12 month baby - formula or cow's milk

[charade]

Miran, good points. I have to work harder with the solids then...

 

[emma_mama44]

Depends on the reasoning for switching -
if for budget, then formula may cost more or less the same as cow's milk in HK
but it's definitely easier for you to go out with your little one with cow's milk (bring much less stuff and could buy the cow's milk)
And the formulars for 12+ and the new born one are different, even though some docotors said you don't have to switch... but it costs much less for a 12+! Hope this help.

 

[yonge]

My three boys started on cow's milk at 12 months. Cow's milk in the little UHT boxes are great. I get the ones from the USA at Prizemart for HK$3.

 

[jvn]

A number of the 12 month + formulas are very sweet and have added vanilla flavouring. I bought the cow and gate one and it absolutely reeked of vanilla so I threw it away. I believe this is a cynical attempt by the formula companies to get children used to the taste of what is essentially a vanilla milkshake twice a day so the switch to cow's milk, whenever it takes place, is a difficult one - I think most people would prefer a vanilla milkshake to a glass of milk!

This article is worth a read too http://www.analyticalarmadillo.co.uk/search/label/Follow On Milk

 

[charade]

JVN, I think you are right about Cow and Gate being sweet...I figured all formula was though so continued with it. Fortunately, we just tried cow's milk on my son and he seems to be taking to it without a fuss. Yay!

Which formula did you opt for instead... something to keep in mind for number 2.

 

[HannahsMammy]

Hi Ladies
My daughter will be 2 next month. I did try breastfeeding initially, but my milk was very late coming on following a section birth. When my poor baby finally got the choice, she actually showed a preference to the formula milk anyway - so who am I to argue.
Hannah has gone through each stage of Cow & Gate milk without any fuss or upset tummies etc.
My daughter isn't a fussy eater as such, but because I know that the formula milk has all the extra nutirents her little body needs to grow it's reassuring for me as a Mummy - especially on those days when she just wants to eat crap, or just doesn't feel like eating due to being unwell. If its one of those days when it's difficult to get anything into her, I know she only needs two beakers of milk to sustain her... which is one less thing for me to worry about.
The great thing about the Cow & Gate Milk is that they also produce a formula using semi-skimmed milk - which can be used from age 2 upwards.
Yes buying milk is less expensive at face value, but if your little one is only drinking 2 beakers per day, a box of formula goes a long way and is great value. For me, also though, I can take formula out with me and mix the amount I need, or for little holidays and days out, I just buy the pre-made cartons...which has been a boon in getting her off the bottle.
I hope my ramblings have helped. Best wishes

 

[southside852]

we've actually traveled a great deal throughout Asia using the small UHT Pura cartons like a mom mentioned above. It's been soo easy and when have trips longer than 3 nights, we bring a couple of large UHTs in our suitcases. I personally think it's easier than formula. I hated mixing it with water, carrying all those bottles on flights etc...Our sons only drank bottled water when we used formula and it was just a pain. Now, we just bring on 2-3 small cartons of milk on flights and fill as needed.

I think you'll find more locals, keep their children on formula much longer. My local Singaporean friend had her child on formula until 2.5 years old.

I guess in the end, like most choices, you have to do what feels right for you and your family.

 

[bonita]

I know local parents who keep their kids on formula till 4 or 5 years old, twice a day!

 

[lesliefu]

yes bonita- -that is correct, it's mind boggling to me. but i guess there are its pros, especially if your baby is poor eater. i switched to cows milk at 12mths for both my first two and plan to do the same with #3. it's just more convenient for me...didn't realize that formula was made from cows milk (at least some of them) cause one of the worries my sis has is that cows milk is filled with too many hormones and that kids in general should have less of it...what do people think of that? is that a valid concern?

 

[Ccsimms]

Growing up milks aren't a marketing ploy...they can definitely bring more nutrients and benefits to my daughters diet... Yes, a varied diet can provide all of this...but my child is quite a small eater, and so at least by boosting this with a growing up milk, she's getting the best of both worlds. Another benefit of growing up milk, is great for when out and about, as you can just add water to the formula, without the need to keep refrigerated, as you would with cows milk. Works for us, and our daughter.