Prep warning
Buttermilk is cow's milk and a common allergen. Like other cow's milk, general guidance is not to offer it as a main drink before 12 months; small amounts cooked or baked into food are typically fine from around 6 months.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Buttermilk is cultured cow's milk and counts as dairy, so milk is a common allergen. Like other cow's milk it is not used as a main drink before 12 months, but small amounts cooked or baked into a dish, such as in pancakes or stirred into a batter, are typically fine from around 6 months. Offer it on its own at first and watch how baby responds.
Use a small amount cooked or baked into a dish, not as a drink at this age.
9-12 months
Keep using buttermilk in small amounts cooked or baked into dishes, such as in pancakes, muffins, or stirred into mashed foods. It still is not a main drink before 12 months, but it works well as a cooking ingredient.
A cooking and baking ingredient in small amounts; not a main drink yet.
12-18 months
From 12 months full-fat cow's milk can be a main drink, and buttermilk can be used more freely in cooking and baking or mixed into dishes. It has a tangy flavour, so it is often nicer combined with other foods than offered plain. Keep added salt and sugar low.
Use in cooking, baking, or mixed into dishes; often nicer combined with other foods than plain.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Milk is a common allergen. Read Milk guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat buttermilk?
Most babies can try buttermilk from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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