When can a baby have cow's milk?

Last updated October 5, 2026

A full glass of milk with a frothy top on a plain counter

The NHS says cow's milk can be used in cooking from around six months, but should not be a baby's main drink until 12 months.

In food and as a main drink

The NHS puts it this way: "Cows' milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months but should not be given as a main drink to babies until they're 12 months old." Its reason is that cows' milk "does not contain the right balance of nutrients to meet your baby's needs".

A cheese sauce, milk in mashed potato or a splash to loosen porridge counts as cooking. For cooking the NHS names "whole pasteurised (full-fat)" milk. A bottle or beaker of milk as the main drink does not count as cooking. The NHS gives no amount for a sip, so ask your health visitor if you are unsure. Breast milk or formula stays the main drink until 12 months.

Cow's milk is one of the most common allergic foods, according to the NHS food allergy page. If you are worried about a reaction, ask your GP or health visitor.

From 12 months

"Pasteurised whole milk and semi-skimmed milk can be introduced as a main drink once your child is 1 year old", according to the NHS. Goats' and sheep's milk follow the same ages: pasteurised, they "can be given as a main drink once your baby is 1 year old".

Skimmed and 1% milk are not for the main drink under 5, the NHS says, because they do not contain enough calories.

Plant-based and rice drinks

Soya, oat and almond drinks have one age. The NHS says they "should be avoided before your baby is 12 months old", and unsweetened calcium-fortified ones can be given from the age of 1. Rice drinks are different: "Rice drinks can contain too much arsenic. Avoid them altogether until your child is at least 5 years old."

Yoghurt and cheese

These aren't treated like milk as a main drink. The NHS says "pasteurised dairy foods, like pasteurised full-fat yoghurt and cheese, are suitable foods for your baby from around 6 months". More on the yoghurt and cheese cards. Two other foods with rules of their own: peanut butter and grapes.