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The short version
- From 12 to 24 months, about 16 oz (2 cups) of whole milk a day is enough.
- From 2 to 5, aim for 16–24 oz a day; the AAP advises nonfat or low-fat milk from age 2.
- Water is the other everyday drink. Juice isn't needed — and is capped at 4 oz a day for ages 1 to 3.
- More than 24 oz of milk a day can crowd out food and lead to low iron.
The short answer, by age
Between their first and second birthdays, most toddlers need about 16 ounces (2 cups) of milk a day. From 2 to 5, that range widens to 16–24 ounces.1 That’s less than many parents expect — a toddler who drinks a bottle or cup at every meal and at bedtime can easily reach double that.
| Age | Milk | Water | Juice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | Breast milk or formula only | None | None |
| 6–12 months | Breast milk or formula; no cow's milk | 4–8 oz | None |
| 12–24 months | 16 oz, whole | 8–32 oz | Not needed; ≤ 4 oz |
| 2–5 years | 16–24 oz, nonfat or 1% | 8–40 oz | ≤ 4 oz (2–3 yrs); 4–6 oz (4–5 yrs) |
It helps to count milk poured over cereal or blended into smoothies, not just what’s in the cup. Yogurt and cheese are dairy too, so a toddler who has yogurt at breakfast and cheese at lunch is already getting some of what milk provides.
Whole, low-fat or skim?
The AAP advises whole milk from 12 to 24 months, and nonfat (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk from age 2.1 The extra fat supports the rapid brain growth of the second year; after that, children get the fat they need from food.
Guidance isn’t perfectly aligned here. The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines favor full-fat dairy for children,7 and the CDC’s 2026 guidance says children can keep drinking whole milk after age 2.5 We follow the AAP’s recommendation, but if your pediatrician has a view on your child’s growth, follow theirs.
Why more milk isn’t better
Milk is a good source of protein, calcium and (when fortified) vitamin D. The trouble starts when it takes up too much room. The AAP sets the upper limit at about 24 ounces a day, for three reasons:34
- It crowds out food. A toddler’s stomach is small. A full cup of milk before dinner can be the reason dinner is refused.
- It’s low in iron. Milk contains very little iron, so a milk-heavy diet is one of the most common reasons toddlers develop iron deficiency. Read more in how much iron a toddler needs.
- It can contribute to constipation when milk and cheese are eaten in large amounts.
If your toddler barely eats dinner but drinks three big cups of milk a day, the milk is the place to start.
Water, juice and everything else
Water is the drink to offer freely between meals and with them — 1 to 4 cups a day from 12 to 24 months, and 1 to 5 cups from 2 to 5 years.1
Juice isn’t needed at any age. The AAP recommends no juice before 12 months, then a maximum of 4 oz a day of 100% juice for ages 1 to 3, 4–6 oz for ages 4 to 6, and 8 oz for ages 7 to 18.2 Whole fruit gives the same vitamins plus fiber, and fills them up more. For a closer look, see how much juice a child should drink.
Toddler milks (also sold as growing-up or transition formulas) aren’t recommended. The AAP calls them unnecessary; they often contain added sugars and cost more than regular milk.1
Sugary drinks — soda, flavored milk, sports drinks and fruit drinks — aren’t recommended for children under 5.1
What about plant milks?
The AAP considers fortified, unsweetened soy milk the only plant milk that’s nutritionally close to cow’s milk for young children. Oat, almond, rice and coconut drinks are usually lower in protein, and some are low in other key nutrients.1 The CDC’s 2026 guidance is broader, saying fortified, unsweetened alternatives can help meet dairy needs after 12 months.5
Whichever you choose, look for “unsweetened” and check that it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D. If your child has a milk allergy or follows a vegan diet, it’s worth asking your pediatrician or a registered dietitian which alternative to use. For an older child who won’t drink milk at all, see calcium for kids who don’t like milk.
How to cut back a toddler who’d drink milk all day
Five changes that work
- Serve milk with meals, not before them. Offer food first, then the cup.
- Make water the between-meals drink. Thirst is real; it doesn’t have to be met with milk.
- Move from bottle to cup. The AAP suggests finishing the switch between 12 and 18 months — bottles make it easy to drink a lot without noticing.6
- Use a smaller cup. A 4 oz cup filled four times a day is 16 oz. A 10 oz sippy cup is not.
- Drop the bedtime bottle last. It’s often the most comforting one. Replace it with a story or a song, and water if they need a drink.
Cutting back gradually is usually easier on everyone than going cold turkey, and as milk drops, there’s more room — and more appetite — for food.3
When to talk to your pediatrician
Ask your child's doctor if
- Your toddler drinks more than 24 oz of milk most days and won't cut back
- They seem pale, tired or unusually irritable
- They're constipated often, or stools are hard and painful
- You're planning to replace cow's milk with a plant milk
Common questions
How much milk should a 1-year-old drink?
About 16 oz (2 cups) a day of whole milk between 12 and 24 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cow's milk shouldn't be given as a drink before 12 months.
How much milk should a 2-year-old drink?
Between 16 and 24 oz (2 to 3 cups) a day for children aged 2 to 5. The AAP advises switching to nonfat or low-fat (1%) milk from age 2.
Can a toddler drink too much milk?
Yes. More than about 24 oz a day can leave too little room for food, and because milk contains very little iron, it's a common cause of iron deficiency in toddlers. Large amounts of milk can also contribute to constipation.
What plant milk is best for toddlers?
The AAP considers fortified, unsweetened soy milk the closest match to cow's milk for young children. Most other plant milks are lower in protein and may be lower in other nutrients. If your child can't have dairy or soy, ask your pediatrician which alternative to use.
Do toddlers need toddler milk or growth formula?
No. The AAP describes toddler milks as unnecessary — they often contain added sugars and cost more than regular milk.
When should my toddler stop using a bottle?
The AAP suggests offering a cup from around 6 months and finishing the switch from bottle to cup between 12 and 18 months. Bottles make it easy to drink more milk than intended.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger.
- Heyman MB, Abrams SA. Pediatrics. 2017;139(6):e20170967. Fruit Juice in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Current Recommendations.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Your Toddler Only Wants Milk? How to Ease a Milk Dependency Habit.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Babies, Children & Teens.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cow's Milk and Milk Alternatives.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. From Bottle to Cup: Helping Your Child Make a Healthy Transition.
- U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your child's doctor. Our editorial standards.
