When Do Babies Stop Needing Infant Formula?
What you need to know about transitioning away from infant formula.
Babies are continually growing and changing, and a time will come to transition your little one away from formula feeding. It's a significant milestone in your child's development, and the timing can vary from one baby to another. Let's explore this transitional period, including when to stop using formula, how to make the shift, and all the exciting milestones to come.
What age do babies stop drinking formula?
Typically, the transition away from baby formula begins around your baby's first birthday. However, the timing can be influenced by your child's individual growth and developmental milestones. Each baby is unique, and some may be ready to make the switch a bit earlier or later. Your pediatrician is ultimately who can help you understand when to stop giving your baby formula.
When do babies stop needing specialty formula?
Some infant formulas, such as Enfamil® A.R. (added rice starch), are designed for particular needs in babies. For example, if you’ve been using Enfamil® A.R. to help with frequent spit-up, you might consider asking your doctor if your baby might be ready to return to routine formula.
However, if you’re using a hypoallergenic formula like Nutramigen® because your baby has an allergy, your doctor would probably advise you to stay with that formula until your baby is ready to transition away from formula and into eating more solid foods.
|
Age |
Key Steps |
|---|---|
| Around 6 Months | Start with soft foods such as pureed vegetables or fruits that are high in iron and zinc. Many pediatricians recommend introducing soft, infant-safe peanut products around 4-6 months, be sure to monitor your baby for any potential allergic reactions. Enfamil NeuroPro™ Infant. |
| Around 7-8 Months | Gradually thicken the consistency of baby's food. You may also offer softened cereals mixed with formula or breastmilk. Make sure the cereal is made for babies and is iron-fortified. |
| Around 9-10 Months | Start with soft foods such as pureed vegetables or fruits that are high in iron and zinc. Many pediatricians recommend introducing soft, infant-safe peanut products around 4-6 months, be sure to monitor your baby for any potential allergic reactions. Enfamil NeuroPro™ Infant. Encourage self-feeding with finger foods. |
| Around 12 Months | Offer a wider variety of family foods in age-appropriate portions. Continue to introduce new textures and flavors. By this time, your baby should be able to easily feed themself with their fingers, and may be ready to start learning how to use spoons! |
| After 12 Months | Encourage self-feeding with utensils. Ensure a balanced diet with a variety of foods to meet growing nutritional needs. |
Transitioning from formula to cow's milk
Babies younger than 1 year old shouldn’t drink cow’s milk, which their growing digestive systems won’t be able to handle. Some toddlers don’t like the taste of cow’s milk, but will start to adjust to the taste and consistency if they can enjoy it mixed with familiar breastmilk or formula. You can also introduce cow’s milk in cereal, oatmeal, or creamy soups.
How to actually wean off formula
Weaning your baby off formula is a gradual process that starts with the introduction of solid foods and ends around the time that your baby can feed themself. If your baby isn’t embracing the change as quickly as you might hope, it can help to mix small amounts of the new foods into what they’re used to eating, and gradually increase the introductory amounts over time.
How soon can my baby stop drinking formula?
While the exact timing can vary, a general answer is that this transition often begins after the first year. This is when many children start to eat a more varied diet that includes solid foods which can provide some essential vitamins and nutrients. As you transition away from formula, be sure to keep complete nutrition top of mind, and consider looking into vitamins and supplements with your doctor. That way your child can take or leave whatever foods they like, but still get the nutrition they may still need.
Go beyond formula with Enfamil Family Beginnings®
We understand that your child's needs go beyond just formula.We're here to support you through every stage of your child's development, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to provide the best care for your little one.
In the journey of parenthood, the transition from formula feeding to other sources of nourishment is a significant and rewarding step. We hope this article serves as your trusted guide to make this transition as smooth as possible, giving you and your child a healthy start on the path to growth and development. For more information and parenting support, we welcome you to join Enfamil Family Beginnings®!
