When Should Kids Switch to Skim Milk?

I know that at some point kids should drink skim milk as part of a low-fat diet. But what's the right age to switch kids from whole milk to skim milk?
- Sheila

Breast milk is the food of choice for at least the first year or beyond. Cow's milk should be avoided until after a child is 1 year old.

Kids younger than 2, though, shouldn't have reduced-fat milk. Babies need fat in their diets for a variety of reasons, including neurological development. Kids should drink whole milk from ages 1 to 2 years; then, if their growth is steady, it's safe to switch to low-fat or skim milk.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your child's growth or nutritional needs.

For more information, check out these articles:
Calcium and Your Child
Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Does Skim Milk Provide the Same Nutrients as Whole Milk?
Milk Allergy in Infants

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007

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