The 1,000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday marks the most rapid period of brain development and growth in life, often shaping future overall health. Proper nutrition, including dairy, during this critical window helps children reach key developmental milestones and optimize their cognitive potential.1
Pregnancy and Lactation
Consuming dairy during pregnancy and postpartum can support baby’s brain development, as maternal nutrition directly affects fetal growth and cognitive outcomes.
Milk, cheese and yogurt are important sources of iodine, an essential micronutrient that assists with development of the neural pathways and impact brain development. Iodine deficiency is the most preventable cause of intellectual disability, and many women of childbearing age are iodine deficient before they even become pregnant.2
Just one cup of milk or yogurt provides about half of the daily recommended iodine for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you have trouble digesting dairy, there are many lactose-free options and low lactose dairy foods to try.
Infants 0-6 Months
From birth through the first 6 months, babies rely on human milk and/or infant formula as their sole source of complete, balanced nutrition to support their developing bodies and gastrointestinal tracts. Beginning around 6 months of age, babies can be introduced to table foods like cheese and yogurt. Offering nutrient-rich foods from all food groups supports growing and developing brains, bones and bodies to set the stage for a lifetime of wellness.3
Infants 6-12 Months
From cognition and a strong immune system to optimal growth and development, dairy foods pair with other nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains to provide an overall healthy diet that growing children need to thrive.
The protein in dairy foods, primarily whey and casein, help support cellular growth and impact linear growth. The fat found in dairy assists in brain development, which is important because the brain doubles in size the first year of life.4 Through 12 months of age, it is recommended to offer cheese and yogurt as dairy food sources and wait to give cow’s milk until the first birthday. Until 12 months of age, cheese and yogurt are recommended food sources, while cow’s milk should be introduced at a year old.
Toddlers 1-2 Years
Dairy foods offer a unique combination of nutrients that are easy for the body to use and absorb. The carbohydrates within dairy foods – primarily lactose – help to provide energy for playing and reaching developmental milestones. Lactose intolerance is not common in early childhood, however if it is a concern, talk with your child’s pediatrician.5,6
Vitamins like vitamin D are essential for strong bone development, and when combined with calcium, they create a powerful nutrient duo naturally found in dairy foods.3 For children over 1 year of age, cow’s milk can be offered in a cup, and it is recommended to aim for 2 cups of dairy foods daily.
Citations:
1. Heather C. Hamner, Jennifer M. Nelson, Andrea J. Sharma, Maria Elena D. Jefferds, Carrie Dooyema, Rafael Flores-Ayala, Andrew A. Bremer, Ashley J. Vargas, Kellie O. Casavale, Janet M. de Jesus, Eve E. Stoody, Kelley S. Scanlon, and Cria G. Perrine: Improving Nutrition in the First 1000 Days in the United States: A Federal Perspective. American Journal of Public Health 112, S817_S825, https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307028
2. Centers for Disease Control. Second Nutrition Report Factsheet. Iodine Levels in Young Women Boarder on Insufficiency. https://www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport/pef/Second-Nutrition-Report-Iodine-Factsheet.pdf
3. Lawson, Y., Comerford, K. B., & Mitchell, E. P. (2024). A review of dairy food intake for improving health for black women in the US during pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation. Journal of the National Medical Association, 116(2), 219-227.
4. Clark, D. C., Cifelli, C. J., & Pikosky, M. A. (2020). Growth and Development of Preschool Children (12–60 Months): A Review of the Effect of Dairy Intake. Nutrients, 12(11), 3556. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113556
5. Stephen, A., Alles, M., de Graaf, C. et al. The role and requirements of digestible dietary carbohydrates in infants and toddlers. Eur J Clin Nutr 66, 765–779 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.27
6. Lactose Intolerance in Infants & Children: Parent FAQs – HealthyChildren.org
