Formula or cows milk for baby just over 11 months?

[neolara]

I'm currently feeding my DS three times a day but in two weeks time my DH and I are going away to Paris for the weekend. The kids are going to stay with their granny so by that time I need to have sorted out what I'm going to do about milk. DS will be eleven months and ten days when we go. The question is, do I introduce formula for three weeks until he is one, or do I go straight on to cows milk? I was hoping to have got him down to one bf a day by the time we go away and would probably just have substituted water and a snack for the missed breast feeds anyway. If I go with cows milk I need to introduce it at least a week before we go to make sure that he will drink it, but that means giving it to him at more like eleven months than twelve. Is there any particular reason why I shouldn't give him cows milk at this point? As I said, I would probably only be down to one milk feed a day at that point anyway. I guess I could introduce formula, but he's never had it and I'm not sure I see the point if there is no real need. What do you all think?

I think you've done brilliantly to bf for 11m!

IMO no need to introduce formula at this stage... go to cow's milk. I believe the only reason you shouldn't use cow's before 1 is the low iron content, or something... having cow's and not bf for 1 weekend won't hurt at all, I'm sure...

That's what I'd do, anyway. Have a lovely time!

I would probably go with cows milk especially if your lo is eating solids well. Cows milk is not normally recommended before 1 year as it doesnt have the same nutrients as breast/formula milk. I'm sure a few weeks early isnt going to matter much. The alternative would be to express some and freeze it for when you are away. My 14 month old still has 2 lots of milk per day (cows) but takes both froma lidded beaker.

I (and a friend of mine) were in a similar situation to you at about 11 months - i gave my ds formula at night but for other milk times i gave him cows milk and i know my friend just put her DD on cows milk alone from 10.5 mo and she is fine and dandy. As my mum says, when we were little they were told to put us all on cows milk from 6 mo and we have survived! Have a lovely time in paris..

Cow's milk will be fine. By this time my ds wasn't b/feeding or having any milk other than that in cereal cheese and yoghurt. Milk is highly overrated (unless it is Mummy brand.)

Have a fab time.

Cow's milk will be fine and also if you want to carry on bfing after the weekend you should be fine....just express a bit in the shower or whatever if you can't be bothered with a pump.

have a fab weekend - DP and I had two nights away for his 40th and it was great.....first thing that DD2 said on seeing me was.....'booby'!!

neolara i am also bfer so no expert, but must point out that formula IS cows milk although highly processed. cannot see what you'd gain by giving that rather than normal stuff.

i wouldn't worry though, your supply is very well established and will easily survive a weekend away. if the granny wants to give cows milk then up to her, no need for you to introduce anything in advance.

i wondered this the other day. Nice to see this thread. I'm still bf at nearly 11 months, but have to have a few things done in day surgery and have been advised not to feed for 24 hours. dd already has formula on her cereal, but i dont think i'll buy any more after this box is finished... good to read this thanks all

ps, have a fab time in Paris i was there this time of year a few years back. it was lovely, but COLD!!! make sure you take hats and gloves.

You can give cow's milk on cereal etc from 6 months susie. TBH if you bfeed at least twice a day up to 12 months or thereabouts then you need never purchase a tin of formula at all. Not that the manufacturers would want mums to know that eh???

Basically as long as it isn't their main source of milk it's fine.

Thanks Laundrylady

I knew this, but had a few probs with my medication for a few days and Dd decided not to eat solids and has never taken bottles. will only have a little from a cup, so just wanted to make sure she was getting a bit more iron etc... DH bought it for this, and for some reason keeps getting a small box when i ask him to get her cereal and rusks so i keep trying to use it up... the never ending box hey... She's been getting cow too at times on her cereal.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm glad you're all telling me the same thing and also that it was what I was hoping you were going to say! I'll just give him cows milk for a few days and stop worrying.