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The Milk
Ladder
Introducing Cow’s Milk Into Your Baby’s Diet
To obtain the information that you need about the Milk Ladder, always speak to your baby’s doctor or dietitian.
The Milk Ladder is a structured, step‑by‑step way to reintroduce cow’s milk into your baby’s diet if they have a cow’s milk allergy. It begins by introducing cow’s milk in its least allergenic form, which is typically well‑cooked or baked into foods. If your baby tolerates these early steps without any negative reactions, you can gradually progress to further stages of the Milk Ladder, such as cooked or processed dairy products. Over time, and with careful monitoring, your baby may work their way up to eventually trying cow’s milk or standard formula.
Every baby is unique and will progress at their own pace, so there is no set timeline for completing the Milk Ladder. Regular review and support from your healthcare professional is essential to ensure the process is safe, appropriate, and tailored to your child’s individual needs.
If you would like some more information about the Milk Ladder, please see the resources below.
Allergy UK: A practical guide for reintroducing milk using the Milk Ladder
The Milk Ladder is there to help you gradually introduce cow’s milk back into your child’s diet. We have collaborated with Allergy UK to bring you this practical guide for parents and caregivers of children with mild to moderate, non-IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy. Always start the ladder with guidance from your doctor, health visitor or dietitian.
This resource, bought to you by Allergy UK, was made possible with support from Nestlé Health Science.
Allergy UK Podcast: Navigating the everyday challenges of a child’s cow’s milk allergy
Listen to this insightful conversation between Annette Weaver, Clinical Dietetic Advisor for Allergy UK and Specialist Allergy Dietitian, and Becca, mother of a child with cow’s milk allergy, as they discuss Becca’s story since her child’s diagnosis and how she’s adapted to face some of the common challenges an allergy parent may experience.
This discussion explores the emotional impact of an allergy diagnosis, what Becca wishes she’d known from the beginning, learning to use the milk ladder, and practical tips to find the right support for your child’s cow’s milk allergy journey.
This podcast, bought to you by Allergy UK, was made possible with support from Nestlé Health Science.
