Dairy food contains calcium for strong bones and teeth and protein for developing bodies, as well as riboflavin and a range of valuable fat soluble vitamins. Dairy food is digestible, versatile and relatively inexpensive and provides the kind of high quality nutrition young children need for healthy growth and energy. Children need calcium for development of strong bones and teeth. A high intake of dietary calcium in childhood is associated with healthy adult bone mass. Children need three serves of milk or a dairy equivalent such as cheese and yogurt each day to meet calcium requirements.
Breast milk is best for infants.
Infant formulas are suitable for infants up to 12 months of age. At around four to six months baby cereal and pureed foods can be introduced and between six to eight months, cow's milk can be given in small amounts with other foods such as custards and cereals. Yogurt and cheese can also be introduced at this time. Breast milk or formula should remain the major food in a baby's diet until 12 months. After this age cow's milk may be given, preferably in a cup.