Cow Milk for Babies

Cow's milk is rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins, but timing matters more here than with almost any other food: it shouldn't be given as a main drink before 12 months. Before that age it doesn't supply enough iron for a growing baby, and the protein load can be a lot for young kidneys to handle. It's a different recommendation from formula or breast milk, which are built specifically to meet a baby's needs in that first year.

Breast milk or formula should stay the main drink through the first year. Small amounts of cow's milk stirred into cooked food, like pancakes, mashed potatoes, or oatmeal, are generally fine from around six months, since the quantities involved are tiny.

Once your child turns one, whole milk becomes a good everyday addition served in a cup rather than a bottle. The fat in whole milk matters too: it fuels a brain that's still developing quickly, which is why reduced-fat versions are best saved for after age two. Dairy is a common allergen, so it's worth introducing gradually and keeping portions moderate so milk doesn't crowd out iron-rich solid foods.