Since I stopped breastfeeding my child has been on formula milk, he is nearly 2yrs, when is the earliest I can start on semi skimmed and how much does he need?.

A It is recommended that babies under two years should not be given semi skimmed milk because it lacks the fat soluble vitamins A and D that provide the energy young children need from the fat. I suggest that you continue on the formula milk if he prefers that.

Full fat milk can be introduced now into his diet in other ways e.g. full fat yogurts and in cooking, custards and cheese sauces. Semi skimmed milk can be introduced gradually after he has reached two years.

When introducing something new it is best to offer a small amount first and be relaxed and positive recognizing and praising him at every step from first tasting it and then drinking a little to drinking the small amount you offer him.

It might take as long as eight days when introducing something new for a child to accept it and begin to cooperate. Persistence and consistency is the key. His milk requirements are about one pint (500ml) per day which does not have to be in drinks. It can be added to breakfast cereal, given in a yoghurt, fromage frais, cheese sauce, custard or pieces of cheese. Other sources of calcium are in vegetables such as broccoli. If your child is eating other foods containing calcium, and enjoying a good mixed diet then two cups of milk a day is adequate.

Developmentally he can now drink from a cup so offer him a cup at meal times instead of the bottle. Start by offering a cup in the middle of the day instead of the bottle, it may take some time for him to accept the change but if you are consistent every day he will soon accept the change. Once he has accepted the cup at one feed start by removing the next bottle in the same way. Continue to do this until he is drinking completely from a cup. Remember to be positive and give lots of attention and praise for small steps.

health visitor

back to faq's - Weaning