Becoming a parent is an incredible journey, full of milestones, late-night cuddles, and, of course, plenty of questions—especially about feeding. If you’re wondering, “When should my baby stop drinking formula?” you’re not alone. I remember feeling the same uncertainty with my little one. It felt like just when I got the hang of preparing bottles, I had to start thinking about the transition away from them!

In this guide, we’ll walk through when and how babies stop drinking formula, signs that your baby is ready, and tips to make the process smoother for both of you.

When Should Babies Stop Drinking Formula?

Most babies transition from formula to regular milk at 12 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants rely on breast milk or formula exclusively for the first six months and continue until their first birthday while introducing solid foods. By this age, their digestive system is more developed, and they can handle the nutrients in whole cow’s milk or an alternative.

That being said, every baby is different! Some may be ready to switch at 11 months, while others might take a bit longer. As a parent, you’ll know your baby best—watch for signs that they’re ready to move on.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Stop Formula

Transitioning from formula is not an overnight process. Here are some indicators that your little one might be ready for the next step:

• They Are Eating a Variety of Solid Foods – If your baby is eating different textures and flavors without issues, it means they’re getting essential nutrients from sources beyond formula.
• They’re Drinking from a Cup – If your baby can drink from a sippy cup or open cup, it’s a good sign that they can move away from bottles and formula.
• Less Interest in Bottles – Some babies naturally start drinking less formula and become more interested in meals and snacks.
• They’re One Year Old (or Close to It) – Around this time, their body can digest the proteins in cow’s milk more easily, and formula is no longer necessary for nutrition.

I remember when my son started pushing his bottle away in favor of his tiny cup. It was bittersweet—I loved our bottle-feeding snuggles, but I knew it was time to embrace the next stage.

How to Transition from Formula to Regular Milk

Switching from formula to milk is a process, and doing it gradually can help prevent tummy troubles or resistance. Here’s how you can make the transition easier:

Start Slowly

Instead of making an abrupt switch, try replacing one bottle of formula a day with whole milk. Start with a mix—¾ formula and ¼ milk—and slowly increase the milk portion over a week or two.

Use a Sippy Cup or Open Cup

If your baby is still using bottles, now is a great time to introduce sippy cups or open cups. This can help them associate milk with mealtime rather than bottle-feeding.

Offer Milk with Meals

Make milk part of your baby’s meals instead of a stand-alone drink. Offer a small amount with breakfast or lunch, so they learn to drink it just like the rest of the family.

Reduce Formula Gradually

Some parents choose to dilute formula by adding more water and less powder, helping their baby lose interest naturally. Others drop one bottle at a time, spacing out the change over weeks.

Provide Dairy in Other Forms

If your baby isn’t a fan of milk at first, don’t panic! They can get calcium and vitamin D from cheese, yogurt, or fortified plant-based alternatives. I remember feeling frustrated when my daughter refused whole milk, but once I introduced more dairy in her diet, she adjusted just fine.

What If My Baby Refuses to Stop Drinking Formula?

Not all babies are eager to let go of formula, and that’s okay! If your little one is resisting the transition:

• Try a Different Cup – Some babies prefer straw cups or open cups over sippy cups.
• Offer Warm Milk – Formula is warm, so your baby might prefer warmed-up milk rather than cold.
• Mix and Gradually Adjust – Keep mixing formula and milk, adjusting the ratio slowly over time.
• Give It Time – Some babies just need more time to adjust. If your child is otherwise healthy and eating solids, don’t stress.

I had a friend whose son refused whole milk for weeks. She ended up mixing it with a little vanilla-flavored almond milk to make it more appealing, and eventually, he started drinking it on his own. Every baby is different!

Common Concerns About Switching from Formula

What If My Baby Has a Dairy Allergy?

If your baby has a cow’s milk allergy or lactose intolerance, consult your pediatrician. They may recommend soy, almond, oat, or another plant-based milk with added calcium and vitamin D.

Can I Switch to Low-Fat or Skim Milk Instead?

Babies under two years old need whole milk because the fat content is essential for brain development. After age two, you can switch to low-fat options if recommended by your doctor.

What About Nighttime Bottles?

If your baby still drinks a bottle before bed, try offering warm milk in a cup or shifting their bedtime routine to include a snack instead.

How Much Milk Should My Toddler Drink?

Toddlers aged 1-2 years should drink 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) of milk per day. Too much can lead to iron deficiency or decreased appetite for solid foods.

The Bottom Line

By 12 months, most babies are ready to say goodbye to formula and start drinking whole milk. The transition should be gradual and stress-free—watch your baby’s cues, be patient, and make adjustments as needed.

Every baby is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some may eagerly take to milk, while others need a little extra encouragement. No matter how your journey looks, you’re doing an amazing job helping your baby grow!