BabyJoy
Cow's Milk for babies
When and how to serve cow's Milk at every stage of starting solids.
- Introduce from
- 6–9 months
- Safety notes
- Common allergen: Cow's milk (dairy)
How to prepare cow's Milk by age
6–9 months
Whole pasteurised cow's milk in cooking or mixed into food only — not as a main drink before 12 months. Stir a splash into porridge, mashed vegetables or scrambled egg; breast milk or formula stays baby's main drink.
9–12 months
Still in cooking or mixed into food only — not as a main drink before 12 months. Use in porridge, rice pudding, pancake batter or a homemade cheese sauce alongside breast milk or formula.
12 months+
Whole (full-fat) pasteurised milk can now be offered as a drink in an open or free-flow cup with meals and snacks. Keep amounts moderate so milk doesn't crowd out iron-rich foods; lower-fat milks are not recommended as a main drink before age 2.
Common allergen
Contains cow's milk (dairy) , one of the 9 common food allergens.
Contains milk, a common allergen. Offer a small amount mixed into a familiar food first and watch for any reaction. Never offer unpasteurised (raw) milk.
First time with cow's milk (dairy): Offer dairy in food, such as full-fat plain yogurt or cheese, or milk used in cooking. Cow's milk should not be the main drink before 12 months.
If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing allergens.
Nutrition highlights
- Calcium rich
- Protein rich
- Vitamin B12
Serving ideas
- Stirred into oat porridge
- Cooked into rice pudding with cinnamon
- Whisked into pancake batter or scrambled egg
- In an open cup with meals from 12 months
Prepare these as described above for your baby’s age.
Choosing and storing
Storage: Refrigerate and use by the date on the carton; once opened, use within a few days.
Recipes with cow's Milk
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
