So how much dairy is 'enough'?

[ninipops]

So 8mth DD is doing well on solids but pretty much refuses formula. She will take a couple of oz here and there but the most she has had in any one day is about 6. I am still BFing but have cut down to one feed a day as am more than ready to stop. HV (one that I trust!) said some babies just don't take to formula and if I want to stop BFing then just make sure she has enough dairy in her diet.

So how much is enough???

[RJandA]

I'm a bit worried by your health visitor's advice - cow's milk isn't an adequate substitute for formula / breastmilk for an 8 month old, so it would be hard to say how much is "enough".

At the same time I appreciate that you can't force formula into them, and if you want to stop BFing then that's entirely up to you. If it was me, I would keep trying with formula, do more smaller feeds if that's what your DD seems to be happier with even if it is a faff to keep making up small bottles. It's supposed to be 500-600ml per day, i.e. at least 16oz, if you stop bfing. I know you probably know this, and must be really frustrated that she won't drink more, but I'd continue to aim for 16oz a day at this stage, or obviously a bit less while you're still bfing.

Of course, if she just won't take that much then you'll want to make sure she has plenty of calcium rich foods in her diet which can include dairy, but also tinned fish is very high if you mash up the bones and give her those too (no more than 2 portions a week of oily fish for girls though). Some dried fruit are good, apricots for example I think. Anyway, you can google it.

Also, if she's having less than 500ml of formula a day then make sure she has vitamin drops - this is recommended anyway for breastfed babies from 6 months (formula is fortified, so ff babies get their supplement that way), but vitamin D will help her absorb calcium.

HTH

[ilovepowerhoop]

they are supposed to have the equivalent of 20oz a day from 6 months to 1 year. That amount includes any milk with cereal, in foods, etc plus dairy products like yoghurts, cheese, etc as well so doesnt all have to be in drink form.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

I too am unsure why you have been told that it's ok to just give the milk through food not formula or breast milk. I'd drop a meal and increase the bf/ff rather than rely on cows milk which is not suitable to give all nutrients to a baby.

[nancerama]

A day's intake of calcium can be as little as 2 pots of fromage frais and a small piece of cheese, however, I'd be anxious about using this as gospel before 1 year. Formula/breast milk is essential to supply the right balance of vitamins and minerals to support their rapidly growing brains.

My Child Won't Eat is a great book to read for reassurance on baby and child nutrition.

[ninipops]

Thanks all. This is uncharted territory for me as my other 2 switched to formula quite easily @ 6 months. DD has for the last 2 days refused all but a few mouthfuls of formula so I think I am just going to have to give up on that front and knuckle under for a few more months with the BFing. I out her back on for an evening feed again last night and hopefully my supply will cope with the increase. Fortunately I've never had any problems in that respect!