When can babies have milk?

If you’re wondering when can babies have milk—and which type is best, when to introduce cow’s milk, which alternative milk is best, and how to transition from formula or breastmilk—this post has the answers for you.

When can a baby have milk?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce cow’s milk until baby has turned 1, or at 12 months. This is because unlike the proteins in dairy like yogurt and cheese, the ones in cow’s milk are harder to digest.

Cow’s milk also contains a large amount of proteins and minerals, which can stress a baby’s kidneys. It may even cause iron-deficiency anemia if given in large quantities. (By “large quantities”, think if you were to put cow’s milk in a baby bottle or sippy cup.)

Though the revised recommendations are nuanced though, so here’s the important information to understand:

In a pinch, you could feed them whole cow’s milk for a brief period of time until the shortage is better. This is not ideal and should not become routine, but is a better option than diluting formula or making homemade formula. Although we don’t have a specific amount of cow milk that infants 6-12 months should drink in this situation, follow the limits of no more than 24 ounces a day for children over a year of age. See “Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 and Younger.”

The most important concern with giving an infant over 6 months of age cow’s milk is making sure they get enough iron to prevent anemia. Be sure to include plenty of iron-containing solid foods in their diet while you are using whole cow’s milk. You may also talk with your pediatrician about giving your baby an iron supplement.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Are-there-shortages-of-infant-formula-due-to-COVID-19.aspx

Milk is not usually recommended as an alternative to baby formula.

The good news? Milk becomes easier for babies to digest and tolerate as they get a little older and hit the one-year mark.

When it comes to using smaller amounts of cow’s milk in baking or recipes, check with your pediatrician for advice specific to your family.

(I generally recommend using plain nondairy milk in baking for babies to be on the safe side, but a small amount is likely fine.)

Once a child turns one, it is recommended that they should have whole milk, as little kids need the fat for brain development and growth.

How to Introduce Cow’s Milk

Anytime after baby turns 1, you can put a small amount of milk into a sippy cup or small open cup. It’s best to start with a small amount simply to avoid any potential waste.

Remember that this is a new food for baby and they may or may not like the taste. It can take some getting used to, just like any other food, and as long as baby is offered a range of dairy products throughout the day and week, they will likely meet their needs for calcium for kids.

(Not all kids like or drink milk and that’s totally fine!)

You can also stir some into healthy oatmeal recipes or use it in a recipe, such as these Baby Muffins.

TIP: Here are my favorite sippy cups for toddlers, including easy-to-use transition cups.

How to Switch from Formula to Cow’s Milk

If transitioning from formula to cow’s milk at 12 months, use whole milk—one and two year olds need the high fat content to help with brain development—and start by replacing 1 ounce of prepared formula with milk at a time.

This gives baby’s system and taste buds a chance to adapt.

You can also start to move from serving milk in bottles as separate feedings to offering milk in smaller amounts in a cup with other solids. The total volume of milk will continue to go down during the transition away from milk in bottles as they will be eating more solid foods.

TIP: Find my full Toddler Weaning guide, too.

Side Effects You May See in the Transition

It is normal for bowel movements to change during the change from breastmilk or formula to whole milk (and during the phase of eating more and more solids through toddlerhood). A child may have fewer dirty diapers or the consistency of their stool may change. Wet diapers should stay similar.

If constipation becomes an issue, look at the bigger picture of what the child is eating and reference easy options for Toddler Constipation for help.

Best Nondairy Milk for Babies and 1-Year-Olds

For plant milk with similar nutrition as whole cow’s milk, you’ll want one that has fat, protein, Vitamin D, and calcium if possible. This usually means plant-based milks that have been fortified with pea protein such as Ripple Milk, Silk Protein Milk, and Not Milk.

You can use plain or vanilla. Unsweetened is the most versatile (and is made without added sugars.)

You can use any other type of nondairy milk, but be sure to include many other food options with fat, calcium, and vitamin D throughout the week.

Is it OK to continue giving formula instead of milk?

Unless your pediatrician is concerned about growth or another medical condition, toddler formulas (or continuing baby formula) is not necessary. And it may be harder for your child to eat a range of solid foods if they are full from the formula.

Changing to whole milk is often much less expensive and is easier to serve.

When a Child Refuses Milk

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers have 2-3 servings of dairy per day, which can include milk—but it doesn’t have to. So if your child doesn’t like milk, that can be totally fine. It is very common.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns. You may also have some luck using milk in toddler smoothies or DIY Flavored Milks.

What happens if you give a child milk too early?

The main concern with milk for kids under age 1 is that a large amount can be stressful to their kidneys. It may even cause iron-deficiency anemia if given in large quantities. A small amount is likely fine, though check in with your pediatrician with specific questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Tips for Babies and Milk

• Wait until baby turns 1 to introduce cow’s milk.
• Use whole milk since 1- and 2-year-olds need the fat content to help with proper brain development.
• If you need a nondairy milk, these plant milks have similar nutrition to cow’s milk.
• If baking or cooking with milk for babies between 6 and 12 months, use plain nondairy milk.
• If transitioning from formula, gradually replace prepared formula with cow’s milk.
• Aim to wean toddlers from bottles starting no later than 18 months with the goal to be done with bottles no later than 2.
• Review the recommendations on how much milk for toddlers is recommended by age.

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This post was first published March 2021.