Allergen note
Cow's milk is one of the most common food allergens in young children. Many babies have already had milk in yogurt, cheese or cooking before age 1; when you start whole milk as a drink at 12 months, watch for hives, vomiting, diarrhea or blood in the stool. With a diagnosed milk allergy, follow your doctor's advice.
How to serve
From 12 months, offer pasteurized whole milk in an open or straw cup with meals and snacks, about 16–24 oz (480–720 ml) a day. It waits until then because it is low in iron and too high in protein and minerals to be a baby's main drink; over 24 oz a day can crowd out iron-rich foods.
Preparation
Choose pasteurized whole (full-fat) milk and skip raw milk and flavored or sweetened milks. Before 12 months, small amounts are fine in cooking, such as porridge, sauces or mashed potatoes. Serve it cold or lukewarm, and stay with whole milk until about age 2 unless your pediatrician advises lower-fat milk.
Texture and choking risk
Whole milk needs no chewing, but toddlers can gulp too fast from a full cup, so pour a small amount at a time while your child sits upright. Aim to move off bottles between 12 and 18 months, never prop a bottle, and skip bottles in bed, which also harm teeth.
Sources: cdc.gov · cdc.gov · healthychildren.org · healthychildren.org · nhs.uk · nhs.uk · nhs.uk
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries whole milk, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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