What to Know at 12 Months: Transitioning From Formula

Turning one is a big milestone — and for many families, it’s also the time to start moving away from formula and introducing cow’s milk (or suitable alternatives). This transition can be made gradually and should always align with your child’s nutritional needs.

When to Introduce Milk

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

Before this age, cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or plant-based alternatives shouldn’t replace breastmilk or infant formula because they don’t provide the same essential nutrients. However, 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

• Cow’s, A2 cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk can be used, as long as they’re full cream and pasteurised (or UHT/long-life).

• Low-fat or skim milk is not recommended before age two — it lacks the energy and essential fats toddlers need.

• UHT long-life single-serve packs (200 mL) are handy when you’re out and about.

• Raw milk should never be used for young children due to safety risks.

Can Dairy or Milk Alternatives Be Used Instead?

If your child can’t have dairy, alternatives like soy, almond, or oat 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’re providing dairy alternatives in your toddler’s diet, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional to make sure your child’s diet is balanced. A lack of vitamin B12 — particularly in vegetarian or vegan diets — can be a very serious concern for brain development.

How Much Milk After 12 Months?

Once your toddler turns one, milk can be offered as a drink alongside water, which remains the main beverage.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend around 1 to 1½ serves of dairy or fortified alternatives per day, with milk intake limited to about 500 mL daily. This helps ensure toddlers have room for a balanced variety of solid foods. There’s no need for cow’s milk as a drink if your child eats other dairy foods regularly.  

One serve equals:

• 1 cup (250 mL) cow’s milk

• 1 cup (250 mL) calcium-fortified soy, rice, almond, or oat milk (at least 100 mg calcium per100 mL)

• 2 slices (40 g) cheese

• ¾ cup (200 g) yoghurt

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

Examples to meet 1½ serves daily:

• 1½ cups of milk

• 1 cup of milk + 1 slice (20 g) cheese

• 1 cup of milk + 100 g yoghurt

Always 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 — follow what works best for your child.

• Start gradually: Replace one formula feed with cow’s milk each day. Slowly increase cow’s milk over 1–2 weeks.

• Mix if needed: If your toddler dislikes the taste, mix cow’s milk with formula (e.g., ¼ cow’s milk + ¾ formula), then slowly adjust the ratio.

• Warm it up: Slightly warming cow’s milk can help acceptance.

• Balance with food: Milk should complement solid foods, not replace them.

• Follow their lead: Some toddlers transition quickly, while others need more time.

Cups Over Bottles

By 12 months, offer milk in an open or straw cup instead of a bottle. This:

• Protects teeth and reduces the risk of decay

• Encourages healthy drinking habits

• Supports oral motor development

Other Questions

Can I Keep Using Formula After 12 Months?

Yes. Some parents prefer to continue formula for a gradual transition. Just keep total milk or formula intake below 500 mL per day so your child doesn’t miss out on solid foods. Remember — formula counts toward total dairy intake.

What If My 12 Month Old Child Drinks More than 500ml of Formula Each day?

Start by gradually reducing the amount of formula to 500ml or less before introducing cow’s milk. Too much formula can fill toddlers up, limiting appetite for solids foods. 

What If My Child Doesn't Like Milk? 

That’s okay — your child doesn’t need to drink plain milk as long as they meet the recommended daily intake of dairy (or fortified alternatives).
You can:

• Mix formula with milk to ease the transition
• Add milk to foods like cereal, porridge, or custard
• Offer yoghurt and cheese to meet dairy needs
• Include fortified dairy alternatives

What About Toddler Milks?

Toddler milks aren’t necessary if your child eats a balanced diet.

They can be useful when:

• There are feeding difficulties or medical reasons

• Energy or nutrient intake is low

If using a toddler milk:

• Check the nutrition information and ingredients

• Choose one with only lactose from milk and no added sugar

• Limit to ≤500 mL per day