From Formula to Cow’s Milk: What to Know at 12 Months

When to Introduce Milk

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that pasteurised full cream dairy milk can be introduced to your child’s diet around 12 months of age and beyond. Every baby develops at their own pace, so there’s no need to rush—you can make the transition gradually.

Before 12 months, cow’s milk or goat’s milk shouldn’t be used as a main drink, as they can replace important nutrients found in breastmilk or infant formula. Small amounts, however, are perfectly fine as part of solid foods, such as poured over cereal, mixed into custard, or served as yoghurt.

Why Can't I Use Milk As the Main Drink For a Baby?

In Australia, it’s not recommended to introduce dairy milk as a main drink—replacing either breastmilk or formula—before your baby’s first birthday.

Cow’s milk or goat’s milk is:

• High in protein – which can be hard on young kidneys.

• Low in iron – increasing the risk of iron deficiency.

• Less suited as a complete source of nutrition compared to formula or breastmilk.

How Much Milk After 12 Months?

Once your toddler turns one, dairy milk can be offered as a main drink alongside water. However, aim to limit their intake to around 500 mL per day. This helps ensure milk doesn’t fill them up so much that it displaces other important foods in their diet.

What Type of Milk?

• Choose pasteurised full cream milk in the first two years. 

• Low-fat or reduced-fat milks (like skim) are not recommended before age two—they don’t provide enough energy and certain fats needed for growth.

Milk Alternatives

If your child can’t have dairy, alternatives like soy, almond, or coconut milk can be used—but only if they’re fortified with at least 100 mg of calcium per 100 mL. You’ll also need to make sure your toddler gets other sources of protein and vitamin B12 in their diet.

Cups Over Bottles

By 12 months, it’s best to offer milk in a cup rather than a bottle. This helps protect teeth and encourages healthy drinking habits.

Can I Keep Using Formula After 12 Months?

Yes—some parents choose to keep using formula after their child turns one, to help transition to milk more gradually. It’s best to limit this to no more than 500 mL per day so your toddler still has room for a variety of solid foods and doesn’t fill up on milk alone.

For most toddlers who are eating a balanced diet, water and full cream cow’s milk are the main drinks recommended.