Usually around 12 months. That’s when most pediatricians say you can move on from formula to whole milk, provided your baby is eating proper meals by then.
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Why not earlier?
Lots of moms want to stop sooner, and I understand why. Formula is expensive and the tins run out so fast. But the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics both say to wait until the first birthday before giving cow’s milk. It doesn’t have much iron, and a baby’s tummy just isn’t ready for it. Until then, stick with breast milk or formula.
The nice thing is that by a year old, your baby has probably been eating for months. Rice, dal, a bit of banana, some soft vegetables. The bottle is already less important than it was.
Moving over to milk
Go slowly. Replace one bottle with a cup of whole milk and see what happens. Some babies drink it straight away, and others turn their head and refuse. If that’s yours, no problem, try again in a day or two, or mix some formula into the milk to get them used to the taste. After a week or so, swap another bottle. Keep going until formula is gone.
One more thing. Once they’re on milk, don’t let them have loads of it. Around 16 to 24 ounces a day is plenty. Any more and they fill up, they won’t eat their meals, and they miss out on the iron in lentils, beans and meat.
Some babies stay on formula longer, like those born early or with a milk allergy, or ones who aren’t gaining weight well. Ask your pediatrician if you aren’t sure. And no honey until after age one, since it can cause botulism in babies.
If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you’re eating properly too. Iron and DHA still matter for you after the birth.
Quick FAQs
Can I stop formula at 10 months?
Wait until 12 months if you can, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Do I need toddler formula?
Most toddlers don’t. Regular food and whole milk are normally enough.
What if my baby won’t drink milk?
Try some formula mixed in, or offer it in a cup instead of a bottle. If they still refuse after a couple of weeks, ask your doctor.