Confused about making the switch from formula milk to dairy? Ask raisingkids.co.uk's paediatric dietitian, David Swain!

Raisingkids member's query
When should you stop giving formula milk and move onto cows' milk? I breastfed for 3 months and then moved onto formula. Our toddler is now 15 months and I am still giving him 2 or 3 bottles of formula a day. Should I stop them and give him cows' milk instead?

David's advice
The general advice as to when to introduce ordinary full fat cows' milk as a main drink is not before 12 month-old, as it doesn't contain enough micronutrients, in particular iron or vitamin D. In your particular case, if your son is thriving and eating well now would be a good time to give him full fat cows' milk instead of formula milk.

At 15 months, milk and dairy foods continue to be important sources of calcium, protein and fat and you should aim to give your son approximately a pint of milk each day - either as a drink, on breakfast cereal, or in puddings and sauces, etc. If he will not take a whole pint you can give cheese, yogurt or fromage frais as good alternatives to some of the milk.

Now that your son is 15 months-old you should also try giving him some of his milk in a cup in readiness for weaning from the bottle. Finally, after 2 years of age, semi-skimmed milk may be given if your child is eating and growing, but skimmed milk should not be used for children under the age of 5.

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