In the past few years the alt milk choices have. Almond milk is a good substitute for cow milk for infants A study pointed out that infants who were allergic to dairy or cow milk were given almond milk and reported better growth outcomes.
Going Nuts About Milk Here S What You Need To Know About Plant Based Milk Alternatives
According to some studies it was found that kids who were not consuming cow milk and were only fed upon non-dairy milk resulted in having small heights.
Non dairy milk for toddlers. Look for ones that have a minimum of 120mg calcium per 100ml. From the nondairy milks above Ripple Good Karma Bolthouse Farms and soy milks are good options for a toddler with a nut allergy. One glass of milk contains 120 IU of vitamin D so it would take five cups of milk to get the required amount which is a lot even for avid dairy fans.
The American Academy of Pediatrics AAP actually only recommends fortified soy milk as a nutritional equivalent to cows milk but I personally see pea milk as a close second. There are more dairy-free options than ever before including options like almond milk soy milk and coconut milk. After a childs first birthday whole cows milk was commonly introduced as the main drink for toddlers.
The good news is most non-dairy milk alternatives are fortified with calcium but it is still important to check the back of the carton to make sure. The best non-dairy milk alternative for toddlers is fortified soy milk but I like pea milk too. Introduce milk in a cup not in a bottle.
Use of tree nut milk including almond and cashew milks have become increasingly popular. Non-dairy milks such as almond rice oat or coconut contain little to no protein so they are not best for growing toddlers as a main milk choice. Rice milk is also usually nut-free though it doesnt have much nutritional value These are also great options if you need a nut-free nondairy option to send to daycare or preschool.
Newer to the market is Ripple Milk a pea-based protein milk which contains calories and protein more comparable to cows milk. Non-dairy milk is just as good as any other milk or drink for toddlers. Each choice will need to have the nutrients they need to grow.
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that toddlers get 600 IU of vitamin D per day. What milk substitute is best for toddlers. Today some babies may never have cows milk as some babies have dairy-free formula right from infancy.
When a child cant have dairy it can help to focus on the foods they can eat. Regular soy milk contains similar levels of energy fat and protein to standard cows milk so is the best choice for under-fives. Non-Dairy Sources of Vitamin D.
After all 49 percent of Americans now consume non-dairy milks including 68 percent of parents and 54 percent of children younger than 18. Some brands also fortify with vitamin D calcium and B vitamins. Finding nutritious dairy-free recipes that the kids will actually eat can be a challengeso much kids food has so much cheesebut I hope this list helps you to have a few more options to feed your child.
Rice and oat milk as well as hemp milk are also possible alternatives. In a study conducted by the American journal of clinical nutrition in 20197 5034 healthy children were examined in Canada aged between 24 to 72 months and compared kids who drink cows milk and who did not. Is Non-Dairy Milk Good for Toddlers.
In general using a toddler formula is unnecessary. Protein is essential for your toddler and childs brain development hormones and building muscle. Skim milk or nonfat milk provides too high a concentration of protein and minerals and should not be given to infants or toddlers under age 2 unless directed by your childs healthcare provider.
While soy milk has traditionally been the most commonly used cows milk alternative there are many options available. There is a potential association between decreased height and drinking plant-based milkHowever it does not strongly suggest that drinking non-dairy milk causes children to be shorter. Whole milk provides the full milk fat needed for your toddlers developing brain.
Whichever milk or milk alternative you use its important to speak to your pediatrician and possibly a dietitian to ensure that your childs diet is not deficient in protein or vitamins and minerals. With anything you will need to be sure your toddlers diet is balanced. What to Feed a Dairy-Free Toddler.
