Hello!

Hi mums! My 18 months old is EBF til now but I am trying to introduced another option of milk for her since I am planning to go back to work soon. Any suggestions? Tips? ???? Not keen on trying diff brands of formula since it’s too pricey and such a waste too.


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  • Hi there! It can be such a tricky transition, especially when little ones are used to breastmilk. Have you tried introducing milk alternatives slowly, like mixing a small amount of cow’s milk or a non-dairy option (like oat or almond milk) into her regular breast milk to help her get used to the taste? Some mums find warming it slightly or serving it in a sippy cup makes it a bit more appealing too.

    If she’s eating a variety of other foods, she’s likely getting a lot of nutrients that way, so you might not need to stress too much about how much milk she’s drinking. Just take it slow – sometimes it’s just about helping them feel comfortable with a new flavour and texture. Good luck with everything!


  • The only options I can think of are, pumping while you already have a supply. Start building up a stash. If you consider this option you might have to ask your employer if you can have allocated times to pump during work hours.
    You could chose a cheaper option of formula.
    Or go straight to cows milk. If you’re concerned about this, check with a doctor first.


  • It is normal for baby to keep breastmilk as the primary part of his diet up until 18 months or even longer. An example of a nice gradual increase in solids would be 25% solids at 12 months, 50% solids at 18 months, and 80% solids at 24 months. Some children take a little longer to begin taking solids well.
    I think it’s fine that your child doesn’t want to drink other types of milk. You could give other things instead and still continue with one or two breast feeds (for example morning and night) till your child is ready to discontinue.
    You might like this read
    https://www.motherandbaby.com/toddler/development/milk-alternatives-toddler/


  • You write that your 18 months old is EBF (exclusively breast feeding): does this mean that your child isn’t consuming any solids ?? According to the definition the World Health Organization (WHO), Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the situation in which an infant receives only breast milk from his/her mother or a wet nurse for the first 6 months and no other solids or liquids with the exception of drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, minerals


  • At 18 months I would probably not be too concerned. Stick with water and good food and they will be fine. Mine are all addicted to milk and I can’t get them off the bottle.


  • My toddler absolutely loves a little kids weet-bix with yoghurt and chia seeds for breakfast. You could add milk instead. If they prefer bottles you could buy a Subo bottle (we love ours for on the go oats and fruit, yoghurts, smoothies).


  • Now that your child is 18 months old, they don’t really need to rely on milk like they did before. They will be eating all kinds of foods and it’s highly likely they can get enough calcium and nutrients from those sources. If you are worried, maybe try other dairy like yoghurt, eggs, custard, etc. Or you could get a supplement from the chemist.


  • Have you tried mixing bm with formula or fresh milk just to wean


  • You could try adding a pureed banana or making a smoothie. Is she drinking mostly water already? The below suggestion is a great one, but if that doesn’t work you could just focus on her getting her daily calcium and vitamin D in foods like cheese and yoghurt. But if it’s more a comfort bottle issue, try adding flavours of fruits she likes.


  • Could you consider adding some natural vanilla flavouring or similar to give the milk a different flavour. I feel for you mumma as it can be challenging when kids won’t eat or drink something. I am sure you have considered this but perhaps also reach out to your doctor or health nurse or even a dietitian who specialises in toddlers.


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