Milk (Cow) for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Milk (Cow)?

Most babies can start Milk (Cow) from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Liquid cow's milk itself is a low choking risk when offered in an age-appropriate cup and with your child seated upright. For babies under 12 months, use only small amounts mixed into foods rather than as a main drink. Avoid bottle propping and do not let a child walk or run while drinking.

Q: Is Milk (Cow) a choking hazard?

Milk (Cow) is rated Low choking risk. Liquid cow's milk itself is a low choking risk when offered in an age-appropriate cup and with your child seated upright. For babies under 12 months, use only small amounts mixed into foods rather than as a main drink. Avoid bottle propping and do not let a child walk or run while drinking.

Q: Is Milk (Cow) a common allergen?

Cow's milk is a common allergen. Introduce a small amount at first and watch closely for any reaction. If tolerated, increase gradually. Babies with a cow's milk allergy may also react to milk from goats or sheep due to similar proteins. If your child has eczema, a known food allergy, or a prior reaction to dairy, speak with your pediatric clinician before introduction.

About Milk (Cow)

Cow's milk is a dairy food that can be used in baby meals before age 1, but it should not replace breast milk or infant formula as a main drink during the first year. Small amounts mixed into foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or sauces can add creaminess and familiar dairy flavor. It provides calcium and protein to support growing bones, teeth, and muscles, and it also contains potassium and vitamin A. Whole cow's milk is higher in fat than reduced-fat milk, which is why whole milk is usually recommended after 12 months unless a child's clinician advises otherwise. Cow's milk is a common allergen. Reactions can range from mild hives or vomiting to more serious symptoms like wheezing or swelling. Some babies with cow's milk allergy may also react to milk from goats or sheep because the proteins are similar. Lactose intolerance is different from milk allergy and is uncommon in infancy. From 6 months, cow's milk can be offered in small amounts mixed into foods. Around 12 months, pasteurized whole cow's milk can usually be introduced as a drink in an open cup or straw cup if your child is eating a varied diet. Keep portions moderate, since too much milk can reduce appetite for iron-rich foods and may increase the risk of iron deficiency.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Small amounts mixed into foods only

From 6 months, cow's milk can be used in small amounts in foods such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or sauces. Do not offer it as a main drink; breast milk or infant formula should remain the primary milk source.

11+ months

Small practice sips near 12 months

As your baby approaches 12 months, you may offer small practice sips of pasteurized whole cow's milk in an open cup or straw cup if your clinician agrees, while continuing breast milk or formula as the main milk source until 12 months.

12+ months

Whole milk in an open cup or straw cup

After 12 months, pasteurized whole cow's milk can be offered as a drink. Keep portions moderate and continue serving iron-rich foods regularly, since too much milk can reduce appetite for solids.

24+ months

Milk with meals and snacks

Toddlers can continue to have cow's milk with meals and snacks as part of a balanced diet. Follow your pediatric clinician's guidance on total dairy intake and whether whole or reduced-fat milk is appropriate for your child.

Pairs well with

OatmealMashed potatoesScrambled eggsWhole grain cerealFruit smoothies for toddlersCreamy vegetable soupsMacaroni or pasta dishes

A note on ages

These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskLow

Liquid cow's milk itself is a low choking risk when offered in an age-appropriate cup and with your child seated upright. For babies under 12 months, use only small amounts mixed into foods rather than as a main drink. Avoid bottle propping and do not let a child walk or run while drinking.

What to watch for

Hives or rashSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomitingDiarrhea or blood in stoolCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

✓Use only pasteurized cow's milk

✓Do not offer cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months

✓For babies under 12 months, use small amounts mixed into foods

✓After 12 months, offer whole milk in an open cup or straw cup

✓Keep milk intake moderate so it does not replace iron-rich foods

✓Seat your child upright and supervise during meals and drinks

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store pasteurized cow's milk in the refrigerator and keep it cold. Once opened, use by the package date and return it to the fridge promptly after serving.

ⓘ

Freezing is generally not recommended for drinking milk because texture can separate after thawing, though it remains safe if frozen continuously. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator and shake well before using in cooking.

Nutrition

Provides calcium for bones and teeth
Contains protein to support growth
Offers potassium for muscle and nerve function
Whole milk provides fat that supports early growth after 12 months

Common food allergen
Low in iron
Too much milk can reduce appetite for iron-rich foods
Not appropriate as a main drink before 12 months

Key nutrients

Calcium

Supports strong bones and teeth

Protein

Helps build and repair growing tissues

Potassium

Supports muscle and nerve function

Nutrition facts

Calories	446kcal
Protein	7.6g
Carbs	71.7g
Fat	13.8g
Fiber	3.4g
Sugar	10.3g
Iron	3.6mg
Calcium	172.0mg
Potassium	114mg
Vitamin C	0mg
Vitamin A	16.0µg
Folate	139µg
Zinc	0.67mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Milk (Cow)?

Most babies can start Milk (Cow) from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Liquid cow's milk itself is a low choking risk when offered in an age-appropriate cup and with your child seated upright. For babies under 12 months, use only small amounts mixed into foods rather than as a main drink. Avoid bottle propping and do not let a child walk or run while drinking.

Is Milk (Cow) a choking hazard?

Milk (Cow) is rated Low choking risk. Liquid cow's milk itself is a low choking risk when offered in an age-appropriate cup and with your child seated upright. For babies under 12 months, use only small amounts mixed into foods rather than as a main drink. Avoid bottle propping and do not let a child walk or run while drinking.

Is Milk (Cow) a common allergen?

Cow's milk is a common allergen. Introduce a small amount at first and watch closely for any reaction. If tolerated, increase gradually. Babies with a cow's milk allergy may also react to milk from goats or sheep due to similar proteins. If your child has eczema, a known food allergy, or a prior reaction to dairy, speak with your pediatric clinician before introduction.