Weaning from Formula: What Works and When to Start

When you start weaning from formula, the process of gradually replacing infant formula with solid foods and whole milk. It’s not just about switching drinks—it’s about helping your child grow into a healthy eater. Most parents begin this shift between 9 and 12 months, but there’s no rush. Your baby’s readiness matters more than the calendar. Some kids show clear signs early—chewing on spoons, reaching for your food, or turning away from the bottle. Others take longer. That’s okay.

Toddler nutrition, the balance of calories, vitamins, and minerals your child needs after their first year changes dramatically once formula drops out. You’re not just replacing calories—you’re introducing new textures, flavors, and eating habits. Iron-rich foods like lentils, ground beef, and fortified cereals become key. Dairy is next: whole milk typically starts around age one, but check with your pediatrician if your child has allergies or digestive issues. Infant feeding, how babies take in nutrients from birth through their first years evolves from liquid to solid, and the pace varies wildly. One baby might gobble up mashed sweet potatoes at 8 months. Another might still prefer a bottle at 14. Neither is wrong.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t a rigid schedule. It’s real advice from parents who’ve been there, and experts who’ve seen the data. You’ll learn how to spot when your baby is truly ready, what to do if they refuse milk after formula, and why some pediatricians still recommend formula past age one. You’ll also see what foods to avoid during this transition, how to handle nighttime bottles, and what to do if your child suddenly loses interest in eating altogether. There’s no single right way—but there are plenty of safe, smart ways to get there.