Yes, a 1-year-old can and often should have milk as part of their diet.
Milk Options for 1-Year-Olds
Once your child reaches one year old, you can introduce pasteurised whole milk and semi-skimmed milk as their main drinks. This marks a transition from formula or breast milk to cow’s milk.
Here's what to consider regarding milk choices:
- Whole Milk: This is often recommended initially for the extra calories and fat content needed for a 1 year old's development.
- Semi-Skimmed Milk: Can also be used as a main drink for a 1-year-old, and is a good alternative to whole milk.
- Skimmed and 1% Milk: These types of milk are not suitable as main drinks for children under 5 years old. This is because they lack the necessary calories needed for growth and development at this age.
How to Incorporate Milk
- Main Drink: Both whole and semi-skimmed milk can serve as a primary beverage.
- Cooking: Lower-fat milks like skimmed or 1% milk can be used in cooking for a 1-year-old. This way, they still benefit from dairy but with less fat.
Key Points to Remember
It's important to note that the type of milk you introduce plays a vital role in ensuring adequate nutrition for your child. Using the correct type of milk helps support their continued growth and development. Here's a breakdown:
| Milk Type | Suitable as Main Drink for 1 Year Old? | Suitable for Cooking? | Why/Why Not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | Yes | Yes | Provides needed calories and fat |
| Semi-Skimmed Milk | Yes | Yes | Good alternative to whole milk |
| Skimmed Milk | No | Yes | Lacks sufficient calories for under 5s |
| 1% Milk | No | Yes | Lacks sufficient calories for under 5s |
