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 continue to grow and develop, and it is important that children have the right nutrients to 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 products 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

• Between the ages of one and two, it is recommended that toddlers have whole milk rather than lower fat varieties of milk (such as semi–skimmed and skimmed milk). Compared with lower fat milks, whole milk provides extra energy and vitamin A, which are important for growing children. After the age of two, semi–skimmed milk can gradually be introduced to a child’s diet, provided they are growing well and consuming a balanced diet

• Skimmed milk and 1% fat milk are not suitable as main drinks for children under five

• 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.

Why not check out the School Milk Scheme section to find out how a carton of milk at school can contribute towards meeting a child’s nutrient needs.