Question

My 1 year old has 3 x 7oz of number one milk a day but he doesn't seem to like full fat cows' milk. Could I combine full fat cows' milk and formula in his bottles? Should we move him from infant formula to follow-on formula now?

Answer

It's quite common for toddlers to reject cows' milk as they have got used to the taste of infant formula. It's not a problem if you little one prefers formula and you can continue to use it after the age of 1 year. You can either stay with the first stage infant formula or move onto a follow-on formula. Both will provide a source of essential vitamins and minerals but the follow-on formula will provide extra iron, which can help with brain development.

 

If you are keen to introduce cows' milk, so that you little one is drinking the same as you, then you could certainly try combining formula and cows' milk as you suggest. As your toddler gets used to the taste of cows' milk, you can gradually reduce the amount of formula you use and increase the cows' milk.

 

Another way to introduce cows' milk to the diet is by giving it in food. So you could make a rice pudding or custard with milk or use milk on cereal or in porridge. Or you could give your little one yoghurts and cheese, to also provide a source of calcium.

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