How to Feed Milk to a Baby

Making the transition from breastfeeding or formula feeding to feeding a baby cow's milk can be a big milestone for both baby and parents. Many parents look forward to the day when formula is no longer needed, since it is expensive and, in the case of specialty formulas, can be difficult to find. To ensure a baby is receiving the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for proper development, he or she should drink 16-24 ounces of milk per day.

Instructions

1

Decide on a date to begin the transition. Discuss with your child's pediatrician when you should begin making the switch. Most pediatricians suggest starting babies on milk after they've celebrated their first birthday. Introducing it any earlier can put a baby at risk of developing an allergy to milk, in addition to upsetting the digestive system and taxing the kidneys, due to the resultant increase of sodium, potassium and chloride in the baby's diet.

2

Determine what type of milk to use. Whole milk is recommended for all babies until they are two years old, unless a pediatrician recommends otherwise. Babies who are considered heavy for their age or whose parents or grandparents have a history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol may benefit from a lower-fat milk, such as 2 percent.

3

Transition slowly. For the fewest side effects and least amount of digestive problems, do not start a baby with a full bottle or cup of milk. Cow's milk should be mixed with formula or breast milk until the transition is complete and the baby has adjusted to the new taste and texture.

For the first three days, mix 3/4 part formula or breast milk with 1/4 part milk and feed it to the baby whenever formula or breast milk is regularly given. For the next three days, adjust the mixture so that the ratio is 1/2 part formula or breast milk to 1/2 part cow's milk. For the three days after that, further adjust the ratio so that it is 1/4 part formula or breast milk to 3/4 part cow's milk. Eventually transition so that the baby is completely weaned off of formula or breast milk and is drinking only bottles or sippy cups of cow's milk.

4

Watch for adverse reactions. A milk allergy can develop if the baby's digestive system does not break down the proteins in cow's milk. Symptoms of milk allergies include diarrhea, frequent spitting up, vomiting, excessive irritability and crying, hives, scaly skin rash, blood in the stool, watery eyes and runny nose, coughing and wheezing, and lack of weight gain.

A milk intolerance may occur if the baby's digestive system cannot break down the sugar (lactose) in milk. A baby with lactose intolerance may suffer from gas, diarrhea, spitting up, colic or inability to gain weight.