Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Avoiding Milk Normal In A One Year Old?
Question: Hello
My 18 month old son just suddenly stopped taking baby formula. He usually takes 3-4 bottles of 240ml formula milk throughout the day including just before bedtime, which normally helps put him to sleep. Now he is refusing milk and is instead opting for juice or water. He is cranky before bedtime as he used to take the bottle and fall asleep. Is this normal? What should we substitute his milk with?
My 18 month old son just suddenly stopped taking baby formula. He usually takes 3-4 bottles of 240ml formula milk throughout the day including just before bedtime, which normally helps put him to sleep. Now he is refusing milk and is instead opting for juice or water. He is cranky before bedtime as he used to take the bottle and fall asleep. Is this normal? What should we substitute his milk with?
Brief Answer:
Your child is developing a healthy habit
Detailed Answer:
Hi...your child is developing a healthy habit in avoiding milk. Children of this age should be getting a maximum of 300 to 400 ml of milk per day. If you exceed this limit there is a possibility that they might develop constipation because of excess calcium in the milk.
If he wants just plain water or fruit juice before going to bed please do continue that habit. But make sure that the last meal he takes before going to bed is a solid food, because that will keep him from awakening in the mid night due to hunger.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Your child is developing a healthy habit
Detailed Answer:
Hi...your child is developing a healthy habit in avoiding milk. Children of this age should be getting a maximum of 300 to 400 ml of milk per day. If you exceed this limit there is a possibility that they might develop constipation because of excess calcium in the milk.
If he wants just plain water or fruit juice before going to bed please do continue that habit. But make sure that the last meal he takes before going to bed is a solid food, because that will keep him from awakening in the mid night due to hunger.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What kind of fruit juice do you recommend for this age? He isn't taking milk anymore so what do you suggest we give him for calcium?
Brief Answer:
Any fruit can be given and seasonal fruits are best
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Any fruit is good. All seasonal fruits are best. Fruits as such are best rather than fruit juice. Best is giving mashed fruits as such.
The best source for calcium is milk, 300-400ml per day. If he is not accepting milk then you can give other calcium supplements like Syrup Shelcal. The dose will be 5ml twice a day for 3 months.
But this is a prescription drug and hence you will require a doctor's prescription for it.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Any fruit can be given and seasonal fruits are best
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Any fruit is good. All seasonal fruits are best. Fruits as such are best rather than fruit juice. Best is giving mashed fruits as such.
The best source for calcium is milk, 300-400ml per day. If he is not accepting milk then you can give other calcium supplements like Syrup Shelcal. The dose will be 5ml twice a day for 3 months.
But this is a prescription drug and hence you will require a doctor's prescription for it.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
