After your child has turned 1 year old, you may be ready to offer cow’s milk. It is okay to wait even longer to offer cow’s milk. You can slowly make the introduction when you and your child are ready. It is normal to have questions about offering cow’s milk.

I’m still breast or chestfeeding. Do I need to introduce cow’s milk?
 That is great! Breast or chestfeeding can be continued until you and your child decide together that it is the right time to stop. Some parents continue to breast or chestfeed their children for years. Human milk will help meet your child's needs as they grow. Breast or chestfeeding can be done in combination with offering your child cow’s milk or soy milk beverages.

Cow’s milk
Infant formula is not appropriate for children over 12 months old. It no longer provides the nutrition your child needs. Your child has higher needs for protein, vitamin D, calcium, and fat. Human milk and cow’s milk are high in these nutrients.

How do I make the introduction?
Start slowly. Giving your child their milk in a cup at meal or snack times is a great way to introduce them to this new drink. Start with 1 to 2 ounces in their favorite cup. Once they get used to cow's milk, you can increase the amount to 4 ounces. 

How much does my child need?   

From 1 to 2 years old, the recommendation is 4 servings of dairy per day.

One serving equals:
½ cup whole milk
1-ounce cheese
½ cup yogurt

Offer whole milk until your child is 2 years old. After that, offer a low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk, unless your child’s health care provider directs you otherwise.

Caution

The FDA includes cow’s milk as one of the 8 top allergens. If you are worried your child has an allergy to cow’s milk, contact your health care provider.

To learn more about milk and the power of dairy, explore our Build Strong Kids With Dairy lesson.