From 0 months to 6 months, it is important for babies to only drink human milk or infant formula. At 6 months, you may offer small amounts of water. Cow's milk or milk alternatives are not appropriate for babies 0 months to 12 months old. 

What if my child is allergic or intolerant to dairy?

Some children may have an allergy to milk or are lactose intolerant. Lactose is a natural sugar in milk that is difficult for some people to digest. Cow’s milk is one of the FDA top 8 allergens. If your child has an allergy or is lactose intolerant, they will show signs.

Common allergy symptoms to look for:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in lips
• Vomiting
• Bloating
  
  

Common intolerance symptoms to look for:

• Bloating
• Gassy
• Loose stools
• Vomiting

Talk to your child's health care provider if they react to milk with these symptoms. They may have specific recommendations for milk alternatives. There are other ways for them to get the nutrients that cow's milk provides.

Safely offering a non-dairy beverage. 

Before offering a non-dairy beverage, it is important to talk to your child’s health care provider. They may have specific recommendations that are best for your child.

Most plant-based beverages, like almond milk or coconut milk, do not have the nutrition your child needs. Fortified soy milk is the only non-dairy beverage that can be equal to cow’s milk. Fortified soy milk is the only milk alternative that you can use your WIC benefits to buy. Other plant-based beverages, even if prescribed by a doctor, cannot be purchased with WIC benefits.