Cows milk transition

jerseygirl9090 · May 2017

How are you ladies going to make the transition?
-Slowly adding cows milk mixed with breast milk or formula? Or cold turkey to cows milk?

-How much cows milk per day and what time of the day?

Right now Alyssa drinks 3 8 ounce cups of formula per day one when she first wakes up one after lunch around 1 and one at night before bed. Right now I plan on doing 1 ounce of cows milk to each serving of formula per week and slowly reducing the amount of formula. I'm unsure of how much cows milk she should drink. I was going to do 3 8 ounce cups a day of cows milk like she drinks formula but I'm not sure if that's too much. I also kind of would rather her drink her nightly cup of milk with dinner instead of directly before bed so she does have a over flowing diaper in the morning since she sleeps from 7pm-6am although her bedtime is probably going to be closer to 8 soon. Im just curious to see how other mommas are doing it I plan on talking to her doctor about it too at her 12 month check up.

vintagevix2016 · May 2017

We will probably take the gradual approach since I want him to be okay with drinking formula from his cup first. We settled on the straw cup because out of all the cups we tried, it's the only one he would drink from. He'll get there eventually, if he is off of formula and the bottle by 1, great, but we'll just take it day by day.

rlbrooks84 · May 2017

With my boys we went cold turkey, Charlotte is still having a hard time with dairy so I'll check with her ped next month but I think we'll end up going cold turkey and doing almond milk.

AmberLiz99 · May 2017

They should have no more than 16-20 oz or cows milk a day after the switch, according to our doctor.

I will probably go cold turkey, one serving at a time. I don't give milk out of a bottle during the day, so this month I'll switch all her daytime bottles to sippy cups. In my experience they drink less that way, and it will help her be down to the right amount by the time we switch to cows milk next month. (She's still drinking 25 oz of formula)

Tawny87 · May 2017

The dr told me to do it over the course of a month starting at 11 months. Week one 1/4 milk 3/4 formula then 1/2 of each second week then 3/4 milk 1/4 formula week three then all milk.

Delitachan · May 2017

Due to my son's milk sensitivity, we are going for a transition starting AT 12 months. Supposedly the longer you wait before 12 months, the more tolerance baby will have. Also, we started giving him dairy products like mac and cheese gerber, yogurt puffs, etc.
We have started transitioning him BACK to regular milk formula. So far he's taking 2 oz of Similac Advance and 4 oz soy formula. Starting his week, we're now going 3 oz soy and 3 oz similac advance. He has had no issues at all.
By his 1st birthday, he should be fully on similac advance and from there, we're going to move to cow's milk. If not, we bought a bunch of Enfagrow and Similac Go & Grow that was on clearance for like $5.

jerseygirl9090 · May 2017

We started adding 1 ounce of cows milk to each serving of formula I also tried to decrease her afternoon bottle by one ounce to see how she does. So she gets 7 ounces of formula morning and night with one ounce of milk and her afternoon is 6 ounces of formula with 1 ounce of milk. Every few days I'm going to add an ounce of cows milk and take away an ounce of formula I'm hoping by the time she gets to all cows milk she's down to 20 ounces a day or less but we will see.

arteduc8 · May 2017

Any ebf mom's transitioning soon? I have no idea how to go about it. She's still nursing strong. I might let her continue through the summer, at least with the bed time feed.

lm45678 · May 2017

arteduc8 said:

Any ebf mom's transitioning soon? I have no idea how to go about it. She's still nursing strong. I might let her continue through the summer, at least with the bed time feed.

Just starting to think about this now- LO will be one June 23rd, and I'm done for the summer June 20th.

I'm going to drop to one pumping session at work beginning/middle of June. Then stop pumping altogether by June 30th (her last day of daycare).

For the summer I am going to follow the don't offer/don't refuse method to hopefully scale back. I guess during the summer I will be offering cows milk in a sippy cup- I'll probably have to start with mostly BM and then ease up to all cows milk. I'm okay with morning and nighttime feeds for awhile, at least as of now.

I never thought that I would want to nurse a toddler but the thought of her never nursing again makes me really sad!

meggyme · May 2017

I'm planning on dropping pump sessions like it's hot asap. I'll probably continue bf at night. As for starting milk, I'll probably give it a try in her sippy cup first. If needed, I'm ok doing bottles of cow milk. I might also try the 360 sippy cups for milk.

egirl1025 · May 2017

Talked to my ped just last week about starting to transition my son. Since I am pregnant again my supply has started to go down and my boobs are killing me! We are going to start transitioning him this coming weekend. I will most likely do a gradual change and pair it with a switch to having the milk in his sippy cup during his mid day feeding. I am wondering if I should switch him to drinking three times a day too... Either way it will be gradual.

Has anyone thought about what kind of milk they will be giving their LO? I really never thought I would be a mom on the organic bandwagon, but the overuse of antibiotics kind of scares me. My neighbor mentioned that Costco had Organic Milk and then like week later an article came out about how all organic milks are not the same. Some independent group did a survey and testing of milk and the Costco brand tested almost exactly the same as just regular milk. Through the site I was able find a local organic dairy farm that distributes locally that gets a "5 cow" rating. Sassy Cow is the brand

. I am officially on the bandwagon.

Here are the links if you want to take a look:

Ratings: https://www.cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/

Articles:
NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/05/06/527140037/just-how-organic-is-your-milk-well-it-depends-on-the-dairy-it-came-from

Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/why-your-organic-milk-may-not-be-organic/2017/05/01/708ce5bc-ed76-11e6-9662-6eedf1627882_story.html?utm_term=.c405e0a7b3e4

bankssl1 · May 2017

egirl1025 I am the same with Organic milk. I NEVER thought I would be so concerned about it but all of the additives freak me out. I asked our Pedi about it and he said the regulations on marking things "Organic" are pathetic. Of course none of those in the link you posted are available in any store I've been in (I'm in Texas).. Maybe I should try a whole foods store.

Thank you for the links!

lm45678 · May 2017

I've definitely thought about what kind of milk I will give her, and I'm definitely crazy as well. My initial thought was Stonyfield because that's the yogurt she has, looks like they got 4/5 cows haha. I'll need to pay attention next time I go to the store!

egirl1025 · May 2017

bankssl1 said:

egirl1025 I am the same with Organic milk. I NEVER thought I would be so concerned about it but all of the additives freak me out. I asked our Pedi about it and he said the regulations on marking things "Organic" are pathetic. Of course none of those in the link you posted are available in any store I've been in (I'm in Texas).. Maybe I should try a whole foods store.

Thank you for the links!

I searched the list until I found a Wisconsin dairy and went from there, of course Wisconsin is the dairy state so I didn't have to search far. I believe that the whole foods brand does fairly well overall. It was going to be my fall back. Good luck!

laurendiaz02 · May 2017

We are going to start transitioning tomorrow by adding 1-2 ounces in each bottle. However, we are using goat's milk. We purchased the Kabrita goat milk toddler formula can to see how he likes it. I'm not sure if we will try the refrigerated goats milk because it's a small 1/2 gallon container and the shelf life isn't that great. I have to get on board with the sippy cup so this is a good time to transition for that too. Lord help me. Hahahaha.

vintagevix2016 · May 2017

I don't know if it's the same in the US (never paid attention while growing up) but here the gov't requires testing to be done on both organic and non-organic milk for things such as pesticides and antibiotics before they can be sold. I feel comfortable giving Damien either one so it will probably come down to price.

bankssl1 · May 2017

This is probably a dumb question.. BUT when I am mixing breast milk and cows milk, do I still warm them together? If I don't warm the breast milk its all clumpy.. but warm cows milk?! IDK!

Edited to add.. The closest Whole Foods is an hour from me

rlbrooks84 · May 2017

I'd warm them together.

newbabymakes4 · May 2017

With DS, our pedi told us to mix it with the formula to transition. We will do the same with LO. She drinks 6oz bottles, so we'll prob do 2oz milk/4oz formula for a week, then 4oz/2oz, and then all milk. We don't warm up bottles for her but I think it would be fine to warm them up together (as opposed to adding cold milk to warm formula). I would still mix the formula first before adding the milk in.

Tawny87 · May 2017

egirl1025 said:

bankssl1 said:

egirl1025 I am the same with Organic milk. I NEVER thought I would be so concerned about it but all of the additives freak me out. I asked our Pedi about it and he said the regulations on marking things "Organic" are pathetic. Of course none of those in the link you posted are available in any store I've been in (I'm in Texas).. Maybe I should try a whole foods store.

Thank you for the links!

I searched the list until I found a Wisconsin dairy and went from there, of course Wisconsin is the dairy state so I didn't have to search far. I believe that the whole foods brand does fairly well overall. It was going to be my fall back. Good luck!

I just decided to join a dairy, now that there will be 4 milk drinkers in the house (everyone but me) it will definitely be more cost effective and convenient than buying organic at the store.

bankssl1 · May 2017

After about a week of searching for a true Organic milk.. I finally found one!! At Target of all places. Also, H and my Mom think I am absolutely crazy for wanting Jack to have Organic milk.. It's super frustrating

Tawny87 · May 2017

bankssl1 said:

After about a week of searching for a true Organic milk.. I finally found one!! At Target of all places. Also, H and my Mom think I am absolutely crazy for wanting Jack to have Organic milk.. It's super frustrating

Yay for finding one! My mom pushed me into it, which is good. My husband doesn't care as long as there is some for him. I figured now that I have 3 kids drinking milk it was a good time to convert.

Delitachan · May 2017

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

Tawny87 · May 2017

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

I had been up until now, but I like the idea of knowing what is in their milk and I can have organic arrive on my doorstep for 2$ more than I was paying for regular at the store.

Knottie1431016427 · May 2017

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

I'm going with regular whole milk.

AmberLiz99 · May 2017

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

Nope. I prefer organic, but don't worry too much because I know the store I go to gets milk from only certain places, but I can understand both ways of looking at it. In the long run it's a pretty small thing to worry over, just do what matters to you. Plenty of more serious things to obsess over down the road

Knottie1431016427 · May 2017

AmberLiz99 said:

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

Nope. I prefer organic, but don't worry too much because I know the store I go to gets milk from only certain places, but I can understand both ways of looking at it. In the long run it's a pretty small thing to worry over, just do what matters to you. Plenty of more serious things to obsess over down the road

Exactly, it's about doing what you think is best for your LO. We all have the same goal in that sense.

bankssl1 · May 2017

I don't drink milk myself because of all of the additives, so I just couldn't bring myself to make LO drink it if I won't drink it myself. I also make all of his food because I don't know what's in the pre made food. I never thought I would be.. crunchy? But I'm pretty sure I'm headed in that direction! And also, this is the only serious decision I have to worry about right now so I'm good with it.

meggyme · May 2017

I haven't really decided yet. For myself I go back and forth between organic and not, depending on how thrifty I feel that day. Gave LO a bit today in her sippy cup and she chugged it, so we'll probably try to go cold turkey. I might bf morning and night and then do cow milk during the day for as long as my supply holds out.

vintagevix2016 · May 2017

Knottie1431016427 said:

AmberLiz99 said:

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

Nope. I prefer organic, but don't worry too much because I know the store I go to gets milk from only certain places, but I can understand both ways of looking at it. In the long run it's a pretty small thing to worry over, just do what matters to you. Plenty of more serious things to obsess over down the road

Exactly, it's about doing what you think is best for your LO. We all have the same goal in that sense.

I don't know what happened but this "knottie" post was my post.

Tawny87 · May 2017

vintagevix2016 said:

Knottie1431016427 said:

AmberLiz99 said:

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

Nope. I prefer organic, but don't worry too much because I know the store I go to gets milk from only certain places, but I can understand both ways of looking at it. In the long run it's a pretty small thing to worry over, just do what matters to you. Plenty of more serious things to obsess over down the road

Exactly, it's about doing what you think is best for your LO. We all have the same goal in that sense.

I don't know what happened but this "knottie" post was my post.

When I saw this I was wondering if it was you. Silly Bump!

StayingFocused · May 2017

Delitachan said:

Meh. I'm not sure I care about Organic milk. Am I the only one just doing regular whole milk?

Whole here

Delitachan · May 2017

It all comes down to preference. For me, I've done enough research (in grad school) to know that there's no proven benefit from organic. The differences are marginal. Then again, I also tell myself that thousands of people and babies drink regular whole milk and have no known issues.
That's my rationale for just going regular whole milk. Then again, that's assuming LO actually takes to whole milk. He's been on soy since month 2, although he's drinking 4 oz of Similac Advance Pro now mixed with 2 oz of soy. Gradual weaning.

adiaz132003 · May 2017

We plan to EBF till he decides he's done but I've actually heard that as long as they are getting a balanced food diet, they don't need milk. My friend weaned at a year but her daughter hates and I mean HATES any kind of milk so she sticks to water and makes sure she gets a good assortment of food. She's doing fine and the ped said her not having milk is no big deal at all. Makes me wonder why they encourage the transition to cow's milk anyways.

vintagevix2016 · May 2017

adiaz132003 said:

We plan to EBF till he decides he's done but I've actually heard that as long as they are getting a balanced food diet, they don't need milk. My friend weaned at a year but her daughter hates and I mean HATES any kind of milk so she sticks to water and makes sure she gets a good assortment of food. She's doing fine and the ped said her not having milk is no big deal at all. Makes me wonder why they encourage the transition to cow's milk anyways.

I've heard the same thing when it comes to whether whole milk is a requirement. My guess is that it's recommended because it's a good source of calcium for their bones and teeth, plus the extra protein is always good too. Damien loooves yogurt and cheese so if he had trouble with milk, I'm not too worried about him getting his dairy intake.

adiaz132003 · May 2017

adiaz132003 said:

We plan to EBF till he decides he's done but I've actually heard that as long as they are getting a balanced food diet, they don't need milk. My friend weaned at a year but her daughter hates and I mean HATES any kind of milk so she sticks to water and makes sure she gets a good assortment of food. She's doing fine and the ped said her not having milk is no big deal at all. Makes me wonder why they encourage the transition to cow's milk anyways.

Ok I got curious.

This link has info related to introducing cow's milk for breastfeeding moms but also covers formula a little bit and explained why milk is recommended as well as alternatives milk if you LO simply doesn't like it or can't have it.

https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/toddler-foods/

vintagevix2016 · May 2017

adiaz132003 said:

adiaz132003 said:

We plan to EBF till he decides he's done but I've actually heard that as long as they are getting a balanced food diet, they don't need milk. My friend weaned at a year but her daughter hates and I mean HATES any kind of milk so she sticks to water and makes sure she gets a good assortment of food. She's doing fine and the ped said her not having milk is no big deal at all. Makes me wonder why they encourage the transition to cow's milk anyways.

Ok I got curious.

This link has info related to introducing cow's milk for breastfeeding moms but also covers formula a little bit and explained why milk is recommended as well as alternatives milk if you LO simply doesn't like it or can't have it.

https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/toddler-foods/

I love the "nibble tray" idea mentioned at the end.

adiaz132003 · May 2017

vintagevix2016 said:

adiaz132003 said:

adiaz132003 said:

We plan to EBF till he decides he's done but I've actually heard that as long as they are getting a balanced food diet, they don't need milk. My friend weaned at a year but her daughter hates and I mean HATES any kind of milk so she sticks to water and makes sure she gets a good assortment of food. She's doing fine and the ped said her not having milk is no big deal at all. Makes me wonder why they encourage the transition to cow's milk anyways.

Ok I got curious.

This link has info related to introducing cow's milk for breastfeeding moms but also covers formula a little bit and explained why milk is recommended as well as alternatives milk if you LO simply doesn't like it or can't have it.

https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/toddler-foods/

I love the "nibble tray" idea mentioned at the end.

Yeah my mom did that for us as kids. She just used the lowest shelf in the fridge and let us grab what we wanted when we asked.

Tawny87 · May 2017

The dairy lady just left and I'm so excited about it! Since my SIL referred us they are donating $25 to children's hospital (the same one my nephew was at) they do this every time a user refers someone. Also I can get fresh bread, butter and eggs delivered cheaper than the store. This is going to cut down on my outings to the store, that makes me so happy!

vintagevix2016 · May 2017

Tawny87 said:

The dairy lady just left and I'm so excited about it! Since my SIL referred us they are donating $25 to children's hospital (the same one my nephew was at) they do this every time a user refers someone. Also I can get fresh bread, butter and eggs delivered cheaper than the store. This is going to cut down on my outings to the store, that makes me so happy!

Fresh bread and butter right from the farm is heaven!

laurendiaz02 · June 2017

We've completely transitioned to goats milk as of today. Hurray! We're doing milk from the sippy cup 50% of the time and from the bottle the other 50%. Hopefully we will be 100% sippy cup soon. I'm still working on my patience with it. Lol.

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