HI -

The truth is, you don't wean from formula (or breastmilk) to cow's
milk. YOu wean your child to a varied, healthy diet. Once your child
is eating a good variety of solids, ANY milk becomes completely
unnecessary.

In the Western diet, however, milk is relied upon as a source for
calcium, protein and fat. So when you wean your child from formula,
make sure that those three things (especially the calcium, which is the
hardest to deliver to kids) are sufficiently in your child's diet.

The reason babies consume formula (or breastmilk) in the beginning is
that it is a "complete" food (and continues to be for well over a year,
so use it if you need it). But babies start to eat solids, and so rely
less and less on formula for their nutritional needs.

If you're breastfeeding, it's a good idea to continue to nurse for well
over a year. It's not the nutrition that matters after about 12 months
(although you'll be very grateful that you're nursing when your child
comes down with his or her first stomach virus) but the breastmilk
actually boosts the child's immune system, providing antibodies to
everything that YOUR body encounters. (The immune system isn't fully
developed until about age 5, which is the age that children self-wean in
non-industrialized societies.) But I digress.

In short, don't fret about milk. Wean to a varied diet, and see if you
can get your child to drink WATER as a primary fluid.

--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.