When can babies drink milk?

Cow's milk should not be given to babies under age 1, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cow's milk does not give babies enough essential nutrients, such as vitamin E and iron. A baby's system may not be ready to digest the protein, sodium and potassium in milk.

Babies under 6 months old should be nourished with breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula. In addition, parents can begin introducing solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Babies are usually first started on whole vitamin D cow's milk, which provides many of the nutrients that babies require.