A baby, who has been brought up on mother's milk, will need to be weaned away to cow's milk for natural reasons. Most experts recommend waiting to introduce cow's milk until a baby is 12 months old.

Simple reason for delaying transition to cow's milk till first birthday is that cow's milk has fat contents that can't be digested by a baby's digestive system till he is at least 12 months. Rich in various minerals like sodium, potassium and chloride cow's milk can prove taxing for kidneys of infant.

In the first year, baby's immune system needs to be fortified with vitamin E, zinc and iron. Cow's milk can't provide these minerals in requisite quantities. Sticking to cow's milk when baby needs essential minerals, can lead to iron deficiency. Making the transition from formula to cow's milk, thus, has to be gradual and only after baby's digestive system is ready to handle contents of cow's milk.

After the first year, your baby's body needs fats and various minerals provided by cow's milk. It is an accepted replacement for mother's milk or formula feed. A great source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and magnesium, milk will build your toddler's bones and teeth and help his body regulate his blood coagulation and muscle control.

Rich in proteins and carbohydrates, cow's milk provides energy required by your baby to indulge in baby play. Calcium is a fighter against problems related to blood pressure, stroke or reduction in bone density due to osteoporosis.

Decide Upon Quantity

A big decision has to be made regarding how much of cow's milk is sufficient for your toddler. Between first and second year, it is recommended that a toddler drink between 16 and 24 ounces of whole milk a day.

Your toddler is capable of consuming this quantity and you must ensure that he does. You might need to gradually increase quantity to required level if your child doesn't take milk initially.

At the same time, you must take care to not over feed the child. If your baby just had a glass of milk, do not force him to have dinner. As adults, we also find it difficult to have a full meal after a glass of whole milk.