As a parent, you probably have wondered if your child is drinking the right amount of milk. Milk provides essential nutrients that can support your child’s growth and development such as calcium, Vitamin D and protein.
How much milk your child should drink depends on their age, and in most cases, more is not better. National pediatric nutrition experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provide age-based recommendations to help families strike the right balance.
Age-Specific Guidelines
Birth – 12 months
The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of life, when possible. Around six months of age, you can begin introducing solid foods while continuing to breastfeed for as long as it feels right for you and your child, often through age two years and beyond.
Breast milk or infant formula should be the primary source of nutrition for infants as it is filled with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immune regulators that can contribute to an infant’s developing immune system. Whole cow’s milk should not be given before 12 months of age as it does not provide the right balance of nutrients that infants need.
12 – 24 months
Plain pasteurized whole milk can be introduced once your child turns one. By age two, most children can transition from whole milk to reduced-fat (2%), low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk.
Recommended daily milk intake is 16 ounces (two cups) for children two-to-three years old and up to 20 ounces (2.5 cups) for ages four-to-five years. Be careful not to exceed these amounts as drinking too much milk can reduce appetite for iron-rich foods, increase risk of iron deficiency anemia and lead to excess calorie intake. Remember, milk should complement meals and not replace them.
6 – 12 years
School-age children still need calcium and vitamin D to support steady bone growth. Milk, yogurt and cheese all count toward their daily dairy goal, which is about two to two and half cups per day.
Teens (13 – 18 years)
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth with increased needs for energy, protein, calcium and iron. Getting enough calcium and Vitamin D during these years is especially important as teens build peak bone mass at this time, which can support lifelong bone health. Most teenagers should aim for about three servings of dairy per day.
While milk and dairy are important parts of a child’s diet, they are but one piece of the puzzle. If you have questions about your child’s intake, growth or overall nutrition, consult your child’s healthcare provider for help with tailoring recommendations to your family’s needs. To learn more about milk and milk alternatives for kids, visit The Pulse.
