How much milk should a 17mo have and how on earth.....

[lionsandtigersandbears]

Wasnt really sure where to put this post. My 17 mo DS has suddenly stopped drinking his milk. He has never been a particularly great eater and as a result always had quite a lot of milk (up to 16oz) for his last bottle as an example. Recently his appetite has got better - yay - but in the last week he has suddenly stopped drinking his milk. He does still have his bottle before bed and first thing, which I know some dont agree with, but he always loved it, refuses milk from a cup and is good at having his teeth brushed so am happy with this for a while. The prob is I think I read he is supposed to be getting up to a pint a day - not even close at the moment!!! he isnt a big yoghurt or cheese fan so bar the odd bit in mash/omelettes/grated over pasta I'm a bit stuck...any clues?

At this age he only need around two thirds of a pint of milk or milk equivalent, so one eight ounce bottle, a yoghurt, a bit of marge or butter spread, and a sprinkling of cheese will probably do it. Does he have milk on cereal - don't forget to count that too, I find it can be a good four ounces too.

But in all honesty I really wouldn't worry about milk at this stage now. Milk on waking and bedtime will easily cover his requirements, or are you saying he's refusing even that now?

PS a pint is only 20 ounces, so he only needs around 12-14 ounces a day. Sounds like you're covering that easily.

Get him on Weetabix, that uses quite a bit of milk up!

My girl is 10mo and only has 2 bf a day, am and pm, but lots of yoghurt and milk and cheese, and she is fine and happy. i think at 17mo it is normal for him to drink less milk.

Thanks so much guys....sparkle he is still having a few ounces morning and bedtime but not many. I wont worry anymore....much appreciated.