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Can my baby have cow’s milk?
A quick, age-by-age answer with how to serve it safely. Checked against CDC, AAP.
Not as a drink yet. Cooked into food is fine.
As a main drink before 12 months, cow’s milk is too high in protein and minerals for a baby’s kidneys and can cause iron-deficiency anemia. Breast milk or formula stays the main drink until 12 months.
How to serve: Small amounts cooked into foods like sauces or pancakes are fine from about 6 months. So are yogurt and cheese.
Whole cow’s milk is fine as a drink from 12 months.
From the first birthday, whole pasteurized cow’s milk can become a regular drink alongside a varied diet.
Sources: CDC, AAP. This is general guidance, not medical advice. Ask your pediatrician about your child.
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