Toddler Won’t Drink Milk: What To Do And Substitutes To Try

Milk is an essential source of vitamins, protein, minerals, calcium, and other essential nutrients for toddlers. However, some toddlers may not like the taste of the milk and refuse to drink it. Even though your toddler won’t drink milk, they can acquire essential vitamins and nutrients from other solid foods. If your toddler refuses or dislikes having milk, you may add other foods to substitute milk for optimal growth and development.

Read on to know ways that help when your toddler won’t drink milk and alternate sources of nutrition for them

Tips To Make Toddler Drink Milk

If you are finding it a challenge to follow a complete milk-free diet for your child, the best way is to get creative with it. Here are a few tips that can help you make your toddler drink milk.

• Mask the milk flavor: You can add chocolate powder or honey to the milk before giving it to your little one.

• Add milk to other food recipes: Whisk the eggs in milk and give them a fluffy omelet they would love to eat.

• Make smoothies: You can try mixing varieties of their favorite fruits and nuts in the milk to make a delicious fruit smoothie.

• Make porridge: Making porridge with oats or your preferred choice of cereal powder could make plain milk tasty.

• Try different milk: Try substituting almond milk, powdered milk, or soy milk instead of a plain cup of milk.

Alternative Sources Of Calcium For Toddlers

Toddlers require an adequate amount of calcium for bone growth and development (1). If they do not want to drink milk, they don’t have to. Several other foods can replace the calcium and nutrients provided by milk.

Some alternative sources of calcium-rich foods are as follows:

• Green leafy vegetables: Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, have high nutritional value and are also used for medicinal purposes. They contain antioxidants, minerals, dietary fibers, α-linoleic acid, and vitamins. These vegetables help protect from many diseases and help improve gut health (2).

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of nutrition containing protein, healthy fats, vitamins, fibers, and minerals. They have been included in the American Heart Association dietary guidelines to help improve heart health (3).

• Fish: Fish provide a healthy and nutritious addition to your toddler’s meal. Apart from being a source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, they are also a great source of healthy fats, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is important for the adequate development of your toddler’s brain, nervous system, and vision. Some safe and healthy fish choices for toddlers include tuna, salmon, herring, trout, shrimp, etc. (4).

• Yogurt and cheese: Dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, and tofu, contain carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D are important for all stages of life. Calcium is required to improve bone health and bone strength, while vitamin D is necessary for our body to absorb calcium (5).

• Oranges: Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C that helps maintain body tissues, improve signaling of the nervous system, produce energy by breaking down fats, and healthy bones and muscles. Fresh fruits are a rich source of vitamin C (6).

• Blackstrap molasses: Blackstrap molasses are a rich source of iron in the body. Iron is a vital component of blood and helps in carrying oxygen to the cells (7). Therefore, the absence of iron might lead to fatigue and anemia-like symptoms.

Signs To See A Doctor

If you notice signs of milk allergy or lactose intolerance in your toddler, consult your child’s pediatrician to discuss their food habits and ways to prevent complications in the future. A few common signs of lactose intolerance include bloating and abdominal pain after milk consumption.

Milk is an essential source of calcium and other vital nutrients required to grow your child’s strong bones and muscles. However, the nutrients matter and not how they are reaching your baby or toddler. If your child is not a fan of milk, you need not force them to drink it. Instead, you can give them alternative foods that provide the same nutrients as milk, such as green vegetables, nuts, or fish.

Milk is an essential source of calcium and other vital nutrients required to develop your child’s strong bones and muscles. However, it is the nutrients that matter and not how they are reaching your baby. If your baby is not a fan of milk, you need not force them. Instead, you can give them alternative foods that can provide the same nutrients as milk.

References

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