Cow’s milk and your child

At 12 months your baby can switch from formula or breast milk (as you wish) to cows’ milk.

Don’t be tempted to introduce it any earlier – it doesn’t contain sufficient nutrients for your baby and is high in potentially harmful sodium, potassium and chloride. It can also cause allergies if you give it any earlier than this.

Make sure it is whole milk, not half or two percent milk, as your baby needs the extra fat to help her brain and nervous system develop properly. She needs to have 16-24 ounces of milk a day but don’t let her go over this amount – if she drinks too much milk she will store the fat in her body. If she is thirsty and she has had her daily milk quota, offer water or pure fruit juice diluted one part juice to ten parts water.

How should my baby drink cows’ milk?

If your baby is used to a bottle it might be a good idea to introduce a sippy cup for her milk around now. This is so your baby stops being so dependant on getting milk from a teat. If your baby has never been bottlefed and is used to breastfeeding, introduce the sippy cup for her milk and bypass the bottle altogether.

What if she hates the idea of cows’ milk?

Persevere but if she only takes a little bit, make sure she is getting other calcium-rich foods as part of her diet. Try mashed sardines, cheese and natural yogurt. Remember that breast milk and formula were probably not given to your child cold, so it may be helpful to warm the cows’ milk slightly (be careful it isn’t too hot) before giving it to your baby.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.