When Do Babies Stop Drinking Formula?

Whether you've chosen to feed your little one with breast milk or formula, 1) you’re the most amazing mother ever and doing a great job, 2) there comes a time when your mind starts to wonder… When is the right time to transition from my baby's current drink of choice to cow’s milk or other nutritious drinks?

In this article, we’ll take a look at how long babies drink formula, how to introduce solid foods, how to know if your little one is ready to make the transition from formula to milk or other nutritious beverages, and how to make the switch from formula to milk as smoothly as possible.

We’ll also identify popular dairy-free alternatives for babies who experience milk allergies or are unable to tolerate cow’s milk. 

But first, what are the milk alternatives?

Whole cow’s milk is the most popular choice among parents and healthcare professionals for the initial transition away from baby formula and breast milk. However, there are a number of alternatives, and each provides different nutrients to help our babies and toddlers develop and grow during these crucial stages in their development.  

• Goat milk - Well-sourced whole goat milk can be a nutritious choice. It has a very distinct taste that is off-putting for some, but it is tolerated better than cow’s milk by some with sensitive digestion. 

• Pea milk - Milk that contains pea protein is marketed to provide more protein and nutrients for little ones, but it tends to contain inflammatory seed oils, gums, and stabilizers to give it a desirable texture, and poor forms of vitamins like vitamin D2.

• Nut, seed, or unsweetened soy milk - Options like almond milk often have gums and fillers added to improve texture and prevent separation. They also tend to be fairly void of nutrients, unless they are fortified.

• Toddler Formula - Toddler formula is designed to help meet the nutritional needs of little ones over the age of 12 months. Our A2 formula is free from soy, industrial seed oils, corn & rice syrup, gluten, GMOs, grains, and synthetic folic acid. It is made with only healthy fats and is easy to digest for even sensitive tummies.

• Bone broth - bone broth is a nourishing beverage that is rich in minerals and amino acids. It’s also great for gut health and immunity. Check out how to make liver bone broth and how to make chicken bone broth!

When can a baby stop drinking formula?

As your baby's digestive system develops, their bodies will start to adapt to new solid food groups and beverages.1. At around 6 months of age, your child should be ready to start eating solid foods along with formula or breast milk. You know they're ready when they can sit up on their own with good head control, show interest in food, have started to develop their pincer grasp, and have lost their tongue-thrust reflex. This stage is messy but exciting as you watch your little one explore and try new flavors and textures.

By the time your child is 7-8 months old, they should be eating a variety of healthy foods that could include meats, eggs, vegetables, healthy fats, pureed baby foods, and yogurts and cheeses (for those that tolerate dairy). Our baby food pouches are a great way to get added nutrients in your baby’s diet, before and after a transition to cow’s milk or other nutritious beverages. 

When do most babies stop drinking formula

Babies can continue formula feeding until they are at least 12 months old, as it contains appropriate amounts of iron and vitamin C needed for their little developing bodies. And formula could be offered alongside breast milk or a variety of healthy solid foods to help expose them to more flavors and textures while giving them key vitamins and nutrients they need, like iron and zinc. 

Of course, this timing is a general recommendation, and children develop at different speeds. If you have any hesitations or concerns, or if your child has any kidney, liver, or metabolism issues, or was born underweight or premature, consult with your health care provider before transitioning them to cow’s milk. 

Knowing if your baby is not ready to start drinking cow’s milk

When deciding when to transition your baby off formula, there are several things to keep in mind. Signs that your baby may need to continue with formula or breastfeeding include:

• They are not 12 months old.

• They are not gaining weight sufficiently with their growth curve.

• They were born prematurely.2

• They haven’t established a balanced diet of solid foods for at least 6 months.

• Your health professional recommends they continue breastmilk or formula. This may apply if your baby has food allergies, problems digesting food, or difficulty absorbing nutrients. 

• You choose to continue to breastfeed.

Certain health conditions may also make it necessary for your baby to continue with infant formula or breast milk, even after they are 12 months of age. These may include conditions that affect the liver, kidneys, or metabolism, like phenylketonuria (PKU)3. 

How to Start Weaning Baby Off Formula

When you’re ready to wean your baby off formula, the process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Every child responds differently to change, so it’s important to go at a pace that feels right for both you and your little one. If you're currently using formula, gentle weaning helps make the transition smoother while supporting healthy growth and feeding habits as your baby becomes a toddler.

Tip #1: Mix Formula with Cow’s Milk Gradually

A slow, blended approach tends to work best for most families. Start by mixing mostly baby formula (prepared according to label instructions) with a small amount of cow’s milk, then slowly increase the milk portion over several days. This lets your baby adjust to the new taste and texture without feeling overwhelmed..

Tip #2: Warm the Milk to Match the Usual Temperature

Babies often prefer familiar feeding experiences. Warming cow’s milk to the same temperature you normally serve formula can help your child accept the new drink more easily. This small change makes the new milk feel more like what they’re already used to.

Tip #3: Shift from Bottles to Cups When Ready

While you wean your baby off formula milk, it’s also a great time to introduce a sippy cup or open cup. Gradually replacing some feeding sessions from bottle to cup supports healthy oral development and helps prevent bottle-related tooth decay as your little one approaches the toddler age.

Mixing formula and cow’s milk for a smooth transition

Unfortunately, some children experience issues with their digestive systems, like upset tummies or constipation, during the initial transition. They also just simply might not be a fan of the taste. Luckily, there are some ways to help ease the transition. 

Simply start by filling 75% of the bottle, or sippy cup, with formula (mixed with water according to label specifications) and filling the remaining 25% with cow’s milk. After a few days of this mixture, you can transition to 50% cow’s milk. Again, allow a few days for your little one’s body to adjust before progressing to 75% cow’s milk. Finally, you’ll be able to take the final step to 100% cow’s milk. 

Depending on how well your little one adapts, and whether or not they experience any tummy issues, this process generally takes 1-2 weeks. It can, however, be quicker or slower based on your family’s needs. 

A2 Whole Milk Toddler Formula can provide additional nutritional benefits

You can also incorporate Serenity Kids Grass-Fed A2 Whole Milk Toddler Formula (mixed with water according to label specifications) with whole cow’s milk for added nutritional benefits. Serenity Kids Grass-Fed A2 Whole Milk Formula is a nutrient-rich formula that is easy to digest, made with a unique combination of A2 protein, quality fats, carbohydrates, and various essential prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals. 

How much cow’s milk should my baby drink?

The AAP, recommends children aged 12-24 months consume 16-24 ounces of whole cow’s milk every day. 

Most of their nutrition at this point should come from eating solid foods and the milk should be considered more of a beverage than an actual meal. Prior to this, the formula was your child's main source of nutrition, so this may take a little time to adapt.

Your child could continue drinking whole milk until they reach at least 2 years of age. At that point, you can talk with a healthcare professional about other options, if needed. 

Don’t stress the transition

Transitioning away from formula or breastmilk can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Take your time and do what feels right. Discuss your options with a healthcare professional to help you make the best decision for you and your little one. 

References

1. UNC Health Talk. (2023). How a baby’s digestive system works for parents. UNC Health. Retrieved from https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/how-a-babys-digestive-system-works-for-parents

2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Preterm birth: Premature. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21479-premature-birth

3. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Phenylketonuria (PKU). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17816-phenylketonuria