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

When to Introduce Milk

The Australian Dietary Guidelines advise pasteurised, full cream dairy milk can be introduced as a drink from around 12 months of age.Since every baby develops differently, the transition can be made gradually.

Before 12 months, cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or plant-based alternatives shouldn’t be used as a main drink, as they don’t provide the same nutrients as breastmilk or infant formula. Small amounts, however, can be included in foods such as cereal, custard, or yoghurt — and this can also form part of allergen introduction.

What Type of Dairy Milk?

Full-cream milk is recommended for the first two years

• Standard cow’s milk, A2 cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or sheep’s milk can all be used, as long as they are full-cream.
• Low-fat or reduced-fat milks (such as skim) are not recommended before age two, as they don’t provide enough energy and essential fats for growth.
• Single-serve 200 mL long-life (UHT) full-cream milk is a convenient, shelf-stable option for travel.
• For food safety, always choose pasteurised or UHT milk— never raw milk.

Can Dairy or Milk Alternatives Be Used Instead?

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

If you are providing dairy alternatives in your toddler’s diet, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional. A lack of vitamin B12, in particular, is a serious concern for brain development.

How Much Milk After 12 Months?

Once your toddler turns one, cow’s milk can be offered as a drink, alongside water as their main drink.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend 1 to 1½ serves of dairy or fortified alternatives per day, with milk intake limited to around 500 mL to help toddlers eat a balanced variety of foods.

A serve includes:

• 1 cup (250ml) cow’s milk

• 1 cup (250ml) calcium-fortified soy, rice, almond, or oat milk (at least 100 mg calcium per 100 mL)

• 2 slices (40g) cheese 

• ¾ cup (200g) yoghurt

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

Choose full-fat dairy where possible and aim for 1–1½ serves per day. 

How to make the transition

There’s no single “right” way to transition — the best approach is the one that works for your baby.

• Start gradually: Replace one bottle of formula with 100–120 mL of cow’s milk in a cup each day. Over 1–2 weeks, slowly increase the amount of cow’s milk while reducing formula feeds. If your child doesn’t like the taste, try mixing formula with cow’s milk at first (e.g., ¾ formula, ¼ cow’s milk) and gradually adjust the ratio. Warming the milk slightly may also help.

• Balance with food: Milk should complement, not replace, solid foods. Too much milk can fill your toddler up and reduce their appetite for iron-rich foods.

• Stay flexible: Some children accept cow’s milk quickly, while others need more time. Follow your child’s cues.

Cups Over Bottles

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

Other Questions

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

What If My Child Doesn't Like Milk? 

Australian dietary guidelines recommends 1 to 1½ serves of dairy (or fortified alternatives) each day, spread across the day. There’s no requirement for children to drink plain milk if they don’t enjoy it. Instead, try adding milk to foods like cereal or custard, and offer other dairy options such as yoghurt and cheese.

What About Toddler Milks?

Toddler milks are not necessary or recommended if your child is eating a healthy balanced diet. They are intended to supplement nutrition when a toddler’s intake of energy or nutrients may be inadequate. Some products include up to 16 added vitamins and minerals—such as iron and vitamin D—as well as omega-3, prebiotics, and probiotics. However, they are generally much more expensive than cow’s milk

The ingredients and nutrition can vary widely between products. If you choose to use a toddler milk, look for one that uses lactose as the carbohydrate source, with no added table sugar. Also, limit intake to no more than 500 mL per day, as larger amounts may reduce your child’s appetite for a variety of other nutritious foods.

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.

Note: The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that animal milk with iron-fortified foods can be safe for babies from 6 months. However, in Australia, health experts advise using infant formula as the main drink during the first year, as regular animal milk can increase the risk of iron deficiency anaemia, which affects brain development and may have lifelong impacts. The statement from the Australian National Research Medical Research Council reiterating to use formula for 6 to 12 month old babies can be found here.  '