For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Switching From Breast To Cows Milk

After your baby turns one, there will be a lot of changes in his/ her life. The first change is switching from breast milk to cows milk. This is not a happy experience for both the child and the mother since every parent will have to deal with this difficult phase. Experts say that after a child first year birthday, he needs to consume cows milk in small stages since there will be a lot of health problems that will tag with the change.

When you are planning to make the switch from breast milk to cows milk, there are certain health problems which your baby will experience. Mothers should follow a step by step procedure when it comes to the switch. The procedure can be done in this manner - small spoons of cows milk to make your baby get the taste, mixing cows milk with cereal and offer your child cold or hot milk to see what he likes best. Therefore, depending on this, you will make the switch to be easier for your baby.

Switching From Breast To Cows Milk

Here are some health problems you should keep in mind when you switch from breast milk to cows milk. These health problems in babies is a normal reaction to the change.

Constipation

When you switch from mothers milk to cows milk, the first sign which is shown in your baby is constipation. Babies find it hard to pass stools because of the change in milk. Mother milk is easier for them to digest when compared to cows milk. One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure your baby drinks a lot of water when you switch from breast milk to cows milk.

Allergies

Due to the ingredients and higher amounts of sodium present in cows milk, your baby may develop an allergy. If there is a sudden rash on your baby's body after you have switched from breast milk to cows milk, you should visit the paediatrician.

Decrease in nutrients

One of the most common signs in a baby when they switch from breast milk to cows milk is the decrease in nutrients. Mothers milk has a lot of healthy nutrients so, when you switch milk, the child may develop patches on the skin or will even feel itchy.

Sleep problems

The sleep pattern changes when you switch from breast milk to cows milk. Your little baby may experience nights without having a good sleep. However, there is nothing to be worried about since it will take some time for your baby to get used to the change. It is best to set a fixed time for your child to drink cows milk, an hour before he sleeps.

Cranky Emotions

If you notice your little one becoming cranky, it is only because of the switch from breast milk to cows milk. This cranky emotions are excessive crying and moody behaviour. During this phase, you need to go easy on your child since it is a new step for him in switching from something he like to drink to something which cannot be compared.

These are some of the changes you will see in your baby when you make the switch from breast milk to cows milk.

Story first published: Tuesday, September 3, 2013, 14:26 [IST]
Read more about: baby parenting