste of plain milk, it may help their bodies and digestive systems become more comfortable with cow’s milk.

5. Transition from bottle to cup 

The American Academy of Pediatrics [] recommends phasing out your baby’s bottle use between 12 to 24 months of age. Therefore, when you start serving milk, try to start practicing how to use a cup (or sippy cup), too. This may also help babies distinguish when they’re being served milk versus water, formula, or breast milk.

6. Serve other dairy foods, too

Many parents become concerned about their baby’s nutrition if they aren’t accepting cow’s milk. However, cow’s milk isn’t necessary for a healthy diet; it just happens to be an easy way for many kids to get in important nutrients. If your baby isn’t taking to cow’s milk, be sure to offer other dairy foods, such as yogurt or cheese, as well. 

Babies with cow’s milk allergies 

If your baby has been diagnosed with a or your family chooses not to drink cow’s milk, there are many alternative options.

Fortified soy milk has commonly been used as a substitute for cow’s milk since its nutrient profile is the most similar to cow’s milk and is generally widely available. However, there are many nut- and seed-based milks in grocery stores now.

Be sure to check the nutrition labels and ingredient lists for added sugars, as these should be limited in young children. Additionally, most cow’s milk alternatives are lower in calories and protein, so you’ll have to be conscious of elsewhere. Most alternative milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, but check the nutrition label to be sure. 

Takeaway

You should wait until your baby is at least 1 year old to transition from breast milk or formula to whole cow’s milk. Once it's okayed by your child's pediatrician, you may go ahead and add other dairy products, like cheese and yogurt, to their diet when they start experimenting with solid foods. It’s important to make sure your baby gets all of the nutrients they need, and cow’s milk simply doesn’t compare to breastmilk or formula.

When you’re ready to make the switch, try transitioning gradually. This can help prevent tummy troubles for your little one – although some caregivers find that a quick switch works better for them. Cow’s milk isn’t essential for a healthy diet, so don’t stress if your baby simply doesn’t like it.