
Not recommended at 6–18 months (milk as a main drink). Can be served from 18 months if pasteurised, as described below. Low choking risk. Allergen risk is very high (5/5): start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Not recommended
According to the NHS, cow's milk is not suitable as a main drink before 12 months, and low-fat milk should not be used in infant feeding because babies require whole-fat dairy for energy and development.
Not recommended
According to the NHS, cow's milk is not suitable as a main drink before 12 months. From 12 months, pasteurised semi-skimmed milk can be introduced as a drink if the child is eating a varied, balanced diet.
Prepare with care
Only if pasteurised
According to the NHS, toddlers can drink semi-skimmed milk, but it must be pasteurised to avoid serious illness from bacterial pathogens in raw milk.
Pasteurised low-fat cow’s milk can be included as part of a balanced diet for toddlers from 2 years old, or from 12 months if eating well. Offer it in an open cup with meals or snacks, keeping total dairy intake to around 350–400 ml per day so it does not displace solid foods.
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Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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