Food guide
Raw Milk
Raw (unpasteurized) milk should never be given to a baby or young child. Pasteurizing kills the bacteria that cause listeria, E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter - infections that are much more dangerous under 5 than they are for adults. The same goes for raw-milk yogurt, ice cream and cheese.
How to serve at this age
0-5 years: Not recommended in any form. Use pasteurized whole milk instead - in cooking from around 6 months, and as a drink from 12 months. Check that yogurt, ice cream and cheese are pasteurized too.
Nutrition
Raw milk carries no nutritional advantage over pasteurized milk. Pasteurizing does not meaningfully change the calcium, protein or fat.
A note from the editors
If a label does not say pasteurized, assume it is not - this is especially worth checking at farm shops, farmers' markets and while travelling.
Good to know
Never give raw milk or anything made from it to a child under 5. Cow's milk is also a common allergen, and as a main drink it should wait until 12 months regardless of pasteurization. Always use whole milk until age 2.