#asktheexpert my son is now 13 months old so can we completely stop formula milk and start cow/buffalo milk for him as a complimentary meal twice in a day?

A. Yes, at 13 months old, you can completely stop formula milk and switch to cow’s milk or buffalo milk, but with some precautions. Milk Transition Tips: ✅ Choose Full-Fat Cow’s Milk First – It’s easier to digest than buffalo milk, which is heavier. ✅ Start with Small Amounts – Begin with 50-100 ml per day, gradually increasing to 300-400 ml per day. ✅ Dilute Buffalo Milk Initially – Since buffalo milk is high in fat, mix it with water (70:30 ratio) before offering. ✅ Avoid Excess Milk – More than 400-500 ml per day can reduce appetite for solid foods and cause iron deficiency. ✅ Offer in a Cup – Avoid bottle-feeding to prevent dental issues. Meal Frequency & Nutrition: Since your son has only two complementary meals a day, try increasing to 3-4 solid meals + 1-2 snacks for better nutrition. Include: ✔ Protein – Dal, paneer, eggs, or chicken. ✔ Healthy Fats – Ghee, nuts (powdered), or avocado. ✔ Calcium & Iron – Ragi, green veggies, sesame seeds. ✔ Fruits & Veggies – For fiber, vitamins, and immunity. If he digests cow or buffalo milk well, you can fully transition without formula. Let me know if he has any digestion issues after switching!