How Much Formula Milk Should Be Given To 2 Year Old?

Posted on Fri, 10 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 10 May 2013 Answered on

Sat, 1 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : How much formula milk should my 2 year old son drink? He is 15kg

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (27 minutes later)

Hi

Thanks for your query on XXXXXXX

500ml of milk is enough for a 2 year old. If the kid is taking more than that, he may take less solid food. It may result in less nutrition.

Also it is recommended to switch to cow's milk when the kid turns 1 year of age, unless recommended by a physician. Research has linked prolonged or exclusive formula feeding to obesity at a later age.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (2 hours later)

500mL is about 16fl oz correct? can you be specific on cows milk? Because currently i am giving my son GAIN for 1 to 3 years of age.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (19 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for reverting back,

500 ml is approximately 17 oz.

By cow's milk, I mean the milk that adults consume.

Up to 2 years of age, homogenized 3.25% cow's milk should be given. After 2 years, 2% cow's milk can be given too. The percentage means the amount of fat present per 100 g of milk. For example, 2% milk has 2 g of fat per 100 g of milk.

In my opinion, formula milk should not be given beyond a certain age unless specifically advised by the physician for reasons like low weight-for-age, anemia, failure to thrive, etc.

Hope I addressed your concerns. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E