At what age should an 18-month-old child transition to whole milk?

The correct transition to whole milk for an 18-month-old child typically occurs at around 12 months of age. At this time, infants can start switching from formula or breast milk to whole milk as the primary source of dairy. Whole milk provides essential fats that are crucial for the child's growth and development, particularly for brain development during this early stage.

Choosing to introduce whole milk at 18 months is unnecessary, as children at this age can safely consume whole milk if they have been transitioned already. Furthermore, prior to 12 months, infants should ideally receive breast milk or iron-fortified formula, as their digestive systems are not fully developed to handle the proteins found in cow's milk.

Therefore, the most appropriate age for this transition is 12 months, making it a recent and recommended aspect of dietary guidance for toddlers.