I know that at some point kids should drink nonfat milk as part of a low-fat diet. But what's the right age to switch kids from whole milk to nonfat milk? – Sheila Breast milk is the food of choice for at least the first year or beyond. Cow's milk should be avoided until after kids reach their first birthday. Babies and toddlers need fat in their diets for a variety of reasons, including healthy brain development. So it's usually recommended that kids 1 to 2 years old drink whole milk. Then, if their growth is steady, it's safe to switch to low-fat or nonfat (skim) milk. Note: Kids at risk of becoming overweight can be switched to lower-fat milk before turning 2. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your child's growth or nutritional needs. Back to Articles Related Articles Calcium Milk and other calcium-rich foods help build strong, healthy bones. But most kids and teens don't get enough calcium. Here's how to make sure that yours do. Read More Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old Toddlers have little tummies, so serve foods that are packed with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong, and limit the sweets and empty calories. Read More Does Nonfat Milk Provide the Same Nutrients as Whole Milk? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Nutrition Guide for Toddlers While growth slows somewhat during the toddler years, it's a new era where kids will eat and drink more independently. Read More Lactose Intolerance Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas. Read More Mouth and Teeth Our mouth and teeth play an important role in our daily lives. Here's a course on the basics - including common problems of the mouth and teeth. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.