1yr old refusing cows milk - WWYD?

[Chunkamatic]

DS2 has recentley turned 1, he has been formula fed from 9mo. His milk intake has been reducing for the last few weeks, partly due to illness but partly due a general disinterest but would still have a 7oz bottle before bed. I ran out of formula 3 days ago so have just been offering cows milk, have tried it cold, warm, in bottle, in beaker and it has all been rejected. He has obviously been hungrier these last days so I have given him more fruit snacks etc to make up, but I know he should be having more milk (he has yoghurts, cheese, milk in porridge every day so is getting some dairy).

So, what should I do? Should I go and get a box of formula in order for him to at least have one bottle before bed? When he sees the milk bottle he gets excited but then quickly gets annoyed when it's not the milk he wants, but its not stopping him from settling down to sleep. I would still try offering the cows milk in the day to get him used to it... Or should I just carry on with the cold turkey and hope he gives the cows milk a try?

There's no rule that says a child has to have milk, you know

If he's eating a healthy balanced diet in good quantities then milk isn't really needed. Food and water would be sufficient, as long as he's getting his calcium and fat-soluble vitamins elsewhere.

If he's hungry offer protein-based snacks occasionally as well as fruit and veg (it will stave off hunger for longer) and plenty of fluids.

I know that in my head, Sidge, but it just feels so sudden! And I know that he has noticed the absence of the milk, one way or another, so I suppose I just feel guilty!!! Thanks for your reassurance though, much appreciated!

You could try getting some formula and gradually mixing it with cows milk in decreasing quantities.

I share your pain - my one year old does not drink cow's milk in any bottle/beaker/cup or at any temperature and seems to be trying to beat his personal best in throwing it as far away as possible. But he's still breastfeeding as well, which I'll happily jack in as soon as he starts seeing cows milk as something other than juice of the devil.

POrkchop tried this a few times last week - he was on to me straight away! He must have expensive taste, I pay almost £10 for a box of formula and am loathed to continue!