Transitioning from breastmilk or formula to milk

Transitioning from breastmilk or formula to milk can be confusing! Read more for tips from NICU RNs plus a step by step e-guide.

 When do I make the switch?

Generally, if your baby is a term baby, you will transition from breastmilk/formula to whole milk or a milk alternative around 12 months of age. If you choose to continue breastfeeding, you can absolutely continue! When transitioning from breastmilk or formula to milk, you can offer only breastmilk or a combination of breastmilk and whole milk/milk alternative. However, your baby doesn’t need formula after 1 year of age unless directed by your provider.

What do I use?

Choosing a milk for your baby is a personal choice. If you go the cow’s milk route, whole milk is recommended until 2 years of age for its nutritional properties to support a growing toddler. When transitioning from breastmilk or formula, you can swap cow’s milk (for example, if your baby has an allergy or you prefer not to feed cow’s milk) for a milk alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, pea milk, or even goat’s milk! You can read more about a cow’s milk alternative for your toddler here on HealthyChildren.org.

A great alternative we love is Ripple Milk! Read more on why we love this milk alternative option more than almond or oat milk.

How do I transition?

We have a 3 week calendar guide to transitioning to a milk/milk alternative here! The calendar includes a 3 week guide on how to introduce your milk of choice, wean off of breastmilk/chest milk/formula, and switch over to a sippy or straw cup.

Purchase our favorites here on amazon or on LTK.

Need more personalized help?

Book a text message or video chat consultation with Lauren, Natalie or Kate (NICU RNs)! They will work out any kinks with you.

Other helpful blog posts:

• How to know your baby is ready for one nap per day
• 5 signs that it’s time to wean
• Items to leave at grandparents’, nanny share or second caregiver’s house
• How to travel with kids
• 10 common illnesses babies + kids get
• Busy bag kit for eating at restaurants with toddlers
• Weaning from lactation to milk/milk alternative (exclusively breast/chest feeding) calendar
• Weaning from lactation to milk/milk alternative (exclusively pumping) calendar

**This post is educational and not meant to take the place of your provider. Bumblebaby makes a small commission on some of the items listed above