In a speech to The Children's Society, Milburn said the "all or nothing" approach to child poverty is not working and that focus should be shifted to early years services with the aim of lifting 800,000 children under five out of poverty.
Milburn called for a clear sense of purpose on the issue; improved support for parents; improved childcare and early years services; and links between welfare-based solutions and increased opportunities.
"Currently [momentum] is in danger of stalling or, worse still, reversing," Milburn said. "I do not believe that anyone, the government included, wants that to happen.
"It would be wrong if the poorest paid the heaviest price. Preventing that from happening has to be the top priority.
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