What age is it ok to stop formula and place the baby on 2% milk? My 8 month old grandson is on stage 1 foods and really doesn want the formula, so is it ok to replace it with 2%?
: Whole milk (usually 4% fat) is recommended starting at age 12 months. The reason for waiting this long: studies have shown that at earlier ages, there is a higher occurrence of iron deficiency after milk is introduced. The chance of iron deficiency developing at 10 months of age is higher than for starting at 12 months; the chance at 8 months is even higher. Formula is also preferred for its high content of vitamins and minerals. The 12 month rule is a little bit arbitrary. Not all kids who start whole milk earlier get iron deficiency. However, if your grandson takes less formula at this age (8 months), that is o.k. He will make up for the calories lost by eating more solids.
