Can babies drink cow's milk?
Not recommended As a main drink before 12 months, cow's milk is too low in iron and can displace breast milk or formula; small amounts in food are a different matter.
How to serve cow's milk safely
- Do not use cow's milk as your baby's main drink before 12 months — keep breast milk or formula as the main drink.
- Small amounts in cooking (for example in mashed potato or a sauce) are fine from around 6 months.
- Full-fat plain yoghurt and cheese can be offered from around 6 months.
- After 12 months, whole (full-fat) cow's milk can become a main drink.
Allergen note
Cow's milk is a common allergen. Dairy such as full-fat yoghurt and cheese can be introduced from around 6 months in small amounts; watch for any reaction.
Age guidance
Not as a main drink before 12 months. Small amounts in cooking, and full-fat yoghurt and cheese, are fine from around 6 months.
EU vs US guidance
| Authority | Region | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA | EU | EU guidance advises against cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months, while allowing small amounts in complementary foods. |
| AAP | US | The AAP advises waiting until 12 months before offering whole cow's milk as a drink, continuing breast milk or formula until then. |
Based on published EFSA, FDA and AAP guidance. Nibbino is not endorsed by or affiliated with these authorities.
The distinction that trips parents up: cow’s milk as a drink versus cow’s milk in food. Small amounts stirred into cooking, plus yoghurt and cheese, are fine from around 6 months. Cow’s milk as the main drink waits until the first birthday.
Cow’s milk is also a common allergen, so introduce dairy on its own and watch for a reaction.
Frequently asked questions
When can babies drink cow's milk?
Cow's milk can become a main drink from 12 months. Before that, breast milk or formula should remain the main drink, though small amounts of cow's milk in food are fine from around 6 months.
Can babies have yoghurt and cheese before 12 months?
Yes. Full-fat plain yoghurt and cheese can be introduced from around 6 months in small amounts. It is cow's milk as a main drink that should wait until 12 months.
Why can't babies drink cow's milk before one?
As a main drink it is too low in iron for a baby's needs and can crowd out breast milk or formula, which are better suited to the first year.
Guidance, not medical advice — always supervise feeding and consult your pediatrician.