How can I get my breastfed baby to drink whole milk?

Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Whole Milk
As your baby approaches their first birthday, the transition from breastfeeding to whole milk becomes an important milestone. This shift not only introduces a new source of nutrition but also marks a significant change in your baby’s dietary habits. Here’s how to navigate this transition smoothly.
Timing the Introduction
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing whole cow’s milk to your baby’s diet around 12 months of age. Before this age, babies should rely exclusively on breast milk or formula, as their digestive systems are not yet ready for cow’s milk. By the time your baby turns one, they will have started eating a variety of solid foods, making it a suitable time to introduce whole milk.
Gradual Transition
1. Start Slowly: Begin by mixing a small amount of whole milk with breast milk. For instance, you might start with a ratio of 1 part whole milk to 3 parts breast milk. Gradually increase the amount of whole milk over several days or weeks, depending on your baby’s acceptance.
2. Use a Cup: Instead of a bottle, consider offering whole milk in a sippy cup. This not only helps with the transition but also encourages your baby to drink from a cup, which is recommended by healthTransitioning a Breastfed Baby to Whole Milk
Introducing whole milk to a breastfed baby can be a gradual process. Here are some tips to help make the transition smoother:
1. Timing: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing whole cow’s milk around 12 months of age. This allows your baby to continue receiving the benefits of breastmilk or formula for the first year of life.
2. Bottle or Cup: When introducing whole milk, offer it in a cup rather than a bottle. This helps avoid nipple confusion and the potential impact of bottles on your baby’s teeth.
3. Slow Introduction: Start by offering small amounts of whole milk, such as a few tablespoons, alongside your baby’s usual breastfeeding or formula routine. Gradually increase the amount of whole milk over time.
4. Breastfeeding Continues: Even after introducing whole milk, continue breastfeeding your baby. Breastmilk provides important nutrients and immune benefits that cannot be replicated by cow’s milk alone.
5. Patience and Persistence: Some babies may initially resist the taste or texture of whole milk. Be patient and persistent, offering it regularly. It may take several tries before your baby fully accepts the new milk.
6. Avoid Forcing: Never force your baby to drink whole milk if they are refusing it. This can lead to negative associations and make the transition more difficult. Instead, try different presentation methods, temperatures, or mixing it with breastmilk or formula.
The key is to make the transition to whole milk a gradual and gentle process, allowing your baby to adjust at their own pace. With time and consistency, your breastfed baby will likely adapt to enjoying whole milk as part of a balanced diet.

Does soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Does comfort nursing stimulate milk?

Babies nurse for comfort as well as for food.
Those little ‘snack’ comfort feeds can really increase your milk production and their calorie intake.

Can I save a half-drank bottle of breastmilk?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.

How to get a breastfed baby to like whole milk?

If your baby isn’t a big fan of how cow’s milk tastes, you can mix equal parts whole milk and either breast milk or prepared formula (don’t mix powdered formula with whole milk instead of water). Then, gradually decrease the ratio of breast milk/formula to whole milk.

What if my milk is not coming out while breastfeeding?

Sometimes a health condition may cause a problem with milk production. It may briefly delay the large increase in milk production that often occurs 3 to 5 days after birth. This may cause a delay in producing large amounts of milk until 7 to 14 days after giving birth. If this happens to you, don’t give up.

Why is my breast milk not making my baby full?

Not feeding your baby often enough. Drinking alcohol and smoking while breastfeeding – these can both interfere with your milk production. Previous breast surgery, particularly if your nipples have been moved. Having to spend time away from your baby after the birth – for example, because they were premature.

What if my breastfed baby won’t drink cow’s milk?

Unlike breast milk or formula, cow’s milk is not meant to be a meal. Therefore, offering it alongside a meal or snack may help your baby accept it more easily. Leave it accessible in a sippy cup on their highchair tray or offer sips throughout the meal without pressure. They’ll likely give it a try as they get thirsty.

What to do with breast milk if baby doesn’t drink it all?

Ideally, your breast milk should be kept as cool as possible. Experts recommend you keep it covered with a clean, cool towel to make sure it doesn’t get contaminated. If your baby takes part of the breast milk, you should use the rest or throw it away within 2 hours.

Why is baby refusing breast milk?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
Nursing strikes usually last between 2 to 4 days, however they can last longer. There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk.

What to do if baby doesn’t like whole milk?

You could try almond milk, regular or unsweetened. It’s what I gave my BF baby when he turned one as a means of weaning. He enjoyed that and his ped said that so long as its a whole fat (no skim, or low fat variations) then its not different nutritionally from cow’s milk.