When and How to Introduce Cow's Milk to Your Baby

When to Introduce Cow's Milk to Your Baby

Your child may be ready for their first cup of whole cow's milk once they've turned 1, but not before. Babies younger than 12 months old cannot handle the extra minerals, protein, and sodium present in cow's milk. Plus, breast milk or formula offers the ideal nutrition for babies in their first year. That's why it's recommended to wait to serve them cow's milk until after their first birthday.

How to Introduce Cow's Milk

After your child's first birthday, try introducing whole milk to your baby in a cup at dinner or during snack time. You can also put it in a bottle. However, it's recommended to begin weaning from using a bottle between 12 and 18 months old—so you'll want to start using a cup soon. Many kids like the taste of cow's milk, have fun using a cup, and will enjoy the treat!

"Offer it in a cup; I usually suggest with a straw," says Ari Brown, MD, a pediatrician in Austin, Texas, and the author of Baby 411 series. "And I do not recommend that kids have 24/7 access to a cup or sippy cup. Offer milk at meal and snack time."

Opt for whole cow's milk rather than reduced-fat options for your baby. Babies and toddlers need the extra fat included in whole milk for their brain development. For toddlers over age 2, it's generally recommended to switch to cow's milk with a lower fat content such as 2% or skim. However, it's best to check with your child's doctor, as individual growth patterns and nutritional needs vary.

How Much Milk Does Your Baby Need?

According to the USDA, up until age 2, young children only need 16 ounces (or 2 cups) of whole cow's milk a day. From age 2 to 5, the recommendation shifts to 2 to 3 cups daily.

"Just remember that kids don't have to chug their milk like they did their bottles," says Dr. Brown. "Milk is now a beverage, a complement to their solid food meals. It is not in itself a meal, like a bottle used to be. "

Nutritional Benefits of Cow's Milk for Children Over 1

Cow's milk contains key bone-building nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin, vitamin D, and protein. Essentially, drinking adequate amounts of cow's milk helps your child grow and reach their full height.

Dairy also contains vitamin A, which helps to promote healthy vision and immune function. It's also a good source of phosphorus, which fosters healthy nerve conduction, energy usage, and muscle recovery.

Though kids can get these nutrients through other food, milk is one of the easiest ways because it is so readily available, nutrition-packed, and relatively inexpensive.

What if My Baby Doesn't Like the Taste?

It can take a little time for your baby to adjust to drinking cow's milk. If they scrunch up their nose at the taste of whole milk, try mixing it with breast milk or prepared formula to help introduce them to the new flavor. (If using powdered or concentrated liquid formula, prepare the formula as usual before adding to the cow's milk; don't prepare the formula with cow's milk instead of water.)

You can start by mixing equal parts (half cow's milk and half breast milk or formula). Over time, reduce the amount of breast milk or formula and increase the amount of milk until you're only serving cow's milk.

You can also experiment with how you serve it. Try serving it at room temperature, slightly warmed, or cold. Or try serving it in a fun new cup. Be patient as it may take a few days or weeks for your baby to get used to this new taste.

How to Address a Cow's Milk Allergy

Most babies will do just fine drinking cow's milk, but keep an eye out for signs of an allergy because cow's milk protein is a common allergen for babies and young children. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cow's milk include lip swelling, hives, vomiting, crying, or blood in stools.

In the case of an allergy, these symptoms will appear immediately or shortly after your baby's exposure to milk. If your child is already drinking soy formula or hypoallergenic formula, check with their pediatrician before introducing cow's milk. The good news is most children start to outgrow the allergy by age 2. Typically, pea protein, oat, hemp, almond, or other plant-based milks with vitamin D and calcium are commonly-used substitutes for children allergic to cow's milk.

What About Intolerance?

How does intolerance differ from an allergy? Babies who are intolerant to milk have trouble digesting it. They will have gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, or loose stools rather than the immediate immune response triggered by an allergy.

Milk intolerance is caused by an inability to digest lactose (the sugar that's naturally found in cow's milk) into simple sugar. Supplement your lactose-intolerant child's diet with other sources of calcium and vitamin D to ensure their healthy development. Some AAP-recommended options include lactose-free dairy products and fortified soy milk. Keep in mind, too, that many children with lactose intolerance are able to consume small amounts of dairy products without symptoms.