My 14 mon old has an allergy to milk and is still on formula. It's time to get her off of the formula but I'm not interested in starting her on milk alternatives, (i.e., soy, almond, rice milk). She has been using a sippy cup for 6+ months and will drink water out of it, but REFUSES her formula and any juice I've offered (diluted or full-strength).
It's a double whammy as we are saying goodbye not only to the bottle but to the "milk" as well. My oldest transitioned nicely, but she was able to drink milk, but to my younger daughter, I feel like it is especially cruel! I know how I'd feel if someone yanked my morning cup of coffee away from me!
Tips/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.
Our doctor had us try at 6 months. It wasn't pretty so we tried again at 9 months. We went to regular formula and then to whole mile at 1 year. The doctor told us that 99% of babies grow out of their milk allergy by 1 year. Don't know if it's true, but we haven't had any issues. Good luck.
Might I suggest doing one thing at a time. Can you switch to the sippy, but still give her some formula in it. That way, as she gets used to the cup, she is still getting what she needs from the formula. Then, as time goes on and her food choices broaden, you can wean her off of the formula. By the time she is 18 months old even, she will likely be much more willing to eat and drink a wider variety of foods. Good luck, the transistion is not always a fun one:) ~A.~
Hey, my son was also allergic to milk. I changed him from formula to soy milk. The doc said the rice milk doesn't really have anything good in it. I would start 3/4 formula and 1/4 soy milk and then half and half and then 1/4 formula and 3/4 soy milk until he had it all down. If you do it gradual, its not so much of a change.
Hello C.,
if you are not wanting to do the soy/rice 'thing'.... well, just wean her off the bottle slowly. now, let's think this through...the main reason for drinking "milk" is for the calcium consumption (+ vitamin D and protein). if you already figured out how to make sure she gets enough calcium + vitamin D ... and she's eating lots of fruits and veggies, don't worry that she won't drink juice from her zippy cup... for the vitamin D you can get the drops they have (one drop = daily recommended allowance)
calcium...there are lots of calcium rich foods. you can also get calcium in liquid form (just like milk of magnesia) and mix it into foods, I don't recommend the strawberry flavor... just get it plain flavor.
also, will your daughter drink from a straw cup? does she like to drink what you are drinking? Good luck! I know it's probably more emotional for you than for her. I so relate to the comment you made about how would I feel if someone took away my morning cup of coffee! ~C.~
