Can I stop giving my baby milk at 9 months?

Can I Stop Giving My Baby Milk at 9 Months?
As a parent, navigating the nutritional needs of your baby can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to milk consumption. At 9 months, many parents wonder if it’s appropriate to stop giving their baby milk, particularly breast milk or formula, and transition to other foods or beverages.
Nutritional Guidelines for Infants
According to pediatric guidelines, breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition for babies until they reach at least 12 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that infants under one year should not be given cow’s milk as a main drink because it lacks essential nutrients that babies need for growth and development. Instead, breast milk or formula provides the necessary vitamins and minerals that are crucial during this early stage of life.
Introducing Solid Foods
By 9 months, your baby is likely ready to explore a variety of solid foods. This is a critical time for introducing healthy, nutrient-rich options that can complement their milk intake. While you can start incorporating solids into their diet, it is important to continue providing breast milk or formula as these will still be vital for their nutritional needs. The transition to solid foods should be gradual, allowing your baby to adjust while still receiving the benefits of milk.
Transitioning to Cow’s Milk
The introduction of cow’s milk is generally recommended after the first birthday. At this point, you can start introducing whole milk in a cup, but it should not replace breast milk or formula until your child is at least one year old. The key takeaway is that while you can introduce a variety of foods at 9 months, you should not stop giving your baby milk entirely until they reach the appropriate age.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can begin to introduce solid foods to your 9-month-old, it is crucial to continue providing breast milk or formula until they are at least 12 months old. This ensures that your baby receives the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Transitioning to cow’s milk should be done gradually and only after their first birthday, allowing for a smooth and healthy dietary progression.

Is it OK for a 10 month old to not drink milk?

Milk is still vital at this stage as it provides calcium, which is necessary for developing bones and strong teeth. You should continue to offer breast, formula or follow-on milk until your baby is one year old, as cow’s milk doesn’t contain enough iron or vitamin D to be used as a main drink.

Is it OK if I stop breastfeeding at 9 months?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

Can 9 month old go without milk?

No, babies need breastmilk or formula until one year of age. Before quality formula was available, many babies died if their mothers died or were unable to breastfeed.

Can I give my 9 month old water instead of milk at night?

From what age can I give water to my baby? If your baby is around 6 months old, you can offer small amounts of boiled and then cooled tap water, but you should not replace their breastmilk or formula feeds. Breastmilk or formula should still be their main drink up to 12 months of age.

Is 9 months too early to stop formula?

Breastmilk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition until around 12 months old. It’s okay to wean to solids a little early if needed, but not much before 11.5 months. This is the US recommendation.

What age do babies no longer need milk?

For the first 6 months, breast milk is all your baby needs to meet his or her nutrition needs. If you wean your baby before 12 months of age, be sure to give an iron-fortified formula. Breastfeeding should continue until your baby is 12 months old (and after as long as baby and mom would like to continue).

Do babies need milk at 9 months?

For up to 9 to 12 months, your baby will get most of their nutrients from breast milk or formula. As your baby is learning to eat a variety foods with different textures, think of solids as a complement to their diet.

Can I start my baby on whole milk at 10 months?

Early introduction of whole cow’s milk may lead to iron deficiency anemia. From a nutritional point of view, it is best to delay the introduction of whole cow’s milk until the infant is one year old.

Should I let my 9 month old feed herself?

If a baby is 9 or 10 months old but does not show these readiness signs, parents should wait until they do. But once your baby does show these self-feeding readiness signs, it’s important to provide many opportunities for them to practice this skill. Allow them to try and try again.

Can you stop bottle feeding at 9 months?

You should continue to breastfeed or give your baby first infant formula until they’re at least 1 year old. Breastfeeding will continue to benefit you and your baby for as long as you carry on. As your baby eats more solid foods, the amount of milk they want will decrease.