I just weaned my baby from breastfeeding and I'm afraid he's running out of nutrients. He is not taking any milk at all during the day. What should I do?

Question

Hi, My baby is 7 1/2 months old and I started weaning him 1 week ago. So he is no longer breastfed during the day but still breastfeeds in the morning and evening. During the day, he doesn't accept to drink any formula or my milk that I pumped. He does drink a lot of water though. I am afraid that he is not getting enough nutrients because he does not accept milk. He eats the same meals as us 3 times a day since he doesn't want pureed food. Are there any vitamins I can put in the water or should I force him to drink my milk/formula? He has never accepted the bottle or pacifier so I am already on the spout or glass and he spits up the milk/infant formula when that is what I give him compared to the water which he takes with no problem. Could I compensate with other dairy products (cheese, yogurt, etc.) or even start him on 3.25% milk if he wants to take it or is it still too early? Perfect thanks!!!

Isabelle Pelletier · Accepted Answer

Hello, this is not an obvious situation. Milk is still a very important food for a baby under 1 year old... To my knowledge, there are no vitamins that are as complete to compensate. Have you tried to give him his milk by the glass instead of by the bottle? Many breastfed babies refuse the "plastic nipple" but will accept to drink from a glass... Otherwise, I would try to integrate as much milk as possible in his diet, as an addition to a soup for example, in cereals etc... you have to try to integrate it as much as possible, using your imagination according to your child's tastes... I don't have a miracle solution to offer you but I believe that you should try to increase your child's milk intake during the day to promote the best possible growth. Also, talk to your doctor/pediatrician, he/she may have other tips to advise you and he/she can also check your child's growth curve to reassure you. Good day, Isabelle Pelletier yes, in my opinion, I think that if your baby digests 3.25% milk well, it is an acceptable alternative under the circumstances, given that he refuses all breast milk/day formula... If possible, it would also be advisable to continue breastfeeding in the morning and evening until he is at least 9 months old to maximize his milk intake. And of course, other dairy products can also be integrated into his diet if he tolerates them well.