Drinks & extras Food Library
When can babies have pea milk?
Can babies have pea milk?
Babies can have a little pea milk in cooking from about 6 months, but pea milk should not be a drink before 12 months. After 12 months, fortified, unsweetened pea milk is sometimes used as a dairy-free option, but talk to your pediatrician first, since whole cow's milk or fortified soy milk is the usual recommendation. Pea is not a Top 9 allergen.
How to serve pea milk by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Do not offer pea milk as a drink. A splash of unsweetened pea milk can be stirred into iron-fortified oatmeal or a smooth puree, but breast milk or formula should stay the main milk and the best liquid for thinning purees.
7–8 months
Keep breast milk or formula as the main drink and skip pea milk in a cup. A little unsweetened pea milk can be used in thicker porridge, mashed potato or soft baked foods.
9–12 months
Keep breast milk or formula as the main drink. Unsweetened pea milk can be used in pancakes, muffins or sauces in small amounts.
12 months +
If your pediatrician agrees, fortified, unsweetened pea milk can be offered in an open cup with meals. Make sure the rest of the diet includes enough fat and iron, since pea milk is not identical to whole cow's milk.
Why it’s good
Fortified pea milk has protein close to cow's milk and is often fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. It is usually lower in fat than whole milk, and many brands add oil to make up some of the difference. Recipes vary a lot by brand, so read labels carefully.
Safety notes
- Do not use pea milk as a replacement for breast milk or formula before 12 months.
- Choose unsweetened pea milk that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Flavored versions often have added sugar.
- Pea milk alone does not cover every need of a toddler. Ask your pediatrician or a dietitian before making it the main milk.
- Keep milk to about 16 to 24 ounces a day for toddlers. Too much milk of any kind can fill them up and push out iron-rich foods.
- Shake the carton well, since added calcium can settle to the bottom.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Pea is not one of the Top 9 allergens, but pea allergy does occur, and some children with peanut allergy also react to peas or other legumes. Watch for hives, vomiting or swelling the first few times, and ask your pediatrician if your child has a peanut allergy.
Pea milk for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about pea milk for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have pea milk?
Babies can have pea milk in cooking from about 6 months, and as a drink from 12 months if your pediatrician agrees. Pea milk should not replace breast milk or formula in the first year.
Can babies drink pea milk?
Babies under 12 months should not drink pea milk instead of breast milk or formula. After 12 months, fortified unsweetened pea milk is one dairy-free option to discuss with your pediatrician.
Is pea milk a choking hazard for babies?
Pea milk is a liquid and is a low choking risk. Serve pea milk in an open or straw cup with your child seated upright.
Is pea milk a common allergen?
Pea milk is not one of the Top 9 allergens, but pea allergy does happen. Children with a peanut allergy sometimes react to peas, so watch closely the first few times.
How do I serve pea milk to a 6 month old?
Pea milk should not be served to a 6 month old as a drink. A small splash of unsweetened pea milk can be stirred into oatmeal or baked into muffins, while breast milk or formula stays the main milk.
Is pea milk as good as cow's milk for toddlers?
Fortified pea milk has similar protein to cow's milk but usually less fat, and nutrients vary by brand. Whole cow's milk or fortified soy milk is still the most common recommendation for toddlers, so ask your pediatrician.
Is pea milk good for a toddler with a dairy allergy?
Pea milk can be an option for some toddlers with a dairy allergy, especially if they also avoid soy. A pediatrician or dietitian can check that pea milk and the rest of the diet cover protein, fat, calcium and vitamin D.
How much pea milk can a toddler drink?
Toddlers who drink pea milk should have no more than about 16 to 24 ounces a day. More than that can fill them up and leave less room for iron-rich foods.
The takeaway
- Babies can have a little pea milk in cooking from about 6 months, but pea milk should not be a drink before 12 months.
- If your pediatrician agrees, fortified, unsweetened pea milk can be offered in an open cup with meals.
- Choking risk is low. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Recommended Drinks for Young Children Ages 0-5 American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.