The milk ladder is a structured, gradual process for reintroducing dairy into a child's diet to build tolerance. It typically starts with highly processed forms of dairy, such as ghee or baked goods (muffins, biscuits), followed by cooked curd, then cooked paneer/cheese, and eventually raw dairy. Each step is done slowly—often starting with small amounts (like 1/4 teaspoon) in the mother's diet if breastfeeding, or directly in the baby's meals once they are over a year old—observing for 3-4 weeks for any reactions like rashes, mucus-y stools, or irritability before moving to the next rung. If a reaction occurs, parents typically pause, wait for symptoms to subside, and then try again later.