Dairy Council

• Milk and milk products (such as cheese and yogurt) can play an important part in a healthy balanced diet for children

• During childhood, bones grow in length and strength, and it is important that children have the right nutrients to help build strong and healthy bones, and to lay the foundations for lifelong bone health

• Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt can provide children with a variety of important nutrients such as calcium, protein and phosphorus which contribute to the normal growth and development of bones 

• Dairy foods can also provide children with other important nutrients. Milk, for example, is a source of vitamin B2 which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and vitamin B12 which is needed to make red blood cells, for normal psychological function and can contribute to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue

• Milk is also a good source of iodine which is needed for the normal growth of children, along with normal cognitive function.

Find out more about the functions of the nutrients in milk and dairy foods.

• Only breast milk or formula milk should be given as a main drink to children under one as cow’s milk does not contain the right balance of nutrients to meet a baby’s needs at this age

• After six months, cow’s milk can be used for cooking – for example to make a cheese sauce – and can be introduced as a main drink after the age of one

• From one year old, both whole milk and semi-skimmed milk are suitable as a main drink for toddlers

• They are a good source of nutrients such as protein and calcium needed by growing children

• Skimmed milk and 1% fat milk shouldn't given as a main drink to the under fives as they don't provide enough energy or vitamin A. They can be used in cooking though.