When do babies stop drinking formula? Deciding when to stop giving your baby formula can be a difficult decision.
After all, formula has been their primary source of nutrition for months, and you want to make sure they get everything they need to grow and develop.
Luckily, there are some guidelines that can help make this transition smoother. Here’s what you need to know about when it’s time to move on from formula.
At what age should babies stop drinking formula?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should continue drinking formula up until 12 months of age. This gives them plenty of time to adjust to solid foods and make sure they get the nutrients they need without relying too heavily on formula.
However, if you feel like your baby isn’t ready for solid foods or isn’t getting enough nutrition from other sources, you can continue giving them formula until at least 24 months.
How Can I Wean My Baby Off Formula?
Weaning your baby off formula is a gradual process that should take place over several weeks or even months.
For your baby to stop drinking formula, it’s recommended to start by slowly reducing the amount of formula you give your baby each day and introducing new foods with similar nutritional value, such as pureed fruits and vegetables or mashed avocado or banana.
You can also try adding a little bit of cow’s milk into their bottle if you think they are ready for it. As your baby adjusts to these changes, gradually reduce the amount of formula in their bottle until they are no longer drinking any at all.
That’s a good strategy for your baby to stop drinking formula.
What are some signs that my baby is ready to stop drinking formula?
Most babies will naturally start rejecting formula after 12-18 months as their bodies become accustomed to solid foods and they begin eating more than just purees.
If your baby starts refusing bottles or seems more interested in solids than liquid meals then it might be time to cut back on their formula consumption.
Additionally, if your child is reaching other developmental milestones such as walking or talking then it could indicate that their body is ready for more solid forms of nutrition than what’s found in a bottle of formula.
Deciding when to stop giving your baby formula is an important part of raising a healthy child—and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly!
It’s important to remember that every child is different and will develop at their own pace.
Take cues from them when making the decision about when it’s time to stop giving them formula; if they seem ready for something else then feel free to make the switch!
With proper guidance, weaning your baby off formula can be a smooth process with minimal stress for both parent and child alike.
