Switching to Whole Milk at 12 Months: Daycare Milk Rules

Updated November 2026.

Most babies switch from formula to whole cow's milk at 12 months, and at daycare that switch usually follows federal food program rules: children ages 1 to 2 get unflavored whole milk, and children 2 and older get unflavored low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. Breast milk can be served at any age, and formula is allowed for one extra month to ease the change.

Here is how the milk switch works at daycare and how to plan it with your child's teachers.

The 12-month milk switch

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends moving from formula to whole cow's milk around the first birthday. Whole milk gives toddlers fat and calories for growth. Toddlers need only about 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of milk a day. Drinking much more can fill them up and leave less room for iron-rich foods.

Daycare milk rules: CACFP

Many daycare centers take part in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which sets milk rules by age. Under CACFP:

Ages 1 to 2: unflavored whole milk.
12 to 13 months: iron-fortified formula may still be served to help with the switch.
Ages 2 to 5: unflavored low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk.
24 to 25 months: whole or 2% milk may still be served for one month to help with the switch to lower-fat milk.
Breast milk: may be served to a child of any age.

Flavored milk is not served to children under 6 in the CACFP.

How to plan the switch with daycare

Talk with the teacher a few weeks before the first birthday. Ask how and when they move children to milk.
Ask about cups. Many centers use open cups or straw cups for toddlers instead of bottles. The AAP encourages weaning from the bottle between 12 and 18 months.
Go gradually if needed. Some families mix formula and milk at home for a week or two. Ask your pediatrician.
Keep breastfeeding if you like. You can keep sending pumped milk or nursing at drop-off and pickup. See our guide to breast milk at daycare.

Milk allergies and other milks

If your child has a milk allergy or another medical need, the center will need a written statement from your doctor to serve a substitute. For non-medical reasons, ask the center what it can serve. Under CACFP, some fortified non-dairy drinks that are nutritionally equal to milk can be served with a parent's written request. Plant milks vary a lot in protein and nutrients, so ask your pediatrician before choosing one for a toddler. See our guide to allergy plans at daycare.

Common questions from parents

My child refuses cold milk. Try offering it at room temperature, or in a familiar cup, and give it time.
My toddler drinks a lot of milk and eats little. Offer milk with meals rather than all day, and talk to your pediatrician about iron.
Should I switch at exactly 12 months? Around 12 months is typical, but follow your pediatrician's advice for your child.

Frequently asked questions

What milk does daycare give 1-year-olds?

Centers in the CACFP serve unflavored whole milk to children ages 1 to 2. Formula may be served until 13 months to ease the switch.

When do toddlers switch to low-fat milk at daycare?

At age 2, with a one-month transition until 25 months.

How much milk should a 1-year-old drink?

About 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) a day is enough for most toddlers.

Can daycare still give my toddler breast milk?

Yes. Under CACFP rules, breast milk can be served to a child of any age.

Meals at Children's Land

Children's Land serves hot breakfast and lunch at all locations, and is a tree nut and peanut-free school with allergy lists in every classroom. For babies, formula and baby food are provided, and parents may bring their own. Ask your location how it handles the switch to milk. Learn about our toddler program, find a location, or contact us.

Switching to Whole Milk at 12 Months: Daycare Milk Rules