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Cow’s Milk for Babies: When It’s OK in Food and as a Drink

Cow’s milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months, for example in porridge, mash or a cheese sauce. Breast milk or formula stays your baby’s main drink until 12 months; after that, whole cow’s milk can be given as a drink. Cow’s milk is a common allergen, so start with a small amount in food and watch for a reaction. Always choose pasteurised milk.

📲 71 Bibful recipes with cow’s milk

How to serve it by age

  1. Cow’s milk, 6–8 months 6–8 months

    ✋ Finger food (BLW)

    Not a finger food: use a little milk in foods your baby can hold, such as pancakes or omelette fingers.

    🥣 Purée or spoon

    Cook porridge, mash or sauces with a little whole milk.

  2. Cow’s milk, 9–12 months 9–12 months

    ✋ Finger food (BLW)

    Soft pancakes, omelette or eggy-bread fingers made with milk.

    🥣 Purée or spoon

    Porridge, sugar-free rice pudding and white sauces made with whole milk.

  3. Cow’s milk, 12+ months 12+ months

    ✋ Finger food (BLW)

    Whole milk as a drink, in an open or free-flow cup.

    🥣 Purée or spoon

    Keep using milk in porridge, sauces and baking.

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71 Bibful recipes with cow’s milk

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Preparation tips

Frequently asked questions

When can babies drink cow’s milk?

As a main drink from 12 months. Before that, it’s fine in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months.

Can I mix my baby’s porridge with cow’s milk?

Yes, from around 6 months a little whole milk in porridge or mash is fine. Your baby’s drinks stay breast milk or formula until 12 months.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction?

Signs can include hives or a rash, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, or coughing and wheezing, usually soon after eating. If your baby has trouble breathing or swallowing, call emergency services straight away. For milder signs, stop giving cow’s milk and speak to your GP.

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This page is general information, not medical advice. It follows NHS Start for Life and World Health Organization guidance on introducing solid foods. Always stay with your baby while they eat, and speak to your health visitor or GP if you have concerns about feeding, allergies or choking.