Some parents worry about the use of hormones in conventional dairy products. Raw milk proponents argue that it retains more natural nutrients and enzymes than pasteurized milk.

Some people also prefer the taste of raw milk and find it more flavorful. However, raw milk can be very dangerous as it may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illnesses. Given that the potential risks far outweigh any purported benefits, raw milk for kids or adults is not recommended.

If ingested, watch for symptoms of foodborne illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. You might want to choose plant-based milk such as nut milk for your kids for various reasons, which include values, dietary preferences, and individual circumstances.

For example, families following a vegan lifestyle avoid animal products in their diets, including cow's milk.

If you are concerned about the ethical treatment of animals and the environmental impact of dairy farming, plant-based milks can help with these concerns, as they generally have a lower carbon footprint and don't involve animal agriculture.

Some children may prefer the taste and texture of a plant-based milk taste over cow's milk. The variety of plant-based milk options allows parents to find one their child enjoys.

It's important to note that while some plant-based milks can be a suitable replacement for cow's milk in many cases, some are not. It is also important to note that plant-based milks are not a suitable substitute for breast milk or formula during the first year of life.

Infants need the specific nutrients in breast milk or formula for proper growth and development. It is okay, however, to have plant-based milk baked or mixed into recipes on occasion. Do your best to check labels when picking a milk as many plant-based milks contain added sugars to enhance flavor.

Choose unsweetened, plain varieties, especially for toddlers. Some commercially produced plant-based milks may contain additives like thickeners or preservatives. Checking the ingredient list can help you choose a product with minimal additives. As always, consult a pediatrician or a registered dietitian for help making informed choices when using plant-based milk to meet their child's nutritional needs.

Read the blog here! Soy milk is a popular plant-based alternative to cow's milk made from soybeans. Soy milk is naturally high in calcium and is fortified with important nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D, making it a great choice for children.

It also offers a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce independently. Soy protein may also have heart health benefits , and it is associated with lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind that soy is a common food allergen. While soy milk is a good alternative for those without soy allergies, individuals with soy allergies should explore other milk alternatives.

Some soybeans used in soy milk production may be genetically modified. While the FDA has noted that genetically modified organisms GMOs are safe for consumption , if you prefer non-GMO options, look for soy products labeled as organic or non-GMO.

Almond milk is a nut milk free from dairy and soy, making it a popular dairy milk alternative, especially for those with dairy and soy allergies. Almond milk is generally much lower in protein, calories, and fat than cow's milk. While it often contains added vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D , almond milk for toddlers is not recommended, as complete proteins and fat are crucial for their growth and development.

Almond milk is also not the most environmentally friendly plant milk choice because it requires a substantial amount of water to produce. Alternatively, because almond milk is mostly water, it is lower in calories and sugar than most other plant-based milks and as kids grow out of toddlerhood, it can be helpful with hydration.

Keep in mind that tree nuts are one of the nine most common food allergens. In my online baby-led feeding course for parents , based on my best-selling BLW book , I walk you through introducing top allergens and other solid foods using a baby-led approach. Find the book here! Oat milk has a slightly sweet and mild flavor; it has gained popularity recently as a plant-based alternative milk for kids and toddlers.

Oat milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, to make it a more nutritionally balanced option; however, it typically contains less protein than cow's milk. Oats are also a good source of dietary fiber, which is helpful, especially if your child deals with constipation.

Some of this fiber may be present in oat milk, however, the exact amount can vary between brands. Oats also contain beta-glucans , a type of soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

While the levels in oat milk may not be as high as in whole oats, they can still contribute to heart health. Related: Get your child to eat oats with our handy guide. Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water, and is naturally dairy-free and contains vitamin E.

Almond milk in stores also contains thickeners and flavoring. It is often fortified with vitamins and minerals. Families with tree nut allergies should avoid almond milk.

Depending on the brand, 1 cup of unsweetened fortified almond milk contains about 5 :. Related: Help your child learn to eat almonds. Coconut beverage is made from coconut cream and water.

It has added vitamins and minerals, and thickeners. Depending on the brand, 1 cup of unsweetened fortified coconut beverage contains about 6 :.

Related: Curious about drinking raw milk? Read if raw milk is good for kids and toddlers. For many years, rice milk was the only commonly available dairy-free milk alternative for folks with soy allergies. Commercial rice milks are made with water and milled rice and contain thickeners and flavoring.

They are often fortified with vitamins. Rice milk is low in fat and protein. Depending on the brand, 1 cup of unsweetened fortified rice milk contains about 7 :. Related: If your child is a picky eater, check out our expert tips to overcome picky eating. If your local grocery store carries hemp milk, it will likely be in shelf-stable cartons instead of the refrigerated dairy section.

Hemp is a good source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, so hemp milk has more fat than many plant-based milks, but it is still low in protein compared to soy and pea protein milk. Related: Are you concerned about how much sugar your child consumes? Depending on the brand, 1 cup of, unsweetened fortified hemp milk contains about 8 :.

Kiki Milk is a newer plant-based milk, just released in It is available in two flavors original and chocolate and includes a blend of ingredients. This combination of ingredients gives Kiki Milk a range of nutrients.

One serving provides a source of protein, fat, fiber and an array of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron and vitamin K. Note: Kiki Milk is not fortified with vitamin D, so we suggest either supplementing or sourcing from other foods like eggs.

Related: Get our free picky eater guide, From Stress to Success. Gina Gomez is a Registered Dietitian with a degree in human nutrition and dietetics from Washington State University. In her professional life, she has worked with families and kids from birth through young adulthood.

She has a soft spot in her heart for helping little kids develop healthy relationships with food, and helping families let go of mealtime struggles. Her three kids give her ample opportunities to see if her advice and recommendations are any good, and have helped her develop the following parenting matras: "Practice makes perfect," and "This too shall pass.

For children ages 2 through 18, nutrient-dense options within the dairy group include unsweetened fat-free and low-fat (1%) milk, yogurt, cheese Missing From the nondairy milks above, Ripple, Good Karma, Bolthouse Farms, and soy milks are good options for a toddler with a nut allergy. (Rice milk

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Affordable dairy for kids - Just be sure to choose low-fat options such as 1% or non-fat milk for children over the age of two For children ages 2 through 18, nutrient-dense options within the dairy group include unsweetened fat-free and low-fat (1%) milk, yogurt, cheese Missing From the nondairy milks above, Ripple, Good Karma, Bolthouse Farms, and soy milks are good options for a toddler with a nut allergy. (Rice milk

Some parents worry about the use of hormones in conventional dairy products. Raw milk proponents argue that it retains more natural nutrients and enzymes than pasteurized milk. Some people also prefer the taste of raw milk and find it more flavorful.

However, raw milk can be very dangerous as it may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illnesses. Given that the potential risks far outweigh any purported benefits, raw milk for kids or adults is not recommended.

If ingested, watch for symptoms of foodborne illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. You might want to choose plant-based milk such as nut milk for your kids for various reasons, which include values, dietary preferences, and individual circumstances.

For example, families following a vegan lifestyle avoid animal products in their diets, including cow's milk. If you are concerned about the ethical treatment of animals and the environmental impact of dairy farming, plant-based milks can help with these concerns, as they generally have a lower carbon footprint and don't involve animal agriculture.

Some children may prefer the taste and texture of a plant-based milk taste over cow's milk. The variety of plant-based milk options allows parents to find one their child enjoys.

It's important to note that while some plant-based milks can be a suitable replacement for cow's milk in many cases, some are not. It is also important to note that plant-based milks are not a suitable substitute for breast milk or formula during the first year of life.

Infants need the specific nutrients in breast milk or formula for proper growth and development. It is okay, however, to have plant-based milk baked or mixed into recipes on occasion. Do your best to check labels when picking a milk as many plant-based milks contain added sugars to enhance flavor.

Choose unsweetened, plain varieties, especially for toddlers. Some commercially produced plant-based milks may contain additives like thickeners or preservatives. Checking the ingredient list can help you choose a product with minimal additives. As always, consult a pediatrician or a registered dietitian for help making informed choices when using plant-based milk to meet their child's nutritional needs.

Read the blog here! Soy milk is a popular plant-based alternative to cow's milk made from soybeans. Soy milk is naturally high in calcium and is fortified with important nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D, making it a great choice for children.

It also offers a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce independently. Soy protein may also have heart health benefits , and it is associated with lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind that soy is a common food allergen. While soy milk is a good alternative for those without soy allergies, individuals with soy allergies should explore other milk alternatives.

Some soybeans used in soy milk production may be genetically modified. While the FDA has noted that genetically modified organisms GMOs are safe for consumption , if you prefer non-GMO options, look for soy products labeled as organic or non-GMO.

Almond milk is a nut milk free from dairy and soy, making it a popular dairy milk alternative, especially for those with dairy and soy allergies. Almond milk is generally much lower in protein, calories, and fat than cow's milk. While it often contains added vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D , almond milk for toddlers is not recommended, as complete proteins and fat are crucial for their growth and development.

Almond milk is also not the most environmentally friendly plant milk choice because it requires a substantial amount of water to produce. Alternatively, because almond milk is mostly water, it is lower in calories and sugar than most other plant-based milks and as kids grow out of toddlerhood, it can be helpful with hydration.

Keep in mind that tree nuts are one of the nine most common food allergens. In my online baby-led feeding course for parents , based on my best-selling BLW book , I walk you through introducing top allergens and other solid foods using a baby-led approach. Find the book here!

Oat milk has a slightly sweet and mild flavor; it has gained popularity recently as a plant-based alternative milk for kids and toddlers.

Oat milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, to make it a more nutritionally balanced option; however, it typically contains less protein than cow's milk. Oats are also a good source of dietary fiber, which is helpful, especially if your child deals with constipation.

Some of this fiber may be present in oat milk, however, the exact amount can vary between brands. Oats also contain beta-glucans , a type of soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

While the levels in oat milk may not be as high as in whole oats, they can still contribute to heart health. The MyPlate. gov website includes recommendations for food and beverage choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Find the right amount for you by getting your MyPlate Plan.

For children under age 2 years, dairy such as yogurt and cheese, including soy-based yogurt, can be introduced starting around 6 months.

However, infants should not consume cow milk, as a beverage, or fortified soy beverage, before age 12 months as a replacement for human milk or infant formula. Plain cow whole milk or fortified unsweetened soy beverage can be offered beginning around 12 months of age to help meet calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein needs.

Consumption of dairy is especially critical during childhood and adolescence as the gap between current and recommended intakes of dairy foods widens. Related Information Title. URL Name. Related Articles How much food from the Dairy Group should I consume daily?

How much milk should I drink? What foods are in the Dairy Group? What advice do you have for people who can't or don't drink milk? How long can you keep dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese in the refrigerator? How much milk is served annually in the Special Milk Program?

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