I haven't been online for a few days so sorry if this thread is old now - someone asked why not skim milk? It's because skim milk (other than not having enough calories and fat for small kids) has concentrated levels of protein and sodium that puts too much strain on under 2's kidneys. But once off isn't going to hurt his kidneys if it's just a trial of the milk KWIM.

I wouldn't worry if he's not dropping his bottles fast- I have just increased DD's bottles from 3 to 4 because she was not eating more, started waking at night again and hadn't put on weight for 2 months. If we're truly going to follow our instincts or baby-led ideals - then this includes bottles for non-breastfeeding bubs. All bubs develop at their own pace after all, we can't force them to eat more? I wouldn't force the issue if DD was still breastfeeding - don't really see the difference. You'd expect a gradual transition.

It's true that you can source enough calcium from other sources other than dairy, as it is you can source enough b vitamins, zinc, iron from non-meat sources - the reason they are highly emphasized by nutritionists is because they are a concentrated, good source of those essential vitamins and make it easy to get our daily requirements. Vegans & vegetarians have to watch their diets very carefully to ensure they are getting enough nutrients (I am not having a go at them, I was one for 5 years so did it) if you don't buy into the dairy is evil hype - and you establish he's not allergic - then don't feel badly about giving him cows milk or cows milk formula if he thrives on it. Hope evreything works out for you