Appetite

[aameera]

Hi all. I have a son of 14 months. He does not want to take any kind of artificial are formula milk. Please help me.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is just below the 25th percentile and his height is between the 50-75th percentile for his age which indicates he is normal. At a year old it is recommended a child is to go on whole milk. He can feed himself (with his fingers) and should be eating regular finger food, cut up in small pieces, at this age. Suggest giving him a 'sippy cup' for all his liquids (at meals and snacks). Here is a guideline for a 12-24 month old child should eat the following on a daily basis: Dairy 3-4 feedings a day – Milk (4oz), cheese (½ oz), yogurt (½ cup), or cottage cheese (¼ cup). Starch 4 feedings a day – Cereal (¼ cup), pasta (¼ cup), rice (¼ cup), bread (½ slice), or crackers (2). Fruits & Vegetables 4 feedings a day – Fruits (including 100% juice limited to only 4-6ozs) & Vegetables (¼ cup). Protein source 2 feedings a day – Meat or fish (1oz), egg (1), or beans (¼ cup). He should eat 3 meals and have snacks between meals using the foods above to be spread out throughout the day. Hoped this helped you.

[XaviersMum]

I am no medical expert but I would think it would be safe to start introducing regular milk to him.  I would start either half and half (Half milk and half formula) in his bottle or try alternating between formula and milk.  Have you introduced any other milk products to him yet?  My son is lactose intolerant so it will be soy based milk when he transitions.  I would try to contact your family physician about transitioning him onto milk as soon as possible.  At 12 months old a child is ready for cow's milk unless they have an allergy.