As your toddler grows, you may start to wonder if it’s time to introduce them to alternatives to cow’s milk. Whether it’s due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply wanting to explore different options, there are plenty of milk substitutes available that can still provide the necessary nutrients for your little one’s development. In this blog post, we’ll explore four popular milk substitutes for toddlers and discuss their nutritional benefits. So if you’re curious about trying something new or need an alternative due to specific dietary needs, keep reading to discover the best milk substitutes for your toddler.
Milk is not loved by most kids. It becomes quite a task for mothers to give milk to their toddlers as they grow up. Most kids are simply not into milk and refuse to take even a sip. And here we are not talking about lactose intolerance.
But milk cannot be done away with easily as it is so rich in many essential nutrients. But we are suggesting some options that you can give to your anti-milk toddler-
Dairy-Free Delights: 4 Milk Substitutes For Your Toddler
Cheese
Cheese is a good option for kids who do not like milk. Cheese contains nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B12. Cheese has a good amount of protein which provides the body with essential building blocks for strong muscles. Cheese can be given to kids as it is or can be mixed with some other recipes.
Ragi
Ragi or Finger millet contains essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, methionine and phenyl alanine. It has very high amount of calcium and potassium. Ragi is a great source of iron and helps in maintaining hemoglobin levels. It is a very good source of protein too. Ragi is also quite high in fibre content.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are very high in calcium. 100 g sesame seeds contain 60 mg calcium. Besides they are a good source of energy and have 573 calories in every 100 g. Sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants and protect body against damage by free radicals and also speed up the healing of wounds. Unsaturated fats are good for the health of growing kids and sesame seeds have them in plenty. These tiny seeds keep liver healthy and protect it from hepatitis and jaundice. Sesame seeds laddoos are good option for kids.
Oats Milk
Oats are a great source of dietary fibre and aid digestion. The carbohydrates in oats keep kids full for long time as they burn slowly. Oats are also rich in protein, vitamin B1, manganese and magnesium.
Making oats milk is quite easy-
Rolled oats- 12 tbsp.
Water- 1.5 litre
Salt- a pinch
Soak oats in water for at least 20 minutes. If you have time, soak them for longer. Drain the water and rinse oats well. Take the oats in a blender and blend well. Strain the oats mixture. You can use a strainer but it is better to use a nut-milk bag as it makes the procedure easy. Squeeze out all the liquid and you have your oat milk in your hands. Give to your toddler either immediately or after cooling. Shake well before serving.
Finding suitable milk substitutes for your toddler can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that there are plenty of options available. Whether your child has allergies, lactose intolerance, or you simply want to explore different choices, there are many alternatives to consider. From soy milk to almond milk and beyond, each option has its own unique benefits and potential drawbacks. It’s essential to consult with your pediatrician before making any changes to your child’s diet, but don’t hesitate to try different milk substitutes and see what works best for your little one. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this topic, please let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an acceptable milk substitute?
For kids whose unique dietary requirements do not qualify as a handicap, the USDA permits the following two kinds of milk substitutes: First, lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk that satisfies the recommended fat level for every grade group in the meal plans for the school nutrition programs; second, nondairy milk alternatives that satisfy.
Is alternative milk more expensive?
The cheapest oat milk costs more than the cheapest cow’s milk, no matter where you shop for groceries. After examining the prices of several store-bought whole milk at major supermarkets, I discovered that Walmart had the lowest priced option, which was 2 cents per ounce. Oats cost six cents per ounce, but almond milk cost four cents.
Which alternative milk is cheapest?
Since soy milk has been around for the longest, it is the most affordable plant-based choice, costing between $1 and $3 for a half-gallon. It is also the most readily available in grocery stores. The main drawback is that soy milk curdles at high temperatures since it doesn’t react well to heat.
