Milk Matters: A Parent's Guide to When, What Kind, and How Much

By Madison Hayes, KADDI Dietetic Intern, with Sara Tillery MA RDN LD, K&A Nutrition

You may have heard that milk is good for your child's health. But why? When should you transition from breastmilk or formula to milk? How much should your child drink, and what kind of milk is recommended? These questions and more are answered below.

0 to 11 months

It is not recommended that children under 12 months drink cow's milk or plant-based milk. Neither has the right amount of nutrients, fat, or protein that infants need to grow, and both can be hard on your baby's stomach and kidneys. Cow's milk and plant-based milk should not be used to replace breast milk or formula, and they should not be introduced until your child is 12 months or older.

12 to 23 months

Once your child is 12 months old, you can safely introduce milk other than breastmilk or formula. Whole milk (not 2% or skim) is best because it meets toddlers' fat and calorie needs. Milk gives children the calcium, vitamin D, and potassium they need for healthy growth and development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that children 12 to 23 months get 1 2/3 to 2 cups (13 to 16 oz) of dairy per day. This includes milk, cheese, and yogurt.

If your child drinks too much milk, it can lead to weight gain. The calcium in milk can also compete with iron for absorption, so too much milk may cause low iron levels. Iron is important for healthy growth and development, so it is important to be mindful of how much dairy your child is having.

Flavored milks (strawberry, chocolate, etc.) should be avoided because they contain added sugar. If your child has a cow's milk allergy or intolerance, offer soy milk. Soy milk is the only plant-based milk (not almond or oat) that will meet your child's nutritional needs.

24 months and older

Once your child turns 2, they should begin drinking 1% or skim milk instead of whole milk. 1% milk gives your child the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development without too many calories, since it has less fat and fewer calories than whole milk. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that children 24 months and older get 2 to 2 1/2 cups (16 to 20 oz) of dairy each day.

The switch from whole milk to 1% can be tricky at first. From month 24 to 25, try mixing whole milk with 1% milk, slowly decreasing the amount of whole milk in the mix over time.

Want a printable copy? Download the Milk Matters guide (PDF).

Have questions about your child's nutrition? Learn about pediatric nutrition counseling with K&A Nutrition.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, March 9). Breastfeeding overview. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-overview/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, March 20). Cow's milk and milk alternatives (Infant and Toddler Nutrition). https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. (2024, October 28). Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk and Substitutions in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Questions and Answers (Policy Memo CACFP 01-2025). https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-requirements-fluid-milk-qas

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020 to 2025 (9th ed.). https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov