The Moo-ve to Cow’s Milk: A Parent’s Guide
Health Benefits
Whole cow’s milk can be a great addition to your toddler’s diet. In a large international study of over 668,000 babies (ages 6–59 months (4.5 years old), children who drank milk daily were less likely to experience stunted growth or be underweight. A daily cup of milk was linked to improved height and weight outcomes.
And the benefits don’t stop there. An “umbrella study” (one that reviews many other studies) found that cow’s milk consumption in people of all ages is associated with a lower risk of: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Just 1 cup per day (200 mL) can offer benefits.
A Few Cautions to Keep in Mind
While milk is full of positives, some studies also noted increased risk of: prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, acne, iron deficiency anemia in infants (milk can interfere with iron absorption)
Plus, children with lactose intolerance or milk allergies need special guidance from their doctor.
How and When to Introduce
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and most pediatricians recommend starting plain, pasteurized whole cow’s milk at 12 months of age.
Tips for the transition:
Use a cup instead of a bottle, should be around the time we are ditching the bottle. Sometimes you have to try a few cups to find what they like!
Ease into it by mixing cow’s milk with breastmilk or formula. If you choose to do this over a week or two weeks, you can slowly increase the ratio of cow’s milk to formula.
Offer it with meals or snacks – milk is a supplement, not a replacement.
Often as the body adjusts to whole milk, there can be poop changes - constipation, lighter stools, mushy ones - so just know that can happen
And lastly, some children just aren’t into milk and if that’s the case, no need to force it - we can ensure they have other sources of vitamin D in their diet like cheese, yogurt, etc
Milk Alternatives?
From almond to oat to goat, there are lots of options on store shelves. But a study comparing cow’s milk to soy, almond, oat, and goat’s milk found that cow’s milk remains the most nutrient-dense, especially in:
Healthy fats – great for brain health!
High-quality proteins – great for overall growth and development!
Calcium - great for growing bones!
Which are all key components to help your little one grow and develop.
If you’re considering alternatives for any reason, talk with your child’s healthcare provider or MPF; they can help you choose what’s best based on your family’s needs and nutritional goals.
TLDR
Whole cow’s milk is recommended starting at 12 months. It supports healthy growth and may reduce risks of several chronic conditions. Start with 1 cup a day, served with meals—not as a meal replacement. Watch for possible concerns like iron deficiency, allergies, or intolerance. Cow’s milk is still more nutrient-rich than plant-based alternatives.
References
Herber, C., Bogler, L., Subramanian, S.V. et al. Association between milk consumption and child growth for children aged 6–59 months. Sci Rep 10, 6730 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63647-8
Zhang, X., Chen, X., Xu, Y. et al. Milk consumption and multiple health outcomes: umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in humans. Nutr Metab (Lond) 18, 7 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-020-00527-y
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (2024, September 27). Making the switch to cow’s milk for 1-year-olds. https://www.chop.edu/news/making-switch-cow-s-milk-1-year-olds
Collard, K. M., & McCormick, D. P. (2021). A nutritional comparison of cow's milk and alternative milk products. Academic Pediatrics, 21(6), 1067–1069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2020.12.007