First foods database
🥛 Evaporated milk for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have evaporated milk? Yes, from about 6 months in cooking only, such as in sauces, rice pudding or custard. It is concentrated cow's milk, so it is not suitable as a drink or as a replacement for breast milk or formula.
Good source of: Calcium, Protein, Vitamin D
How to serve evaporated milk by age
6 to 9 months
Use a small splash of evaporated milk in cooked foods, for example stirred into a cheese sauce, mashed potato or a homemade rice pudding with mashed banana instead of sugar. It is fine in cooking but should not be given in a bottle or cup.
9 to 12 months
Keep using it only in cooking, such as creamy pasta sauces, baked custards or soups. Mix with water to replace cream in recipes if you prefer a lighter result.
12 months and up
From 12 months, whole cow's milk becomes the main drink. Evaporated milk can still be used in baking and sauces, but it is not needed as a drink.
Choking safety
Evaporated milk is a liquid and low choking risk. Foods made with it, such as rice pudding, should be soft and well cooked.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Never use evaporated milk to make up a bottle or as a formula substitute.
- Do not confuse it with condensed milk, which is very high in sugar.
- Contains milk, a common allergen.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains milk, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce milk
Easy ideas
- Rice pudding made with evaporated milk and mashed banana
- Cheesy pasta sauce with a splash of evaporated milk
- Baked egg custard with no added sugar
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat evaporated milk?
Can babies have evaporated milk? Yes, from about 6 months in cooking only, such as in sauces, rice pudding or custard. It is concentrated cow's milk, so it is not suitable as a drink or as a replacement for breast milk or formula.
Can I make a baby bottle with evaporated milk?
No. Evaporated milk lacks the right balance of nutrients for babies and is not a safe replacement for breast milk or formula at any age.
Is evaporated milk the same as condensed milk?
No. Evaporated milk is unsweetened, concentrated milk. Sweetened condensed milk has a lot of added sugar and is not suitable for babies.
How long does opened evaporated milk last?
Pour leftovers into a clean covered container, keep in the fridge and use within about 3 days.
Sources
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- NHS: What to feed young children
- NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).