What Kind of Milk Is Best for a 1-Year-Old? How to Choose Your Child’s First Carton of Milk

What kind of milk is best for a 1-year-old?

For healthy children who are at least 1 year old (12 months) and are not allergic to cow’s milk protein, parents should choose whole milkthat is unsweetened and pasteurized for their child to drink. They can choose either UHT milk in cartons or pasteurized milk for their child to drink. ^[1] It is recommended to drink 2 glasses or cartons (400 milliliters) of milk per day ^[2,3]. However, milk is only one part of a 1-year-old child’s daily diet. A 1-year-old should receive milk in conjunction with a varied and age-appropriate diet to ensure adequate nutrition. This will help promote the child’s development and growth, resulting in a healthy child with weight and height appropriate for their age^[4,5].

When can a 1-year-old start drinking boxed milk?

Children can start drinking full-fat UHT milk from a carton once they turn 1 year old (12 months) ^[1]. If you are still breastfeeding, you can continue until the child turns 2 years old. ^[4] Although milk is an important source of protein and calcium for children of this age, it should not be used as a substitute for main meals, as children still need a variety of nutrients—particularly iron from meat, eggs, and other foods ^[5]. Therefore, meals should be balanced and accompanied by an appropriate daily intake of milk.

What nutrients in cow's milk are important for a 1-year-old child?

Cow’s milk is a source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals that are important for the growth of 1-year-old children. Protein helps build muscles and tissues; fat provides energy and contributes to growth; and calcium and vitamin D help build strong bones and teeth^[2,6,7]. You should choose to drinkunflavored, full-fat cow’s milk that is unprocessed and unsweetened ^[2] However, parents should not allow their children to drink only cow’s milk without eating other foods. Children should receive milk as recommended, along with a balanced and varied diet, to ensure they get sufficient nutrients for their growth and development ^[5]

How to Choose the First Box of Milk for a 1-Year-Old

When choosing the first carton of milk for a healthy 1-year-old who is not allergic to cow’s milk, opt for 100% skim milk that provides age-appropriate nutrients and nutritional value. Parents can use the following six guidelines to help them decide which milk to buy for their 1-year-old child.

Things to Check	Guidelines for Parents on Choosing Their Child’s First Box of Milk
1. Types of Milk	Pasteurized milk, such as UHT or pasteurized milk ^[2]
2. Milk Flavor	Plain flavor, no added sugar, no added flavorings ^[2]
3. Milk fat	Choose whole milk in cartons ^[2]. If you have weight issues or health risks, you should consult a doctor ^[7].
4. Nutrients Essential for Growth	It contains protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus ^[2], EPA, DHA, and vitamins A, B, C, and D, among others ^[8]
5. Milk cartons and boxes	The product has a clear batch number and expiration date. The box is intact and shows no signs of swelling, leakage, or tears. ^[9]
6. Nutritional Information for Milk	List the energy content and nutrient amounts, including the total energy and energy-providing nutrients, as well as various vitamins and minerals^[10]

If a child’s diet lacks variety or is at risk of not providing sufficient amounts of certain nutrients, parents should monitor the child’s regular diet. If necessary, they should supplement the diet with nutrients or formula containing added nutrients that are appropriate for a 1-year-old child ^[8]

My child is 1.4 years old and has stopped drinking formula. Can I switch to boxed milk?

If your child stops drinking formula at 1.4 years old, you can switch to plain cow’s milk right away because children aged 1 year and older are considered past infancy and have a fully developed digestive system ^[5]. Therefore, you can switch from formula to UHT milk in cartons. If your child is not allergic to cow’s milk ^[1], they should drink UHT milk with their main meals ^[2,3]Provide a varied diet to ensure your child receives the essential nutrients needed for growth. Focus on foods that are easy to chew and soft, and arrange meals with colorful, appetizing presentations. Before purchasing boxed milk for your child, parents should always check the nutrition label to ensure the essential nutrients are age-appropriate. Choose plain, full-fat milk with no added sugar every time to help your child become accustomed to the natural, unadulterated taste and reduce the risk of developing a sweet tooth in the future.

Piyada Ajapajarn

Written by:

Registered Dietitian
(Registered Dietitian; RD)

Piyada Ajapajarn

Registered Dietitian
(Registered Dietitian; RD)

Written by:

Piyada Ajapajarn

Registered Dietitian
(Registered Dietitian; RD)

reference

1. National Health Service. Drinks and cups for babies and young children [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited Oct. 1, 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cow’s milk and milk alternatives [Internet]. Updated April 16, 2026 [cited October 3, 2026]. Available from:https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html
3. Thai Society of Pediatric Nutrition. Nutrition for Breastfeeding Women (6 Months and Older) and Infants (0–23 Months) [Online]. Bangkok: Thai Society of Pediatric Nutrition; Oct. 21, 2568 [Accessed Oct. 11, 2569]. Available from: https://web.pednutrition.org/for-public/women-childhood/156850162
4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 [Internet]. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Agriculture; 2025 [cited Oct. 1, 2026]. Available from: https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf
5. Office of Health Promotion, Department of Public Health; Office of Nutrition, Department of Public Health. Nutrition for All Life Stages [Internet]. Nonthaburi: Department of Public Health, Ministry of Public Health; 2562 [Accessed Oct. 1, 2569]. Available from: https://multimedia.anamai.moph.go.th/oawoocha/2019/07/HP-eBook_02.pdf
6. Office of the Health Promotion Fund (OPHF). [Boosting Milk for the Health (and Height) of Thai Children!] [Online]. Bangkok: Office of the Health Promotion FundHealth; [June 26, 2569] [Accessed Oct. 11, 2569]. Available at: https://dol.thaihealth.or.th/Media/Pdfview/9579b26c-d7e1-ee11-8102-00155d1aab6f
7. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Why do infants need infant formula instead of cow’s milk? [Internet]. Itasca (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 2024 [updated Apr 22, 2024; cited Oct 2, 2026]. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Why-Formula-Instead-of-Cow's-Milk.aspx
8. Verduci E, Di Profio E, Corsello A, Scatigno L, Fiore G, Bosetti A, et al. Which milk during the second year of life: a personalized choice for a healthy future? Nutrients [Internet]. 2021 [cited Oct. 21, 2026];13(10):3412. doi:10.3390/nu13103412. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8540900/pdf/nutrients-13-03412.pdf
9. Food and Drug Administration. Distributes a guide on safe milk consumption, recommending three checks before purchasing, along with recipes for storing five types of milk to maintain quality standards [Internet]. Nonthaburi: Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health; 2569 [Published May 28, 2569; Accessed Oct. 3, 2569]. Available at: https://www.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=900948591571509248&name=World Milk Day News%20V6.pdf
10. Consumer Empowerment Division, Food and Drug Administration. Choosing Milk for Infants and Young Children [Online]. Nonthaburi: Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health; 2566 [Published Feb. 22, 2566; revised Jan. 9, 2569; accessed Oct. 1, 2569]. Available at: https://dis.fda.moph.go.th/detail-infoGraphic?id=2102
11. Centre for Food Safety. UHT milk: what it is and how to store it [Internet]. Hong Kong: Centre for Food Safety, Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene; March 2026 [cited Oct. 2, 2026]. Available from: https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/multimedia/multimedia_pub/multimedia_pub_fsf_236_04.html
12. Agriculture Institute. What happens to UHT milk during storage? Key changes explained [Internet]. Agriculture Institute; June 10, 2025 [cited Oct. 2, 2026]. Available from: https://agriculture.institute/milk-processing-packaging/uht-milk-storage-changes-explained/
13. Porto A. Lactose intolerance in infants and children: FAQs for parents [Internet]. Itasca (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; September 29, 2016 [cited October 11, 2026]. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Lactose-Intolerance-in-Children.aspx
14. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Added sugars on the Nutrition Facts label [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Food and Drug Administration; [cited Oct. 4, 2026]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-nutrition-facts-label

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a 1-year-old drink UHT milk or pasteurized milk?

UHT milk and pasteurized milk are good choices for 1-year-olds. Choose whole milk that is unflavored and unsweetened. Parents should select milk appropriate for the situation; for example, if you want to prepare milk for your child to drink while traveling or take it outside the home, you can choose UHT milk because it can be stored at room temperature as long as the carton remains unopened. Pasteurized milk, on the other hand, is best suited for drinking at home or in places with a refrigerator, as it must be stored at a consistently refrigerated temperature to maintain its quality and safety ^[2,11,12].

Does UHT milk have a long shelf life because it contains preservatives?

UHT milk has a long shelf life and does not require preservatives because it undergoes a high-temperature heat treatment to kill microorganisms. Before purchasing, check the expiration date and the condition of the carton. Once opened, it is recommended to refrigerate the milk and consume it within 2–7 days ^[11]

How to Choose the First Box of Milk for a 1-Year-Old

Things to check include: milk type, milk flavor, milk fat content, key nutrients, the label and carton, and nutritional information.

What are the important nutrients in cow's milk?

Cow's milk is a source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D.