A 13-month-old should drink about 16 ounces (2 cups) of whole cow’s milk per day. That’s two 8-ounce servings, enough to supply key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D without crowding out the solid foods your toddler needs at this age.
Why 16 Ounces Is the Target
Two cups of whole milk a day gives a toddler a strong start on their daily calcium and vitamin D needs. Children between 12 and 24 months need 600 IU of vitamin D each day, and whole milk is one of the easiest ways to get there alongside a varied diet. Observational studies support this two-serving recommendation specifically because it helps maintain adequate vitamin D and iron stores at the same time.
The upper limit to keep in mind is 24 ounces (3 cups). Going above that threshold raises the risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Cow’s milk is low in iron, and large volumes of it can interfere with your toddler’s ability to absorb iron from other foods. A child who fills up on milk is also less likely to eat the meat, beans, fruits, and vegetables that round out their nutrition.
Why Whole Milk, Not Skim or 2%
Children between 1 and 2 years old should drink whole milk. The fat in whole milk supports healthy brain development during a period of rapid growth. Once your child turns 2 and their growth is steady, switching to low-fat or nonfat milk is fine. The one exception: kids at risk of becoming overweight may be switched to lower-fat milk before age 2, with guidance from their pediatrician.
Transitioning From Formula or Breast Milk
If your 13-month-old is still on formula or breast milk and hasn’t made the switch yet, there’s no need to go cold turkey. A gradual approach works well. Start by mixing equal parts whole milk with breast milk or prepared formula, then slowly shift the ratio toward more whole milk over a week or two. Some toddlers take to the taste immediately; others need this blending period to adjust.
This is also a good time to move away from bottles. The goal is to transition to a sippy cup or straw cup as soon after the first birthday as possible. Offering milk in a cup rather than a bottle helps prevent prolonged bottle use, which is linked to tooth decay and overconsumption of milk (it’s much easier to passively drink large volumes from a bottle).
What About Plant-Based Milk?
If your child can’t have cow’s milk or your family avoids dairy, fortified plant-based milks can fill the same role. Options include soy, oat, rice, coconut, cashew, and almond milk. The key word is “fortified.” Not all plant milks contain the same levels of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and fat as cow’s milk, so check the label carefully.
Choose a version that is unflavored and unsweetened. Your toddler doesn’t need added sugars in their milk. Keep in mind that nutrient content varies significantly between brands, so comparing labels matters more than picking a specific plant source. Fortified soy milk tends to be the closest nutritional match to cow’s milk in terms of protein content, but any fortified option can work as part of a balanced diet.
Balancing Milk With Water and Solids
At 13 months, milk and water are the only two drinks your toddler needs. Juice, flavored milk, and toddler “nutrition drinks” add sugar without real benefit. Between the 16 ounces of milk and water offered throughout the day, your child’s fluid needs are covered.
The bigger picture at this age is making sure milk supports the diet rather than replacing it. A toddler who drinks milk right before a meal may not be hungry enough to eat. Offering milk with meals or as a snack, rather than letting your child sip from a cup all day, helps keep appetite intact for solid foods. Solid foods are where your child gets iron, fiber, healthy fats, and the variety of nutrients that milk alone can’t provide.
If your toddler consistently drinks more than 24 ounces of milk a day and shows little interest in food, cutting back on milk is usually the simplest fix. Reducing to the recommended 16 ounces often restores appetite within a few days.