When to transition to milk, WDYT?

WifeofaMarine · November 2009

DS is still BF and FF (most days still drinking around 20-24 oz. a day). At his 12 month check up the pedi said this was fine because he wasn't really eating a lot of table foods, and I brought up my concern about taking him off formula because I didn't think he was eating enough to get all the nutrients he needed, and she said it was fine to keep him on it. I EBFed for 6 weeks (wanted to for much longer), but had to introduce formula then too because his sensitive tummy couldn't handle being EBFed (no matter how I altered my diet) and doing a formula/BFing combo worked great for him!

Anyway, now he's 14 months old, and I'm not sure when to make the transition. He's eating a little better than he was at 12 months, but not much. I don't know if he's eating enough and he doesn't have a checkup until January. For breakfast he does really well with cream of wheat (by far his favorite food) or french toast. Lunch and dinner are harder because we're having a hard time finding foods he'll eat except for pasta (and baby food). With portions, I'm not sure if he's eating enough.

Would you wait till his 15 month appointment, see his weight, and then transition to milk if he had gained appropriately or start a transition now? Also, because he drinks Similar Sensitive (worked for sensitive tummy issues) and that's lactose free, should I try regular milk first or lactose free milk? He's had things with regular milk in the ingredients (french toast, cream of wheat, pancakes) and no issue, but not sure if it'd bother him in larger amounts.

Of course I'm going to talk to my pedi about this again before his 15 month checkup too.

mrs.n06 · November 2009

My DS was also on sensitive formula (enfamil gentlease) which has lactose but something like one fifth the amount. He had no problem with the tranfer to milk. I'd say if he's had things with milk in it he probably doesn't have a sensitivity to milk (I'm no expert obviously just my opinion). When we transitioned around 13 months I just replaced one bottle at a time with whole milk and did the complete transition over the course of a couple weeks. Also I don't think its a problem that he still does purees instead of all table food, it took us a looong time to transition and there are still meals where he just wants a jar which I'm ok with. My pedi said babies actually need a lot less food than we think and if we can get one really good meal in (which sounds like you definitely are with his breakfast) then its ok if his other meals are smaller. Have you considered that next step formula for up to 24 months? We did that for a while because I aso had nutrition concerns and that worked out well. Good luck with whatever you decide!!

jen_k2 · November 2009

DS is lactose intolerant. He drinks Lactaid whole milk. We've tried Silk soy milk, but he he didn't like it as much and the Lactaid has more fat in it. He also loves the Silk soy yogurt which is lactose free. I make smoothies out of it with fresh fruit. Maybe that would be a good transition food for you?

also, DS can tolerate pancakes and white breads, but can't eat a regular slice of cheese w/o getting a tummy ache. The whole milk made him gassy and have runny diapers.

You could always try mixing a little milk in with formula and look for signs of sensitivity. GL!

kipper1128 · November 2009

Our doc told us about 15 oz. of milk a day and 1 good meal that sticks (meaning that if she picks at her lunch but eats like a horse at dinner) we're doing fine. She said at this age it's not common for kids to eat "well" at every meal every day. They move around too much, they are interested in other things. Offer healthy snacks if a "meal" doesn't work to help balance.

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When to transition to milk, WDYT?

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