Drinking Well Under 5
Under 1s
Current NHS guidance advises that you should continue to breastfeed or give your baby first infant formula until they’re at least 1 year old. If your baby is having formula milk, you can switch to cow’s milk after 1 year – they do not need ‘toddler milk’.
If you’re breastfeeding, it will continue to benefit you and your baby for as long as you carry on. It’s best to carry on breastfeeding alongside an increasingly varied diet once you introduce your baby’s first solid foods.
You can read more about drinks for babies and young children on the NHS website: NHS drinks and cups for babies and young children
Over 1s
Pasteurised whole or semi-skimmed cows’ milk, or goats’ or sheep’s milk, can be given as a main drink from the age of 1.
Children should avoid sugary fizzy drinks, squash and juice drinks completely. Children who drink a lot of sugary drinks are more likely to become overweight. The added sugar in these drinks can also damage teeth. Find out more about taking care of children’s teeth on our Oral Health page.
