How/when to introduce cows milk

[user1490285009]

Hi mums, I’m looking for advice on weaning my daughter. She’s 11 months+1 week. She’s been exclusively breastfed from birth and solids since 6 months. For various reasons I need to wean her off bf completely. But I’m confused on which approach to take.

I thought, I will get her onto formula; then on to cows milk. But husband wondered if 2 changes close together will be too challenging.

HV has suggested continuing bf till she’s 1 then switching her onto cows milk straight. Not a bad idea but I really need to wean her as soon as-so I’m not keen on this.

My sister has suggested introducing her to cows milk now. But I wasn’t sure if it’s safe? I have no reason to suspect she’s got any allergies, she eats cheeses and other dairy without problems. But not entirely sure it’s the same thing. This would be the ideal solution if it’s safe.

Any thoughts, tips, ideas on the best approach?

Thanking you in advance

I'd introduce cows milk gradually now as you will still be breastfeeding for other feeds. By the time she reaches 12 months she will be used to the flavour and more likely to accept it. I wouldn't bother with formula at this stage

It's not that cows milk is unsafe, it just has less iron and vitamins than formula/ breast milk so would not be so good for younger weaning babies who weren't taking many solid foods

It’s perfectly fine from now. She’ll be 1 in 3 weeks. Most people start the transition now anyway as you shouldn’t do it dramatically all at once. My 8 month old has had the occasional cup of cow’s milk from 6 months (he’s ebf but won’t take formula and I wanted to get him used to milk from a cup). It’s only been maybe once every week, but certainly from 11 months, you can offer milk more regularly. But you should add in a vitamin if you haven’t started already.

I’ve tried her on a little cow milk tonight. She drank it ... hopefully it doesn’t get vomited back out.

Thanks for the suggestion guys, I appreciate it.