When your baby is 9 to 12 months of age, cow's milk can be introduced in place of breast milk or formula.

Why wait until 9 to 12 months?

Cow's milk does not provide the right balance of nutrients for babies less than 9 months of age. It is especially lacking in iron, which is provided in breast milk and formula to prevent anemia in your baby. Once your baby is able to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods like iron-fortified cereals, vegetables, fruits and meat, then breast milk or formula is not such an important iron source in their diet, and cow's milk can be substituted.

Which cow's milk to use?

Choose homogenized milk/whole milk for your child until at least 2 years of age. There is not enough fat and calories in 2%, 1% or skim milk for babies or toddlers to grow and develop properly. After age 2, you can choose to give your child the milk that the rest of the family drinks, if he or she is eating well, and does not need the extra calories from whole milk.