Choosing the best milk for your baby or infant in the UK can be overwhelming with so many options available. From breastfeeding to formula milk, cow's milk to plant-based alternatives, each type has its own benefits and considerations. In this blog, we'll explore the various milk recommendations for infants and toddlers, providing you with comprehensive information to make an informed decision for your child's nutrition and health.

0-6 Months

During the first six months of life, the best milk for your baby is breast milk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continuing alongside complementary nutritious foods up to the age of two or beyond. Breastfeeding provides all the vital nutrition and hydration your baby needs, while also offering protection against infections and helping build a healthy immune system.

For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infant formula milk is the only suitable alternative. Formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk and provide essential nutrients for your baby's growth and development. It's important to follow the NHS guidelines for selecting and using infant formula.

6-12 Months

As your baby reaches the 6-12 month stage, you can start introducing complementary foods while continuing to provide breast milk or infant formula. During this period, your baby will require around 600ml of milk per day, gradually reducing to 400ml per day as they approach their first birthday.

While cow's milk can be used in cooking, it should not be given as a main drink until after 12 months due to its lower iron content and potential to cause digestive issues. Goat's milk and sheep's milk can also be introduced at this stage, provided they are pasteurised.

12-24 Months

Between the ages of 12-24 months, your child can start drinking cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk as their main milk source. Full-fat or semi-skimmed milk is recommended to provide the necessary energy and nutrients for growth. Fortified plant-based milks, such as soya drinks, oat milk, and almond milk, can be used as alternatives, but it's important to ensure they are fortified with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

For children with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, plant-based milks can be a suitable option. However, rice milk should be avoided for children under five due to its potential arsenic content.

2+ Years

After the age of two, children can continue drinking cow's milk or plant-based alternatives alongside a balanced diet. At this stage, they should consume around 350-400ml of milk per day or three servings of dairy foods. It's essential to provide a variety of foods to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Skimmed and 1% milk can be introduced in cooking from one year of age, but they should not replace full-fat or semi-skimmed milk as the main drink until after the age of two due to their lower energy content.

Table 1: What Milk, When?

Age	Recommended Milk
0-6 months	Breast milk or infant formula
6-12 months	Breast milk or infant formula, complementary foods
12-24 months	Breast milk, cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, fortified plant-based milk
2+ years	Cow's milk, plant-based milk, balanced diet

Table 2: Breakdown of Different Milks

Type of Milk	Suitable Age	Benefits	Considerations
Breast Milk	0-6 months (exclusively), up to 2 years and beyond (alongside complementary foods)	Nutritionally complete, contains antibodies, easily absorbed	Not possible for everyone, can be painful/isolation for mother
Infant Formula	0-6 months (if breastfeeding is not an option)	Mimics breast milk, provides essential nutrients	Requires careful preparation and sterilisation
Cow's Milk	12+ months	Rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein	Not suitable as main drink before 12 months, can cause allergies
Goat's Milk	12+ months	Similar nutrient profile to cow's milk	Can cause allergies, must be pasteurised
Sheep's Milk	12+ months	Rich in vitamins and minerals	Can cause allergies, must be pasteurised
Plant-Based Milks	12+ months (fortified versions)	Suitable for dairy allergies, lactose intolerance	Not nutritionally comparable to cow's milk, varies in fortification
Rice Milk	Not suitable for children under 5 years	Alternative for dairy allergies	Potential arsenic content

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best milk for my baby in the first six months?

The best milk for your baby in the first six months is breast milk, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). If breastfeeding is not an option, infant formula is the only suitable alternative.

When can I introduce cow's milk to my baby's diet?

Cow's milk can be introduced as the main drink after 12 months of age. Before this, it can be used in cooking but should not replace breast milk or formula.

Are plant-based milks suitable for my baby?

Fortified plant-based milks can be suitable for children over 12 months, especially for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Ensure the milk is fortified with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

How much milk should my toddler drink daily?

Toddlers aged 1-3 years should consume around 350-400ml of milk per day or three servings of dairy foods. Adjust the amount based on their overall diet and intake of dairy products.

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