What is Baby Formula?
Formula is manufactured milk that is designed for babies, as a safe alternative to breastmilk. However, as babies grow older their nutritional needs change significantly. Once your baby hits their first birthday, it's time to say goodbye to formula and hello to regular milk and solid foods!
When Should My Baby Move On From Formula?
In general, experts recommend weaning your baby off of formula and onto full-fat dairy milk at around 12 months of age. Not into dairy? No problem. Plant-based milk alternatives can work too, depending on your baby's dietary needs.
Transitioning from formula to milk also goes hand-in-hand with moving from bottles to straw or open cups. This is another important step — prolonged bottle use can affect your baby’s teeth, jaw, and even their oral and speech development.
Why The Switch Matters?
After that first birthday candle, your baby's nutritional needs shift from relying heavily on milk to exploring a diverse range of solid foods.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s recommended to continue up to 2 years and beyond. Breastmilk offers numerous health benefits, including providing essential antibodies that boost your child’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections, and promoting healthy brain development.
The Bottom Line
This transition is a big milestone for both you and your little one. Take it at your own pace, celebrate the small wins, and know that you're setting them up for healthy eating habits. Trust the process and follow your baby's cues. You've got this, Momma! ✨
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!