Cow’s milk is the most commonly recommended beverage to give when babies wean from breast milk. Healthy babies older than one year can have whole cow’s milk as their primary beverage (1). But, if you are a vegan or your toddler has lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, then cow’s milk isn’t the suitable choice. In such cases, contemplating other milk alternatives for toddlers becomes preeminent. However, choosing safe and healthy milk alternatives is complex. After all, not all milk types are nutritionally the same. So, how should you decide which milk or milk alternative is suitable for your toddler? Read on to get insight into several milk alternatives for toddlers and tips to feed these milk alternatives to your toddler safely.
Milk Alternatives For Babies And Toddlers
Milk Alternatives For Babies
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to six months of age. Then, a well-balanced, healthy weaning diet with continued breastfeeding for up to two years is advised (2). If breastfeeding isn’t possible, the baby can have fortified infant formula (3). For babies with lactose intolerance or milk allergy, using a hypoallergenic formula is usually advisable (4). Babies under 12 months should avoid cow’s milk as their digestive systems are too immature to digest it (5). Cow milk has high amounts of protein and minerals that can burden an infant’s kidneys. Casein, the main protein in cow’s milk, can irritate the lining of the intestines, increasing the risk of blood loss and the development of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in babies (6).
Milk Alternatives For Toddlers
Breast milk and a well-balanced weaning diet can meet the nutritional needs of babies older than 12 months. However, when breastfeeding isn’t possible, or a baby can’t take breast milk, experts recommend fortified whole cow’s milk as the primary beverage alternative for up to two years of age (7). Cashew milk, sheep milk, pea milk, and flax milk are some other milk options you can try. The suitability of milk will depend on the toddler’s age, food sensitivities or allergies, dietary habits, current health, and medical status. Your healthcare provider may evaluate these factors before suggesting a suitable milk alternative for your toddler.
Concerns With Milk Alternatives
Selecting a milk alternative may become inevitable in certain circumstances. However, milk alternatives for toddlers could raise the following concerns.
Lack of essential nutrients: When compared to cow’s milk, most plant and animal-based alternatives contain fewer nutrients. Thus, it is necessary to opt for fortified and pasteurized milk options. Additionally, the toddler must eat a well-balanced diet as several cow’s milk alternatives offer fewer calories and less protein.
Presence of additives: Several milk alternatives may contain added sugar, preservatives, and flavors that may not be healthy for babies and toddlers. Read the ingredient list carefully while selecting a milk alternative. Choose options that are unflavored, unsweetened, and have minimum additives.
Dilution of milk: Some brands may dilute the milk and add thickening agents and stabilizers to the final product. Since these products may affect a toddler’s long-term health, you should carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition label before making a purchase.
Tips To Make A Toddler Drink Alternative Milk
Babies tend to have preferred tastes and flavors by the time they are 12 months old. It may be the reason why several babies refuse to shift from breast milk or formula to a milk alternative. Here are some tips that can help you make the transition easier
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), milk is nutritious, but it isn’t an absolute necessity for a healthy diet (18). If toddlers can’t drink whole milk, they can fulfill their protein, calcium, and vitamin D requirements from other dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt. Parents may also try alternate milk sources, such as soy milk, for their child after consulting a pediatrician. Plant-based milk is often fortified with nutrients; the bioavailability varies across brands and is often not known precisely. The presence of sugar and other additives and dilution of milk are some other concerns with plant-based milk that make them nutritionally inferior to whole cow milk (19).
