What should your toddler drink at 12 months and beyond?

Although your toddler now needs less milk than in their first year, it is still an important part of their diet. Milk contains calcium for strong teeth and bones, and fat and vitamins to help them grow.

How much milk should I give?
One to three year-olds need about 350mg of calcium a day, this is equivalent to around 300ml of milk. Rather than giving milk in a baby bottle, give smaller drinks in a beaker or cup.

Not all your toddler's calcium intake has to come from milk, they need three servings of milk-based food or drinks a day, which can include cheese, yogurt, fromage frais, or milk-based puddings and sauces.

What sort of milk should my baby have?

• Breast milk still has benefits beyond 12 months, so there is no need to stop breast feeding if you and your baby want to carry on. If you are breast feeding a baby of six months and over, you should also give them baby vitamin drops. Speak to your health visitor for more information.
• Full-fat cows' milk can be introduced as a drink from 12 months. Semi-skimmed milk is not suitable as a drink for children under two as it is not high enough in fat and vitamins, but you can offer it from two years if your toddler is a good eater with a varied diet. Skimmed milk should not be given to children under five.
• If you are unable or decide not to breast feed beyond your toddler's first birthday follow-on formula milk can still be used but your toddler should take it from a trainer cup or beaker. Follow-on formula milk is suitable for babies aged six months and over as part of a varied weaning diet. You do not have to change from infant formula milk to follow-on formula, however, follow-on formula is tailored to meet your growing baby's changing nutritional needs with added vitamins and extra iron.